Timur Turlov is a well-known entrepreneur, investor, and financial expert. He is the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. His journey from a young stock market enthusiast in Russia to a billionaire business leader in Kazakhstan highlights his strategic vision and determination. This article explores his career, achievements, and impact on the financial industry.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 13, 1987, in Moscow, Russia, Timur Turlov developed an interest in finance at a young age. He pursued a degree in Economics and Management at Moscow Aviation Technology University (MATI) and graduated in 2009. His education provided him with a strong foundation for his future career in investment.
Career Beginnings in Finance
Turlov started his career in 2003 at World Capital Investments (WCI), an American investment firm, working as a trader. In 2005, he joined Yutreyd.ru, a subsidiary of Uniastrum Bank, focusing on U.S. stock market operations. He played a key role in developing trading infrastructure that allowed Russian investors to access American stock exchanges. After the 2008 financial crisis and the sale of Uniastrum Bank, he decided to start his own company.
The Rise of Freedom Finance
In 2008, Timur Turlov founded Freedom Finance, a brokerage firm providing access to U.S. stock markets. The company quickly grew by attracting retail investors interested in American securities. Under his leadership, Freedom Finance expanded into a multinational financial services firm, operating in 22 countries by 2024.
Freedom Finance gained industry recognition, winning the “Financial Elite of Russia” award in 2018 as the fastest-growing brokerage firm. By early 2022, it ranked among the top brokerage firms on the Moscow Exchange based on the number of registered clients.
Expansion to Kazakhstan and Global Growth
In 2011, Turlov moved to Kazakhstan and established Freedom Finance JSC in 2013. By 2022, this subsidiary became the leading brokerage firm at the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange. To consolidate his growing financial empire, Turlov brought Freedom Finance Investment Company, Freedom Finance JSC, Freedom24, and Freedom Finance Bank under Freedom Holding Corp.
Between 2015 and 2018, Freedom Holding expanded into Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Cyprus. A significant milestone was reached in 2019 when the company became the first financial institution from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Strategic Business Decisions in Response to Global Events
In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Timur Turlov made a strategic decision to separate his company from Russia. He sold Freedom Finance’s Russian subsidiary and renounced his Russian citizenship, becoming a Kazakhstani citizen the same year. This move aligned with his commitment to ethical and responsible investing.
Innovations and New Ventures
Beyond finance, Turlov expanded Freedom Holding’s portfolio to include:
- Ticketon: An online platform for event ticket sales.
- Freedom Pay: A digital payment system for seamless transactions.
These innovations demonstrate his vision of creating a diversified financial ecosystem.
Leadership in Kazakhstan’s Economic Development
Timur Turlov is actively involved in Kazakhstan’s economic and cultural growth. In 2023, he was appointed President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, emphasizing his dedication to intellectual development and education.
Timur Turlov’s Net Worth and Legacy
As of January 2025, Timur Turlov’s net worth is estimated at $6.1 billion. He is one of the most influential financial figures in Kazakhstan and beyond. His leadership, strategic decisions, and continuous innovation have positioned Freedom Holding Corp. as a key player in the global financial market.
Conclusion
Timur Turlov’s journey from a young investor to a billionaire entrepreneur highlights his remarkable foresight and business skills. His ability to adapt to changing economic conditions, expand into global markets, and innovate across industries has solidified his legacy as a financial visionary. As Freedom Holding Corp. continues to grow, his influence in the financial sector will only expand further.
