Timur Turlov, born in 1987, showed an early interest in finance and economics. At just 16 years old, he began his career as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). This early experience allowed him to develop a deep understanding of global financial markets and trading mechanisms.
His career further advanced when he joined Uniastrum Bank, where he played a crucial role in creating infrastructure for clients to access the U.S. stock market. This innovative step fueled his ambition to bridge financial systems in emerging markets with global opportunities, forming the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.
Freedom Finance: From Concept to International Success
In 2008, amidst a global financial crisis, Timur Turlov launched Freedom Finance, a brokerage firm dedicated to providing retail investors access to U.S. and European stock exchanges. While the financial world was reeling from uncertainty, Turlov saw a chance to create a platform that empowered individuals to invest globally.
By 2012, he expanded Freedom Finance into Kazakhstan, marking a turning point for the company. The strategic move enabled the firm to introduce innovative financial services, including:
- Seamless brokerage access to international markets.
- Digital platforms that simplified investing for retail clients.
- Education on global financial tools, fostering a new generation of investors.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Global Financial Ecosystem
In 2019, Turlov consolidated his ventures into Freedom Holding Corp., a full-fledged financial ecosystem. A historic milestone was achieved when the company became the first CIS-based financial institution to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC.
Starting with shares priced below $15, Freedom Holding experienced consistent growth, with prices surpassing $80 by 2024, reflecting the company’s solid performance and investor trust. Today, Freedom Holding operates in 22 countries and serves over 5 million clients globally.
Core Divisions of Freedom Holding
Freedom Bank: Innovation in Digital Banking
Acquired in 2024, Freedom Bank has become a leader in modern banking solutions, offering:
- Digital mortgages for simplified property purchases.
- Online business loans to support small and medium enterprises.
- The multifunctional Freedom SuperApp, integrating payments, loans, and insurance with travel booking and financial tools.
Tradernet: A Cutting-Edge Trading Platform
Freedom Holding’s Tradernet platform revolutionizes investing with its AI-driven tools and multi-language support. Available in 16 languages, it provides:
- Real-time market analytics powered by artificial intelligence.
- Seamless access to global exchanges for both retail and institutional investors.
- Comprehensive tools for evaluating issuers, tracking competitors, and making data-backed decisions.
Freedom Pay: Modern Payment Solutions
Freedom Pay operates in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, providing businesses and individuals with secure, fast, and cross-border payment solutions. It simplifies financial processes, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
Freedom Insurance and Freedom Life
Freedom Holding Corp. has successfully modernized the insurance market with its digital-first approach:
- Freedom Life: A trusted provider of endowment insurance products that ensure long-term financial stability.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: Kazakhstan’s pioneering online car insurance system through DTP.kz, offering fast policy issuance and claims processing.
Freedom Telecom: Building Tomorrow’s Connectivity
Freedom Telecom is at the forefront of Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure revolution, offering:
- High-speed broadband internet and 5G services.
- Advanced WiFi 6E/7 solutions for homes and businesses.
- Air-to-ground connectivity for in-flight internet services.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom plans to deploy over 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and launch the Freedom Media Platform, creating a new avenue for digital content streaming.
Lifestyle and Retail Ventures
Freedom Holding Corp.’s presence extends beyond finance, enhancing everyday life through platforms like:
- Arbuz.kz: An online grocery platform offering convenient delivery.
- Aviata: A trusted platform for booking flights and travel services.
- Freedom Mobile: Retail solutions for electronics and smart devices.
- Freedom Drive: Services for automobile owners.
- Ticketon: A leading ticketing platform for events, concerts, and entertainment.
Financial Growth and Global Recognition
Under Timur Turlov’s leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has achieved exceptional growth. By 2024, the company’s market capitalization reached $5 billion, cementing its place as a global financial leader.
Turlov’s personal achievements include:
- Entry into the Forbes list in 2021 with a net worth of $2.1 billion.
- Growing his fortune to $3.3 billion by 2024, ranking 991st among the world’s richest individuals.
With a 71% ownership stake in Freedom Holding, Turlov remains at the forefront of the company’s strategic decisions and continued expansion.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Beyond his business success, Timur Turlov is deeply committed to social and environmental progress. Key initiatives include:
- Kazakhstan Chess Federation: Serving as President since 2023, Turlov has invested in developing chess infrastructure, popularizing the sport, and achieving international recognition for Kazakhstan.
- Youth Development: Supporting the QJ Youth Football League, providing opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
- Environmental Sustainability: Partnering with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)
