Freedom Holding Corp Releases 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting ESG Initiatives

NEW YORK – Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), a global investment and technology firm, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The report highlights a significant investment of 27.87 billion tenge (approximately $57.6 million USD) in ESG-related projects across its operating regions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable development.

According to Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., sustainability is integral to the company’s growth strategy. “Each investment, whether in education, technology, sports, culture, or environmental protection, underscores our dedication to creating a more robust and sustainable ecosystem. Empowering the younger generation, catalyzing innovation, and enhancing quality of life are not just priorities, but core responsibilities within our corporate mission,” Turlov stated.

The report offers a comprehensive overview of the company’s progress in implementing its long-term sustainability strategy, showcasing improvements in ESG management and internal social programs.

Key Investment Areas

Education and Technology: A primary focus for Freedom Holding is the advancement of educational and technological infrastructure. The company allocated 1.32 billion tenge ($2.73 million USD) to establish a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) facility at SDU University. This facility is designed to serve as a hub for research in fintech, AI, and other digital technologies, aiming to cultivate local talent and drive technological innovation.

In addition to infrastructure development, 62.77 million tenge ($0.13 million USD) was invested in the “Freedom Fintech Bootcamp” program, which specializes in training data scientists and machine learning experts. Furthermore, Freedom Holding allocated 1.86 billion tenge ($3.84 million USD) to host the ICPC World Finals 2024 in Kazakhstan, solidifying the nation’s position as a global center for competitive programming.

CNBC Analysis: These investments in education and technology signal Freedom Holding’s strategic focus on fostering a skilled workforce and promoting technological advancement in its operating regions. This emphasis could lead to long-term benefits for the company, as it positions itself to capitalize on emerging technologies and contribute to the growing digital economy.

Sports and Healthy Lifestyles: Beyond education, Freedom Holding is committed to strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in international sports. The company has actively supported chess and youth football initiatives, allocating resources towards infrastructure development and talent cultivation.

Specifically, 1.28 billion tenge ($2.64 million USD) was invested in the construction of the “Freedom Yelimay” football complex in Semey, providing year-round training facilities. Another 795 million tenge ($1.64 million USD) was earmarked for the construction of a sports complex in Oral, designed to promote sports inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

Social and Infrastructure Projects: Freedom Holding has also focused on supporting regional development and enhancing social infrastructure. The company allocated 2.9 billion tenge ($5.99 million USD) to aid flood victims in western Kazakhstan, contributing to the restoration of essential facilities and construction of protective dams. Moreover, 336 million tenge ($0.69 million USD) was invested in the reconstruction of the Abai State Opera and Ballet Theatre, demonstrating a commitment to cultural preservation.

These projects are part of a broader effort to support community development, modernize public libraries, promote cultural events, and expand internet access.

Environmental Projects: Environmental responsibility is a key component of Freedom Holding’s ESG strategy. The company is actively involved in international climate initiatives, including the construction of the Kazakhstan Pavilion at COP29, with an investment of 149.91 million tenge ($0.31 million USD). Agreements have also been signed with the Ministry of Ecology to promote biodiversity conservation and restore the Turan tiger population.

Long-term environmental initiatives include supporting the restoration of the Aral Sea ecosystem and promoting green energy solutions, with an allocation of 200 million tenge ($0.41 million USD). Freedom Holding has also launched “Freedom Fandomats,” a national system for collecting plastic and aluminum waste.

CNBC Analysis: Freedom Holding’s diverse environmental initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing both immediate environmental challenges and long-term ecological goals. The company’s focus on renewable energy and waste reduction aligns with global trends toward a more sustainable future.

Team Development: Youth, Growth, and Balance: Freedom Holding reports significant internal progress, with 95% of its employees based in Kazakhstan and a 56% increase in specialists under the age of 30. The company has also achieved a nearly perfect gender balance within its workforce.

Strategic Achievements: The report highlights the opening of the UN Regional Office for the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia, located in Almaty, which was made possible in part due to Freedom Holding’s initiative. The company’s participation in COP29 also resulted in the signing of two significant ESG agreements related to natural resource preservation and the development of a carbon certification system in Kazakhstan.

These achievements are complemented by the strengthening of Freedom’s technological ecosystem, including the launch of the Freedom SuperApp, expansion of its telecommunications business, and entry into new markets.

About Freedom Holding Corp.

Freedom Holding Corp. provides financial services in 21 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. The Company’s principal executive office is located in New York City. In Kazakhstan, Freedom is developing its financial and digital ecosystem, which includes Freedom Bank, Freedom Broker, the insurance companies Freedom Life and Freedom insurance, as well as a lifestyle segment that features Arbuz.kz, Freedom Ticketon, and Aviata. Freedom Holding Corp. shares are traded on the U.S. technology exchange NASDAQ, the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), and the Astana International Exchange (AIX) under the ticker symbol FRHC. Freedom Holding Corp. is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Russell 3000 Index.