EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 924805
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 924805_10-K_2024_0000924805-24-000041.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
OVERVIEW
Freedom Holding Corp. ("FRHC") is organized under the laws of the State of Nevada and acts as a holding company for all of our operating subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries engage in a broad range of activities including securities brokerage, securities dealing for customers and for our own account, market making activities, investment research, investment counseling, investment banking services, retail and commercial banking, insurance products, payment services, and information processing services. We also own several ancillary businesses which complement our core financial services businesses, including telecommunications and media businesses in Kazakhstan that are in a developmental stage.
Our business was founded in order to provide access to the international capital markets for retail brokerage clients in our core markets. Our business has grown rapidly in recent years. We are pursuing a strategy to become a leader in the financial services industry, serving individuals and institutions desiring enhanced market access to international capital markets using state of the art technology platforms for their brokerage and other financial services needs. We are committed to further developing our digital fintech ecosystem going forward by integrating our core financial services businesses with our ancillary business offerings. Our strategic objective is to provide customers with a comprehensive and user-centric digital experience, offering them convenient access to a wide array of products and services through a single platform. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering continuous innovation, we strive to enhance our digital offering and meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base.
Our principal executive office is in Almaty, Kazakhstan. We have a presence in Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Our subsidiaries in the United States include a broker-dealer that is registered with the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). As of March 31, 2024, we had 6,197 employees, 161 offices (of which 46 offered brokerage services, 52 offered insurance services offices, 20 offered banking services and 43 offered other financial and non-financial services) and 530,000 retail brokerage customer accounts.
From the beginning of calendar 2024, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President, who collectively act as our chief operating decision maker (CODM), began to manage our business, make operating decisions, and evaluate operating performance on the basis of a new segmental structure. As a result, we have realigned our reportable segments into the following four segments: Brokerage, Banking, Insurance, and Other. All prior period segment information has been recast to reflect this change in reportable segments.
Financial information concerning us, our business segments for each of the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 is included in Part II Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Our Corporate History
Reverse Acquisition Transaction
We were originally incorporated in the State of Utah in July 1981. In December 2004 we redomiciled to the State of Nevada. In November 2015, we entered into a reverse acquisition agreement with Timur Turlov whereby we agreed to change our name from BMB Munai, Inc. to Freedom Holding Corp. and to acquire from him 100% ownership interests in FFIN Securities, Inc. (now a dormant company), Freedom Finance Europe Limited ("Freedom EU"), and LLC Investment Company Freedom Finance (“Freedom RU”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Freedom Finance JSC ("Freedom KZ"). These acquisitions closed in several stages from November 2015 to November 2017 as required audits and regulatory approvals were received. At the completion of the acquisitions, Timur Turlov was our controlling shareholder.
Legacy Operations
Our legacy brokerage operations were acquired and developed by Timur Turlov. He acquired Beliy Gorod Ltd. in Moscow, Russia, in 2010 and renamed it LLC Investment Company Freedom Finance (“Freedom RU”) in 2011. In 2013 Freedom RU acquired Freedom KZ from unrelated third parties. In 2014, Freedom KZ rolled out a branch office network of 14 offices across Kazakhstan and opened 20,000 customer brokerage accounts. Freedom EU was organized in August 2013 and completed its regulatory licensing in May 2015.
In July 2014, prior to our acquisition from him of FFIN Securities, Inc., Freedom EU, and Freedom RU and Freedom KZ, Timur Turlov established Freedom Securities Trading Inc. (formerly FFIN Brokerage Services, Inc.) ("FST
Belize"), a corporation registered in and licensed as a broker dealer in Belize, to provide brokerage services to customers seeking to purchase or trade securities in the international securities markets. FST Belize is 100% owned by Timur Turlov and is not part of our group of companies. Historically, we engaged in a significant volume of transactions with FST Belize through an omnibus brokerage arrangement, but the extent of this arrangement was actively scaled down in recent periods and the omnibus brokerage arrangement had been terminated as of March 31, 2024. For more information regarding our transactions with FST Belize, see "Related Party Transactions" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report.
Significant Historical Milestones
On September 26, 2019 FRHC's shares were approved for listing on Nasdaq and the shares began trading on Nasdaq on October 15, 2019.
In December 2020 we completed the acquisition of JSC Kassa Nova Bank, a Kazakhstan consumer bank with 10 branch offices across Kazakhstan, which we subsequently renamed Bank Freedom Finance Kazakhstan JSC and which, in May 2024, we subsequently renamed to Freedom Bank Kazakhstan JSC ("Freedom Bank KZ").
In December 2020 we completed the acquisition of Prime Executions, Inc. ("PrimeEx"), a registered agency-only execution broker-dealer on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, which represented our initial entry into the U.S. market. In January 2022, PrimeEx received regulatory approval from FINRA to conduct investment banking and equity capital markets business.
On May 17, 2022 we completed the acquisition of two insurance companies, Freedom Finance Life JSC ("Freedom Life") and Freedom Finance Insurance JSC ("Freedom Insurance"). These two companies had been 100% controlled by the Company's chief executive officer, chairman and majority shareholder, Timur Turlov, at the time of the acquisition.
In February 2023 we completed the divestiture of our Russian subsidiaries.
Our Business Strategy
Our focus has been to establish ourselves as a leader in the financial services industry, serving individuals and institutions by offering them efficient access to international capital markets and market-leading financial services. Our strategy is based on the following key objectives:
•Expand through acquisitions on an opportunistic basis. Historically we have been active in pursuing non-organic growth through acquisitions. This has allowed us to accelerate our growth through the acquisition of talented and experienced personnel and essential technology assets. We anticipate that we will continue to acquire financial services-related companies, complementary businesses and financial and complementary technologies on an opportunistic basis. Our acquisition strategy includes a focus on expanding our presence in the U.S. market.
•Create digital fintech ecosystem. In Kazakhstan, we have introduced innovative, integrated financial technologies that we intend to expand to other markets and, eventually, globally. For example, our digital mortgage is our flagship digital product in Kazakhstan. It interfaces with government databases to efficiently access relevant information for qualifying customers for state-sponsored mortgage programs and other lending programs we offer. Our technology platform integrates many of our services into a suite of complementary services that are easy to access and qualify for. For example, in Kazakhstan we have acquired two insurance companies, an online ticket sales company, a payment system services company, and an online travel agency. Offering complementary services increases our brand loyalty and opportunities to cross-sell the variety of services we offer. Because these services are all digitally accessed and performed, we are able to market and scale the services into new regions on a cost-effective basis. As we continue to add complementary services through acquisitions or internal development, we plan to expand this platform into additional markets as regulatory and market conditions dictate. During fiscal 2024, we began the implementation of our plan to enter the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan, as a part of our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem. As part of our strategy, we seek to establish a new independent telecommunications operator in Kazakhstan to provide a diverse range of telecommunications and telecommunications-related services to customers which may include, among others, high-quality internet connectivity, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, WiFi access, over-the-top (OTT) streaming, internet protocol television (IPTV), traffic transit for operators and cloud solutions, subject to obtaining applicable licenses or entering into partnerships where required.
•Continue to grow organically. We continue to grow organically, benefiting from favorable market and economic conditions in many of the regions where we operate. Our recent organic growth has been driven by expansion of
our network of retail financial advisers and increases in the volume of analysts' reports made available to our customer base, as well as significantly increased trading volume and customer activity stemming from government and bank interventions that have resulted in increased market volatility and economic uncertainty. In addition to expansion of our business in our core markets, we have recently expanded our area of operations to include new countries including Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the UAE, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. We seek to continue to continue to grow organically, including expanding into additional countries.
•Adhere to conservative risk management principles. Our investment policies and strategies are primarily focused on preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. In our proprietary trading, we typically invest in investment grade securities, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of loss of principal. Our investment policies generally require that the securities we acquire are investment grade and limit the amount of our credit exposure to any one issuer or customer.
•Aspire to excellence in governance, transparency and regulatory compliance. In addition to complying with local requirements in each market in which we operate, we believe we have a competitive advantage with our clients in many regions because we are a U.S. corporation subject to the governance and disclosure requirements applicable to SEC-registered companies trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our operations are subject to substantial regulatory oversight by various regulatory bodies, and we strive to be a trusted participant in the regulatory framework in each jurisdiction in which we operate. We have a group-wide compliance department that oversees compliance for our group of companies. The department is responsible for establishing compliance controls, policies and procedures to support subsidiary compliance officers and their staff and in-house attorneys in various jurisdictions to discharge our obligations under local regulatory requirements. Our compliance begins with customer onboarding where we employ robust know-your-customer, anti-money-laundering and countering terrorist financing (AML/CTF) and sanctions screening platforms using various world-class third-party data providers in a system that is integrated with our trading platform. Customer sanctions screening is done daily and individual financial transactions are reviewed according to multiple risk parameters. Additionally, we have internal policies, procedures and systems in place for possible compliance-related matters related to whistleblowing, improper trading patterns, tax reporting obligations, and other internal policies (e.g., trading our own stock or the stock of our customers). We focus on the development of our compliance control, operations, and internal audit activities to ensure each compliance activity meets our risk management standards and industry standards.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Our business is organized into four segments: Brokerage, Banking, Insurance and Other. Additional information regarding our segments can be found in the narrative and tabular descriptions of segments and operating results under Item 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition of this Report; and Note 30 Segments of business of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
Our Brokerage segment primarily focuses on retail brokerage and investment banking. Our Banking segment encompasses lending, deposit services, payment card services, money transfers, and correspondent accounts, supporting both individual and corporate clients with innovative digital financial solutions. Our Insurance segment offers life and general insurance services. Our Other segment includes payment processing services, online ticket sales, and new business areas including telecommunications and media services.
We also engage in proprietary securities trading activities through each of our four segments. We facilitate repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, both to support the funding of our proprietary investments and acting as an intermediary between third party purchasers and sellers. The size of our securities positions varies substantially based upon economic and market conditions, allocations of capital, underwriting commitments and trading volume of an individual issuer's securities. Also, the aggregate value of securities which we may carry is limited by the net capital and capital adequacy rules in effect in the jurisdictions where we conduct business. See "Regulatory Oversight" in Part I Item 1 and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report.
We conduct our business through a number of subsidiaries. For more information regarding our subsidiaries, see Note 1 "Description of Business" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of this annual report:
Brokerage Segment
As of March 31, 2024, in our Brokerage business segment we had 46 offices that provided brokerage and financial services, investment consulting and education, including offices in Kazakhstan, Europe, Armenia, United States,
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Freedom KZ and Freedom Finance Global PLC ("Freedom Global") are professional participants on the KASE and the Astana International Exchange ("AIX"). Foreign Enterprise LLC Freedom Finance ("Freedom UZ") is a professional participant on the Republican Stock Exchange of Tashkent ("UZSE") and the Uzbek Republican Currency Exchange ("UZCE"). PrimeEx is a professional participant on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
Freedom EU oversees our European region operations (including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain). In Cyprus, we are licensed to receive, transmit and execute customer orders, establish custodial accounts, engage in foreign currency exchange services and margin lending, and trade our own investment portfolio. Through Freedom EU we provide transaction processing and intermediary services to our regional customers and to institutional customers that may seek access to the securities markets in the United States and Europe. All trading of United States and European exchange traded and over-the-counter ("OTC") securities by all Freedom group securities brokerage firms, excluding PrimeEx, are also routed to and executed through Freedom EU. Historically, FST Belize’s customers executed brokerage transactions indirectly through Freedom EU via several omnibus accounts held by FST Belize with Freedom EU. As of March 31, 2024, we had terminated our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize.
We entered the U.S. market in December 2020 with the acquisition of PrimeEx, a New York corporation that is a registered agency-only execution broker-dealer on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). PrimeEx is a member of the NYSE, Nasdaq, FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corp ("SIPC"). PrimeEx conducts investment banking and equity capital markets business under the name Freedom Capital Markets ("FCM"). FCM provides its corporate and institutional customers with a full array of investment banking, corporate finance, and capital markets advisory services.
As of March 31, 2024, we had 1,404 employees in our Brokerage segment, including 1,402 full-time employees and 2 part-time employees.
•Securities brokerage services. We provide a comprehensive range of securities brokerage services to individuals, businesses and financial institutions. Depending on the region, our brokerage services may include securities trading and margin lending. Customers can establish accounts and conduct securities trading with transaction-based pricing both through on-line tools and at retail locations. We market our brokerage services through a number of channels, including telemarketing, training seminars and investment conferences, print and online advertising using social media, mobile app and search engine optimization activities. We offer full-service retail brokerage services covering a broad array of investment alternatives including exchange-traded and over-the-counter corporate equity and debt securities, money market instruments, derivatives, government bonds, and mutual funds. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from commissions from customers through accounts with transaction-based pricing. Brokerage commissions are charged on investment products in accordance with a schedule that aligns with local practices. We provide our brokerage customers with access to the U.S. stock markets, and a significant amount of our brokerage business relates to trading in U.S.-exchange listed and OTC securities by our brokerage customers.
A majority of the trades we execute for our brokerage customers are done on an "over-the-counter" basis with counterparties outside the United States, including institutional market maker customers who hold accounts with us or, previously, with our FST Belize affiliate, from whom we earn commissions. We use the services of third-party U.S.-registered securities broker dealer and clearing firms to execute substantially all of our trades that are executed directly in the U.S. market.
For both individual and institutional brokerage clients, we may enter into arrangements for securities financing transactions in respect of financial instruments held by us on behalf of the client or may use such financial instruments for our own account or the account of another client. We maintain omnibus brokerage accounts for certain institutional brokerage clients, in which transactions of the underlying clients of such institutional clients are combined in a single account with us. We may use the assets within the omnibus accounts to finance, lend, provide credit or provide debt financing or otherwise use and direct the order or manner of assets for financing of other clients of ours. See "Margin Lending" below.
•Margin lending. We grant margin loans to our brokerage customers, collateralized by securities and cash in the customer's account, for application to a portion of the purchase price of securities, and we receive income from interest charged on such margin loans.
