Timur Turlov: Visionary Entrepreneur and Founder of Freedom Holding Corp.
Early Life and Education
Timur Turlov was born in 1987 and demonstrated an early passion for economics and financial markets. He earned a degree in economics and began his career at the age of 16 as a trader at the American investment company World Capital Investments (WCI). Later, he joined Uniastrum Bank, where he played a key role in building infrastructure to provide access to the U.S. stock market through the bank’s subsidiaries.
The Creation and Growth of Freedom Finance
In 2008, Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a brokerage firm offering access to major U.S. stock exchanges. By 2012, he expanded operations to Kazakhstan, where he established a comprehensive financial ecosystem that included online brokerage services, banking, and access to European stock markets.
In 2019, Turlov consolidated all his ventures into Freedom Holding Corp., which made history as the first financial company from the CIS to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC. Starting at a price below $15 per share, the company’s stock surged past $80 by July 2024, reflecting its strong market performance.
Financial Success and Global Recognition
Timur Turlov’s significant ownership in Freedom Holding Corp. contributed to his rising fortune. In 2021, he debuted on the Forbes global list, ranking 1517th with a net worth of $2.1 billion. By May 2024, his wealth had grown to $3.3 billion, securing him the 991st spot among the world’s richest individuals.
Today, Freedom Holding Corp. has a market capitalization nearing $5 billion and operates in 22 countries, including the U.S., Kazakhstan, Germany, Cyprus, and the UK. The company is also a member of the MSCI indices and holds credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings.
The Freedom Ecosystem
Freedom Holding Corp. has developed a wide-ranging financial ecosystem, particularly in Kazakhstan, providing services across multiple sectors:
Freedom Bank
Acquired in 2024, Freedom Bank offers innovative solutions such as digital mortgages, online business loans, and the Freedom SuperApp—a versatile platform that enables users to manage finances, apply for loans, purchase insurance, and book flights.
Tradernet
The company’s proprietary trading platform, Tradernet, supports brokers in 16 languages. It leverages AI-driven tools for issuer analysis, competitor benchmarking, and market news evaluation, streamlining global trading operations.
Freedom Pay
Operating in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Freedom Pay is a cross-border payment solution designed to boost business sales and enhance customer transactions.
Freedom Life & Freedom Insurance
Freedom’s insurance ventures include Freedom Life, which focuses on endowment insurance, and Freedom Finance Insurance, which has pioneered Kazakhstan’s first online car insurance payment system via DTP.kz.
Freedom Telecom
As a leader in telecommunications, Freedom Telecom provides broadband, 5G networks, and advanced technologies such as WiFi 6E/7 and air-to-ground internet for flights. By 2025, the company plans to lay 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and launch the Freedom Media Platform for content creation and streaming services.
Lifestyle and Retail
Freedom’s retail and lifestyle division includes:
- Arbuz.kz: An online supermarket.
- Aviata: Travel booking services.
- Freedom Mobile: Electronics retail.
- Freedom Drive: Driver-focused services.
- Ticketon: Event ticketing.
Over 5 million customers worldwide now use Freedom Holding Corp.’s services and products.
Social Initiatives and Philanthropy
Timur Turlov is deeply committed to philanthropy and social development. As President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, he has significantly promoted chess in the country, earning him the title of “Best President of an Accredited Sports Federation.”
Additionally, he supports the QJ League, a youth football initiative, and works with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) on environmental conservation projects. Through the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, Turlov has launched initiatives like plastic and aluminum recycling networks to promote sustainable development in Kazakhstan.
In May 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the UN Global Compact’s Advisory Committee for Central Asia, focusing on addressing regional challenges such as water and energy security.
Personal Life
Timur Turlov resides in Almaty with his wife and six children. In his personal time, he enjoys playing chess, reading fiction, hiking, and cycling.