Breaking news

BlackRock Emerges As Principal Shareholder In Freedom Holding Corp

Strategic Investment Boost

BlackRock has taken a pivotal step by surging to the position of the second-largest shareholder in Freedom Holding Corp, elevating its stake to 0.85 percent with an investment valued at approximately $89 million. This move, which involved the acquisition of an additional 443,965 shares for a total holding of 520,565 shares, strategically positions BlackRock just behind founder and CEO Timur Turlov.

Global Institutional Confidence

The investment by BlackRock underscores a broader trend of growing global institutional confidence in Freedom Holding Corp. This sentiment is shared by other major investors including State Street Corp., Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and Geode Capital Management. CEO Timur Turlov commented on the positive market reception, stating, “We welcome the growing interest from global institutional investors. The presence of partners such as BlackRock confirms the resilience of our business and the strategic potential of Freedom Holding in international markets.”

Financial Strength and Expanded Horizons

Freedom Holding Corp, which is traded on NASDAQ under the ticker FRHC, continues to demonstrate robust financial performance. For the 2025 fiscal year, the company reported revenue of $2.05 billion—a 23 percent increase year-on-year—and a net profit of $84.5 million, alongside an asset expansion from $8.3 billion to $9.9 billion. As the parent firm of the Freedom24 investment platform, Freedom Holding is also advancing its international footprint by developing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes banking, insurance, brokerage, and a suite of digital lifestyle services.

Conclusion

BlackRock’s enhanced stake not only highlights its confidence in Freedom Holding’s strategic direction but also reinforces the company’s strong market position and growth prospects. As the largest asset manager continues to deploy its significant resources and risk analytics expertise through its industry-leading platforms, the investment marks a clear vote of confidence in Freedom Holding’s ongoing international expansion and innovative financial strategy.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter