Born in 1987, Timur Turlov is a visionary entrepreneur and investor who has brought profound change to the world of finance. As the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov has led the company to unprecedented heights, creating a powerful ecosystem of financial and lifestyle services with a focus on community impact and sustainability.
Early Beginnings: A Trader’s Foundation
Turlov’s financial career started at just 16 years old when he joined World Capital Investments (WCI) as a trader, immersing himself in the world of finance. This experience inspired him to study economics, after which he joined Uniastrum Bank. There, Turlov contributed to building trading infrastructure for American stock exchanges, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial pursuits and unique approach to the finance industry.
Founding Freedom Finance: Expanding Access to U.S. Markets
In 2008, Turlov founded Freedom Finance to offer clients in his region a gateway to the American stock market. The company quickly grew, and in 2012, Freedom Finance entered the Kazakhstani market, establishing itself as a leading brokerage and creating a foundation for Turlov’s vision of a comprehensive financial services provider.
Nasdaq Debut: Freedom Holding Corp. Breaks New Ground
A turning point in Turlov’s journey was the 2019 Nasdaq listing of Freedom Holding Corp., which he had established as the umbrella brand for his businesses. This listing marked the first CIS-based financial organization to trade on Nasdaq, with shares initially valued under $15, rising to $90 by 2024. This achievement highlights Turlov’s innovative leadership and commitment to growth.
Freedom Holding Corp. has evolved into a diverse financial ecosystem with a presence in 22 countries and a market capitalization of over $5 billion. The company’s services span Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, Freedom Finance Global, the stock trading platform Tradernet, digital payments with Freedom Pay, and insurance services through Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance. Expanding into telecommunications with Freedom Telecom and lifestyle services such as Arbuz.kz and Aviata, Freedom Holding Corp. reaches millions, becoming a vital part of daily life for people in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Strategic Expansion into the U.S. and Europe
Driven by a vision of global expansion, Turlov brought Freedom Holding Corp. into the U.S. market in 2020 with the acquisition of Prime Executions Inc., establishing Freedom Capital Markets for investment banking services. In 2023, the company acquired LD Micro, solidifying its American presence. Freedom Finance Europe now operates in 12 European countries, serving over 250,000 clients and enhancing the company’s influence across international markets.
A Legacy of Social Responsibility and Cultural Engagement
Beyond finance, Turlov is dedicated to social initiatives that benefit the community. As president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, he has worked to integrate chess into school curriculums, fostering critical thinking skills. He also established the QJ League, a youth football league, and launched Qalam, a project promoting Kazakh and Central Asian heritage. Freedom Holding Corp. is involved in environmental efforts, including supporting projects to revive the Aral Sea, showcasing Turlov’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.
Turlov resides in Almaty with his wife and their six children, balancing his role as a family man with his responsibilities as a business leader. His story is one of ambition, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social progress, leaving a lasting impact on both the financial world and the communities he serves. Through his achievements, Turlov has established himself as a leading figure dedicated to creating opportunities and driving positive change on a global scale.
