Timur Turlov and Freedom Holding Corp

In the annals of modern financial entrepreneurship, few figures shine as brightly as Timur Turlov, the founder, CEO, and majority owner of Freedom Holding Corp. Since establishing Freedom Holding Corp, Turlov has transformed it from a regional brokerage into a global financial powerhouse.

Early Life and Education

• Birth and Origins
  Born on November 13, 1987 near Moscow, in the town of Lobnya, Timur Turlov developed an early fascination with finance, investing a small inheritance in Russian stocks even before he completed his schooling.
• Education and Early Career
  At age 16, he began his financial career as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). Later, he joined Uniastrum Bank’s brokerage division, where he helped build infrastructure enabling trading on U.S. stock exchanges.
• Academic Credentials
  Turlov graduated in 2009 from the Russian State Technological University named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Management.

Founding and Growth of Freedom Holding Corp.

• From Freedom Finance to Freedom Holding
  In 2008, at age 21, Turlov founded Freedom Finance, aimed at providing Kazakhstani and CIS clients access to U.S. stock markets. By 2012, the company expanded into Kazakhstan.
• In 2015, holding company Freedom Holding Corp. was formed, consolidating Freedom Finance and related ventures under one umbrella.
• Public Listing and Market Trajectory
  In October 2019, Freedom Holding went public on NASDAQ under ticker symbol FRHC—the first financial organization from the CIS region to do so. At IPO, shares were valued under $15; by 2024, they traded around $90.

Expansion into a Global Financial Ecosystem

• International Expansion
  Today, Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries across Central Asia, Europe, and the U.S., with headquarters in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Comprehensive Service Ecosystem
  Turlov built an ecosystem that includes:
  • Brokerage: Freedom Finance JSC (Kazakhstan), Freedom Finance Global (international markets)
  • Banking: Freedom Bank Kazakhstan
  • Insurance: Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance
  • Retail & Digital Services: Tradernet (trading platform), Freedom Pay, Aviata (travel), Arbuz.kz (food‑tech)
• Client Reach and Scale
  Over 5 million clients in Kazakhstan use various services in Freedom’s ecosystem. European operations via Freedom Finance Europe serve over 250,000 clients.
• U.S. Market Ventures
  In 2020, the firm acquired U.S. broker‑dealer Prime Executions Inc., paving way for Freedom Capital Markets. In 2023, it added LD Micro, a micro‑cap conference and data services provider.

Financial Performance and Market Standing

• Recent Financials
  For the 12 months ending March 31, 2024, Freedom Holding reported revenues of US $1.635 billion, net income of US $375.54 million, equity of US $1.167 billion, and assets totaling US $8.3 billion.
• Market Capitalization
  The company’s market cap hovers around US $5–6 billion.

Leadership and Recognition

• Majority Control and Wealth
  Timur Turlov owns approximately 69–73 % of Freedom Holding Corp.’s shares. Forbes estimated his net worth at $2.1 billion (2021) and around $4 billion (2024). According to some sources, by May 2025, his net worth reached $7.6 billion.
• Strategic Vision
  Turlov emphasizes building a “super app‑led” fintech ecosystem, starting in Kazakhstan and expanding to U.S. and European markets.

Social Responsibility and Cultural Engagement

• Chess and Youth Development
  In 2023, Turlov became president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, promoting chess education in schools.
• Community & Cultural Projects
  • Initiated QJ League—a youth football league in Kazakhstan
  • Launched Qalam—a multimedia project dedicated to Central Asian history and culture
• Environmental and Social Initiatives
  Freedom Holding supports the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and participates in ecological projects.
• Philanthropy & Regional Investments
  Between 2023 and 2025, the company has committed over KZT 63.3 billion (~$123 million) to social, cultural, and environmental projects—including infrastructure repairs, cultural restorations (e.g., the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater), and Aral Sea ecosystem restoration.
• Global Engagement
  In May 2024, Turlov was appointed Chair of the UN Global Compact Advisory Committee in Central Asia.

Summary: Key Milestones at a Glance

Conclusion

Timur Turlov’s journey from a teenage trader to the helm of a global financial powerhouse exemplifies visionary entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has not only disrupted traditional financial services through its integrated fintech ecosystem but has also made a tangible impact on education, culture, environment, and civic society. As Turlov continues to expand his reach and influence, his story remains a compelling example of how business leadership can align with social responsibility and innovation.