Born in 1987, Timur Turlov is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, recognized globally for his innovative work in finance. As the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Turlov has built a vast financial empire with a presence in over 22 countries. His journey began early, starting as a trader at World Capital Investments (WCI) at age 16, setting a foundation for his future achievements.
From Economic Student to Financial Leader
After earning a degree in economics, Turlov joined the brokerage division of Uniastrum Bank, contributing significantly to the development of infrastructure for trading on American stock exchanges. This experience equipped him with the insights and expertise that led to the founding of Freedom Finance in 2008. By 2012, Freedom Finance had entered the Kazakhstani market, quickly becoming one of the nation’s leading brokerage firms.
Freedom Holding Corp.: A Landmark Nasdaq Listing
In 2019, Turlov took a significant step by consolidating his businesses under the Freedom Holding Corp. brand and taking the company public on Nasdaq. This milestone made Freedom Holding the first CIS-based financial organization to be listed on the platform. Since then, the company’s value has soared, with shares reaching $90 by 2024, reflecting its rapid growth and innovation in financial services.
Under Turlov’s direction, Freedom Holding Corp. has expanded into a diversified financial services group with a market capitalization exceeding $5 billion. His portfolio includes brokerage services, Tradernet, retail banking with Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, the e-payment platform Freedom Pay, Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance, telecommunications through Freedom Telecom, and consumer-focused lifestyle services such as Arbuz.kz and Aviata. Today, over 5 million people in Kazakhstan benefit from these diverse services, and the company continues to broaden its reach.
Expanding to the U.S. and Europe
Turlov’s ambitions extended beyond Kazakhstan, with strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, Freedom Holding entered the American market by acquiring Prime Executions Inc., enabling the launch of Freedom Capital Markets. In 2023, Freedom Holding expanded further in the U.S. with the acquisition of LD Micro, establishing a foothold in micro-cap data services and conferences. In Europe, Freedom Finance operates across 12 countries, serving over 250,000 customers.
Beyond business, Turlov is deeply committed to social projects and community initiatives. As president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023, he has introduced chess to public schools, making it part of the curriculum. Turlov is also the founder of the QJ League, a youth football league, and Qalam, a multimedia project promoting the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Freedom Holding Corp. actively supports environmental initiatives, including the Aral Sea restoration.
Family and Life in Almaty
Timur Turlov resides in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with his wife and their six children, balancing his responsibilities as a family man with his roles as a business leader and philanthropist. His story is one of vision, resilience, and dedication to both his field and his community, solidifying his place among the most influential figures in modern finance.