•Investment banking. Our investment banking business consists of investment banking professionals in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the United States who provide strategic advisory services and capital markets products. Our investment banking team focuses on multiple sectors including consumer and business services, energy, financial institutions, real estate, technology, media and communications. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, commercial banks are currently focusing their financing activities on large or state-owned enterprises, and commercial lending sources impose loan structures and debt covenants that preclude many companies from obtaining such lending. This has created growing interest in and demand for our investment banking services in those countries. In the United States, our investment banking activities include, among others, underwriting of debt and equity offerings on both a "best efforts" and a firm commitment basis. In the equity capital markets area, we provide capital raising solutions for corporate customers through initial public offerings and follow-on offerings, including listings of companies on stock exchanges. We focus on companies in growth industries and participate as market makers in our underwritten securities offerings after the initial placements of shares. In the debt capital markets area, we offer a range of debt capital markets solutions for emerging growth and small market companies. We focus on structuring and distributing private and public debt for various purposes including buyouts, acquisitions, growth capital financings, and recapitalizations. In addition, we participate in bond financings for both sovereign and corporate issuers in the emerging markets.
In our Brokerage segment we also conduct proprietary securities trading activities.
As of March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, we had approximately 530,000, 370,000 and 250,000 total brokerage customer accounts, of which more than 58%, 56% and 58% had positive cash or asset account balances. As of March 31, 2024, we had approximately 96,000 active accounts, as compared to 52,000 and 53,000 active accounts as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We define "active accounts" as those from which at least one transaction occurred in the quarter prior to the date of calculation. The increases in the number of brokerage customer accounts during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were due to both organic growth and the migration to our brokerage companies of certain former customers of our former Russian brokerage subsidiary and of FST Belize.
Banking Segment
In our Banking segment we offer a range of retail and commercial banking products and services in Kazakhstan. With total assets exceeding $4.9 billion as of March 31, 2024, Freedom Bank KZ has positioned itself as a leader in asset growth in Kazakhstan’s banking sector and is ranked among the top eight banks in the country based on total assets as of April 1, 2024, according to National Bank of Kazakhstan (the "NBK").
Freedom Bank KZ was established in 2021 following the acquisition of Kassa Nova from ForteBank and has since expanded its operations to cater to over 903,500 clients in 2024 from 546,000 in 2023. Freedom Bank KZ has shown a notable increase in its financial standing, largely due to a significant growth rate in assets, deposits, and its securities and loan portfolio.
As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Bank KZ assets increased by 52%, loan portfolio by 68%, deposit portfolio by 47% and trading portfolio by 69% in comparison with March 31, 2023,
Freedom Bank KZ is a pioneer in digital banking services in Kazakhstan, having granted 7,747 digital mortgage loans and 14,202 digital car loans to individuals, alongside a substantial amount of lending to small and medium-sized enterprises. Freedom Bank KZ also actively participates in the Kazakhstan national housing program, holding a prominent position in the mortgage market. Additionally, Freedom Bank KZ has implemented Visa B2B Connect to facilitate secure and fast international payments for Kazakhstan businesses, marking its foray into enhancing digital banking services in Central Asia.
In our Banking segment we also conduct proprietary securities trading activities.
We have 20 office locations in Kazakhstan that provide banking services to our customers. As of March 31, 2024, we had 2,090 employees in our Banking segment, all of which were full-time employees.
In Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund ("KDIC") administers the deposit insurance system. The KDIC insures deposits in the case of liquidation of a bank-member of the KDIC fund. Deposits are insured up to 20 million Kazakhstan tenge (approximately $45 as of March 31, 2024) per customer.
•Payment Cards. We are a key participant in the international payment systems Visa and MasterCard in the regions in which we operate. We issue both single and multi-currency cards, which allow purchases to be made in
multiple different currencies with the use of a single card. We provide internet banking and mobile applications for Android/iOS for companies and individuals. In addition, we offer customers several investment and structured banking products (insured deposits with option features and currency risk hedging products as permitted by local laws). The following is a description of our principal payment cards:
◦Invest card. The Invest card allows our customers the ability to manage their investment accounts both online and in branches of our bank and is the only card of its kind available in the Kazakhstan market. The card is associated with a brokerage account that may be opened with any broker in Kazakhstan that meets the applicable legal requirements. Freedom Bank KZ partners with the relevant broker. The broker has the ability to issue a card in a few minutes through Freedom Bank KZ's remote channels. The Invest card offers features unique to the Kazakhstan market including: integration with the customer's brokerage accounts to allow for convenient instant money transfers to and from the customer's brokerage account; no fee interbank and peer-to-peer transfers and replenishment of the card in any currency; daily interest payments in U.S. dollars on the outstanding balance on a savings account; and the ability to remotely open bank accounts by means of biometric identification and remote execution of account opening documents. At the customer's election the Invest card can be a digital card or a plastic card. During fiscal 2024 approximately 24,141 new Invest cards were issued to customers.
◦Deposit card. The deposit card combines the features of deposit and debit cards. The card is tied to a deposit account, and when debit transactions are made the money is debited from the deposit account. Clients have the opportunity to save simultaneously in seven currencies. During fiscal 2024, 182,583 new deposit cards were issued.
◦Freepay. Freepay is a card with a credit limit of the equivalent of approximately $3,300, which can be used by customers for personal expenses including making purchases in installments or on credit. For installment or credit purchases, the client does not have to obtain a card in advance, but instead the card is issued automatically when a purchase is made through our partner network. During fiscal 2024, 139,549 new Freepay cards were issued.
◦Freedom card. The Freedom card is a multi-currency payment card for any purchases around the world. Clients can hold money under the card in seven different currencies. During fiscal 2024, 36,907 new Freedom cards were issued.
◦Araldy Saqta, Araldy Saqta is a deposit card with an increased cashback of up to 10%, and the cashback amount is transferred to the International Fund for the Salvation of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan.
•Digital Mortgages. In July 2021, Freedom Bank KZ launched a highly digitized mortgage product, which allows for the obtaining of a mortgage loan through an online process. The bank's internal process interacts with many government services, which significantly speeds up the process of obtaining a mortgage. The client submits an application in his or her personal account, passes the scoring and online assessment of the selected property, and signs all the necessary documents using an electronic digital signature. The pledge is registered using blockchain technology, and the decision to issue a loan is made through an automatic system. Our digital mortgage product has enabled Freedom Bank KZ to become the leading mortgage lender in the Kazakhstan market, with a market share of 19.4% as of March 31, 2024. In the 2022 calendar year, Freedom Bank KZ was the leader in issuing mortgage loans under the Kazakhstan state program for financing of mortgage loans “7-20-25”. During fiscal 2024, we issued 7,747 digital mortgage loans.
•Digital Car Loans. In June 2022, Freedom Bank KZ launched a unique digital product that allows an auto loan to be obtained through an entirely online process. The platform has made the auto buying process more transparent and streamlined and has created safeguards to limit the risk of financial fraud or identity theft. Like a digital mortgage, a digital auto loan allows a new or used car to be purchased in as little as one day and without physically visiting the bank, and all documents are signed using biometrics. In addition, customers do not need to purchase additional auto insurance, which is included in the registration process and is provided by Freedom Insurance. As of March 31, 2024, more than 305 car dealerships cooperated with Freedom Bank KZ in offering digital auto loans. Some of them allow cars to be purchased in installments. During fiscal 2024, 14,202 digital auto loans were issued. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Bank's share in the total Kazakhstan's digital auto loans market amounted 9.3%, according to the First Credit Bureau of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
•Digital Business Loans. Freedom Bank KZ seeks to provide a high level of service to legal entities and to provide support for entrepreneurial activities in the market. At the beginning of the 2024 calendar year, we launched the digital business loan, which allows small businesses to obtain a loan in as little as one day and without physical delivery of documents. All documents are signed using biometrics, without the need for an electronic digital signature, and the loan proceeds are transferred to a corporate card, which is automatically opened in the name of
the client during the loan process. Freedom Bank KZ is a member of the Damu Fund, a Kazakhstan state program, which provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to receive a loan to develop their business at a reduced rate, and such loans can be applied for online with our digital business loan. During fiscal 2024, 20,153 digital business loans were issued. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Bank's share in the total Kazakhstan's digital business loans market amounted 21.3%, according to the First Credit Bureau of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
•Freedom Box. Freedom Box is a package of payment acquiring services for individual entrepreneurs whereby the entrepreneurs do not need to bring documents to our bank in order obtain the package of services. The package includes an installment plan for clients purchasing the acquiring services, a free POS terminal, an overdraft facility and an entrepreneur's card. After the client applies and is approved for Freedom Box, it can start using Freedom Box online, and the card and POS-terminal will subsequently be delivered. During fiscal 2024, 3,804 clients subscribed to the Freedom Box service package.
Insurance Segment
On May 17, 2022, we acquired two insurance companies in Kazakhstan, a life insurance company, Freedom Life, and a direct insurance carrier, excluding life, health and medical, Freedom Insurance. Prior to our acquiring these companies, each was wholly owned by our controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov. We acquired these companies from him at the historical cost paid by him plus amounts he had contributed as additional paid in capital since his purchase. These companies were not initially acquired directly by us because at the time they were put on the market for sale by their prior owner they did not have audit reports conforming to U.S. GAAP standards and had not demonstrated sustained profitability. The purchase price for Freedom Insurance was $12.4 million and the purchase price for Freedom Life was $12.1 million.
We believe incorporating the offerings of these insurance companies with our existing brokerage and banking product and service lines, along with our developing fintech ecosystem in Kazakhstan, will allow us to create a significant sustainable competitive advantage in Kazakhstan as an integrated, efficient and convenient single source for financial services.
•Freedom Life. Freedom Life was established in 2014. Since 2018 the Company has been operating under the Freedom Finance brand. Freedom Life provides a range of health and life insurance products to individuals and businesses, including life insurance, health insurance, annuity insurance, accident insurance, obligatory worker emergency insurance, travel insurance and reinsurance. Freedom Life has an S&P Global Rating of "BB" on the international scale and long-term rating on the national scale of "kzA+" with a "Negative" outlook. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Life had 387,103 clients and 616,301 active contracts. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Life had total assets of approximately $372.2 million and total liabilities of approximately $290.2 million. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, Freedom Life experienced a 121% increase in gross insurance premiums written and recognized a net profit of approximately $23.5 million. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Life's market share in the Kazakhstan life insurance market was 12% based on gross written premiums for life insurance, and it held an approximately 56% market share in the Kazakhstan voluntary life-related accident insurance market, in each case according to the NBK.
•Freedom Insurance. Freedom Insurance operates in the "general insurance" industry and is the leader in online insurance in Kazakhstan and offers various general insurance products in property (including automobile), casualty, civil liability, personal insurance and reinsurance. Freedom Insurance has been assigned "B+" rating by S&P Global Ratings and "kzBBB" national scale rating: Outlook - "Stable." Freedom Insurance distributes its products and services through different channels such as the internet, payment terminals and a call center. By utilizing its digital solutions, Freedom Insurance's customers can purchase Freedom Insurance products within five minutes and have a personal account for managing policies. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Insurance had 146,466 clients and 190,872 active contracts. As of March 31, 2024, Freedom Insurance had total assets of approximately $163.1 million and total liabilities of approximately $112.9 million. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, Freedom Insurance had an 84% increase in written insurance premiums received as compared to fiscal 2023 and recognized net profit of approximately $16 million. According to the NBK, as of March 31, 2024, Freedom Insurance had an approximately 7% share of the total Kazakhstan general insurance market based on total assets and had an approximately 3% share of the Kazakhstan car owners liability insurance market based on insurance premiums received. On August 27, 2022, we acquired 100% of JSC Insurance Company "London-Almaty" ("London-Almaty"), a Kazakhstan insurance company, and on December 19, 2022, this company was merged into Freedom Insurance.
In our Insurance segment we also conduct proprietary securities trading activities.
As of March 31, 2024, we had 52 offices and 855 employees, including 848 full-time employees and 7 part-time employees, providing consumer life and general insurance services in Kazakhstan.
Other Segment
As of March 31, 2024, in our Other segment we had 43 offices and 1,848 employees, including 1,792 full-time employees and 56 part-time employees, providing a range of services including payment processing, entertainment ticketing sales, online air and railway ticket purchase aggregation and an online retail trade and e-commerce services. In addition, we have recently established subsidiaries in Kazakhstan with a view to launching a telecommunications business and a media business, respectively, each of which is in the developmental stage. In our Other segment we also conduct proprietary securities trading activities, which are mainly conducted by FRHC. The Other segment accounted for $62.5 million, or 4%, of our total revenue, net for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. This revenue was mainly derived from provision of payment processing services, retail online ticket sales and online aggregation of purchasing air and railway tickets.
Digital Fintech Ecosystem and Product Expansion
Operating under the "Freedom" brand, our comprehensive suite of digital products and services enables our customers to engage in electronic trading and to monitor their accounts. In addition to trading capabilities, we have expanded our digital solutions to include mortgages, auto loans, and insurance products. Through our online platform, customers can conveniently apply for and manage mortgages, track auto loans, and access a range of insurance options. We prioritize delivering a seamless and integrated digital experience across all our products, ensuring user-friendly interfaces, robust security measures, and efficient workflows.
See "Information Technology" below for a description of our Technology Development and Ecosystem Growth strategy and our Tradernet software platform, which is our flagship technology product.
We have recently expanded our digital product portfolio with the acquisition of Ticketon Events LLP ("Ticketon"), the largest online ticket sales company in Kazakhstan, actively working to create an e-commerce infrastructure in the field of culture and sports. The acquisition of Ticketon, which we believe is the market leader in providing online tickets sales for cultural events in Kazakhstan, gives us greater access to middle class customers that are potential clients of our core financial services businesses. Ticketon's service focuses on promoting the cultural life of Kazakhstan and introducing modern promotion technologies. Ticketon offers convenient ways to buy tickets, expands sales channels for organizers and venues, and provides effective ticket promotion and distribution services. This acquisition further strengthens our digital offerings and enhances our ability to serve customers in the entertainment industry.
One of our key digital products is the Paybox payment platform, which we acquired as part of our acquisition of Paybox Technologies LLP (now called Freedom Technologies LLP) and its subsidiaries in February 2023. The Paybox platform is a dynamic payment system services project. By connecting to the Paybox platform digital payment aggregator, customers can accept payments from buyers using a wide range of payment methods, including bank cards, online banking, electronic money, and more. Paybox also develops customized solutions for banks, catering to their specific needs and expanding our network of partners. According to Global Data, for the calendar year 2022, Freedom Technologies' share of electronic payments in the Kazakhstan market was 30%. This acquisition allowed our bank to become the largest acquiring bank in Kazakhstan, enhances our product offering and expands our geographic footprint.
