Freedom Bank A.S. Completes Ownership Transfer and Board Revamp

Turkish Bank A.S. was rebranded as Freedom Bank A.S. on July 31, 2026, after a 99.31% equity transfer between Özyol Holding A.S. and National Bank of Kuwait.

Ownership Transfer Mechanics

According to the company statement, Özyol Holding A.S. and National Bank of Kuwait jointly transferred 99.31% of the bank’s capital on July 31, 2026. Following the transfer, the shareholders’ meeting approved the registration of the new corporate name Freedom Bank A.S. with the Turkish Trade Registry.

Board Reappointments

■Vladimir Pochekuev – Chairman of the Board

■Timur Turlov – Board Member and Founder/CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.

■Hikmet Cenk Eynehan – Board Member and General Manager

■Furkan Evranos – Board Member

■Ayşe Hale Yıldırım – Board Member

Strategic Vision and Growth Agenda

Freedom Holding aims to replicate its Kazakhstani financial‑services ecosystem in Turkey. CEO Timur Turlov outlined three pillars for the bank’s future:

■Strengthening the capital structure

■Modernizing technological infrastructure

■Supporting long‑term growth

Potential Market and Investor Impact

■Increased share liquidity and heightened interest from new investors are anticipated.

■Fintech integration could accelerate digital transformation of banking services.

■Cross‑regional capital flows between the North Caucasus and the Middle East may be stimulated.

■Board diversity is likely to improve corporate governance scores.

Expert Analysis (Ufuk Tepe): Freedom Bank’s new owner, Freedom Holding, possesses a strong regional fintech network that can create significant synergies. The presence of Russian and Kazakh representatives on the board offers a gateway to international capital channels. Turkey’s banking sector still suffers from low digital penetration; this restructuring could reshape competition and lift long‑term profit margins. However, the speed at which local regulators embrace fintech integration will be a decisive factor for investors’ risk perception.