Freedom Holding Corp., founded by Timur Turlov, is a diversified financial services firm registered in the United States with its headquarters in Kazakhstan. The company has become a significant player in emerging markets, particularly in Central Asia and Europe. This blog explores the role of Freedom Holding Corp. in these markets, focusing on its innovative strategies, digital advancements, and the impact of its presence in the financial industry.
Breaking Into the Market
In an exclusive interview with the local magazine Exclusive, Timur Turlov, the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., shared his vision and strategy for entering the Kazakhstan market. When asked why he chose Kazakhstan as the first market to break into, Turlov highlighted the country’s developed banking system and the absence of prohibitions on investing in foreign assets. Kazakhstan presented a unique opportunity with its small and localized competitors, making it a virgin territory where Freedom Holding Corp. could strive to become number one rather than just another player.
“We were product-focused, specifically around investment in the US market – a business segment that was rapidly growing,” Turlov said. “We were really well managed, very efficient, and we knew how to sell. We had a good sales culture in place, and we were very motivated to charge forward.”
Digitalization and Fintech Leadership
Turlov’s ambition and resources, coupled with the company’s strengths, propelled Freedom Holding Corp. to significant success. This success eventually led to an expansion strategy into Europe. According to Turlov, digitalization is creating the greatest added value, and Kazakhstan is overtaking the West in the fintech sector due to the integration of financial services with the state.
“While US-based and other Western companies may be more mature and advanced in terms of technology development, they still lack state integration,” Turlov explains. “They don’t know how to provide a mortgage within 24 hours, but for us, it has become a norm. We are establishing high standards in the provision of financial services and achieving significant increases in labor productivity.”
Kazakhstan’s Fintech Advancements
Turlov is proud of the teams of developers in Kazakhstan and abroad who are creating financial products that can be showcased in major financial capitals. Kazakhstan has built an open and well-structured digital ecosystem, allowing for legal access to data and creating amazing functionality in interfaces. Turlov notes that Kazakhstan has one of the most democratic regimes in Central Asia, with the president constantly emphasizing the importance of digitalization, digital entrepreneurship, and citizen talent development.
Telecommunications and Infrastructure Development
Beyond financial services, Turlov is passionate about improving telecommunications in Kazakhstan. His goal is to provide superfast, widely accessible, and inexpensive internet across the country. Currently, Almaty has less than 1,000 base stations, but with additional investments, this number could increase to 3,000. Freedom Holding Corp. has received approval for fixed wireless internet and anticipates approvals for mobile communication in the near future.
Commitment to Business Development and Philanthropy
Despite his billionaire status on the American Forbes list, Turlov reinvests the majority of profits into business development rather than personal luxuries. He is deeply committed to improving the quality of life in Kazakhstan and runs a charitable foundation to support this mission. To Turlov, it’s more fulfilling to contribute to societal well-being than to accumulate wealth for personal use.
In 2022, Turlov became a citizen of Kazakhstan, a country where he feels at home and actively participates in local politics. “I want to be able to look back and say that as an entrepreneur, I did everything in my power to make my country better,” Turlov reflects. “At the very least, we will leave our mark on the development of the digital ecosystem, loan origination, and the creation of advanced technical platforms that will become a new standard in Kazakhstan and potentially other places around the world.”
The Expansion Strategy
Freedom Holding Corp.’s expansion strategy into Europe and other regions is a testament to its innovative approach and ability to adapt to new markets. The company’s focus on digitalization and integration with state services has set it apart from other financial firms. This strategy has allowed Freedom Holding Corp. to provide services more efficiently and at a lower cost, giving it a competitive edge in emerging markets.
The Role of Freedom Holding Corp. in Emerging Markets
Freedom Holding Corp. plays a crucial role in the development of emerging markets by introducing advanced financial products and services. The company’s presence in Kazakhstan and its expansion into Europe demonstrate its ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and adapt to local market conditions. By leveraging its expertise in digitalization and fintech, Freedom Holding Corp. is setting new standards in the financial industry.
A Vision for the Future
Turlov’s vision for Freedom Holding Corp. extends beyond Kazakhstan and Europe. He aims to create a global impact by exporting the company’s successful digital ecosystem and financial products to other emerging markets. Turlov’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and integration with state services positions Freedom Holding Corp. as a leader in the financial services industry.
Conclusion
Freedom Holding Corp. has made significant strides in emerging markets, particularly in Kazakhstan, by leveraging digitalization and fintech innovations. Under Timur Turlov’s leadership, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the financial industry, providing advanced financial products and services that set new standards. Turlov’s vision for the future includes expanding Freedom Holding Corp.’s impact globally, showcasing the potential of emerging markets to lead the way in fintech advancements.
As Freedom Holding Corp. continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to improving the quality of life in the markets it serves. By reinvesting profits into business development and supporting charitable initiatives, the company is not only achieving financial success but also contributing to societal well-being. Freedom Holding Corp.’s journey in emerging markets is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
For those interested in learning more about Freedom Holding Corp. and its services, visit their website and explore the range of financial products they offer. The company’s commitment to digitalization and integration with state services ensures that they provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to their clients.
In conclusion, Freedom Holding Corp. is a shining example of how a financial services firm can thrive in emerging markets by embracing innovation and focusing on customer needs. With its continued expansion and commitment to excellence, Freedom Holding Corp. is poised to make a lasting impact on the global financial industry.
For more information about their services and how they can help you achieve your financial goals, check out Freedom Finance.