Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC) has appointed Valeriy Kim as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Kim succeeds Evgeny Ler, who served as CFO since 2015. This leadership transition aims to support the company's continued expansion in Kazakhstan, Europe, and other regions.

Executive Transition

Valeriy Kim joins the executive team from his previous role as Vice President of Finance at Freedom Holding Corp. and Chief Executive Officer at subsidiary Freedom Holding Operations LLP. Before this appointment, Kim served as CFO of Freedom Finance Global PLC from 2020 to 2024.

Timur Turlov, Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Holding Corp., highlighted Kim's experience in building the company's financial reporting, tax, and planning functions. Turlov stated that Kim is uniquely positioned to lead the finance function during the company's expansion.

Former CFO Role

Evgeny Ler will transition to the role of special advisor to the CEO. In this capacity, Ler will focus on financing and mergers and acquisitions activities. Turlov noted that Ler's experience will be a significant asset as the company explores innovative financing opportunities and pursues strategic acquisitions.

Background

Both Ler and Kim began their careers at Deloitte before joining Freedom Holding Corp. The company operates through several subsidiaries, including Freedom Holding Operations LLP and Freedom Finance Global PLC.

Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and founder of Freedom Holding Corp., has announced his candidacy for the position of Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The leadership elections are scheduled to take place on September 26-27, 2026, in Uzbekistan during the FIDE General Assembly. Turlov will run on a joint ticket with the current FIDE President.

Turlov stated that his decision reflects the efforts of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation to develop and digitize the sport. He emphasized that Freedom Holding Corp., as a fintech group, can assist FIDE in becoming more digital and technology-driven. "My goal is to bring more stability, balance and mutual understanding to FIDE," said Turlov.

Since assuming the presidency of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation in 2023, Turlov has overseen significant growth in the sport's popularity within the country. In 2025, Kazakhstani players secured 162 medals at international competitions, including 64 gold medals. The country's school chess program now includes more than 1,500 schools and over 60,000 students.

Freedom Holding Corp. has recently expanded its involvement in the chess sector. In April 2026, the company acquired ChessBase, a leading chess software and analytics platform, and plans to invest around €5 million in its development. Additionally, the company's Freedom SuperApp is integrating chess content, including tournament broadcasts, educational materials, and online play.

Freedom Holding Corp. operates as an international fintech company listed on Nasdaq, with headquarters in Almaty and New York. The company provides financial services in 22 countries and is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Its shares trade under the ticker symbol FRHC on Nasdaq, the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), and the Astana International Exchange (AIX).