Early Life and Path to Finance
Born in 1987, Timur Turlov demonstrated an early fascination with finance and technology. At just 16 years old, he took his first steps into the financial world as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI), where he gained a solid understanding of global markets and trading operations.
Furthering his experience, Turlov joined Uniastrum Bank, where he contributed to building infrastructure for access to U.S. stock exchanges. This initiative laid the groundwork for his later success, inspiring him to connect emerging markets with global financial systems and creating tools for everyday investors to thrive.
Creation of Freedom Finance: Breaking Barriers
In 2008, during the height of the global financial crisis, Timur Turlov founded Freedom Finance. While the market faced turmoil, he identified an opportunity to bridge the gap between retail investors and international financial markets. His brokerage company focused on providing access to U.S. and European stock exchanges, previously inaccessible to many investors in post-Soviet states.
By 2012, Turlov expanded Freedom Finance into Kazakhstan, where the growing demand for investment opportunities aligned perfectly with his vision. The company’s offerings included:
- Affordable access to global stock markets.
- Comprehensive digital tools for retail and institutional investors.
- Programs to build financial literacy among emerging investors.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Global Financial Ecosystem
In 2019, Turlov consolidated all his ventures under Freedom Holding Corp., a unified financial services ecosystem that integrates brokerage, banking, payments, and more. That same year, the company made history by becoming the first CIS-based financial institution to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC.
The stock’s initial price of under $15 grew steadily, exceeding $80 by 2024, showcasing the company’s consistent success and growing market capitalization, which now approaches $5 billion.
Today, Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries, serving more than 5 million clients worldwide and offering solutions that integrate financial services, technology, and consumer products.
Core Divisions of Freedom Holding
Freedom Bank: Redefining Digital Banking
Acquired in 2024, Freedom Bank focuses on the digital transformation of financial services. Its key offerings include:
- Digital mortgages that simplify property financing processes.
- Online business loans for small and medium enterprises.
- The Freedom SuperApp, a versatile platform offering banking, payments, insurance, and travel services in a single interface.
Tradernet: A Modern Investment Platform
Tradernet serves as Freedom Holding’s proprietary trading platform, enabling global investors to trade seamlessly across markets. Supporting 16 languages, it offers:
- AI-driven tools for issuer analysis, market monitoring, and competitor benchmarking.
- Access to U.S., European, and Asian exchanges.
- Real-time analytics to support informed investment decisions.
Freedom Pay: Seamless Cross-Border Payments
Operating in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Freedom Pay provides businesses and individuals with fast, secure, and reliable cross-border financial solutions, facilitating growth and improving the user experience.
Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance: Innovation in Protection
The insurance sector under Freedom Holding has redefined financial security with digital-first offerings:
- Freedom Life: Providing popular endowment insurance and savings plans for long-term goals.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: A pioneer in online car insurance through platforms like DTP.kz, offering quick and efficient claim processing.
Freedom Telecom: Building Connectivity for the Future
Freedom Holding’s telecommunications division, Freedom Telecom, focuses on building digital infrastructure, including:
- High-speed 5G networks for consumers and businesses.
- Cutting-edge WiFi 6E/7 technologies for residential and enterprise needs.
- In-flight air-to-ground internet connectivity, improving passenger experiences in Kazakhstan’s aviation sector.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom plans to lay 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and launch the Freedom Media Platform, a hub for digital content streaming and production.
Lifestyle and Retail: Enhancing Everyday Convenience
Freedom Holding Corp. extends beyond finance, delivering value through innovative consumer platforms:
- Arbuz.kz: An efficient online grocery platform.
- Aviata: A trusted platform for flight and travel bookings.
- Freedom Mobile: A retail chain offering electronics and mobile devices.
- Freedom Drive: Comprehensive services for vehicle owners.
- Ticketon: A popular platform for booking cultural and entertainment events.
Financial Recognition and Influence
Under Turlov’s leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has achieved remarkable growth, with a market capitalization nearing $5 billion. His vision and achievements have earned him a spot among the world’s most prominent financial leaders:
- In 2021, Turlov appeared on the Forbes list with a net worth of $2.1 billion.
- By 2024, his wealth increased to $3.3 billion, placing him 991st among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
As the majority shareholder, holding 71% of Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov remains at the center of the company’s strategic direction and global expansion.
Timur Turlov’s journey reflects the impact of innovation, resilience, and leadership. Through Freedom Holding Corp., he has created a financial ecosystem that connects people across borders, enabling access to global markets and modern services. His dedication to sustainability and societal progress ensures a legacy that extends far beyond financial success, making him a transformative leader for future generations.