Timur Turlov was born on November 13, 1987, near Moscow, Russia. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in the world of finance and investing. As a schoolboy, he began trading with a small amount of money that he had inherited. This early passion would later shape his entire career.
Turlov studied at the Moscow State Aviation Technological University (MATI), where he focused on economics and management. During his university years, he worked in finance, gaining real-world experience in trading and investment. He joined World Capital Investments and later worked at Uniastrum Bank, where he helped build systems for trading on the U.S. stock market. These early roles gave him valuable insights into international finance.
The Founding of Freedom Finance
In 2008, during the global financial crisis, Turlov saw an opportunity. He co-founded a company called Freedom Finance in Moscow. The goal of this company was to provide individual investors with easy access to the U.S. stock market. At that time, many people in Russia and nearby countries had limited options for global investing. Turlov wanted to change that.
The early years were challenging. Growth was slow, and the market was not yet ready for his ideas. But Turlov believed in his vision and kept building the business. He worked hard to develop the tools and services needed to support retail investors. Over time, his company started gaining attention.
Expansion into Kazakhstan
In 2011, Turlov made a bold move. He saw potential in the Kazakhstan market, which was largely untouched in terms of modern investment services. He moved to Almaty with his family and opened an office there in 2012. This decision turned out to be a turning point for Freedom Finance.
Kazakhstan welcomed his innovative approach to investing. People there were eager to access international markets. Turlov and his team provided the tools, technology, and support that helped many Kazakh investors take their first steps in global finance. In 2022, he became a citizen of Kazakhstan, strengthening his commitment to the country.
The Rise of Freedom Holding Corp
To manage his growing business, Turlov created a parent company called Freedom Holding Corp in 2015. This holding company brought together all of his financial services under one brand. The group included not only brokerage services but also banking, insurance, fintech, and even travel and telecom services.
In 2019, Freedom Holding Corp achieved a major milestone. It became the first financial company from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the U.S. This listing gave the company global visibility and showed that it had earned international trust.
Business Growth and Global Presence
Today, Freedom Holding Corp operates in over 20 countries. It serves around 5 million clients and continues to grow each year. Its businesses include Freedom Finance, Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, Freedom Telecom, Freedom Life, Freedom Insurance, Freedom Pay, and Freedom Travel. The company is known for its wide range of financial products and user-friendly services.
Turlov still owns the
majority of the company’s shares. His leadership and long-term vision have helped the business remain focused and stable. As of 2025, Freedom Holding Corp’s value is estimated to be between $5 billion and $8 billion. Its annual revenue has reached over $1.6 billion.
Timur Turlov’s Personal Impact and Vision
Beyond business, Timur Turlov is also active in social and public life. He is the president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and supports various educational and cultural projects. He believes in building not just a company, but a community that grows together.
Turlov’s journey shows how passion, hard work, and smart decisions can lead to great success. He took risks when others were unsure, and he built something truly valuable. His story is not just about money—it’s about creating opportunities for people to invest in their futures.
Conclusion
Timur Turlov’s inspiring journey from a young investor in Russia to the CEO of a global financial group is a story worth sharing. Through Freedom Holding Corp, he has helped millions of people access global markets. His work has brought innovation and growth to countries like Kazakhstan and beyond. As he continues to lead his company into the future, Turlov remains a symbol of modern entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.
