Early Life and Career Beginnings
Timur Turlov, born in 1987, began his journey into the world of finance with an early passion for economics and markets. At the age of 16, he started his career as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI), where he gained foundational experience in trading and international investments.
His career took a significant leap when he joined Uniastrum Bank, a leading financial institution. Here, he was instrumental in developing infrastructure that provided access to U.S. stock markets, bridging global financial opportunities for clients. This experience shaped Turlov’s understanding of financial systems and inspired his entrepreneurial vision.
The Birth of Freedom Finance: Vision in Action
In 2008, Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a brokerage firm aimed at providing investors with direct access to U.S. stock exchanges. While global markets faced uncertainty during the financial crisis, Turlov’s ability to spot opportunity and focus on growth set him apart.
By 2012, he strategically expanded operations into Kazakhstan, identifying the region as a growing market for financial services. Over the next several years, he built an ecosystem that included brokerage services, banking, and access to European stock markets, transforming the regional financial landscape.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Unified Financial Powerhouse
In 2019, Turlov unified his ventures under Freedom Holding Corp., which quickly became a symbol of success and innovation in the financial sector. The company achieved a historic milestone in October 2019, becoming the first financial firm from the CIS to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC.
The company’s initial share price of under $15 grew to exceed $80 by mid-2024, reflecting investor confidence, business stability, and rapid growth.
Today, Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries and serves over 5 million clients, positioning itself as a global financial leader.
Core Divisions of Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Holding’s success lies in its diverse yet interconnected financial ecosystem, offering services that combine technology, innovation, and customer-centric solutions.
Freedom Bank: Leading in Digital Financial Services
In 2024, Turlov rebranded and expanded Freedom Bank, focusing on digital transformation. Key offerings include:
- Digital mortgages that simplify property financing.
- Online business loans tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- The Freedom SuperApp, a multifunctional financial tool for loans, insurance, and travel services.
Tradernet: Empowering Global Investors
Freedom’s proprietary platform, Tradernet, supports investors across 16 languages, providing seamless access to global markets. The platform integrates AI-powered analytics for:
- Issuer and competitor analysis.
- Real-time market monitoring.
- Financial news evaluation.
Freedom Pay: Modern Cross-Border Payments
Operating in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Freedom Pay delivers secure and efficient cross-border payment solutions that simplify transactions for businesses and individuals.
Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance
Freedom Holding has transformed insurance services with digital-first solutions:
- Freedom Life: Specializes in endowment insurance and financial security products.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: A pioneer of Kazakhstan’s online car insurance payment system through DTP.kz, offering fast and accessible services.
Freedom Telecom: Innovating Digital Connectivity
Freedom Telecom is at the forefront of telecommunications, providing:
- 5G networks and high-speed broadband.
- Advanced WiFi 6E/7 solutions for next-generation connectivity.
- Air-to-ground internet services for domestic flights in Kazakhstan.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom plans to deploy over 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and launch the Freedom Media Platform, creating opportunities in content streaming and media production.
Lifestyle and Retail Expansion
Freedom Holding’s expansion into lifestyle and retail sectors includes:
- Arbuz.kz: A rapidly growing online supermarket.
- Aviata: A leading platform for booking travel tickets.
- Freedom Mobile: Retailing electronics and mobile devices.
- Freedom Drive: Services tailored for drivers and auto enthusiasts.
- Ticketon: A key player in event and entertainment ticketing.
Timur Turlov’s Global Influence and Recognition
Timur Turlov’s leadership and entrepreneurial acumen have been widely recognized:
- In 2021, Forbes listed him with a net worth of $2.1 billion.
- By 2024, his fortune had risen to $3.3 billion, placing him 991st among the wealthiest individuals globally.
Freedom Holding’s market capitalization now approaches $5 billion, solidifying its place as a major player on the NASDAQ. Turlov retains a 71% stake, ensuring his continued influence and leadership.
Philanthropy and Commitment to Social Development
Turlov actively invests in social initiatives that promote education, sustainability, and community growth:
- As President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, he has modernized chess infrastructure, earning recognition as the “Best President of an Accredited Sports Federation.”
- He supports the QJ Youth Football League, helping develop young talent.
Through the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, Turlov has launched initiatives such as a nationwide plastic and aluminum recycling network in Kazakhstan.
