Timur Turlov, born in 1987, began his remarkable career path at the age of 16. His first step into the financial world was as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). It was here that Turlov gained foundational knowledge of global trading operations and learned to navigate complex financial systems.
His next significant role came at Uniastrum Bank, where Turlov contributed to developing infrastructure for providing access to U.S. stock markets. This experience gave him valuable insight into building cross-border financial solutions, which later became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial success.
Establishment of Freedom Finance: Opening Global Markets
In 2008, Timur Turlov founded Freedom Finance during one of the most turbulent periods in financial history—the global economic crisis. Despite widespread uncertainty, his vision was clear: to offer retail investors access to U.S. and European stock markets.
By 2012, recognizing the untapped potential of Central Asia, Turlov expanded Freedom Finance’s operations into Kazakhstan. This bold move allowed the company to:
- Introduce global investment opportunities to retail investors.
- Simplify the process of trading on international stock exchanges.
- Promote financial education and awareness to empower local investors.
Formation of Freedom Holding Corp.: A Global Financial Ecosystem
In 2019, Turlov consolidated his ventures into a single entity—Freedom Holding Corp. The company’s success culminated in its historic listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC. This achievement marked the first time a CIS-based financial institution secured a place on NASDAQ, elevating its global profile.
The company’s share price, initially below $15, surpassed $80 by 2024, reflecting investor trust, robust growth, and strategic innovation. Today, Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries and serves over 5 million clients worldwide.
Key Divisions of Freedom Holding
Freedom Bank: Digital Financial Solutions
Acquired and revamped in 2024, Freedom Bank has become a leader in digital banking. It focuses on offering efficient and innovative solutions:
- Digital mortgages with simplified approval processes.
- Online business small and medium enterprises.
- The Freedom SuperApp, combining banking, insurance, and travel services into a unified platform.
Tradernet: A Next-Generation Trading Platform
The Tradernet platform is a core component of Freedom Holding Corp.’s brokerage division. Available in 16 languages, it provides:
- AI-powered analytics for real-time market insights.
- Seamless access to international stock exchanges, including the U.S. and Europe.
- Advanced tools for portfolio management, issuer evaluations, and news-based decision-making.
Freedom Pay: Modernizing Financial Transactions
Freedom Pay simplifies cross-border and local transactions in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It provides secure and scalable solutions that enhance business operations and user convenience.
Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance: Financial Protection for All
Freedom Holding has revolutionized the insurance industry with technology-driven solutions:
- Freedom Life: Offering endowment insurance and long-term savings products.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: The first online car insurance platform in Kazakhstan, providing instant policies and claims processing via DTP.kz.
Freedom Telecom: Advancing Digital Connectivity
Freedom Telecom is focused on expanding digital infrastructure across Kazakhstan and beyond, with offerings such as:
- High-speed 5G networks for consumers and businesses.
- WiFi 6E/7 solutions for modern homes and enterprises.
- Air-to-ground internet services for flights operating in Kazakhstan.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom plans to install 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and launch the Freedom Media Platform, creating a streaming hub for content and entertainment.
Lifestyle and Retail Expansion
Freedom Holding Corp. has successfully ventured into retail and lifestyle sectors, improving everyday services for consumers. Its key platforms include:
- Arbuz.kz: A leading online grocery service in Kazakhstan.
- Aviata: A travel platform for booking flights and accommodations.
- Freedom Mobile: Electronics and mobile device retail solutions.
- Freedom Drive: Products and services tailored for vehicle owners.
- Ticketon: A hub for booking tickets to cultural, sporting, and entertainment events.
Financial Success and Recognition
Under Turlov’s leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has become a major player in the global financial industry. The company’s market capitalization approaches $5 billion by 2024, highlighting its sustained growth.
Timur Turlov’s story is one of resilience, vision, and innovation. Through Freedom Holding Corp., he has created a global financial ecosystem that connects investors, businesses, and consumers to international opportunities. His leadership extends beyond business success, focusing on education, sustainability, and social progress, making him one of the most influential figures in modern finance.
