Deepak Sharma heads Kotak Mahindra Bank’s digital initiatives where he drives digital
channels, payments, transformation, business model innovation and future ready initiatives of
the bank. He is responsible for efficiency, productivity, customer experience and growth of the
business through digital intervention across consumer & SME segments. Deepak also leads
Mass & Millenial customer segment, Innovation Lab, Design Studio, India stack, Fintech
partnerships and the Start-up ecosystem participation for the bank.
Under his leadership, Kotak has launched several innovative and global first products such as 811,
Jifi, Hashtag Banking, KayMall, WhatsApp Banking & Cherry –Investment superapp, apart from
new initiatives like API platforms, Open & Connected Banking, Conversational Banking Bot
’Keya’, Biometric Banking, Cross-border remittances on Blockchain, Artificial
Intelligence(AI), OCEN(Open Credit Enabled Network) etc.
Deepak believes in constant innovation and focuses on building business models & platforms which
are customer centric, value accretive and disruptive. He actively works with big techs, VCs, Startup
& Global Fintech community to bring best in class products & solutions in financial service space.
Deepak has worked across various international markets and brings a global perspective to the
business. In his previous role, he was responsible for setting up the Bank’s highly successful Non
Resident Indian (NRI) & International Remittances business. Deepak also played a key role in
launching the Bank’s affluent banking programme - Privy League.
With over 29 years of experience, Deepak’s professional tenure spans across the banking,
telecom and consumer services verticals. Prior to joining Kotak, he was part of the leadership
team of Consumer Banking at Standard Chartered from 2003 to 2008. Thereafter, as National
Head for Corporate Business at Standard Chartered, he was responsible for building the
corporate payroll and Wealth Management business.
Deepak has completed an advanced programme in Strategy from IIM Calcutta as well as the
Stanford LEAD Certificate in Corporate Innovation. He is a member of Airtel Customer Advisory
Board, Member of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Digital Transformation Committee, FICCI
National Committee on Fintech & a number of Startup-Industry Forums, in addition to
participating at various trade & Government initiatives on the Digital India Roadmap. He mentors
fintech and start-up ecosystems on an ongoing basis.