Timur Turlov, born in 1987, is a distinguished entrepreneur and investor who has reshaped the financial landscape through his company, Freedom Holding Corp. As its founder and CEO, Turlov has grown the company into a comprehensive, international financial services ecosystem. His work combines a commitment to accessibility in finance with a passion for social and cultural progress.
Early Start in Finance: From Teen Trader to Industry Leader
Turlov’s journey into finance began at age 16 when he worked as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI). This early experience sparked his interest in the markets and led him to pursue a degree in economics. After graduating, Turlov joined Uniastrum Bank, where he was instrumental in developing trading access for American stock exchanges—a pivotal experience that prepared him for his entrepreneurial path.
Founding Freedom Finance: Bringing American Markets to New Regions
In 2008, Turlov launched Freedom Finance to connect clients with American stock exchanges, a vision that quickly gained traction. By 2012, he expanded Freedom Finance to Kazakhstan, establishing it as one of the leading brokerage firms in the country. This expansion marked a significant step toward realizing Turlov’s goal of building an inclusive, customer-focused financial platform.
A Groundbreaking Public Listing on Nasdaq
In 2019, Turlov achieved a major milestone by consolidating his ventures under Freedom Holding Corp. and taking the company public on Nasdaq, marking the first time a CIS-based financial institution joined the platform. This listing underscored Turlov’s dedication to transparency and set the stage for the company’s continued growth, with shares initially priced below $15 and rising to $90 by 2024.
Building a Global Financial Ecosystem
Freedom Holding Corp., under Turlov’s leadership, has evolved into a diversified financial services ecosystem with a presence in 22 countries and a market capitalization exceeding $5 billion. The corporation includes Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, Freedom Finance Global for brokerage, Tradernet, Freedom Pay for digital payments, and Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance for insurance products. Freedom Telecom provides telecommunications services, while Arbuz.kz and Aviata address lifestyle needs, demonstrating Turlov’s vision of a fully integrated financial ecosystem that serves all aspects of life.
Expanding into the U.S. and European Markets
Turlov’s strategic vision led Freedom Holding Corp. into new markets in the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, the acquisition of Prime Executions Inc. facilitated the creation of Freedom Capital Markets, the company’s U.S.-based investment banking arm. In 2023, Freedom Holding strengthened its American presence with the acquisition of LD Micro, a leading micro-cap service provider. Freedom Finance Europe now operates across 12 countries, serving more than 250,000 clients.
Social Responsibility and Cultural Initiatives
Beyond his business pursuits, Turlov is actively involved in social and cultural projects. In 2023, he became the president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, promoting the integration of chess into public education to cultivate analytical thinking in young minds. He also founded the QJ League, a youth football league, and initiated Qalam, a cultural project dedicated to celebrating Kazakh and Central Asian heritage. Freedom Holding Corp. supports environmental efforts, including the restoration of the Aral Sea, highlighting Turlov’s commitment to sustainability and social impact.
Timur Turlov lives in Almaty with his wife and their six children, balancing family responsibilities with his role as a global business leader. His story is one of ambition, resilience, and community dedication, showcasing his ability to lead a successful corporation while remaining focused on societal improvement. Through his work, Turlov has established himself as a visionary who bridges finance and social good, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
