Freedom Bank Kazakhstan has received its first long-term deposit rating of Ba3 with a stable outlook from Moody's. The number of SuperApp users has doubled to 5 million in a year. The growth forecast is up to 8 million by the end of 2026.

On March 18, 2026, Moody's awarded Freedom Bank Kazakhstan a Ba3 rating, noting strong capitalization and customer base growth. This is the first rating from the agency for the bank and a key step towards international recognition. The news is important today as the company expands its presence in Georgia and Turkey, strengthening its position in Central Asia's fintech.

Freedom Bank Receives First Moody's Ba3 Rating

Freedom Holding Corp., an international fintech group, announced that its subsidiary, Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, has been awarded a long-term deposit rating of Ba3 with a stable outlook by Moody's Ratings. This occurred on March 18, 2026, and is the first rating from the agency for the bank. The rating reflects solid capitalization, dynamic growth of the customer base and deposit portfolio, and the development of retail and digital businesses.

Moody's highlighted the role of Freedom Bank in the Freedom Holding Corp. ecosystem, which integrates financial and digital services. The bank is among the largest financial institutions in Kazakhstan. The bank's SuperApp has reached 5 million users, double the number from a year ago. The forecast is 8 million users by the end of the year.

The bank's strategy includes diversifying revenue sources, developing the loan portfolio, and improving operational efficiency. The parent company has a credit rating of B- with a stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings. The total balance of Freedom Holding Corp. exceeded $12.38 billion, with growth in capital and cash.

Companies like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) are interested in such cases of fintech integration, where digital ecosystems ensure customer retention and multiple revenue streams. Freedom Bank demonstrates how a SuperApp can be the basis for scaling in the region.

Growth of SuperApp to 5 Million Users

Freedom Bank's SuperApp is a unified mobile application combining payments, purchases, bookings, and other services. Over the past year, the number of users has doubled to 5 million, highlighting the success of digital transformation. Growth to 8 million is expected by the end of 2026.

The ecosystem includes Freedom Bank, Freedom Broker, insurance companies Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance, as well as the lifestyle segment: Arbuz.kz, Freedom Ticketon, and Freedom Travel. This creates a closed environment where users solve everyday tasks without leaving the application.

CEO Timur Turlov plans to scale the SuperApp ecosystem and international presence. Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 21 countries, including Kazakhstan, the USA, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. Recent entry into Tajikistan and acquisitions in Georgia and Turkey strengthen its position.

For IT outsourcers like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz), this is an example of how fintech integrations increase loyalty. The SuperApp reduces customer acquisition costs and creates barriers for competitors due to network effects.

International Expansion into Georgia and Turkey

Freedom Holding Corp. is actively expanding its banking presence. Recently, the company entered the Tajikistan market and is in the process of acquiring a bank in Georgia. On March 11, 2026, an agreement was announced to purchase Turkish Bank A.Ş., which will strengthen its position in Turkey.

These steps align with CEO Timur Turlov's strategy of creating cross-border services. Moody's expects balanced growth over the next 12-18 months due to diversification and business model improvements.

In Kazakhstan, Freedom Bank leads in digital services. The group's financial performance: assets of $12.38 billion, positive capital dynamics. The Ba3 rating enhances credibility in financial markets and facilitates access to capital.

Companies like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) can participate in such projects by developing scalable platforms for fintech in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Significance of the Rating for Fintech in Central Asia

The Ba3 rating with a stable outlook is an important milestone for Freedom Bank. It confirms the operational fundamentals and opens doors for partnerships. In the context of Kaspi.kz, another Kazakhstan leader, it intensifies competition in digital payments.

The SuperApp model has proven effective: 5 million users generate multiple revenues from payments, loans, and insurance. The forecast of 8 million is supported by data on doubling the base.

Regional context: fintech in Kazakhstan is growing amid digitalization. Freedom Holding is ahead due to its ecosystem. Acquisitions in Georgia and Turkey create a hub for Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz) sees this as a trend: outsourcing the development of SuperApp analogs is in demand by businesses in Kazakhstan.

Development Plans and Financial Prospects

Freedom Bank will continue to diversify revenues, expand lending, and optimize operations. Moody's forecasts stable growth. The parent company focuses on digitalization and international acquisitions.

February 2026 reports showed an increase in balance and profit, with shares reacting positively. The acquisition in Turkey caused a rise in quotes. The overall narrative is digitalization and expansion.

Investors are tracking user metrics, profitability, and rating updates. The SuperApp reduces risks due to diversification but poses regulatory challenges.

For Kazakhstani businesses, including Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz), this is a signal to invest in fintech development.

Что это значит для Казахстана

In Kazakhstan, Freedom Bank is one of the leaders with 5 million SuperApp users, doubling in a year. The Ba3 rating strengthens trust and accelerates the digitalization of payments. For Central Asia, expansion into Georgia, Turkey, and Tajikistan creates opportunities: the fintech market is growing by 25% annually according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will see cross-border services. Businesses in Almaty and Astana can integrate SuperApp-like solutions through outsourcers like Alashed IT (it.alashed.kz), reducing costs by 30-40%. This directly impacts e-commerce and digital payments in the region.

5 million users of Freedom Bank's SuperApp, doubling in a year, with a forecast of 8 million by the end of 2026.

The Ba3 rating from Moody's confirms the strength of Freedom Bank in Kazakhstan's fintech. Expansion into Georgia and Turkey is changing the landscape of Central Asia. Businesses should study the SuperApp model for growth.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What does the Ba3 rating mean for Freedom Bank?

Ba3 is a speculative rating with a stable outlook, the first from Moody's. It reflects capitalization and growth to 5 million users. It enhances investor and partner trust.

How many users does Freedom Bank's SuperApp have?

5 million, doubling in a year. The forecast is 8 million by the end of 2026. Includes payments, shopping, insurance.

What acquisitions does Freedom Holding have in 2026?

Entry into Tajikistan, acquisition of a bank in Georgia, agreement for Turkish Bank A.Ş. on March 11. They strengthen regional presence.

How are Freedom Holding's assets growing?

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Best fintech for Central Asia in 2026?

Freedom Bank and Kaspi.kz lead with millions of users. Focus on SuperApp gives an advantage. Growth of 25% in Kazakhstan.

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Источник фото: quiverquant.com