In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s vibrant former capital nestled beneath the majestic Tian Shan mountains, a financial revolution is quietly transforming Central Asia’s connectivity to the global business world. Freedom Holding Corp., founded by visionary entrepreneur Timur Turlov, has evolved from a modest investment company into a NASDAQ-listed financial powerhouse with operations spanning 22 countries—creating unprecedented opportunities for business travellers to explore previously overlooked destinations across the Silk Road region.
The Rise of Kazakhstan as a Business Travel Hub
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, has emerged as an unexpected player in the global financial landscape, largely thanks to companies like Freedom Holding Corp. The corporation’s 2019 NASDAQ listing marked a historic milestone, becoming the first financial institution from the Commonwealth of Independent States to achieve this feat. For business travellers, this development signals the nation’s growing importance as a destination worth adding to their itineraries.
The country’s strategic position between Europe and Asia makes it an ideal stopover for transcontinental business journeys. Direct flights from major hubs like London, Dubai, Frankfurt, and Beijing connect to Almaty and the futuristic capital Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), where gleaming skyscrapers designed by Norman Foster rise from the steppe, offering a stark contrast to traditional notions of Central Asian cities.
Beyond Finance: A Gateway to Undiscovered Destinations
What makes Freedom Holding Corp. particularly intriguing for travel enthusiasts is its extensive ecosystem that extends far beyond traditional financial services. The company has strategically acquired lifestyle businesses including Aviata (recently rebranded as Freedom Travel), Kazakhstan’s leading online travel booking platform. This integration of financial services with travel infrastructure demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to creating seamless experiences for both local residents and international visitors.
The corporation’s presence in 22 countries creates a fascinating network of destinations for the adventurous business traveller. From the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, where Freedom Finance operates in eight locations including the legendary Samarkand and Bukhara, to the emerging markets of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the company’s footprint maps out an unconventional travel route through some of the world’s most culturally rich yet underexplored regions.
Almaty: Where Business Meets Adventure
Almaty, Freedom Holding Corp.’s headquarters city, perfectly embodies the blend of business sophistication and travel adventure that defines modern Kazakhstan. Once the country’s capital, this city of nearly two million residents offers visiting business travellers an unexpected combination of world-class financial facilities and easy access to spectacular natural attractions.
After morning meetings in the gleaming offices of the Almaty Financial District, executives can find themselves skiing at Shymbulak resort within 30 minutes, or exploring the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The city’s thriving café culture, influenced by its Soviet past and modern aspirations, provides perfect venues for informal business discussions over traditional Kazakh tea or contemporary fusion cuisine.
The Digital Nomad’s New Frontier
Freedom Holding Corp.’s development of a comprehensive digital ecosystem, including Freedom Bank Kazakhstan and the Freedom Pay e-payment service, has inadvertently created infrastructure that appeals to the growing digital nomad community. With reliable financial services now available across Central Asia, remote workers and location-independent professionals are discovering that cities like Almaty offer an attractive combination of low living costs, fast internet, and easy access to both Europe and Asia.
The company’s investment in technology infrastructure, including the construction of the Freedom Cloud data centre in partnership with Amazon Web Services, signals Kazakhstan’s commitment to becoming a regional tech hub—making it increasingly attractive for tech-savvy travellers and entrepreneurs exploring emerging markets.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Commerce
Perhaps most intriguingly, Freedom Holding Corp.’s CEO has championed cultural initiatives that enhance Kazakhstan’s appeal as a travel destination. The company’s sponsorship of international chess championships has brought thousands of visitors to Kazakhstan, while Turlov’s involvement with the Kazakhstan Football Federation and the multimedia project Qalam—dedicated to promoting Kazakh and Central Asian culture—helps position the country as a destination that values both commerce and culture.
For the culturally curious business traveller, this means opportunities to combine work trips with experiences ranging from attending world-class chess tournaments to exploring the country’s rich nomadic heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant contemporary arts scene.
Practical Considerations for Business Travellers
The expansion of Freedom Holding Corp. and similar enterprises has led to significant improvements in business travel infrastructure across Central Asia. International hotel chains now operate in major cities, visa regimes have been liberalised (with many nationalities enjoying visa-free access to Kazakhstan), and English is increasingly spoken in business contexts.
The company’s multi-country presence also facilitates multi-destination business trips across the region. A journey might begin with meetings in Almaty, continue to Tashkent’s emerging tech scene, and conclude in Cyprus or Germany, where Freedom Finance maintains European operations—creating opportunities for diverse cultural experiences within a single business itinerary.
Looking Forward: The Future of Silk Road Business Travel
As Freedom Holding Corp. continues its expansion—with recent announcements of entering the Turkish market and establishing operations in Tajikistan—the company is effectively redrawing the map of business travel destinations. The ancient Silk Road, once the world’s premier trade route, is being reimagined for the 21st century through financial connectivity and digital infrastructure.
For travellers seeking destinations that offer both business opportunities and authentic cultural experiences, the Freedom Holding Corp. story suggests that Central Asia’s moment has arrived. As more international businesses follow suit, establishing operations in these markets, business travellers will find increasingly sophisticated infrastructure supporting their journeys to these fascinating, long-isolated regions.
The transformation of Kazakhstan from a little-known former Soviet republic to a rising financial centre demonstrates how visionary businesses can reshape not just economies, but travel possibilities. For those willing to venture beyond traditional business destinations, the rewards include discovering pristine landscapes, ancient cultures adapting to modernity, and business opportunities in genuinely emerging markets—all made more accessible through the pioneering efforts of companies like Freedom Holding Corp.