On November 27, 2023, our Board of Directors approved a plan to expand our business by entering the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan, pursuant to our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem. We seek to establish a new independent telecommunications operator in Kazakhstan to provide a diverse range of telecommunications and telecommunications-related services to customers which may include, among others, high-quality internet connectivity, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, WiFi access, over-the-top (OTT) streaming, internet protocol television (IPTV), traffic transit for operators and cloud solutions, subject to obtaining applicable licenses or entering into partnerships where required. Our new telecommunications business will be operated by Freedom Telecom Holding Limited (“Freedom Telecom”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp. incorporated under the laws of the Astana International Financial Center. An experienced core management team has been appointed to Freedom Telecom, and a broader team of specialists with experience in creating successful technology projects in Kazakhstan is currently being assembled. Our Chairman and CEO, Timur Turlov, served as a member of the board of directors of Kcell, one of the leading providers of mobile telecommunications services in Kazakhstan, from 2019 until October 2023. Based on Mr. Turlov’s experience and knowledge of the market, he and the other members of the Board believe that there is currently an attractive opportunity for a new entrant in the Kazakhstan telecommunications market and that the formation of an
ecosystem combining financial services and telecommunications in Kazakhstan, if successfully implemented, will create significant synergies for us and significant growth in our customer base. Our strategy and budget for Freedom Telecom are currently being reassessed and are subject to revisions, which may be material.
In alignment with our digital fintech ecosystem strategy, during fiscal 2024 we established Freedom Media LLP ("Freedom Media") as a subsidiary of Freedom Telecom. We intend for Freedom Media to become a national media platform in Kazakhstan offering media content to customers. Our establishment of Freedom Media marks a significant milestone in our endeavor to diversify our product and service offering and to offer tailored streaming services to the Kazakhstan and Central Asia market. This platform is expected to provide unlimited access to a diverse collection of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and exclusive content across multiple genres. In addition to streaming, Freedom Media will enable content downloads for offline viewing, catering to the convenience of our users.
We are committed to further expanding our digital fintech ecosystem going forward by integrating our online and mobile brokerage services, banking offerings, insurance products, payment processing systems, and online commercial ticketing services. Our strategic objective is to provide customers with a comprehensive and user-centric digital experience, offering them convenient access to a wide array of financial products and services through a single platform. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering continuous innovation, we strive to enhance our digital offerings and meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base.
In April 2024, Freedom Finance Bank launched its mobile application, SuperApp, marking a significant milestone in the Kazakhstan financial technology sector. This innovative app consolidates all essential financial services into one platform, offering clients a seamless and convenient way to manage their finances without the need for multiple apps and services. With SuperApp, clients can easily check their account balances, review transaction histories, make transfers and payments, open and manage deposits, and obtain and repay loans. The app also provides real-time portfolio monitoring, along with access to analytical reports and recommendations, empowers users to make well-informed investment decisions. SuperApp's payment services enable users to pay utility bills, mobile phone charges, internet fees, and other expenses effortlessly. The app supports setting up recurring payments and auto-payments, making the payment process quick and easy. SuperApp not only enhances the user experience but also aligns with our strategic goals. Customer satisfaction is improved through easy access to all banking and investment services in a single app, coupled with an intuitive interface and personalized recommendations. We believe SuperApp will strengthen our competitive position in the market by implementing advanced security and convenience technologies and continuously improving and updating functionalities based on user feedback and market analysis.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Our business model places heavy reliance on information technology to offer customers a seamless digital experience, meet their diverse needs, and ensure stringent adherence to regulatory requirements and information security standards. To support sustainable development and growth of a digital fintech ecosystem, we focus on the continuous development of our information technology systems in order to empower business users with accelerated time-to-market for digital products while enhancing predictability. We seek to harmonize technology governance approaches across all of our businesses and centralize key IT processes.
We have implemented a Technology Development and Ecosystem Growth strategy centered on building a robust technological infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing user experiences. This strategy is designed to leverage technology as a key driver of success within our group. We are continuously adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape and aligning our technological capabilities with the changing needs of our customers and stakeholders. By fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and prioritizing business continuity and growth, we aim to establish a strong technological foundation that supports our strategic objectives. See "Digital Fintech Ecosystem and Product Expansion" above.
Tradernet Platform
Tradernet is our flagship online trading platform designed for a wide range of investors, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly trading experience. The platform allows users to trade a diverse array of financial instruments, including stocks, options, and ETFs from major global exchanges such as KASE, AIX, NYSE, Nasdaq, ATHEX, the London Stock Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse.
•Accessibility and User Interface. Accessible via both web and mobile platforms, Tradernet ensures that users can monitor and manage their investments in real-time from any location with internet connectivity. The platform's interface is designed to be intuitive and customizable, offering tools for technical analysis, portfolio management, and market monitoring. These features cater to both beginner traders, who benefit from the platform's simplicity, and advanced traders, who appreciate its sophisticated analytical tools.
•Data Platform and Operational Efficiency. Tradernet features an advanced order routing system that ensures trades are executed at the best possible prices by directing orders to the most favorable markets. At the heart of Tradernet is a robust data platform that provides real-time market data and analytics. This platform supports various trading activities by offering comprehensive data on securities, enabling users to make informed decisions. The back-end infrastructure of Tradernet is designed to handle high volumes of transactions securely and efficiently, ensuring the platform's reliability and performance even during peak trading times. Tradernet back office solutions automate many administrative processes, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors. The back-office system handles transaction processing, compliance checks, and real-time account monitoring, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. The integration of Tradernet's back-office system with the trading platform allows for the efficient management of trading accounts and commissions, ensuring accurate reporting and payment processing. Compliance and risk management are integral parts of Tradernet's back-office solutions. The system includes advanced compliance features to ensure all trading activities adhere to relevant regulations, which is crucial for maintaining the platform's integrity. Additionally, risk management tools help monitor client positions, margins, and overall exposure, providing timely alerts and advice to manage risks effectively.
•Education and Support. Tradernet places a strong emphasis on education and support, providing extensive resources such as tutorials, webinars and market analysis reports. This ensures that users can make informed trading decisions. The platform also offers robust customer support to assist users with any issues they may encounter.
COMPETITION
We face intense competition in each of the markets where we offer our services. We compete with international, regional and local brokerage, banking, and financial services firms that offer an array of financial products and services. The brokerage and financial service firms which we currently regard as our principal competitors include: Halyk Finance, BCC Invest and First Heartland Securities in Kazakhstan; and eToro and Interactive Brokers in Europe. We consider Freedom Bank KZ's principal banking competitors to be Halyk Bank, Kaspi Bank and Bank CenterCredit. In the United States, we expect to compete with, among others, Needham & Company, Craig-Hallum Capital Group and Oppenheimer & Co. In addition, as part of our strategy to enter the telecommunications and media markets in Kazakhstan, we will compete with various telecommunications operators and other participants in the telecommunications market and with various media providers, respectively.
Many of the firms with which we compete are larger, provide additional and more diversified services and products, provide access to more international markets, and have greater technical, and financial resources. We seek to compete by leveraging the competitive advantages we have developed, including our extensive experience in providing investors in our core markets with access to the U.S. and European securities markets, our ability to deliver high quality analytical information and our focus on providing convenient, high tech user-friendly access to our services and the markets. We have also been an active participant in various privatization programs, which has allowed us to develop expertise and a prominent reputation in the public placement of securities of local issuers in the regions where we operate.
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN
We seek to ensure our ability to continue the delivery of services to our customers, employees and various business partners and counterparties at acceptable predefined levels following a disruption that may occur in one or more business activities and/or in one or more operating locations due to local, national, regional or worldwide disasters, including pandemics, such as Covid-19, and social unrest and wars, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, or due to failure of one or more components of information technology infrastructure, including proprietary or self-developed information systems, databases, software and hardware that we operate to provide such services.
Since our operations are conducted through our subsidiary companies in different geographic locations, our business continuity plans are developed, tested and managed locally by our subsidiaries to cover key business areas, and to provide contingency plans for IT infrastructure and communication to employees, customers and counterparties. The type, maturity, and formalization of plans in our subsidiaries is informed by the level of anticipated threats and their impacts associated with each organization.
Our operating subsidiaries in each geographical location rely on local public utilities for electric power with additional electric generator back up (if available). For telephone and internet services we engage, where available, back up providers. All of these service providers have assured management of our subsidiary companies that they have plans for providing continued service in the case of an unexpected event that might disrupt their services. At the same time, our
business continuity plans may be insufficient if a failure occurs from disruption of third-party service providers that cannot be replaced in a reasonable time by another provider due to uniqueness or special services, such as stock exchanges, depositories, clearing houses, clearing firms or other financial intermediaries used to facilitate our securities transactions, as well as identity verification and KYC service providers. For this purpose, our subsidiaries have established continuous communication with the service providers to ensure timely receipt of data about their planned and actual activities. We are continuing to implement increased uniformity across our subsidiaries to address business operations continuity and expertise by pursuing business continuity efforts consistent with the standards of ISO 22301 Societal security - Business continuity management systems.
HUMAN CAPITAL
Our multinational operations, particularly in countries with integrated multi-ethnic cultures, create a naturally ethnically diverse workforce. We employ a diverse and talented team spanning 20 countries. We have well-educated and experienced employees who seek to uphold high business and ethics standards. As of March 31, 2024, we had 6,197 (6,132 full-time and 65 part-time) employees in the following regions: Central Asia - 5,685, Europe - 261, Middle East - 198, USA - 53). As of March 31, 2024, our workforce was approximately 3,122 women and 3,075 men. We abide by applicable employment laws across all jurisdictions where we have offices.
We believe our employees are our most important investment, and we are committed to providing them:
•a safe and positive work environment;
•opportunities to learn, grow, and advance in their careers;
•clear instructions of our expectations and the right tools so they achieve success; and
•fair compensation, benefits and recognition for their work.
Employee Recruitment and Development
We seek talent through careful recruitment and use specifically crafted qualification requirements and skills maps for each position we seek to fill. Our hiring decisions focus on candidate motivation, professionalism, and experience.
We invest in our employees through our employee development programs. These programs facilitate employee movement both vertically and horizontally within our company, as well as enable employees to participate in cross-department projects, working groups, competitions, conferences, and other collective events that expose employees to other departmental functions.
We teach practical job skills with a view to providing job satisfaction for our employees, and by extension, strong company performance. We provide internal mentoring and training programs to enable new hires to quickly adapt to our work culture and demands. Our mentorship program helps foster relationships within our companies that engender loyalty and unity in our work.
We provide continuous, systematic core educational opportunities and many advanced trainings to enable our employees to continue their professional growth, which contributes to higher standards of knowledge and skill sets of our employees. Advanced individual programs are provided based on an array of topics to meet the dynamic interests of our teams.
Compensation and Benefits
We provide compensation packages that include competitive pay, bonuses, paid time off (PTO) and benefits with a focus on a performance-based system of incentives and recognition. Salary increases are determined based on the performance of the employee, length of service, as well as market pay rates and other parameters.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)
Today, ESG principles are fundamental in determining the direction of development of companies that are committed to a responsible approach to the impact of their activities on the environment, society, and economy. Freedom Holding Corp. is among them, and we have been working extensively in this direction.
In December 2023, we published our first Sustainability Report, in respect of fiscal year 2023. The Sustainability Report was prepared with reference to the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (Consolidated Set of the GRI Standards 2021), and it emphasizes our dedication to ESG principles, covering personnel care, community impact, corporate governance, and key environmental data.
Social
We place strong emphasis on having a favorable working environment and supporting our employees and serving the communities in the regions where we operate.
Employee Development and Corporate Activities
We recognize that success is inextricably linked to well-developed human capital and we seek to attract the best experts in their fields. We constantly invest in the enhancement of professional knowledge, skills and abilities of employees at all stages of their careers by allocating funds for training as well as implement corporate free educational activities available in online format.
We adhere to the principles of ethical behavior that are contained in our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. This code is a fundamental document that defines the norms and standards to which all employees of our company must adhere. We pay attention to the personal and career development of our personnel.
In addition, our subsidiaries have a range of benefits packages which include corporate communications, gym membership subsidies, and benefits related to obtaining the relevant company's banking and insurance products. We also strive to create an environment that maintains a healthy work-life balance for employees. We support corporate events, holidays, team building activities and sports tournaments in chess, football and running for our employees.
Shapagat Corporate Fund
Our Freedom Shapagat Corporate Fund subsidiary (hereinafter “Fund”), founded in August 2023, is a non-profit charitable fund that prioritizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors as the primary criteria guiding its investment focus and strategy. These principles heavily influence the Fund's project selection process.
The Fund’s objectives include managing its project portfolio based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and financial factors, and centralizing the sponsorship and charitable activities of Freedom Holding Corp.
Through strategic investments and partnerships with various organizations, we aim to not only strengthen our position as a socially responsible company, but also make a significant contribution to the development of local communities.
External Social Projects
We endeavor to support and contribute to sports, culture, and education in the communities in which we operate through various forms of financing, including charity and sponsorship activities. We recognize the social responsibility of businesses and seek to create a positive impact on the regions where we operate. In fiscal year 2024 the following support was provided (the list below is not exhaustive; more information will be provided in the Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2024):
•We continue supporting the development of chess in Kazakhstan. During the reporting period, the Fund has made financial contributions to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation to support the preparation and holding of championships, tournaments, training camps and other events. Furthermore, a sponsorship agreement was signed by Freedom Finance Global PLC through the Fund for the development of chess among children in the city of Almaty.
•The Fund has provided financial support to The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) aimed at the preparation and holding of the 2024 ICPC World Finals in Astana in 2024.
•The Fund has provided sponsorship aimed at construction of a new educational building in SDU University in Almaty in 2024. The new university building will serve as a hub for conducting research in the field of fintech innovations and other related areas, as well as for organizing thematic events, conferences, and seminars on various topics.
•The Fund has provided funding for the design and construction of a sports hall for persons with disabilities in Uralsk. The completion of the construction is scheduled for the end of 2024.
•During the reporting period, a new campus of the IQanat school opened in Kazakhstan. The construction of the new campus was partially financed by the Fund, along with contributions of Mr. Turlov.
•The Fund has provided financial support to the “Teach for Qazaqstan” initiative aimed at covering operational costs and holding educational events.
Freedom Academy provides online and in person training courses and webinars in financial literacy to the public. The goal of this program is to generally expand knowledge about financial literacy and teach the basics of exchange trading so that participants can more knowledgeably trade and reduce the risk of financial mistakes in the future.
