Timur Turlov, born in 1987, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and investor who has reshaped the financial services industry. As founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov has led the company to establish a vast financial ecosystem, providing diverse services that reach millions worldwide. His career reflects both financial acumen and a profound dedication to social and cultural development.
Early Career: Laying the Foundation in Finance
Turlov’s financial journey began when he was just 16, working as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). His early exposure to trading inspired him to pursue a degree in economics. Upon graduation, Turlov joined Uniastrum Bank, where he contributed to building trading infrastructure for American stock exchanges. This hands-on experience set the stage for his entrepreneurial success and global aspirations.
Launching Freedom Finance: Expanding Market Access
In 2008, at only 21 years old, Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a company dedicated to providing access to U.S. stock markets for clients in his region. By 2012, Freedom Finance had expanded into Kazakhstan, quickly establishing itself as a top brokerage. This expansion marked the beginning of Turlov’s vision to build a comprehensive, globally accessible financial institution.
Achieving a Nasdaq Milestone: Freedom Holding Corp. Goes Public
A historic moment in Turlov’s career came in 2019 when Freedom Holding Corp. debuted on Nasdaq, making it the first CIS-based financial organization on the exchange. This milestone reflected the company’s rapid growth, with shares initially priced below $15 and rising to $90 by 2024. Freedom Holding’s listing underlined Turlov’s commitment to transparency and his ambition to make the company a global player.
Building a Global Financial Ecosystem
Under Turlov’s leadership, Freedom Holding Corp. has grown into a diversified financial ecosystem, with a market capitalization exceeding $5 billion and operations in 22 countries. The company’s offerings include Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, brokerage services through Freedom Finance Global, the innovative Tradernet trading platform, digital payment solutions with Freedom Pay, and insurance products via Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance. Additionally, Freedom Telecom provides telecommunications services, while lifestyle brands like Arbuz.kz and Aviata support daily needs, reflecting Turlov’s approach to creating an integrated ecosystem that serves every facet of life.
Entering the U.S. and European Markets
Turlov’s vision has extended Freedom Holding Corp.’s reach into new markets, notably the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, the acquisition of Prime Executions Inc. allowed for the creation of Freedom Capital Markets, a U.S.-based investment banking arm. The company strengthened its U.S. presence in 2023 with the acquisition of LD Micro. In Europe, Freedom Finance serves over 250,000 clients across 12 countries, cementing Turlov’s goal of expanding globally.
Social Impact and Cultural Contributions
Beyond business, Turlov is deeply committed to social initiatives. Since 2023, he has served as president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, working to include chess in the public school curriculum and promoting critical thinking among students. He also founded the QJ League, a youth football league, and launched Qalam, a project dedicated to celebrating Kazakh and Central Asian culture. Freedom Holding Corp. supports environmental initiatives like the restoration of the Aral Sea, embodying Turlov’s dedication to sustainable and community-driven impact.
