Freedom Holding Corp. presented its global development strategy at the Freedom Inside 2026 forum

On April 9, the Freedom Inside 2026 forum took place in Astana—the largest event in the history of the Freedom Holding Corp. digital ecosystem. At the forum, the holding company presented the results of its significant growth and outlined its strategy for further development on a global scale.

The Freedom Inside 2026 forum marked a new stage in the development of Freedom Holding Corp.—the transition from a traditional financial business to a full-fledged digital ecosystem integrated into users' daily lives. In doing so, the company not only confirmed its status as one of the fastest-growing and technology-oriented players in the market but also defined the vector for future development, establishing new standards for digital transformation both in the region and beyond.

The forum brought together more than 3,000 guests, and the business program featured over 25 speakers on two stages, representing key areas of the Freedom ecosystem: from banking, insurance, and investment businesses to lifestyle services and international expansion. Additionally, more than 10 Freedom services and product verticals were showcased within the forum, unified into a single digital platform.

Additionally, more than 30 invited experts not affiliated with Freedom participated in the program, including representatives of international technology companies, government institutions, media, sports, and industry leaders.

Scale and Transformation: From a Financial Company to a Global Ecosystem

Opening the forum, Timur Turlov, Founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., outlined the key results of the company's development.

Today, Freedom is:

— more than 11 million clients
— presence in 21 countries worldwide
— revenue exceeding $2 billion over the last 12 months
— a market capitalization of approximately $9 billion
— more than 230 offices around the world.

Since its IPO in 2019, the company's stock price has grown more than 10-fold, reflecting not only financial dynamics but also the resilience of its chosen development model.

A key principle of development is not individual services, but the connectivity between products, forming a sustainable and scalable business model.

Freedom Bank and SuperApp: A Next-Generation Digital Bank

The development of the banking sector and the SuperApp became one of the key focuses of the forum.

Vyacheslav Kim, CEO of Freedom SuperApp, along with representatives of the banking division—Aidos Zhumagulov, Member of the Board of Directors of Freedom Bank, and Aynur Temirkhanqyzy, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Freedom Bank—presented the results of a large-scale transformation based on the transition from a classic transactional model to an ecosystem approach.

Over the past five years, the user base of Freedom SuperApp has grown from 40,000 to millions of clients today, with the SuperApp becoming the key entry point to the ecosystem, attracting up to 10,000 new users daily. A significant portion of operations now takes place within the application, reflecting a change in user behavior: from using individual financial products to interacting with a unified digital environment.

As noted during the presentations, the traditional model is giving way to a format of long-term customer interaction. Banking services, along with brokerage and insurance products, form the foundation of the ecosystem, but their role is transforming: from standalone services to elements of a unified infrastructure that accompanies users in various life scenarios.

Special attention was paid to the development of solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The ecosystem approach allows for the integration of financial tools and management services into a single loop, simplifying entrepreneurs' access to products and reducing barriers to growth.

Key Partnerships and Product Announcements

During the Freedom Inside forum, Freedom Bank and the investment-construction holding BI Group signed a memorandum of cooperation on launching a savings-based housing mortgage. The new product combines a housing savings mechanism with the opportunity to obtain preferential loans for purchasing primary housing.

Bank clients will be able to access a digital showcase of BI Group properties within Freedom SuperApp, apply for mortgages online, lock in real estate prices without commission for three days, and receive priority access to sales. As Aidos Zhumagulov noted, the product combines the ability to save, competitive rates, and a convenient digital service. In turn, Yernar Zhanadil emphasized that the cooperation is aimed at simplifying the home-buying process and increasing the level of technology in the real estate market.

Simultaneously, Freedom Bank and the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed an agreement on the development of digital services in the healthcare sector. The document was signed with the participation of Yerbol Ospanov and Timur Turlov. The parties agreed to collaborate on improving doctor appointment mechanisms, developing patient information services, and enhancing the convenience of receiving medical care through digital channels.

Particular attention will be given to the development of the pharmaceutical supply system, increasing process transparency, and interaction with medical and pharmacy organizations. As Yerbol Ospanov noted, the agreement is aimed at improving the accessibility of medical services and developing a sustainable healthcare system. In turn, Aidos Zhumagulov emphasized that the development of digital healthcare is part of the Freedom SuperApp strategy, aimed at simplifying access to government services for users.

As part of product announcements, Freedom Bank presented an expansion of its payment card lineup with exclusive designs. Continuing the licensing agreement with Warner Bros., children's cards featuring images from the Harry Potter universe were announced, available for online application in Freedom SuperApp with the option to add them to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Collaborations for football fans were also presented—a card featuring Temirlan Anarbekov and a card featuring Lionel Messi, created in partnership with Mastercard.

Additionally, under a memorandum with Qazaqstan Temir Zholy, an exclusive card design for company employees was developed, with prospects for scaling to other corporate projects. Influencer-branded cards were also presented—Nurdaulet Bektursun and Ruslan Shaekin. Interest in such products is confirmed by high demand: cards featuring Dimash Kudaibergen were issued to more than 700,000 clients, and cards featuring Lamine Yamal to more than 400,000 users.

A separate area of ecosystem development has been the scaling of digital infrastructure. Freedom Telecom continues to form the technological foundation for digital services, developing projects in the fields of communications and urban infrastructure. Among the key initiatives is the implementation of "smart poles," on the basis of which public Wi-Fi, video surveillance systems, and IoT solutions are deployed.

The company is already developing wired internet in 11 cities in Kazakhstan, and wireless access via FWA technology has been implemented in four cities, with plans to expand to four more. As part of one of the largest infrastructure projects, the deployment of up to 20,000 Wi-Fi points across the country is planned.

Simultaneously, the "smart home" and connected devices direction is developing, including security and automation systems, with the prospect of integrating the management of all services through a single digital interface.

Strategic Initiatives and Development Directions

The Lifestyle segment demonstrates accelerated growth: turnover reached $324 million, doubling year-over-year; in the first quarter, 2.1 million orders were recorded, with up to 80% of payments processed through Freedom infrastructure, and three out of four transactions occurring within the SuperApp. The travel service already holds about 20% of the Kazakhstan airline ticket market, while e-commerce is strengthening its integration with FinTech.

During the forum, the development of new directions was also announced. A "My Health" section has been launched in the SuperApp, combining medical services: diagnostic time has been reduced from 20 minutes to one minute, telemedicine is being developed, and access to services in regions is expanding.

In insurance, the company is transitioning from a payout model to a comprehensive solution for client tasks with support and service. The total volume of payouts has already exceeded 25 billion tenge.

One of the strategic focuses has become artificial intelligence. Freedom, together with NVIDIA and the Ministry of Digital Development, is launching a national AI hub with investments of $2 billion. Simultaneously, the company is developing its own AI assistant, aimed at mass implementation of technologies with a target reach of up to 70% of the population.

The company continues its international expansion: it has announced its entry into the Turkish market through the acquisition of Turkish Bank, the launch of Freedom Travel in Europe in 2026, and a strategic goal of obtaining a banking license and entering the US market.

Freedom is also scaling its FinTech infrastructure to foreign markets, including the launch of digital banking products, mortgage solutions, and fully automated payment services.

The key conclusion of the forum: the market is moving from fragmented products to a unified ecosystem, where finance, technology, healthcare, and services work as a single entity.