Timur Turlov, born in 1987, stands out as a prominent entrepreneur and investor, widely recognized for his pioneering approach to financial services. As the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov has transformed the company into a global financial powerhouse, reshaping the landscape of modern finance and creating a strong foundation for his legacy.
At the young age of 16, Turlov’s passion for finance led him to start working as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). This early exposure laid the groundwork for his future endeavors and inspired him to pursue a career in the financial industry. After obtaining his degree in economics, Turlov joined Uniastrum Bank, where he played an integral role in establishing infrastructure for trading on American stock exchanges, further honing his expertise.
Founding Freedom Finance: Opening Doors to Global Markets
In 2008, Turlov launched Freedom Finance, an investment firm with a vision of providing access to American stock exchanges. Just four years later, in 2012, Freedom Finance entered the Kazakhstani market, quickly establishing itself as a leading brokerage firm. This strategic entry into Kazakhstan set the stage for Turlov’s ambition to expand Freedom Finance on a global scale.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Historic Nasdaq Listing
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By 2019, Turlov had unified his diverse financial ventures under the Freedom Holding Corp. brand. That October, Freedom Holding Corp. achieved a historic milestone by going public on Nasdaq, marking the first time a CIS-based financial firm was listed on this platform. The company’s shares debuted at under $15 but surged to $90 by 2024, a testament to its impressive growth and market confidence.
Under Turlov’s guidance, Freedom Holding Corp. has grown into a diversified financial group, with a market capitalization surpassing $5 billion. Today, it operates in over 22 countries, offering a broad range of services, including Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, insurance companies (Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance), the Tradernet stock trading platform, Freedom Pay, telecommunications via Freedom Telecom, and consumer services such as Arbuz.kz and Aviata. Over 5 million Kazakhstani citizens rely on these services, which reflect Turlov’s vision of building a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
Expanding Horizons in the U.S. and Europe
Turlov’s expansion strategy took Freedom Holding Corp. into the U.S. market in 2020 with the acquisition of Prime Executions Inc., leading to the creation of Freedom Capital Markets, an investment banking arm. In 2023, the company broadened its U.S. presence by acquiring LD Micro, enhancing its reach in the micro-cap investment sector. In Europe, Freedom Finance currently serves more than 250,000 clients across 12 countries, further cementing its international presence.
Commitment to Social Impact and Cultural Initiatives
Beyond his business success, Turlov is devoted to social responsibility and community engagement. In 2023, he became president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, integrating chess into public school curriculums. He also founded the QJ League, a youth football league, and launched Qalam, a project dedicated to promoting Kazakh and Central Asian culture. Additionally, Freedom Holding Corp. supports ecological initiatives, including efforts to restore the Aral Sea, reflecting Turlov’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Personal Life and Legacy
Residing in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with his wife and their six children, Turlov balances his family life with his responsibilities as a corporate leader and philanthropist. His story is one of early ambition, strategic growth, and unwavering dedication to both his field and his community, solidifying his place as a significant figure in global finance.
