57-year-old Kotak is ranked 33rd in the Forbes list of 'Money Masters: The Most Powerful People In The Financial World' topped by Blackstone Group's CEO Stephen Schwarzman, who has a net worth of USD 10.2 billion and oversees assets worth USD 344 billion.
It said the 40 financiers on the list dominate the world of money, from banking to buyouts, trading to takeovers.
With the Kotak bank overseeing USD 34.6 billion in assets, Forbes said the Indian billionaire, who has a net worth of about USD 7.1 billion, has made his fortune lending to the sprawling masses between Mumbai and Delhi and has also taken a stand on behalf of savers.
"His bank is continuing to offer 6 per cent on savings accounts, even as falling rates make it harder to do so. Kotak is gung ho on his native country and believes investing in India is like a Bollywood movie - long, but with a happy ending," it said.
The list also includes JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on the third spot, Berkshire Hathaway head Warren Buffet (4), Goldman Sachs Chairman Lloyd Blankfein (9) and Soros Fund Management chief George Soros (10).
The candidates on the list were judged on net worth, assets under management or overseen, three-year track records and influence on markets.