Environment
In fiscal year 2024, we continued carrying out ESG diagnostics, to identify key opportunities and recommendations on increasing the efficiency of our activities in the environmental sphere. We intend to gradually strengthen our focus on assessing the environmental impact of our assets, internal and external financial operations, and lending activities in future.
Despite the lack of direct significant environmental impact being generated by the financial industry, we take a precautionary approach to environmental issues. In June 2023, we carried out an inventory of greenhouse gas emission sources for our major subsidiaries. Our management is aware of the importance of combating climate change, and in the future, we plan to increase the detail, accuracy and expand the perimeter of the encompassing data. One of the next areas of focus will be Scope 3 and climate risk assessments, which will allow us to proactively address climate-related issues and seize opportunities, thereby creating a more resilient financial sector in our countries of operation.
External Environmental Projects
We support external environmental projects, an example of which was the signing of a Memorandum on cooperation by the Fund and the Executive Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan (IFAS International Fund in the Republic of Kazakhstan) in 2024. The signing of the memorandum is aimed at establishing partnership relations and developing long-term, effective and mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at implementing joint projects in the Kazakh part of the Aral Sea region. Within the framework of cooperation, planting of black saxaul is planned on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea in Kyzylorda Region.
Detailed information on Freedom Holding Corp.'s contributions to the development of local communities and regions of operation will be presented in Freedom Holding Corp.'s upcoming Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2024.
Green Bonds and Social Bonds Underwriting
In June 2023 Freedom KZ underwrote a placement of two-year gender ESG bonds issued by MFO OnlineKazFinance JSC (Solva) listed on the KASE in the total amount of the equivalent of $14 million (based on the exchange rate as of the date of issuance). The proceeds from the placement of these bonds are being used to actively support women in the business environment, aiming to expand their opportunities and reduce gender inequality. The MFO produces digital loan products that finance micro and small businesses of women entrepreneurs.
In November 2023, Freedom KZ placed three-year "green" bonds of Black Biotechnology LLP (BBT) in the amount of 1.5 billion tenge on the KASE with a yield to maturity of 21.5% per annum. These securities belong to ESG bonds due to their compliance with the Principles of Green Bonds of the International Association of Capital Markets (ICMA), which is confirmed by an independent assessment of Green Investment Group at the level of "High/Great."
INFORMATION SECURITY
Information security, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, is a high priority for us. We have and continue to develop and implement safeguards, policies and technology designed to protect the information provided to us by our customers and our own information from cyber attacks and other misappropriation, corruption or loss. We also consult advisory organizations and follow regulatory requirements regarding information security. For additional information regarding information security see "Risks Related to Information Technology and Cybersecurity" in "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 1A, and "Regulation" in "Business" in Part I Item 1 of this annual report.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We rely principally on a combination of trademark, copyright, related rights and trade secret laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology and our brands. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants and confidentiality agreements with other third parties, and we rigorously control access to our proprietary technology.
We generally obtain trademark protection and often seek to register trademarks for the brand names and images under which we market our services. As of March 31, 2024, we owned approximately 15 registered trademarks in Cyprus, 13 in Kazakhstan, seven in the United Kingdom, seven in Germany, two in Azerbaijan and one in Uzbekistan.
Our flagship technology product is our proprietary Tradernet software platform. We also believe the value associated with our "Freedom" and other brands contributes to the appeal and success of our services. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our brands and technology. In addition, third parties may initiate litigation against us alleging infringement of their proprietary rights or declaring their non-infringement of our intellectual property rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be
available in all jurisdictions in which we offer our services. Further, we may be unable to obtain protection for our intellectual property in the future, which could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
REGULATION
We operate in highly regulated industries across a number of legal jurisdictions. The securities, banking, payment services and insurance business activities of our subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation and oversight by the stock exchanges, central/national banks, governmental and self-regulatory authorities in the foreign jurisdictions where we conduct business activities. We expect that the regulatory environment will continue to raise standards and impose new regulations with which we will be required to comply in a timely manner.
We operate under various securities, banking and insurance licenses and must maintain our licenses in order to conduct our operations. As of March 31, 2024, we, through our subsidiaries, held: brokerage licenses in Kazakhstan issued by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market (the "ARDFM") and the Astana Financial Services Authority (the "AFSA"), in Cyprus issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC"), in the United States issued by FINRA, in Armenia issued by the Central Bank of Armenia, and in Uzbekistan issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan; a foreign currency operations license in Kazakhstan issued by the ARDFM; a banking license in Kazakhstan issued by the ARDFM; insurance licenses (general and life) in Kazakhstan issued by the ARDFM; and payment services licenses in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
In the jurisdictions where we conduct business, we are subject to often overlapping schemes of regulation that govern all aspects of our relationships with our customers. These regulations cover a broad range of practices and procedures, including but not limited to:
•minimum net capital and capital adequacy requirements;
•the use and safekeeping of customers' funds and securities;
•recordkeeping and reporting requirements;
•customer identification, clearance and monitoring to identify and prevent money laundering and funding of terrorism, U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") and other non-U.S. sanctions violations, to follow FATF recommendations;
•tax reporting obligations under QI, FATCA and CRS regulations;
•supervisory and organizational procedures intended to monitor and assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and to prevent improper trading practices;
•employee-related matters, including qualification and certification of personnel;
•provision of investment and ancillary services, clearance, and settlement procedures;
•maximum loan and bank guarantees concentration issued to shareholders;
•credit risk requirements;
•liquidity risk requirements;
•acquisitions;
•qualification of firm management;
•cybersecurity and personal data protection;
•risk detection, management, and correction; and
•various shareholders' capacity requirements required for obtainment of a regulatory status (banking holding, major shareholder, insurance holding, etc.).
The regulatory authorities in each jurisdiction where we are regulated establish minimum net capital and capital adequacy requirements which currently range from approximately $2,000 to approximately $22 million and fluctuate depending on various factors. As of March 31, 2024, the aggregate net capital requirements of our subsidiaries was approximately $245.9 million. As of March 31, 2024, aggregate excess regulatory capital for all of the operating subsidiaries was $573.3 million. Our regulated insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations and standards in their respective jurisdictions, which require these subsidiaries to maintain specified levels of statutory capital, as defined by each jurisdiction, and restrict the timing and amount of dividends and other distributions which may be paid to their parent company. There were no state-prescribed or permitted regulatory accounting practices for any of our insurance or reinsurance entities which is materially different from that which would have been reported under the prescribed practices of the respective regulatory authorities. For the year ended March 31, 2024, our insurance subsidiaries have not paid dividends to their parent companies. For the year ended March 31, 2023, our insurance subsidiaries paid their parent company dividends of $15.2 million. In the event one or more of our subsidiaries fails to maintain minimum/adequate net capital, we may be subject to fines and penalties, suspension of operations, and disqualification of our management from working in the relevant industry. Our subsidiaries are also subject to rules and regulations regarding liquidity ratios. Compliance with minimum capital requirements could limit our expansion into activities and operations that require significant capital. Minimum capital requirements could also restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds among themselves and FRHC. For more details please refer to Note 31 Statutory Capital Requirements in the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.
We spend considerable resources in our general efforts to comply with the various regulations to which we are subject, and we expect this burden to continue in the future.
Violations of securities, banking, sanctions, anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism laws, rules and regulations could subject us and our employees to a broad range of disciplinary actions including imposition of fines and sanctions, other remedial actions, such as cease and desist orders, removal from managerial positions, loss of licensing, and civil and criminal proceedings.
Kazakhstan Regulation
Kazakhstan Securities Market Regulation
The Kazakhstan brokerage sector is highly regulated. The securities market in Kazakhstan is regulated in accordance with Kazakhstan law and the by-laws of the ARDFM. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 461-II "On the Securities Market", dated 2 July 2003 (the "Securities Market Law") is the main law regulating the brokerage and dealer activities in the securities market and portfolio management activities in Kazakhstan. It establishes a framework for brokers and dealers, portfolio management activities, registration and licensing requirements, and regulation of such activities by the ARDFM.
Under the Securities Market Law, broker-dealer and portfolio management activities in the securities market are carried out on the basis of a license to carry out such activities issued by the ARDFM. A license for broker and dealer activities may include the right to maintain customer accounts as a nominal holder or may not include the right to keep customer accounts. A license for portfolio management can be with or without the right to attract voluntary pension contributions.
Freedom KZ currently holds the following licenses:
•No. 3.2.238/15 dated October 2, 2018 (initially issued on March 21, 2007) for performance of activity on the securities market, particularly (i) broker-dealer activity with the right to maintain customer accounts as a nominal holder, and (ii) portfolio management without the right to attract voluntary pension contributions; and
•Banking license No. 4.3.12 dated February 4, 2020 (initially issued on April 4, 2019) for performance of exchange operations with foreign currency, except for exchange operations with foreign cash.
Under the Securities Market Law (and the relevant ARDFM regulations), the following prudential standards are applicable to brokers and dealers and portfolio management companies, among others: the capital adequacy ratio, which daily indicator must be at least 1; and the liquidity ratio, which daily indicator must be not less than 1.4. Under the Securities Market Law (and relevant subordinate ARDFM regulations), compliance with the prudential standards is measured based on the following indicators: (i) highly liquid and liquid assets; (ii) balance sheet liabilities; and (iii) minimum amount of equity capital, taking into account the capital adequacy ratio.
Based on the AIFC Framework Law dated December 7, 2015, as well as amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan made in March 2017, a special legal regime for the financial sector, including the securities market, was established in the Astana International Financial Center (the "AIFC"). The current law of the AIFC consists of: (i) the AIFC Framework Law; (ii) AIFC acts that do not contradict the AIFC Framework Law and which may be based on the principles, norms and precedents of the law of England and Wales and/or the standards of the world's leading financial centers; and (iii) current Kazakhstan law, which is applied to the extent not regulated by the AIFC Framework Law and acts of the AIFC. The AIFC Acts establish the requirements for carrying out activities in the securities market in the AIFC and, in particular, the requirements for licensing regulated activities, which are carried out on the basis of a relevant license issued by the AFSA. Our Freedom Global subsidiary is a member of the AIFC and has License No. AFSA-A-LA-2020-0019 issued by the AFSA on May 20, 2020 to carry out the following major regulated activities:
•dealing in investments as principal;
•dealing in investments as agent;
•managing investments;
•advising on investments; and
•arranging deals in investments.
In their activities, AIFC participants operating in the securities market are guided, among other things, by the provisions of the AIFC General Rules, the AIFC Conduct of Business Rules and other acts of the AIFC.
Kazakhstan Banking Regulation
Banks in Kazakhstan are subject to numerous laws and regulations governing banking activities as well as a number of laws and regulations that regulate, among other matters, payment services, anti-money laundering, data protection and information security. Kazakhstan has a two-tier banking system, with the NBK comprising the first tier and all other commercial banks comprising the second tier (with the exception of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, which as a state development bank has a special status and belongs to neither tier and Eurasian Development Bank which is an intergovernmental bank). Generally, all financial institutions in Kazakhstan are required to be licensed and regulated by the ARDFM. From 2004 to April 2011, licensing and regulation functions were carried out by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Supervision of the Financial Market and Financial Organizations (including its respective successors). The respective functions had been carried out by the NBK from April 2011 until the end of 2019. Starting January 1, 2020 these functions have been carried out by the ARDFM. As a central bank, the NBK has retained its role in developing monetary credit policy, currency regulation and control and payment systems.
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 2444 "On Banks and Banking Activity in the Republic of Kazakhstan", dated August 31, 1995 (as amended) (the "Banking Law"), is the main law regulating the banking sector in Kazakhstan. It establishes a framework for banking activities, registration and licensing of banks and regulation of banking activities by the ARDFM. The Banking Law provides for a list of banking operations that cannot be conducted without an appropriate license from the ARDFM (its predecessor) and sets forth a list of activities permitted for banks. Freedom Bank KZ holds License No.1.2.108/43/250 dated February 1, 2023 for performing banking and other operations.
Kazakhstan Insurance Regulation
Insurance companies in Kazakhstan are subject to numerous laws and regulations governing general and life insurance activities as well as a number of laws and regulations that regulate particular types of insurance activities (e.g., mandatory liability insurance of vehicle owners), anti-money laundering, data protection and information security. Generally, all financial institutions (including companies performing insurance activities) in Kazakhstan are required to be licensed and are then regulated by the ARDFM.
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 126-II "On Insurance Activities", dated December 18, 2000 (as amended) (the "Insurance Law"), is the main law regulating the insurance sector in Kazakhstan. It establishes a framework for insurance activities, registration and licensing of insurance companies and regulation of insurance activities by the ARDFM. The Insurance Law provides for a list of insurance operations that cannot be conducted without an appropriate license from the ARDFM (its predecessor) and sets forth a list of activities permitted for insurance companies. Freedom Insurance holds unlimited license No. 2.1.16 dated November 24, 2022 for performing general insurance (reinsurance) activities. Freedom Life holds unlimited license No.2.2.14 dated December 28, 2022 for performing life insurance (reinsurance activities).
Payment Services Regulation
Payment services in Kazakhstan are mainly regulated by the Kazakhstan Law "On Payments and Payment Systems" dated July 26, 2016 (the "Law on Payments"). A "payment organization" is defined by the Law on Payments Kazakhstan limited liability partnership which is registered as a payment organization with the NBK and which activities are associated with rendering payment services. We provide payment services in Kazakhstan through Freedom Pay LLP and its subsidiaries under the brand "Freedom Pay." Freedom Pay LLP is registered with the NBK to provide the following payment services, among others: electronic money disposal, acceptance and transmission of payments made with electronic money and payment processing services. We also provide payment services in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, where our services are provided through Freedom Payments LLC IC (Uzbekistan) and Freedom Pay Kyrgyzstan LLC, each of which is registered and operates under licenses with the respective local regulators.
Cypriot Investment Firms and Regulatory Legislation
Freedom EU is a Cypriot Investment Firm ("CIF") registered with the Registrar of Companies of Cyprus under number HE 324220 and regulated by CySEC under license number 275/15 and is under obligation to cooperate with the Cyprus Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS).
Freedom EU complies with the requirements and/or obligations implemented by the following laws and regulations under the applicable legal framework:
•Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of May 15, 2014 on Markets in Financial Instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU.
•Cyprus Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law of 2017 (The Law 87(I)/2017) regarding the provision of investment services, the exercise of investment activities and the operation of regulated markets (the “Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law 2017”).
