Freedom Bank: Driving Kazakhstan’s Digital and AI Transformation

Kazakhstan is steadily making its mark on the global technology map. In October, Freedom Bank Kazakhstan-part of the Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp. received the Mastercard EDGE 25 international award in Dubai for its contribution to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

This recognition is more than a trophy; it signals that Kazakhstan is emerging as a regional leader in digital transformation.

“Kazakhstan has all the ingredients to become a technological hub – talent, ambition, and the ability to move fast,” said Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. “Our goal is to make technology work for people, not the other way around. Every innovation should simplify life and open new opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

Today, the country is focusing on artificial intelligence, IT exports, and a new entrepreneurial ecosystem – and the results are beginning to show.

A Global Stage for Kazakhstan

At the Mastercard EDGE 25: Commerce Decoded forum in Dubai – one of the world’s key fintech events – over 500 leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa gathered to discuss how AI, personalization, and open platforms are reshaping commerce.

For Kazakhstan, the forum was particularly significant: Freedom Bank received an award in the category “Growth Driver for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).” Other winners included ByBit (for the best crypto card) and Crédit Agricole du Maroc (for digital financial education for youth).

When Kazakhstan’s name is mentioned among global fintech innovators, it’s more than good news – it’s proof the country is becoming a creator of technology, not just a consumer.

From “Өрлеу” to Digital Entrepreneurship

Freedom Bank’s achievement was no coincidence.

In September, it became the first bank in Kazakhstan to fully digitize SME lending under the government’s “Өрлеу” program. Entrepreneurs can now complete the entire process online – from application to receiving funds – without a single sheet of paper.

Loan decisions take as little as three hours, and funds reach accounts within 24. All documents are generated and signed electronically.

“Digitalization is not just about convenience – it’s about fairness and access,” said Turlov. “When an entrepreneur anywhere in Kazakhstan can apply for financing and receive it within a day, that’s equality of opportunity in action.”

For the government, it means a more flexible and transparent economy.
For businesses, it’s a way to focus on growth instead of paperwork.
For Freedom Bank, it’s a reflection of its philosophy – technology only matters when it solves real human problems

The Era of AI Commerce

One of the forum’s strongest messages came from Prakriti Singh, Executive Vice President of Mastercard EEMEA:

“We cannot talk about personalization without talking about agentic artificial intelligence, which is becoming the new frontier of commerce.”

This captures Freedom’s direction perfectly. The bank has been investing heavily in AI-first solutions – systems that don’t just analyze data, but understand context and deliver precise, personalized responses.

Freedom Bank recently launched a voice AI assistant for business clients – allowing them to literally talk to their bank. A simple command can pay a bill, issue an invoice, or calculate taxes instantly. The bank also integrated ChatGPT directly into its app, giving customers access to advanced AI capabilities in real time.
“We’re building an AI-first bank not because it’s trendy, but because it’s the future,” said Turlov.
“AI allows us to make banking truly personal – to anticipate needs, speak our clients’ language, and respond instantly.”

Beyond Awards: Building an Ecosystem

Every award is not an endpoint but a new beginning.
Freedom Bank’s mission goes far beyond recognition – it aims to build an ecosystem that unites finance, investment, education, insurance, and technology, creating a space where ideas become products and products set new standards.

“We’re not just building a bank – we’re building a platform where innovation is natural and people can believe in their potential,” said Turlov.

The world is entering an age where digital transformation becomes human transformation.
Technology is evolving into an extension of human thought – not a replacement for it.

In this new reality, Kazakhstan has the potential not only to catch up, but to lead.

“Kazakhstan’s future depends on how quickly we embrace technology – and how wisely we apply it,” concluded Timur Turlov. “If our work helps even one entrepreneur grow, one company expand abroad, or one young person believe in their potential – we’re moving in the right direction.”

About Freedom Holding

Freedom Holding Corp. is an international financial and technology group founded and led by Timur Turlov. Listed on NASDAQ (ticker: FRHC), the holding unites an ecosystem of brands including Freedom Bank, Freedom Finance, Freedom Telecom, Freedom Travel, the insurance companies Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance.

Freedom Holding develops businesses in finance, investment, telecommunications, insurance, and AI technologies, creating a next-generation digital ecosystem that integrates banking, brokerage, and lifestyle services on a single platform.