Timur Turlov, born in 1987, began his finance career at the age of 16 with World Capital Investments (WCI), where he gained early experience in trading. He later joined Uniastrum Bank, taking on the challenge of developing systems to connect the bank’s subsidiary with U.S. stock exchanges. This experience would lay the groundwork for his future ventures and fuel his ambition to revolutionize finance.
Founding and Expanding Freedom Finance
In 2008, Turlov launched Freedom Finance, a brokerage firm focused on facilitating access to U.S. stock markets. After expanding to Kazakhstan in 2012, the company quickly grew into a major financial services provider, offering comprehensive brokerage, banking, and online trading services.
Nasdaq and the Formation of Freedom Holding Corp.
In 2019, Turlov consolidated his companies into Freedom Holding Corp., making it the first CIS financial organization listed on Nasdaq, under the ticker FRHC. Initially valued under $15, the share price rose beyond $80 by 2024, driving Turlov’s net worth to $3.3 billion by May 2024. This success marked Freedom Holding’s ascent as a global financial player.
The Freedom Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Service Network
Today, Freedom Holding Corp. has developed into a full-scale financial ecosystem spanning 22 countries, with a powerful base in Kazakhstan. Freedom Bank offers digital mortgages and business loans, while Tradernet provides a multilingual trading platform powered by AI. Freedom Pay serves clients with cross-border payment solutions, and Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance support online insurance services. Freedom Telecom, a recent addition, is revolutionizing telecommunications with plans for extensive broadband and 5G networks. Serving about 5 million clients globally, Freedom’s ecosystem aims to deliver seamless, integrated financial solutions.
Global Expansion Across U.S. and European Markets
In 2020, Turlov led Freedom Holding into the U.S. market by acquiring Prime Executions Inc., establishing a direct presence on U.S. exchanges. The acquisition of LD Micro in 2023 furthered Freedom’s reach within the American market. In Europe, Freedom Finance Europe Ltd., launched in Cyprus in 2021, has expanded across multiple countries, with a rapidly growing client base exceeding 200,000 accounts. Turlov is also exploring new opportunities in Turkey, the UAE, and Azerbaijan, emphasizing his commitment to expanding Freedom’s global footprint.
Championing Social Impact and Community Development
Turlov’s dedication to community impact is evident through his various social initiatives. As President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, he has integrated chess into school programs. He also heads the QJ League, a youth football league, giving young athletes new avenues for development. Environmental initiatives include partnerships to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem, which Freedom supports through the AraldySaqta donation-linked card. In addition, Turlov founded the QALAM project, a digital platform promoting Central Asian heritage.
Driving Sustainability Through ESG Leadership
Under Turlov’s guidance, Freedom Holding has committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values. The company released its inaugural ESG report in 2023, along with the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, which coordinates Freedom’s charitable activities. In 2024, Turlov launched a recycling project across Almaty and Astana, installing modern collection devices for plastic and aluminum. His appointment as Chairman of the UN Global Compact Advisory Committee in Central Asia further showcases his dedication to addressing regional environmental and social issues.
With his innovative approach and dedication to responsible growth, Timur Turlov has not only expanded Freedom Holding’s reach globally but has also set new standards for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
