Early Life and Career Path
Born in 1987, Timur Turlov has always been driven by a passion for finance and innovation. At just 16 years old, he began his professional career as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI), where he gained foundational experience in trading and global financial markets.
Later, Turlov joined Uniastrum Bank, where he contributed to the development of systems that allowed clients to access U.S. stock exchanges. This experience shaped his understanding of international financial infrastructure and inspired him to build a business that would connect emerging markets with global opportunities.
The Creation of Freedom Finance: Bold Beginnings
In 2008, during the global financial crisis, Timur Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a brokerage company focused on providing individuals access to U.S. and European stock markets. Despite the economic uncertainty of the time, Turlov recognized a growing demand for accessible investment tools and seized the opportunity to create a unique platform for retail investors.
By 2012, Turlov expanded operations into Kazakhstan, transforming Freedom Finance into a dynamic player in the regional financial industry. His efforts focused on:
- Opening access to international stock markets.
- Educating clients about investing in global financial instruments.
- Building trust through transparency and user-friendly services.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Financial Powerhouse
In 2019, Turlov consolidated his ventures under Freedom Holding Corp., creating a unified financial services ecosystem. That same year, the company achieved a historic milestone by listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC—the first financial company from the CIS to do so.
The listing marked a significant achievement, with the stock price growing from less than $15 to over $80 by 2024, demonstrating the company’s impressive growth trajectory and investor confidence.
Freedom Holding Corp. now operates in 22 countries and serves more than 5 million clients worldwide, offering cutting-edge financial solutions and innovative services.
Key Divisions of Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Bank: Transforming Digital Finance
Freedom Bank, acquired in 2024, has quickly become a leader in the digital banking space. It offers:
- Digital mortgages for fast, efficient property financing.
- Online business loans designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
- The innovative Freedom SuperApp, a comprehensive tool for managing finances, purchasing insurance, and booking travel services.
Tradernet: Empowering Investors Worldwide
The Tradernet platform is a cornerstone of Freedom Holding’s success. Available in 16 languages, it combines advanced features for global traders, including:
- AI-powered market analysis for real-time insights.
- Tools for issuer evaluation and competitive benchmarking.
- Seamless access to international stock exchanges, simplifying investments for clients across the globe.
Freedom Pay: Redefining Payments
Operating in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Freedom Pay streamlines cross-border payments, providing businesses and individuals with secure and efficient transaction solutions.
Insurance Solutions: Freedom Life and Freedom Finance Insurance
Freedom Holding Corp. has reshaped the insurance industry by offering modern, technology-driven solutions:
- Freedom Life: A leading provider of endowment insurance products.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: Kazakhstan’s first online car insurance platform, simplifying the payment and claims process through DTP.kz.
Freedom Telecom: Building the Digital Future
Freedom Telecom delivers advanced connectivity solutions, driving Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure forward. Its services include:
- High-speed broadband internet and 5G connectivity.
- Next-generation WiFi 6E/7 solutions for homes and businesses.
- Air-to-ground internet services for flights, improving connectivity in the skies.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom plans to lay over 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and introduce the Freedom Media Platform, a streaming and digital content service.
Lifestyle and Retail: Enhancing Everyday Life
Freedom Holding has diversified its services to include retail and lifestyle solutions, such as:
- Arbuz.kz: A fast-growing online grocery platform.
- Aviata: A leading travel and flight booking service.
- Freedom Mobile: Electronics and technology retail.
- Freedom Drive: Services tailored for vehicle owners.
- Ticketon: A popular platform for booking tickets to events and entertainment.
Financial Success and Global Recognition
Timur Turlov’s leadership has propelled Freedom Holding Corp. into a global financial leader with a market capitalization nearing $5 billion. His success has been widely recognized:
- Turlov first entered the Forbes list in 2021 with a net worth of $2.1 billion.
- By 2024, his wealth grew to $3.3 billion, placing him 991st among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
With a 71% ownership stake in Freedom Holding, Turlov continues to drive innovation and strategic growth for the company.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Timur Turlov’s achievements extend beyond business; he actively invests in initiatives that promote social, educational, and environmental development. His key efforts include:
- Kazakhstan Chess Federation: As President since 2023, Turlov has modernized chess infrastructure and promoted international competitions.
- QJ Youth Football League: Supporting youth sports and fostering talent in Kazakhstan.
- Environmental sustainability: Partnering with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) to address ecological challenges in Central Asia.
- Recycling networks: Through the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, Turlov launched programs to develop plastic and aluminum recycling infrastructure across Kazakhstan.
In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the UN Global Compact’s Advisory Committee for Central Asia, where he leads initiatives addressing regional water security, energy efficiency, and climate sustainability.
Personal Life and Values
Timur Turlov lives in Almaty with his wife and six children. Despite his professional commitments, he prioritizes time for family and personal interests, which include:
- Chess, a reflection of his love for strategy and focus.
- Hiking and cycling, activities that promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- Reading fiction, which inspires creativity and broadens his perspective.
Timur Turlov’s journey is a story of vision, resilience, and innovation. By creating Freedom Holding Corp., he has built a global ecosystem that bridges emerging markets with international financial opportunities. His leadership not only drives business growth but also champions social progress, sustainability, and technological advancement, positioning him as a transformative figure in the financial industry.