Early Life and Career Path
Timur Turlov, born in 1987, embarked on his career in finance at an exceptionally young age. At just 16 years old, he gained his first professional experience as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI), where he honed his understanding of trading strategies and financial markets.
Turlov’s career trajectory advanced significantly during his tenure at Uniastrum Bank, where he was involved in the development of infrastructure that provided access to the U.S. stock market for the bank’s clients. These early roles solidified his understanding of global finance and laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Establishing Freedom Finance: From Local Success to Global Reach
In 2008, during the global financial crisis, Turlov founded Freedom Finance with a vision to democratize access to U.S. stock markets for investors in the post-Soviet region. While others hesitated in an uncertain economic environment, he seized the opportunity to build a resilient and scalable brokerage business.
By 2012, Turlov expanded Freedom Finance into Kazakhstan, a key step that marked the company’s transformation into a multi-functional financial platform. The expansion introduced:
- Seamless access to U.S. and European stock exchanges.
- A growing range of investment and financial products for retail and institutional clients.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Milestone in Financial Innovation
In 2019, Turlov united his ventures under the umbrella of Freedom Holding Corp., creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem. That same year, the company achieved a historic milestone by listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker FRHC—becoming the first CIS-based financial institution to do so.
The company’s shares, initially valued below $15, exceeded $80 by 2024, a testament to its strong market performance and investor trust. Today, Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries and serves more than 5 million clients worldwide.
Core Divisions of Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Bank: Innovating Digital Finance
Acquired in 2024, Freedom Bank has emerged as a leader in digital banking solutions, offering:
- Digital mortgages that simplify property financing.
- Online business loans designed to empower entrepreneurs.
- The Freedom SuperApp, a unified platform for managing loans, insurance, and financial transactions, as well as booking flights and other services.
Tradernet: A Global Investment Platform
The Tradernet platform stands as one of Freedom Holding’s flagship services, providing investors with access to global markets. Available in 16 languages, Tradernet features:
- AI-driven tools for real-time market analysis.
- Comprehensive issuer evaluation and competitor benchmarking.
- Seamless brokerage solutions across international jurisdictions.
Freedom Pay: Advancing Payment Solutions
Freedom Pay is a cross-border payment system that operates in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, supporting businesses and individuals with efficient, secure, and scalable financial transactions.
Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance
Freedom Holding has revolutionized the insurance industry through its digital-first offerings:
- Freedom Life: Providing popular endowment insurance and savings products.
- Freedom Finance Insurance: Kazakhstan’s pioneering online car insurance platform integrated with DTP.kz for easy payments and claims processing.
Freedom Telecom: Expanding Digital Infrastructure
In telecommunications, Freedom Telecom is making significant strides by offering:
- 5G networks and high-speed broadband services.
- Cutting-edge WiFi 6E/7 solutions for homes and businesses.
- In-flight connectivity solutions for airlines operating in Kazakhstan.
By 2025, Freedom Telecom aims to deploy over 300,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and launch the Freedom Media Platform to focus on content streaming and media distribution.
Lifestyle and Retail Services
Freedom Holding Corp. has successfully diversified into lifestyle and retail sectors with consumer-focused platforms, including:
- Arbuz.kz: A leading online grocery service.
- Aviata: A travel and flight booking platform.
- Freedom Mobile: Electronics and technology retail.
- Freedom Drive: Auto-focused goods and services.
- Ticketon: An event and entertainment ticketing platform.
Financial Success and Global Recognition
Timur Turlov’s strategic leadership has positioned Freedom Holding Corp. as one of the most dynamic financial organizations worldwide. By 2024, the company achieved a market capitalization of approximately $5 billion.
- Turlov first appeared on the Forbes list in 2021, with a net worth of $2.1 billion.
- By May 2024, his fortune grew to $3.3 billion, earning him the 991st spot among the world’s richest individuals.
Holding a 71% ownership stake, Turlov continues to guide Freedom Holding’s growth and innovation.
Social Responsibility and Philanthropy
Timur Turlov is deeply committed to societal development and sustainable progress. His initiatives include:
- Serving as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, where he promotes chess education and international competitions, earning accolades for his leadership.
- Supporting the QJ Youth Football League, encouraging young talent and sports education.
- Partnering with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) to address environmental challenges in Central Asia.
- Launching sustainability projects through the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, including a nationwide plastic and aluminum recycling network in Kazakhstan.
In 2024, Turlov was appointed Chairman of the UN Global Compact’s Advisory Committee for Central Asia, where he leads efforts to address pressing regional issues such as water security, climate challenges, and energy efficiency.
Personal Life and Values
Timur Turlov resides in Almaty with his wife and six children, where he maintains a balanced lifestyle. His interests reflect his strategic thinking and appreciation for personal growth:
- Chess, a game that mirrors his methodical and forward-thinking approach.
- Hiking and cycling, promoting physical wellness and mental clarity.
- Reading fiction, which fuels creativity and provides inspiration.
Timur Turlov’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a commitment to progress. By founding Freedom Holding Corp., he has created a global ecosystem that integrates finance, technology, and everyday services. His leadership continues to drive success, while his dedication to philanthropy and sustainable development positions him as a transformative figure in modern business and society.