•Directive of 2020 of CySEC for the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
•ESMA Final Report (ESMA35-42-1227) on the European Commission mandate on certain aspects relating to retail investor protection as of April 29, 2022.
Freedom EU follows the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), European Union Directive 2014/65/EU (the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive or "MiFID II"), European Commission, European Central Bank, Central Bank of Cyprus and CySEC circulars requirements to ensure its compliance with the foregoing regulatory acts.
Our Cyprus operations are conducted in Limassol, Cyprus where we are licensed to receive, transmit and execute customer orders, provide investment advice and portfolio management services, establish custodial accounts, engage in foreign currency exchange services and margin lending, and trade our own investment portfolio. The brokerage sector in Cyprus is highly regulated and companies must be authorized by CySEC in order to be able to provide investment services.
The Law of the Republic of Cyprus L. 87(I)/2017 regarding the provision of investment services, the exercise of investment activities and the operation of regulated markets (as amended) (the "Cyprus Securities Market Law") is the main law regulating broker dealer, portfolio management activities in Cyprus. The Cyprus Securities Market Law is a local implementation of MiFID II in Cyprus. It establishes a framework for MiFID II investment services such as broker dealer, investment advice, portfolio management activities, dealing on own account, CIF registration and licensing requirements, and the regulation of such activities by CySEC.
Under the Cyprus Securities Market Law, investment activities in the securities market are carried out on the basis of a license to carry out such activities issued by CySEC. A license for broker and dealer activities includes the right to maintain customer accounts for the purposes of providing services bestowed under the license.
Freedom EU currently holds licenses in Cyprus and the EU for conducting investment services, including:
•reception and transmission of orders in relation to one or more financial instruments indicated in our license;
•execution of orders on behalf of clients;
•dealing on own account;
•provision of investment advice; and
•provision of portfolio management services,
as well as the following ancillary services:
•safekeeping and administration of financial instruments, including custodianship and related services;
•granting credits or loans to one or more financial instruments, where the firm granting the credit or loan is involved in the transaction;
•foreign exchange services where these are connected to the provision of investment services; and
•investment research and financial analysis or other forms.
U.S. Regulation
U.S. Securities Market Regulation
Our U.S. subsidiary PrimeEx is registered as a securities broker dealer with the SEC, is a member of various self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") and securities exchanges, including being a "Blue Line" broker dealer on the floor of the NYSE. In 2007, the National Association of Securities Dealers and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the NYSE consolidated to form FINRA, which now serves as the primary SRO of PrimeEx, although the NYSE continues to have oversight over NYSE-related market activities. FINRA regulates many aspects of PrimeEx's business, including registration, education and conduct of its broker dealer employees, examinations, rulemaking, enforcement of these rules and the federal securities laws, trade reporting and the administration of dispute resolution between investors and registered firms. PrimeEx has agreed to abide by the rules of FINRA (as well as those of the NYSE and other SROs), and FINRA has the power to expel, fine and otherwise discipline PrimeEx and its officers, directors and employees. Among the rules that apply to PrimeEx are the uniform net capital rule of the SEC (Rule 15c3-1) and the net capital rule of FINRA. Both rules set a minimum level of net capital a broker dealer must maintain and also require that a portion of the broker dealer's assets be relatively liquid. FINRA may prohibit a member firm from expanding its business or paying cash dividends if resulting net capital falls below FINRA requirements. In addition, PrimeEx is subject to certain notification requirements related to withdrawals of excess net capital. As a result of these rules, our ability to make withdrawals of capital from PrimeEx may be limited. In addition, PrimeEx is licensed as a broker dealer in six U.S. states, requiring it to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations of each of those states. A state regulator may revoke a license to conduct securities business in its state and fine or otherwise discipline broker dealers and their officers, directors and employees.
In January 2022, PrimeEx received regulatory approval from FINRA to conduct investment banking and equity capital markets business. Such business is conducted under the name Freedom Capital Markets.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
In the United States, the 1970 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, broadly prohibits foreign bribery and mandates recordkeeping and accounting practices. The foreign countries where our subsidiaries operate have similar anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws imposed on our subsidiaries. The anti-bribery provisions make it illegal for us, either directly or through any subsidiary that we may acquire, to bribe any foreign official for the purpose of obtaining business. The term "public official" is defined broadly to include persons affiliated with government-sponsored or owned commercial enterprises as well as appointed or elected public officials. The recordkeeping provisions require that we and our subsidiaries make and maintain books that, in reasonable detail, reflect our transactions and dispositions of assets and devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls that enables us to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly recorded in accordance with management's authorizations, that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements, that access to our funds and other assets is permitted only in accordance with management's authorizations, and that the recorded accounts for assets are compared periodically with the existing assets to assure conformity. The FCPA requires that we establish and maintain an effective compliance program to ensure compliance with U.S. law. Failure to comply with the FCPA can result in substantial fines and other sanctions.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
The 2010 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") was enacted in the U.S. to target non-compliance by U.S. taxpayers using foreign accounts. FATCA requires foreign financial institutions, such as certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, to report to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest.
The U.S. has entered into intergovernmental agreements with a number of countries establishing mutually agreed-upon rules for the implementation of the data-sharing requirements of FATCA. Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates have entered into Model 1 intergovernmental agreements with the U.S. containing provisions regulating the process for financial institutions in these countries to collect information on U.S. taxpayer accounts and provide that information to the IRS. In general, the requirements of the agreements concern the analysis of new and existing customer accounts to identify U.S. taxpayers. The agreements require financial institutions in these countries to identify their customers and analyze their products to identify the accounts of customers affected by FATCA and collect all necessary information to classify those accounts in compliance with the requirements of FATCA. After classifying the accounts, financial institutions must regularly present information, including name, taxpayer identification number, and account balance, to the local tax authorities for transfer to the IRS. The agreements also address when financial institutions in these countries are required to withhold taxes to be remitted to the IRS. Pursuant to these
intergovernmental agreements, our subsidiaries in the relevant countries which are financial institutions are required to obtain customer documentation associated with the indicia of the relevant customer's U.S. tax residency status, as well as related account information, and to report it accordingly. A failure by our subsidiaries to comply with FATCA could result in adverse financial and reputational consequences to us as well as the imposition of sanctions or penalties, including responsibility for the taxes on any funds distributed without the proper withholdings having been made.
Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Funding and Economic Sanctions Laws
Anti-money laundering laws, financial record-keeping and reporting laws, and similar legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions where our subsidiaries operate, as well as certain stock exchanges and self-regulatory organizations, impose a variety of rules that require registered broker-dealers to meet "know your customer" requirements and monitor their customers' transactions for potentially suspicious activities.
OFAC, in connection with its administration and enforcement of economic and trade sanctions publishes lists of individuals and companies, known as "Specially Designated Nationals," or SDNs. Assets of SDNs are blocked, and U.S. companies are generally prohibited from dealing with them. OFAC also administers a number of comprehensive sanctions and embargoes that target certain countries, governments and geographic regions. Under our global sanctions compliance policies and procedures, we and our U.S. subsidiaries and, in certain circumstances, our non-U.S. subsidiaries may be prohibited from engaging in transactions involving any individual, entity, country, region or government that is subject to such sanctions. Additionally, our U.S. subsidiary, PrimeEx, operates under its own U.S. sanctions compliance policies and procedures, which govern its own sanctions compliance activities with its institutional customers and with other group companies.
We are committed to compliance with all applicable economic sanctions. As of the date of this annual report, the Russia-related economic sanctions that have been imposed generally do not target our Russian client base, most of whom are members of the emerging Russian middle class population and many of whom live outside of Russia. In the case of a customer or counterparty becoming known to one of our subsidiaries to be subject to sanctions, the relevant subsidiaries take active steps to ensure that we do not violate, or cause a violation of, applicable sanctions. In addition, where sanctions do not apply to particular transactions or activities due to a lack of a nexus to the jurisdiction that imposed the relevant sanctions, our subsidiaries aim to refrain from any conduct that could create exposure to secondary sanctions, taking into account potential conflicting law issues given that certain of these subsidiaries operate in highly-regulated industries in which a disregard of local law requirements results in regulatory and litigation risk. As of March 31, 2024, our Freedom KZ, Freedom Bank KZ, Freedom Global and Freedom EU subsidiaries collectively had customer liabilities relating to sanctioned individuals and entities that represented approximately 3.4% of our total customer liabilities as of such date. These liabilities as of March 31, 2024 consisted of cash balances in blocked brokerage and bank accounts and an approximately $670,000 cash balance of a customer whose sanctioned status was being confirmed at the time and which is not currently a sanctioned entity. During fiscal 2024, we had no revenue from sanctioned clients other than approximately $126,000 of interest accrued during the process of closing the deposit account of a bank which became sanctioned and approximately $13,000 of commission income from the settlement of transactions that occurred before the relevant clients were sanctioned.
FRHC has entered into an agreement with Sum and Substance, a third-party service provider, for the use by the Freedom group of the Sum and Substance all-in-one KYC/AML compliance suite. This compliance suite enables companies to stay compliant while ensuring that users can quickly access services digitally. The services covered by the suite include:
•KYC and AML: ID verification, AML screening, and facematch checks for any jurisdiction.
•Liveness technology: In-house facial biometrics for fast onboarding and continuous checks.
•Video verification: Agent-assisted video verification built to comply with AMLD requirements.
•Chargeback prevention: Verification of payment methods before transactions are made.
Our Freedom EU, FF Armenia, Freedom KZ, Freedom Bank KZ and Freedom Global subsidiaries are currently using the Sum and Substance verification platform, and this platform is currently being implemented at our operations in Kazakhstan. We plan to roll out the Sum and Substance platform so that it is used by all brokerage companies, banks and other companies within our group of companies. Subject to local legislation, some of the features may be limited, but in such as case such features would be replaced by relevant government services. For example, banks in Kazakhstan use the national government system for biometric identification.
At our subsidiaries Freedom KZ and Freedom Global, Sum and Substance is integrated with the World-Check (Refinitiv) database. At our subsidiary Freedom Bank KZ, Refinitiv is integrated with the Colvir banking system. The Refinitiv database is used during the onboarding and ongoing processes, by checking clients. It contains information on individuals and legal entities from more than 715 lists submitted by international and national security agencies and law enforcement agencies. World-Check allows identification of hidden risks associated with individuals or companies that have been included in sanctions lists, involved in money laundering (AML) or the financing of terrorist activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (CFT and/or WMD). Our subsidiary Freedom Bank KZ also uses the Dow Jones database during the onboarding process by checking clients against sanctions lists.
Historically our affiliate FST Belize engaged in a significant amount of trading with us through its omnibus account at Freedom EU. This trading was governed by a Cross-Border Correspondent Relationship Agreement between Freedom EU and FST Belize wherein FST Belize agreed to follow sanctions laws and AML controls that are applicable to brokers in the United States and the European Union and granted us access to its customer records for purposes of compliance monitoring. In accordance with the Cross-Border Correspondent Relationship Agreement, Freedom EU conducted on a regular basis random checks of trades received from FST Belize, whereby it was able to obtain information on, and conduct customer checks on, the beneficial owners who are the beneficiaries of the relevant trades. FST Belize had its own agreement with Sum and Substance and had implemented digital onboarding via its website in the scope of liveness, facematch and AML screening. However, we did not have direct access to FST Belize's customer check systems. Our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize had been terminated as of March 31, 2024.
In addition, we maintain omnibus brokerage accounts for certain other institutional brokerage clients. The order flow from these accounts represents transactions of underlying customers of the relevant institutions, which are executed by the relevant institutions through their omnibus accounts with us. We have agreements with such institutional clients in which they have agreed to comply with AML/CTF controls that are applicable to brokers in the U.S. and EU, and we audit their frameworks and systems by regular risk-based sampling and have access to their underlying customer records for purposes of compliance monitoring. Nevertheless we do not have direct access to such institutional clients' underlying customers or screening systems.
See "Our measures to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions violations may not be completely effective." and "Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company." in "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 7A of this annual report and "Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations - Russia-Ukraine Conflict" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report.
Protection of Customer Assets
Our business is subject to extensive oversight by regulators around the world relating to, among other things, the fair treatment of customers, safeguarding of customer assets and our management of customer funds. Freedom EU is subject to the European Union Markets in Financial Instruments Directive ("MiFID") and/or related regulations and must, when holding funds belonging to customers, make adequate arrangements to safeguard the rights of customers and maintain their records and accounts in a way that ensures their accuracy. As a licensed Kazakhstan broker, Freedom KZ is obliged to maintain segregated accounting of its own and customers' assets. Freedom Global is subject to the AIFC business rules and is required to have systems and controls in place to ensure the proper safeguarding of customer assets which includes conducting proper due diligence of the third parties in which customer assets will be held and confirming that the laws and regulations that govern such third parties are appropriate.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
As part of our business, we routinely receive sensitive and confidential information from our clients. We also collect personal information from our prospective and current employees, as permitted by employment laws and regulations. We are subject to laws and regulations in relation to the privacy of such information in the various jurisdictions where we conduct business or have customers. These include the laws of Kazakhstan, the EU, the UK and the U.S., as well as the rules and regulations of their various state agencies and self-regulatory organizations.
These laws include the data privacy and security frameworks in the European Union and the United Kingdom, each entitled the General Data Protection Regulations, Kazakhstan's Law on Personal Data and Its Protection, Information Technologies and Information Protection, as well as the laws of a number of states of the United States and SEC cybersecurity disclosure rules. These laws, rules and regulations require us to maintain high standards for personal data collection, processing, and retention and impose strict standards for reporting data breaches. They also provide for potentially significant penalties for non-compliance. For a discussion of risks related to data privacy and cybersecurity, see "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 1A and Cybersecurity in Part I Item 1C in this annual report.
MONETARY POLICY
Our earnings are and will be affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including Kazakhstan, the European Union, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Armenia and the United States. The monetary policies of these countries may have a significant effect upon our operating results. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our investor relations website is located at https://ir.freedomholdingcorp.com. We use our investor relations website as a channel for disclosing material non-public information and for complying with SEC Regulation FD and our other disclosure obligations. In addition to our investor relations website, our subsidiaries maintain corporate websites and we may use social media to communicate with the public. It is possible that information we post on social media could be deemed to be material to investors. Accordingly, investors should monitor the website, in addition to following our press releases and SEC filings. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, including annual and quarterly reports, are available free of charge, through our website. We make them available on our website as soon as reasonably possible after we file them with the SEC. The reports we file with or furnish to the SEC are also available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Our corporate governance policies, code of ethics and Board committee charters are also posted on our investor relations website. The content of our website, the websites of our subsidiaries, and the information we communicate through social media is not intended to be incorporated by reference or otherwise included into this annual report or in any other report or documents that we file with the SEC.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risks and uncertainties described in the risk factors below are those that we currently consider material, and the statements contained elsewhere in this annual report, including our financial statements, should be read together with these risk factors. The occurrence of any of, or a combination of, the following risks or uncertainties, or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity, cash flows, or reputation.
