Kotak Mahindra vs SBI Mutual Fund: Which AMC Should You Choose?

When choosing a mutual fund house in India, two big names stand out: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company (Kotak MF) and SBI Funds Management Pvt Ltd (SBI MF). Kotak MF has grown steadily and as of 30 June 2025 its Assets Under Management (AUM) stand at approximately ₹5,26,213 crore. Meanwhile, SBI MF boasts an AUM of about ₹11,45,315 crore as of the same date. Both fund houses have strong reputations, extensive product offerings and extensive investor reach — but which one is better for you?

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Let’s compare them head-to-head, covering their profiles, fund categories offered, top schemes, unique strengths and suitability for different investor profiles.

About The AMCs

Fund Categories Offered

Equity funds (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap/flexi-cap)
Debt funds (short duration, banking & PSU, corporate bond, gilt)
Hybrid funds (balanced advantage, equity–savings, aggressive hybrid, debt hybrid)
Tax-saving (ELSS) equity funds
Index & ETF offerings, as well as fund-of-funds and thematic funds
Both Kotak and SBI cover nearly all of these categories, giving investors a wide palette of options.

Top Funds — Kotak vs SBI

Here’s an illustrative list of top 10 schemes

Unique Strengths of Each AMC

Kotak Mahindra AMC Strengths:
Offers significant product breadth across equity, debt and hybrid, which lets investors mix and match depending on risk profile.
With an AUM that is large but not the very largest, Kotak may offer more agility in fund launches, less “crowding” in some schemes and potentially more room for differentiated strategies.
Strong brand backing via the Kotak Group and good presence in tier-2/tier-3 geographies can enhance access and reach for retail investors.
For investors who prefer being with a fund house that is well established yet still has room to grow, Kotak can be a compelling choice.

SBI Mutual Fund Strengths:
Scale: With AUM ~ ₹11.45 lakh crore, SBI MF enjoys the operational strength, wide distribution network and liquidity advantages that come with being among the largest.
Brand and trust: Being sponsored by State Bank of India and aligned with Amundi gives strong institutional credibility, which can reassure risk-averse investors.
Massive reach: Their network and brand mean that new investors and seasoned ones alike have easy access, support and likely more comfort in the product set.
For investors prioritising legacy, scale, broad choice and brand confidence, SBI MF is a strong pick.

Who Should Invest?

If you are an investor who values scale, brand recognition and broad scheme access, and you prefer a fund house that has a strong legacy and wide distribution — then SBI MF is likely to resonate with you. For example, if you are planning long-term SIPs in large-cap and hybrid funds and want the comfort of a major institution behind your investments, SBI MF aligns well.

On the other hand, if you are someone who is comfortable with a fund house that is highly capable but still has “growth space”, wants access to newer categories and possibly more nimble launches, and you are OK navigating your own scheme choices — then Kotak MF could be a very suitable option. It might offer slightly more variety or room in schemes compared to the ultra-largest houses.

Overall, choose SBI MF if you prioritise stability, brand and broad coverage; choose Kotak MF if you prioritise agility, flexibility and being with a mid-large but not the absolute largest house.

Conclusion

Both Kotak Mahindra AMC and SBI Mutual Fund AMC are formidable players in India’s mutual fund landscape, each with unique advantages. SBI MF leads in scale, brand appeal and distribution; Kotak MF offers breadth, innovation and possibly more nimble scheme management. There’s no definitive “better” fund house for everyone — the right choice depends on your individual risk tolerance, investment horizon, preferred categories and comfort with the fund house’s style. If you seek maximum comfort and scale, SBI MF may be the simpler, reassuring choice. If you’re willing to explore a strong but slightly more agile player and fine-tune scheme selection yourself, Kotak MF is equally compelling.