Born in 1987, Timur Turlov is an influential entrepreneur and investor, recognized as the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. Through innovation and strategic expansion, Turlov has transformed his company into a major player in the financial services industry, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that reaches millions globally.
Beginnings as a Young Trader
Turlov’s passion for finance emerged early. At 16, he began his career as a trader with World Capital Investments (WCI), where he developed foundational skills in trading and investments. This formative experience fueled his ambition, guiding him to earn a degree in economics and join Uniastrum Bank, where he helped establish trading infrastructure for American stock exchanges. This unique background set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
Establishing Freedom Finance: Opening Access to Global Markets
In 2008, Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a company aimed at providing clients access to American stock exchanges. By 2012, he expanded into Kazakhstan, rapidly positioning Freedom Finance as a leader in brokerage services. This marked the beginning of his vision to develop an integrated financial services company with a far-reaching impact.
Freedom Holding Corp. Goes Public on Nasdaq
In 2019, Turlov achieved a major milestone by listing Freedom Holding Corp. on Nasdaq, making it the first financial organization from the CIS to be publicly traded on this prestigious platform. The company’s IPO price was initially under $15, but by 2024, it had grown to $90, illustrating the company’s impressive growth under Turlov’s leadership.
Creating a Diversified Financial Ecosystem
Under Turlov’s direction, Freedom Holding Corp. expanded into a vast financial ecosystem with a market capitalization surpassing $5 billion and a presence in 22 countries. The corporation’s services include Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, brokerage platforms like Freedom Finance Global, the stock trading platform Tradernet, Freedom Pay for digital payments, and Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance. The group also operates in telecommunications via Freedom Telecom and provides lifestyle services through Arbuz.kz and Aviata, serving millions in Kazakhstan alone.
International Expansion in the U.S. and Europe
Turlov’s global vision led to significant expansions beyond Central Asia. In 2020, Freedom Holding Corp. acquired Prime Executions Inc., establishing Freedom Capital Markets in the U.S., its first step into American investment banking. In 2023, it acquired LD Micro, further enhancing its U.S. presence. Freedom Finance Europe, meanwhile, serves over 250,000 customers in 12 European countries, solidifying the company’s footprint across international markets.
Commitment to Social Initiatives and Cultural Preservation
Turlov is deeply committed to social and community-focused projects. Since 2023, he has served as president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, working to integrate chess into public education to foster critical thinking skills. He also founded the QJ League, a youth football league, and launched Qalam, a multimedia project dedicated to promoting Kazakh and Central Asian culture. Additionally, Freedom Holding Corp. supports environmental projects, including initiatives to restore the Aral Sea, reflecting Turlov’s dedication to preserving natural resources and cultural heritage.