Summary of Risk Factors
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could affect our businesses and should be read with the more complete discussion of risks and uncertainties set forth below it.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations:
•Our relatively limited operational history has coincided with sustained market growth, which may not be predictive of future operating results.
•We may not be able to manage our growth effectively.
•We anticipate that acquisitions will continue to play a key role in our growth strategy, but we may be unable to identify, acquire, complete or integrate acquisition targets successfully.
•We have engaged in related party transactions and arrangements, which exposes us to a number of risks.
•Competition in the markets in which we operate may result in a decrease in our market share and/or profitability.
•We plan to incur losses in our new telecommunications and media businesses.
•We may be unable to implement our digital fintech ecosystem strategy successfully.
•We could suffer significant losses from credit exposure.
•Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
•Risks related to our business relationships with third-party broker-dealers, clearing firms and market makers could result in reduced profitability, increased compliance costs, regulatory violations and negative publicity.
•We are subject to potential losses as a result of our clearing and execution activities.
•A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, clients, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
•Our ability to meet our obligations, and the cost of funds to do so, depend on our ability to access identified sources of liquidity at a reasonable cost.
•We may need to raise additional capital, and we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available or available on attractive terms.
•Reductions in our credit ratings or an increase in our credit spreads could adversely affect our business, liquidity and cost of funding.
•Our investments expose us to a significant risk of capital loss.
•We may suffer significant loss from changes in the KASE's requirements related to the discount coefficients on the securities in securities repurchase transactions.
•Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses to us.
•Our modeling and assumptions used in assessing risks in our business may differ materially from actual results.
•In our insurance business, we may not be able to obtain reinsurance at required levels or prices, or otherwise collect on reinsurance, which could increase our exposure or limit our ability to write new policies.
•We are dependent on our executive management team, particularly Timur Turlov, and our ability to hire and retain skilled personnel.
•Extraordinary events beyond our control could negatively impact our business.
•Possible future pandemics may impact the global economy, global financial markets and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
•Our financial results depend on interest rate volatility.
•We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risks.
•Damage to our reputation could harm our business.
Risks Related to the Global Political, Regulatory and Economic Environment:
•Our business and operations may be materially adversely affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
•Sanctions imposed by Ukraine on our Chief Executive Officer and our former Ukrainian subsidiary could have a material adverse effect on us.
•Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
•Emerging markets, such as many of the markets in which we operate, are subject to greater risks than more mature markets, including significant political, economic and legal risks.
•The economies of Kazakhstan and other countries in which we operate are vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in the global economy.
•Kazakhstan's economy is vulnerable to internal political and social unrest.
Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters:
•We are subject to extensive regulation, and the failure to comply with laws and regulations could subject us to monetary penalties or sanctions.
•Financial services firms have been subject to increased regulatory scrutiny increasing the risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory actions.
•As a U.S. public company listed on Nasdaq we have substantial regulatory reporting obligations.
•We are subject to risks related to anti-corruption laws in effect in the United States and the non-U.S. jurisdictions where we conduct business.
•A failure by our subsidiaries to meet capital adequacy and liquidity requirements could affect our operations, financial condition and cash flows.
•The countries in which we operate have changing regulatory regimes, regulatory policies, and interpretations.
•Our measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing violations may not be completely effective.
•If we violate securities laws, or are involved in litigation in connection with a violation, our reputation and results of operations may be adversely affected.
•We are subject to risks related to potential litigation.
Risks Related to Information Technology and Cybersecurity:
•Our operations are highly dependent on the continued and proper functioning of our information technology systems.
•We interact with large volumes of sensitive data that exposes us to IT breach and other data security risks and liabilities.
•The infrastructure on which our IT systems depend is subject to events that could interrupt our ability to operate.
•Failure or compromise of third-party systems operations or security could adversely affect our business and expose us to data breaches and cyber attacks.
•To remain competitive, we must keep pace with rapid technological change.
Taxation Risks Related to Our International Operations:
•Global anti-offshore measures could adversely impact our business.
•Frequent tax law changes in regions where we conduct operations could adversely affect our business and the value of investments.
•Kazakhstan transfer pricing legislation may require pricing adjustments and impose additional tax liabilities.
•Uncertainties and ongoing changes in Kazakhstan's tax regime may have an adverse impact on our business.
•Changes in regulations related to taxes on stock transfers and other financial transactions could reduce the volume of market transactions and impact our business.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Internal Operations:
•As a diversified holding company with few operations of its own, FRHC is reliant on the operations of our subsidiaries to fund its holding company operations.
•As a "controlled company" under Nasdaq rules, we qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that may adversely affect our stock price.
•The interests of our controlling shareholder may conflict with those of other shareholders.
•Civil liability may be difficult or impossible to enforce against us.
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past, and we may identify material weaknesses in the future or fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities:
•The price of our common stock has fluctuated historically and may be volatile.
•Future offerings of securities which would rank senior to our common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
•We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future and, consequently, our stockholders’ ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
Risks Related to our Business and Operations
Our relatively limited operational history has coincided with sustained market growth, which may not be predictive of future operating results.
Our legacy brokerage operations were merged into our holding company, which is a Nevada-incorporated company, in several stages between November 2015 and 2017, and we have grown rapidly over the last several years. For example, our total revenue, net (after presenting our former Russian subsidiaries as discontinued operations) was $689.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, $795.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and $1,635.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Although we have sustained growth over several years, our operational life has been relatively limited compared to longer-term market and macroeconomic cycles. Our operating history has coincided with a period of general growth in the U.S. equity markets, as well as growth in the financial services and technology industries in which we operate. We therefore have not experienced any prolonged downturn or slowdown in macroeconomic or industry growth or any significant downturn in U.S. equity markets and cannot assure that we will be able to respond effectively to any such downturn or slowdown in the future. In addition, our results have been positively affected by net gains on trading securities, primarily driven by increases in market prices of Kazakhstan sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities held in our proprietary portfolio. As such, our recent growth should not be considered indicative of our future performance. Further, as a result of the limited operating history of the Company in its current form, and our rapid growth during sustained favorable market and economic conditions, we have limited financial data that can be used to evaluate our future prospects, which subjects us to a number of uncertainties, including our ability to plan for, model and manage future growth and risks.
We may not be able to manage our growth effectively.
We have experienced recent rapid growth in our business over a short period. Our number of total retail brokerage customer accounts increased from approximately 250,000 as of March 31, 2022 to approximately 530,000 as of March 31, 2024. Our total number of employees increased from 3,421 employees as of March 31, 2022 to 6,197 employees as of March 31, 2024. Our total assets increased by 157% to $8.3 billion as of March 31, 2024 from $3.2 billion as of March 31, 2022. In addition, we have made a number of recent significant acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Freedom Bank KZ and PrimeEx in December 2020, and Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance in May 2022. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 we have also made several acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Aviata LLP ("Aviata") and Internet-Tourism LLP ("Internet Tourism") in April 2023, Arbuz in May 2023, and ReKassa in July 2023. In addition, in November 2023, our Board of Directors approved a plan to expand our business by entering the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan through our Freedom Telecom subsidiary, pursuant to our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem. See
"Products and Services - Digital Fintech Ecosystem and Product Expansion" in "Business" in Part I Item 1 of this annual report. Also in furtherance of our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem, on January 25, 2024, Freedom Telecom established a subsidiary, Freedom Media, for the purposes of providing media content to customers in Kazakhstan.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve a positive return on the investment we make in the general expansion of our business. Moreover, our overall growth has required and will continue to require significant allocation of capital and management resources, further development of our financial, internal controls and information technology systems, continued upgrading and streamlining of our risk management systems and additional training and recruitment of management and other key personnel. At the same time, we must maintain a consistent level of client services and current operations to avoid loss of business or damage to our reputation. If we fail to adequately manage growth, such failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We anticipate that acquisitions will continue to play a key role in our growth strategy, but we may be unable to identify, acquire, complete or integrate acquisition targets successfully.
Acquisitions have been, and continue to be, a significant component of our growth strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to grow our business through acquisitions as we have done historically, that businesses acquired will perform in accordance with our expectations or that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of businesses acquired will prove to be correct.
We will continue to analyze and evaluate the acquisition of strategic businesses or product lines with the potential to strengthen our industry position, expand our customer base or enhance our existing service offerings. There is no assurance that we will identify or successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates in the future, nor is there assurance that completed acquisitions will be successful.
In addition, there are substantial risks associated with acquisitions and expansion into new business areas, including risks that (i) our unfamiliarity with new lines of business may adversely affect the success of such acquisitions, (ii) revenue from such activities might not be sufficient to offset the development, regulatory and other implementation costs, (iii) competing products and services and shifting market preferences might affect the profitability of such activities, and (iv) our internal controls might be inadequate to manage the risks associated with new activities. There is also substantial cost and time expended to complete post-closing integration of acquisitions, including human resource training, data and technology systems and operational processes. We may also incur potential dilution of our brand, assumption of known and unknown liabilities, indemnities and potential disputes with the sellers. Any such difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses and adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, we cannot provide any assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits and/or synergies of any such acquisition or investment.
We have engaged in related party transactions and arrangements, which exposes us to a number of risks.
We have engaged in related party transactions and arrangements, in particular with companies controlled by our Chief Executive Officer Timur Turlov, and we expect to continue to do so from time to time going forward. For example, from the time of our establishment through March 2024, we engaged in a significant volume of transactions with our FST Belize affiliate through its omnibus account arrangement with our Freedom EU subsidiary. In fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively, approximately 14%, 60% and 82% of our fee and commission income was derived from transactions with FST Belize. As of March 31, 2024, we had terminated our omnibus brokerage relationship with FST Belize.
In addition to our transactions with FST Belize, we have also engaged in other related party transactions and arrangements. For example, we have continuing involvement with an affiliated company, microfinance organization Freedom Finance Credit, through the purchase and sale of right of claims of retail loans.
Our entry into related party transactions and arrangements subjects us to certain risks. In particular, related party transactions are generally regarded as increasing the risk of misstatements or omissions in financial reporting, the risk of transactions being done on other than arm’s length terms due to the close ties between the parties involved and the risk of regulatory non-compliance. In addition, the large extent of our related party transactions in the past with FST Belize could have an adverse effect on our relationships with applicable regulators and on our reputation.
Competition in the markets in which we operate may result in a decrease in our market share and/or profitability.
We face intense competition in each of the markets where we offer our services. We compete with international,
regional and local brokerage, banking, and financial services firms that offer an array of financial products and services. Many of the firms with which we currently compete, or will compete in the future, are larger, provide additional and more diversified services and products, provide access to more international markets, and have greater technical, and financial resources. In addition, as part of our strategy to enter the telecommunications and media markets in Kazakhstan, we will compete with various telecommunications operators and other participants in the telecommunications market and with various media providers, respectively. Our competition in the telecommunications area will relate to attracting and retaining customers as well as obtaining licenses and entering into partnerships. If we fail to compete effectively with other firms and participants in any of the markets in which we operate, or with potential new entrants to such markets, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We plan to incur losses in our new telecommunications and media businesses.
Our recently established telecommunications subsidiary, Freedom Telecom, is currently expected to be loss-making for the first several years of its operations, based on assumptions included in our current financial model. Such losses, and increased debt service costs associated with funding the implementation of the strategic plan, will have an adverse effect on our consolidated net income in the relevant periods. Our strategy and budget for Freedom Telecom are currently being reassessed and are subject to revisions, which may be material. In addition, we currently project that our recently established Freedom Media subsidiary will incur losses in the calendar years from 2024 to 2026 with profitability forecasted to commence from the 2027 calendar year onwards, based on assumptions included in our financial model.
We may be unable to implement our digital fintech ecosystem strategy successfully.
A component of our business strategy is to build a digital fintech ecosystem through which our products and services can be provided to our customers. Our ability to execute this strategy could be affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to, the factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
There are substantial risks associated with our efforts to build a digital fintech ecosystem, including risks that (i) our unfamiliarity with new lines of business may adversely affect the success of such actions, (ii) revenue from such activities might not be sufficient to offset the development, regulatory and other implementation costs, (iii) competing products and services and shifting market preferences might affect the profitability of such activities and (iv) our internal controls might be inadequate to manage the risks associated with new activities. If any such expansions into new product markets are not successful, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In particular, we can give no assurance as to our future ability to successfully implement our telecommunications strategy in Kazakhstan in a timely fashion or on profitable terms. Our ability to do so will depend on, among other things, our ability to construct a backbone network, obtain frequency licenses or enter into partnerships with incumbent operators and acquire smaller companies in the sector. Our ability to accomplish our goals in this business area on schedule and within budget, achieve our revenue targets or realize acceptable returns, is subject to a number of risks as a result of factors over which we have no control, including the need for regulatory approvals, the availability of equipment and labor, equipment breakdowns or accidents, adverse weather conditions, social unrest, unforeseen or uncontrollable cost increases and other risks associated with the deployment of new telecommunications infrastructure. We can give no assurance as to the commercial viability of our planned backbone network or our ability to overcome any obstacles we may encounter during their construction or to complete them, or as to our ability to finance our capital expenditures in connection with their establishment. Our ability to operate our telecommunications business, once established, successfully and profitability will also depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Similarly, we can give no assurance as to our future ability to establish a media business in Kazakhstan in a timely fashion or on profitable terms.
Given the various risks to which we are exposed and the uncertainties inherent in the relevant business areas, we cannot guarantee the successful execution of our digital fintech ecosystem strategy. Additionally, the implementation of this strategy may put operational strain on our business and consume management time and focus to the detriment of our existing business operations. If we do not meet our strategic objectives or achieve the results initially expected, we may be unable to recover our investments, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the cost of certain online and technology investments, including any operating losses incurred, could adversely impact our financial performance in the short term and failure to realize the benefits of these investments may adversely impact our financial performance over the longer term.
We could suffer significant losses from credit exposure.
