Billionaire Profile
H
Global Rank
#2002

Image: Baird, William | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Hemendra Kothari

CEO, Financial services
INDIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.032B
Estimated based on Financial services stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
79
Source
Financial services
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
INDIA

Biography

Hemendra Kothari, a prominent figure in Indian finance, is a veteran investment banker and philanthropist. Born in Mumbai in 1946, he is the chairman of DSP Investment Managers. He is the great-grandson of one of the founders of the Bombay Stock Exchange, carrying on a family legacy in finance for over 150 years. Kothari is also deeply committed to wildlife conservation, founding the Wildlife Conservation Trust, which supports initiatives to protect India's national parks and tigers. His passion extends to education, healthcare, and community development through the Hemendra Kothari Foundation, which has supported numerous NGOs across various sectors. His estimated net worth is $1.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in India.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Hemendra Kothari was born in Mumbai, India, on August 25, 1946. He comes from a family with a long history in the stockbroking business; his great-grandfather was one of the founders of the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1875. Kothari graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, University of Mumbai, in 1967. Initially, his father advised him against entering the stock market, but Kothari eventually found his way into the family business.

Rise to Success

Kothari began his career by working in the textile sector. However, he soon joined his family's brokerage business. In 1975, he founded DSP Financial Consultants Ltd., an investment banking and securities firm. He later partnered with Merrill Lynch in 1995 to form DSP Merrill Lynch. Kothari made his fortune when he sold his stake in DSP Merrill Lynch. In 2008, he co-founded DSP BlackRock with BlackRock, later buying out BlackRock's stake ten years later. He is currently the Chairman of DSP Investment Managers, an independent Indian asset management company.

Key Business Strategies

Kothari's success can be attributed to his ability to identify trends and seize opportunities. He credits his success to his ability to spot trends and seize chances before rivals. He also formed strong partnerships, such as the one with Merrill Lynch, which played a key role in his career.

Philanthropy

Hemendra Kothari is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He founded the Wildlife Conservation Trust in 2002. The Wildlife Conservation Trust has a 360-degree approach to conservation by focusing equally on wildlife protection and community development. He also founded the Hemendra Kothari Foundation, supporting various initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development.

Career Milestones

1975

Founded DSP Financial Consultants Ltd.

Established an investment banking and securities firm, marking his entry into the financial sector.

1995

Partnered with Merrill Lynch

Formed DSP Merrill Lynch, expanding his business through a strategic partnership.

2002

Founded Wildlife Conservation Trust

Initiated a significant philanthropic effort to support wildlife conservation and community development.

2008

Co-founded DSP BlackRock

Started a joint venture with BlackRock, later acquiring full ownership.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Conservation Trust

Undisclosed

Supports conservation efforts across national parks and reserves, focusing on tiger protection and community development.

Education and Community Development

Hemendra Kothari Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports education, healthcare, sanitation, and other community initiatives through grants to over 200 NGOs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I just had to do something, it wasn't even a question.”"

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Identifying trends and opportunities before competitors.

Partnership

Building strong relationships, as seen with the partnership with Merrill Lynch.

Philanthropy

Dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development

Controversies & Challenges

Unknown

Harshad Mehta Scandal

Subsequently, it transpired that Hemendra Kothari, a number of politicians, and the RBI Governor S.Venkitaramanan all had allowed or facilitated Mehta's market manipulation.