Former Kazakhstan Central Bank Chief Quits Freedom Holding Board
Leadership Transition
Company Background
Freedom Holding Corp. is a Nasdaq-listed international financial technology and brokerage group headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a market capitalisation of approximately $10.2 billion. It operates across Central Asia, Europe, and other regions through subsidiaries including Freedom Finance Global PLC. At its September 2025 annual meeting, shareholders ratified Deloitte LLP as auditor and re-elected board members Timur Turlov and Philippe Vogeleer as Class III directors.
The company has been active in capital markets throughout 2026. In April it announced it was considering a common stock offering in Kazakhstan, launched the deal in June at $126.35 per share for up to $300 million, and completed the raise on July 10. Separately, the CFO position changed hands on June 25, when Evgeny Ler — who had held the role since 2015 — stepped down and was immediately succeeded by Valeriy Kim, an internal hire. Ler transitioned to a special advisor role focused on financing and M&A, a structure that points to an orderly handover rather than an abrupt departure.
What Was Disclosed
Kairat Kelimbetov resigned from Freedom Holding's board effective immediately on July 8, 2026. The filing states that his resignation "was not related to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices" — the standard boilerplate used when a director departs without a disclosed dispute. No reason beyond that language is offered, and no replacement has been named. The departure reduces the board from seven directors to six.