We are exposed to credit risk through our products and assets, such as loans issued, marginal lending, derivatives, debt securities, reverse repurchase agreements, and trading account assets. A decline in the financial condition of our borrowers, brokerage clients, counterparties, or the assets securing these products could negatively impact our financial standing,operational performance and cash flows.
Our loan portfolio may be impacted by global, regional and local macroeconomic and market dynamics, including prolonged weakness in GDP, reductions in consumer spending, decreases in property values or market corrections, growing levels of consumer debt, rising or high unemployment rates, changes in foreign exchange or interest rates, widespread health crises or pandemics, severe weather conditions, and the effects of climate change. Economic or market stresses generally have negative effect on the business landscape and financial markets. Decreases in property values or market adjustments may increase the likelihood of borrowers or counterparties failing to meet their obligations to us, potentially leading to an increase in credit losses.
The main share of our customer loan portfolio is represented by digital mortgage loans issued within the framework of state support programs, funded from the funds of quasi state organizations. We participate in the government mortgage program in which the Kazakhstan government provides funding in the amount of approved mortgages and buys out the mortgages after disbursement with a recourse to the bank in case of default by a borrower. We mitigate our credit risk exposure in this case by our security interest in the financed real estate property. As such, significant rate of mortgage defaults in Kazakhstan could adversely affect our banking operations and the ultimate success of our digital mortgage product.
We reserve for potential credit losses in the future by recording a provision for credit losses through our earnings. This includes the allowance for credit losses based on management’s estimates of current expected credit losses over the life of the respective credit exposures. These estimates are based on a review of past events, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts of future economic situations that might influence the recoverability of our loans. Our approach to determining these allowances involves both quantitative methods and a qualitative framework. Within this framework, management uses its judgment to evaluate internal and external risk factors. However, such judgments are inherently subject to the risk of misjudging these factors or misestimating their effects. We cannot guarantee that charge-offs related to our credit exposures will not happen in the future. Market and economic changes could lead to higher default and delinquency rates, adversely affecting our loan portfolio's quality and potentially resulting in higher charge-offs. While our estimates account for current conditions and anticipated changes during the portfolio's lifetime, actual outcomes could be worse than expected, significantly impacting our financial results, condition and cash flows.
We extend margin loans to our brokerage customers. As of March 31, 2024, we had margin lending receivables in the amount of approximately $1.7 billion and $376.3 million as of March 31, 2023. When we purchase securities on margin, enter into securities repurchase agreements or trade options or futures, we are subject to the risk that we, or our customers, may default on those obligations when the value of the securities and cash in our own proprietary or in the customers' accounts falls below the amount of the indebtedness. Abrupt changes in securities valuations and the failure to meet margin calls could result in substantial financial losses. Margin loans are collateralized by cash and securities in the customers' accounts. The risks associated with margin credit increase during periods of fast market movements, or in cases where collateral is concentrated and market movements occur. During such times, customers who utilize margin loans and who have collateralized their obligations with securities may find that the securities have a rapidly depreciating value and may not be sufficient to cover their obligations in the event of a liquidation. We are also exposed to credit risk when our customers execute transactions, such as short sales of equities that can expose them to risk beyond their invested capital. Because we indemnify and hold harmless our clearing houses and counterparties from certain liabilities or claims, the use of margin loans and short sales may expose us to significant off-balance-sheet risk in the event that collateral requirements are not sufficient to fully cover losses that customers may incur and those customers fail to satisfy their obligations. The amount of risk to which we are exposed from the margin lending we extend to our customers and from short sale transactions by our customers is potentially unlimited and not quantifiable as the risk is dependent upon analysis of a potential significant and undeterminable increase or fall in stock prices. As a matter of practice, we enforce real-time margin compliance monitoring and liquidate customers' positions if their equity falls below established margin requirements.
Our clearing operations also require a commitment of our capital and, despite safeguards implemented through both manual and automated controls, involve risks of losses due to the potential failure of our customers or counterparties to perform their obligations under these transactions If our customers default on their obligations, including failing to pay for securities purchased, deliver securities sold, we remain financially liable for such obligations, and although these obligations are collateralized, we are subject to market risk in the liquidation of customer collateral to satisfy those obligations. While we have established systems and processes designed to manage risks related to our clearing and execution services, we face a risk that such systems and processes might be inadequate. Any liability arising from clearing
and margin operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Furthermore, we have exposure to credit risk associated with our proprietary investments. We rely on the use of credit arrangements as a significant component of our trading strategy. Our investments are subject to price fluctuations as a result of changes in the financial markets' assessment of credit quality. Loss in securities value can negatively affect our financial performance and earnings if our management determines that such securities are other-than-temporarily-impaired ("OTTI"). The evaluation of whether OTTI exists is a matter of judgment, which includes the assessment of several factors. If our management determines that a security is OTTI, the cost basis of the security may be adjusted, and a corresponding loss may be recognized in current earnings. Deterioration in the value of securities held in our proprietary portfolio could result in the recognition of future impairment charges. Even if a security is not considered OTTI, if we were forced to sell the security sooner than intended, we may have to recognize an unrealized loss at that time.
While we have policies and procedures designed to manage credit risk, the policies and procedures may not be fully effective to protect us against the risk of loss.
Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We have derived a significant portion of our fee and commission income from trading activity of certain institutional market maker customers with whom we internalize the execution of trades of our customers. Prior to the end of fiscal 2024, we had such an arrangement indirectly with an institutional market maker customer of our affiliate FST Belize, and since approximately the end of fiscal 2023 we have had such an arrangement directly with an institutional market maker customer of our Freedom Global subsidiary. We receive a commission from such institutional market maker customers for executing their trades, and in the past we earned such commissions indirectly through commissions we received from FST Belize. For the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 we earned fee and commission income from the market maker customer at our Freedom Global subsidiary in an amount of $196.7 million and $24.3 million representing 12% and 7% of our total fee and commission income for fiscal 2024 and 2023, and we earned interest income from margin loans to customers from such customer in an amount of approximately $100 million, representing 6% of our total interest income from margin loans to customers for fiscal 2024. For fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, approximately 14%, 60% and 82% of our fee and commission income from our affiliate FST Belize, respectively, and we understand that the majority of such fee and commission income was attributable to execution of trades of a market maker institution with an account at FST Belize. In addition, approximately 93%, 91% and 82% of our trading income in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, was derived from interest income on Kazakhstan government or quasi-government debt securities. These concentrations of our revenues means that our success financial condition is, in part, dependent on the continuation or increase of our revenues from these particular sources. There can be no assurance that our business, results of operations and financial condition will not be adversely affected by changes to, or the termination of, our relationships with, market maker institutions with whom we conduct a substantial amount of business or adverse developments with regard to the debt securities from which we have derived a substantial amount of trading income.
Risks related to our business relationships with third-party broker-dealers, clearing firms and market makers could result in reduced profitability, increased compliance costs, regulatory violations and negative publicity.
A significant amount of our brokerage business relates to trading in U.S.-listed securities by our brokerage customers. Our PrimeEx subsidiary in the United States is not a licensed clearing firm. When executing trades directly in the U.S. market, we rely on the services of a limited number of third-party U.S.-registered securities broker dealer and clearing firms. We also routinely evaluate opportunities to establish relationships with other U.S.-registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firms. While part of our strategy is to consider acquiring an ownership interest in a self-clearing company in the United States in the future on an opportunistic basis in order to provide us additional access to the U.S. stock markets, there can be no assurance that we will ultimately do so. Damage to or the loss of our relationships with the U.S. registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firm on which we currently rely could impair our ability to continue to provide our customers access to the U.S. markets at the volumes and in the manner they are accustomed to and could result in higher transaction costs for us or our customers, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
A majority of the trades we execute for our brokerage customers are done on an "over-the-counter" basis with counterparties outside the United States, including institutional market makers who hold accounts with us or, previously, with our FST Belize affiliate. Such market maker customers may engage in various trading strategies, including short positions. We earn fee and commission income from such market maker customers for executing their trades. This revenue is sensitive to and dependent on trading volumes and therefore tends to decline during periods in which we experience decreased levels of trading generally. Computer-generated buy/sell programs and other technological advances and
regulatory changes in the marketplace might continue to tighten spreads on transactions, which could also lead to a decrease in our commissions earned from such market maker customers.
Practices involving arrangements with market makers for order flow have drawn heightened scrutiny from the U.S. Congress, the SEC, U.S. state regulators, regulators in the European Union and other regulatory and legislative authorities. Our competitors may adopt different business practices that could affect our market position. Any negative publicity surrounding practices involving arrangements of the type we utilize with market maker customers generally, or our implementation of these practices, could harm our brand and reputation. If our customers or potential customers believe that they might get better execution quality (including better price improvement) directly from stock exchanges or from our competitors that have different execution arrangements, or if our customers perceive our arrangements with our market maker customers to create a conflict of interest between us and them, or if they begin to disfavor the specific market maker customers with which we do business due to. among other things, any negative media attention regarding our arrangements, they might come to have an adverse view of our business model and might decide to limit or cease the use of our platform. Some customers might prefer to invest through our competitors that do not engage in these arrangements or engage in them differently than do we. Any such loss of customer engagement as a result of any negative publicity associated with our market maker customer arrangements could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to potential losses as a result of our clearing and execution activities.
We provide clearing and execution services for our securities brokerage business. Clearing and execution services include the confirmation, receipt, settlement and delivery functions involved in securities transactions. Clearing brokers also assume direct responsibility for the possession or control of customer securities and other assets, the clearing of customer securities transactions and lending money to customers on margin. Self-clearing securities firms are subject to substantially more regulatory control and examination than introducing brokers that rely on others to perform clearing functions. Errors in performing clearing functions, including clerical and other errors related to the handling of funds and securities on behalf of customers, could lead to (i) civil penalties, as well as losses and liability as a result of related lawsuits brought by customers and others and any out-of-pocket costs associated with remediating customers for losses, and (ii) the risk of fines or other actions by regulators. See "We could suffer significant losses from credit exposure." above.
A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, clients, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
Our company faces potential operational risk exposure internally and through our interactions and dependencies on third parties and the infrastructure of the financial services industry. The performance of our operational and security systems, such as computer systems, technologies, data management, and internal processes, along with those belonging to third parties, is crucial. Additionally, we depend on our employees and third parties for routine and ongoing operations. Human errors, misconduct (including fraud), wrongdoing, or failures or breaches in systems or infrastructure by these parties can lead to disruptions within our company and increase our exposure to operational and regulatory risks.
Our ability to meet our obligations, and the cost of funds to do so, depend on our ability to access identified sources of liquidity at a reasonable cost.
Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our obligations, including financial commitments, as they come due. This risk is inherent in our operations and can be heightened by a number of factors, including an over-reliance on a particular source of funding, changes in credit ratings or market-wide phenomena such as market dislocation and major disasters. We fund ourselves principally by issuing long-term debt instruments, from deposits at our bank subsidiary, by issuing hybrid financial instruments, by entering into repurchase agreements and from cash flow from operations.
The proportion of our funding represented by customer deposits has been increasing, and we intend for this proportion to continue to increase going forward as part of our funding strategy. We obtain deposits directly from retail and commercial customers and through brokerage firms that offer our deposit products to their customers. However, customer deposits are subject to fluctuation due to certain factors outside our control, such as increasing competitive pressures for retail or corporate customer deposits, changes in interest rates and returns on other investment classes, or a loss of confidence by customers in us or in the banking sector generally, any of which could result in a significant outflow of deposits within a short period of time. To the extent there is heightened competition among Kazakh banks for retail customer deposits, this competition may increase the cost of procuring new deposits and/or retaining existing deposits, and otherwise negatively affect our ability to grow our deposit base. An inability to grow, or any material decrease in, our deposits could have a material adverse effect on our ability to satisfy our liquidity needs.
Maintaining a diverse and appropriate funding strategy for our assets consistent with our wider strategic risk appetite and plan remains challenging, and any tightening of credit markets could have a material adverse impact on us. In
particular, there is a risk that corporate and financial institution counterparties may seek to reduce their credit exposures to banks and other financial institutions, which may cause funding from these sources to no longer be available. Under these circumstances, we may need to seek funds from alternative sources, potentially at higher costs than has previously been the case, or may be required to consider disposals of other assets not previously identified for disposal, in order to reduce our funding commitments. Widening credit spreads, as well as significant declines in the availability of credit, have in the past adversely affected our ability to borrow on a secured and unsecured basis and may do so in the future. If our available funding is limited or we are forced to fund our operations at a higher cost, these conditions may require us to curtail our business activities and increase our cost of funding, either of which could reduce our profitability, particularly in our businesses that involve investing, lending and market making.
We may need to raise additional capital, and we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available or available on attractive terms.
To satisfy or refinance existing obligations, support the development of our business, adapt to changing business conditions or carry out our growth strategy through acquisitions, we may require additional cash resources. If our existing resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain other borrowings, and we cannot be certain that such additional financing would be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders, and additional indebtedness would result in increased debt service costs and obligations and could impose operating and financial covenants that would further restrict our operations.
Reductions in our credit ratings or an increase in our credit spreads could adversely affect our business, liquidity and cost of funding.
On August 24, 2023, S&P Global Ratings placed the ratings of Freedom Holding Corp., Freedom KZ, Freedom Europe, Freedom Global and Freedom Bank KZ on CreditWatch with negative implications. Reasons provided by S&P Global Ratings for the CreditWatch designation included the risk that certain disclosures in the Company's annual report and recently published allegations by a third party could lead to a loss of critical counterparties and potentially weaken the Company's franchise. On October 31, 2023, S&P Global Ratings removed the ratings of FRHC and its core subsidiaries from CreditWatch on the basis that the immediate fallout from the allegations published by a third party was relatively contained, and it affirmed the long-term credit rating of Freedom Holding Corp. at the "B-" level and long-term and short-term credit ratings of Freedom Finance JSC, Freedom Finance Europe Ltd., Freedom Finance Global PLC and Freedom Finance Kazakhstan Bank JSC at the "B/B" level. The ratings of Freedom KZ and Freedom Bank KZ on the national scale were confirmed at the level of "kzBB+", and S&P Global Ratings revised the outlook on Freedom Holding Corp. and its core subsidiaries to negative. A negative outlook means that the rating agency may revise the rating to a lower level during its next rating action, which may negatively affect our cost of funding and access to liquidity.
Freedom Life has a long-term issuer credit and financial strength rating of of "BB" (negative outlook) and a rating on the Kazakhstan national scale of "kzA+", and Freedom Insurance has a "B+" rating (positive outlook) and "kzBBB+" Kazakhstan national scale rating, in each case from Standard & Poor's. These ratings were affirmed by Standard & Poor's on December 8, 2023.
Reductions in our credit ratings may adversely affect both our ability to obtain long-term funding and our credit spreads and resulting cost of such funding. Our cost of obtaining long-term unsecured funding is directly related to our credit spreads (the amount in excess of the interest rate of benchmark securities that we need to pay). Increases in our
credit spreads can significantly increase our cost of this funding. Changes in credit spreads are continuous, market-driven, and subject at times to unpredictable and highly volatile movements. In addition, decreases in the credit rating of Freedom KZ, or FRHC as its owner, may affect Freedom KZ's brokerage license and impose certain requirements on Freedom Holding Corp. as its owner with respect to Freedom KZ's investment portfolio management capacity. Decreases in the credit rating of Freedom Bank KZ may also impose certain requirements on Freedom Holding Corp. as its owner with regard to its regulatory status as a bank holding company in Kazakhstan.
Our investments expose us to a significant risk of capital loss.
We use a significant portion of our capital to engage in a variety of investment activities for our own account, as well as in our exchange-based market making activities. As of March 31, 2024, our assets included $3.7 billion of trading securities, approximately 30.1% of which consisted of corporate debt securities and approximately 65.3% of which consisted of non-U.S. sovereign debt securities. We have relied on leverage, including by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions, to increase the size of our proprietary securities portfolio. As a result, we may face risks of illiquidity, loss of principal and revaluation of assets. The companies in which we invest may concentrate on markets which are or may be disproportionately impacted by pressures in the sectors on which they focus, and their existing business operations or investment strategies may not perform as
projected. As a result, we may suffer losses from our investment activities. Our proprietary portfolio is concentrated in the sovereign debt instruments of a few non-U.S. countries and debt and equities of a number of companies. A consequence of this investment strategy is that our investment returns could be materially and adversely affected if these investments do not perform as anticipated or if the market performs differently than we forecast. Moreover, because we rely on leverage in our portfolio, when an investment does not perform within the time horizon we project, we face the risk of either having to close the position at a time when the market price or liquidity might be unfavorable, or extending financing arrangements beyond the time frame initially anticipated, which can result in paying higher financing costs than projected. If a significant investment such as this fails to perform as anticipated our return on investment, liquidity, cash flow, financial condition and results of operations could be materially negatively affected, and the magnitude of the loss could be significant.
Substantially all of our investing and market-making positions are marked-to-market on a daily basis, and declines in asset values directly and immediately impact our earnings. Although we may take measures to manage market risk, such as employing position limits, hedging and using quantitative risk measures, we may incur significant losses from our trading activities due to leverage, market fluctuations, currency fluctuations and volatility. To the extent that we own assets, i.e., have long positions, a downturn in the value of those assets or markets could result in losses. Conversely, to the extent we have sold assets we do not own, i.e., have short positions, an upturn in those markets could expose us to potentially large losses as we attempt to cover our short positions by acquiring assets in a rising market. We cannot give assurance that our investing and market-making strategies will be effective in all situations or that those activities will always be profitable. For example, an increase in interest rates, a general decline in debt or equity markets, an inability to properly and cost effectively hedge, economic slowdowns, delays in timing of anticipated events, an inability to identify and engage suitable counterparties, or other market conditions adverse to entities or investments of the type in which we invest or for which we make markets, or other world events, such as wars, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, natural disasters or the outbreak of a pandemic such as Covid-19, could result in a decline in the value of our investments. Additionally, changes in existing laws, rules or regulations, or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or new laws, rules or regulations could have an adverse impact on our investments.
We may suffer significant loss from changes in the KASE's requirements related to the discount coefficients on the securities in securities repurchase transactions.
As part of our investment activities, both as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders and on a proprietary basis, we raise funds through repurchase transactions on the KASE. Our short-term financing is primarily obtained through securities repurchase arrangements. As of March 31, 2024, $2.8 billion, or 75%, of the trading securities held in our proprietary trading account were subject to securities repurchase obligations. The securities we pledge as collateral under repurchase agreements are liquid trading securities with market quotes and significant trading volume.
Depending on the reliability of the instrument used to secure the repurchase transaction, the KASE has established the size of the discount for securities. The discount is a decreasing coefficient that sets the maximum borrowing amount for repurchase transactions in relation to each individual instrument. In the event of unexpected changes in the terms of the discount, we may incur financial losses associated with the need to sell securities to cover liquidity at a cost disadvantageous to us, or due to the need to borrow necessary funds at higher rates.
Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses to us.
Our risk management framework is designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across our operations, including credit, market, liquidity, operational, IT, cybersecurity, legal, regulatory, reputational and ESG risks. We cannot guarantee that our risk management framework will always be effective, as unforeseen circumstances or misjudgments could arise. If our framework fails to address a particular risk effectively, we could face losses that would negatively impact our business, financial position, and prospects. Regulatory bodies in the jurisdictions where we operate might also impose adverse consequences.
Our modeling and assumptions used in assessing risks in our business may differ materially from actual results.
We use modeling and forecasts to estimate exposures, loss trends and other risks, and to assist us in decision-making related to underwriting, pricing, capital allocation, and other issues associated with our businesses. Our models and forecasts are subject to various unverifiable assumptions, uncertainties, model design errors, complexities and inherent limitations, including those arising from the use of historical internal, industry, and unverified, third-party-provided data and assumptions. If, based upon these models, forecasts or other factors, we misprice our products or fail to correctly
estimate the associated risks, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.
We also establish and monitor underwriting guidelines and an approval process for assessing and addressing risks and their limits; however, we cannot assure that the assumptions our guidelines and limits are based on, or the analysis of those assumptions, are correct or will accurately reflect future results. As a result, we cannot assure that these guidelines and approval process will be effective in mitigating our underwriting risks.
In our insurance business, we may not be able to obtain reinsurance at required levels or prices, or otherwise collect on reinsurance, which could increase our exposure or limit our ability to write new policies.
The availability and cost of reinsurance are dependent on market conditions beyond our control. As a result, reinsurance may not be continuously available to us to the extent and on the terms we require to write new business. If we cannot obtain reinsurance or purchase reinsurance at acceptable prices, we would have to either accept an increase in our exposure, or reduce our insurance exposure by limiting writing new policies that we think necessitate reinsurance protections, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our insurance businesses.
Further, our reinsurance programs have counterparty risk that may result in uncollectible claims. Collectability from reinsurers is subject to factors such as whether reinsurers have the financial capacity to make payments, whether insured losses meet the conditions of the reinsurance contract, and whether the reinsurer otherwise disputes coverage. Our inability to recover from reinsurers, for any reason, could have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and business prospects.
We are dependent on our executive management team, particularly Timur Turlov, and our ability to hire and retain skilled personnel.
We depend on the efforts, skills, reputations and business contacts of our executive management team, in particular Timur Turlov, and the management teams of our subsidiaries. These individuals have made significant contributions to our success and we believe our success moving forward depends, to a significant extent, on the experience of these individuals, whose continued service is not guaranteed. If certain individuals leave or are otherwise no longer available to us for any reason, we may not be able to replace them with comparable capable personnel. Due to Mr. Turlov's importance to our company, we would be materially adversely affected if Mr. Turlov ceased to actively participate in the management of our business or left the company entirely. We do not hold “key man” life insurance on Mr. Turlov or any of our other officers or directors.
In addition to the importance of Mr. Turlov and other executive management in our continued growth and success, we are dependent, in part, on our continued ability to hire, adequately train and retain skilled employees. The pool of experienced and qualified employee candidates is limited in some of the geographical areas where we conduct business, and competition for skilled employees can be significant. Additionally, we rely on experienced managerial, marketing and support personnel to effectively manage and operate our business. If we do not succeed in engaging and retaining skilled employees and other personnel or if we experience a loss of such personnel, we may be unable to meet our objectives and, as a result, our business may suffer.
Extraordinary events beyond our control could negatively impact our business.
Our business and operations could be seriously disrupted and our reputation could be harmed, by events or contributing factors that are wholly or partially beyond our control. The occurrence of such extraordinary events, including the emergence of pandemics or other widespread health emergency (or concerns over the possibility of such an emergency); persistent or recurring endemics; political discord and civil unrest; terrorist attacks; cyber attacks; war and armed conflict (including but not limited to the Russia-Ukraine conflict); extreme weather events or other natural disasters; failure of, or loss of access to, technology or operational systems, including any resulting loss of critical data; power, telecommunications or internet outages; or shutdowns of mass transit, could create, and in the cases of Covid-19, civil unrest in Kazakhstan in January 2022, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have created, and may continue to create, economic, governmental and financial disruptions, and could lead to operational difficulties (including shutdowns of our offices, quarantine, shelter in place and travel limitations) that could impair our ability to operate our business.
Possible future pandemics may impact the global economy, global financial markets and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Covid-19 pandemic created financial disruption and impacted the economies of every country in which we operate. Although financial markets have rebounded from the significant declines experienced during the Covid-19 outbreak, signs of underlying economic weakness persist, including elevated levels of market volatility, high unemployment, lack of consumer confidence, depressed levels of business activity in certain sectors, and increased cybersecurity, information security and operational risks resulting from expansion of remote work.
We believe that the interventions from banks and governments in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in the amount of time people spent at home during the pandemic led to an increase in the opening of investment accounts and investing in securities worldwide. The increased levels of customer activity combined with greater market volatility led to significant growth in our customer accounts, trading volume, fee and commission income, gains in our proprietary trading and net income during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. These effects are no longer applicable following the relative return to pre-Covid-19 operating conditions.
If Covid-19 or another highly infectious or contagious disease continues to spread, if the response to contain it is unsuccessful, or if there are adverse changes in political conditions or social unrest as a result of the response, we could experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.
Our financial results depend on interest rate volatility.
Fluctuations in interest rates can impact our earnings. Declines in interest rates can have a detrimental effect on the interest we earn. An increase in interest rates could negatively impact us if we hold securities that have an inverse relationship with interest rates or where market conditions or the competitive environment induces us to raise our interest rates or replace deposits with higher cost funding sources without offsetting increases in yields on interest-earning assets.
To reduce the negative impact of sanctions and other actions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the Kazakhstan economy, the NBK raised the base rate from 10.25% to 16.75% per annum. The base rate was increased to produce an increase in deposit rates to levels needed to compensate for increased depreciation and inflation risks. This was needed to support financial and price stability and protect the savings of Kazakhstan citizens from depreciation. Russia similarly raised interest rates during this period. The rate increases contributed to a significant net loss on our trading securities, largely due to the revaluation of our bond positions. Despite the fact that since then the NBK decreased the base rate to 14.75% per annum, there always remains a possibility of further interest rate hikes in the future which could have negative effects on our earnings.
We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risks.
Because our business is conducted in multiple countries, we face exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. This exposure may change over time as business practices evolve and can have a material impact on our financial statements. Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currencies of our subsidiaries include the Kazakhstan tenge, the Euro, the Ukrainian hryvnia, the Uzbekistan sum, the Kyrgyzstan som, the Azerbaijan manat, the Armenian dram, the British pound sterling and the United Arab Emirates dirham. For financial reporting purposes, those currencies are translated into U.S. dollars as the reporting currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the reporting period. As the value of the functional currencies of our subsidiaries weakens against the U.S. dollar, we may realize losses arising as a result of translating such foreign currencies to U.S. dollars. Conversely, as the value of the U.S. dollar weakens against the functional currencies of our subsidiaries, we may realize gains arising as a result of currency translation.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our results of operations. For example, the countrywide unrest in Kazakhstan in January 2022 and again following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict the government of Kazakhstan imposed rules that included strict restrictions on currency operations between residents and non-residents. Such rules may be imposed when the applicable regulator believes there exists a serious threat to the stability of payment balances, the foreign currency market or economic security and can have a significant impact on currency rate fluctuation.
Damage to our reputation could harm our business.
Maintaining our reputation is critical to attracting and maintaining customers, investors, and employees. If we fail to address, or appear to fail to address, issues that may give increase to reputational risk, we could significantly harm our business. These issues may include, but are not limited to, any of the risks discussed in this Item 1A, including but not limited to legal and regulatory requirements and actions, measures to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and
sanctions violations and management of risks in relation to related party transactions and arrangements . Adverse developments could impair our reputation and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to the Global Political, Regulatory and Economic Environment
Our business and operations may be materially adversely affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Historically, a large portion of our brokerage business was attributable to securities trading by individuals and qualifying institutions in Russia. Although we divested our Russian subsidiaries in February 2023, and we are actively seeking to decrease the amount of our clients located in Russia, the brokerage and banking customers of our non-US subsidiaries continue to include non-sanctioned Russian persons. As a result, we continue to have exposure to Russia, which poses continuing challenges for our business and operations.
Although neither FRHC nor any of its group companies is the subject of any sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union or the United Kingdom, and we have divested our Russian subsidiaries, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could adversely impact our business. For example, given Kazakhstan's extensive historical business ties with Russia, we are exposed to the risk that secondary sanctions could be imposed on participants in the financial sector in Kazakhstan. There is a similar risk that existing international sanctions and countersanctions measures that limit the ability of Russian persons to engage in securities activities in certain securities may be expanded in a manner that curtails our ability to provide brokerage services to such customers through our non-Russian subsidiaries. The effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could also limit our ability to, or make it difficult for us to, enter into agreements with certain counterparties. The materialization of any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.
Sanctions imposed by Ukraine on our Chief Executive Officer and our former Ukrainian subsidiary could have a material adverse effect on us.
On October 19, 2022, Timur Turlov, our former Ukrainian subsidiary Freedom UA (which has been deconsolidated from our financial statements starting from the first quarter of fiscal 2024 due to the uncertainty of our ability to control it) and our two former Russian subsidiaries (which Russian subsidiaries have since been divested) were included on the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine sanctions list, which included more than 2,500 companies and individuals. In connection with these sanctions, the operations of our former Ukrainian subsidiary were suspended. We believe that the inclusion of Mr. Turlov and these subsidiaries on the list was due to perceived connections with Russia. While we believe the inclusion of Mr. Turlov and our former Ukrainian subsidiary on the list is not justified and we have been actively appealing the decision, there can be no assurance as to when they will be removed from the list, if at all. While our former Ukrainian subsidiary is not material in the context of our overall group, the inclusion of Mr. Turlov and our former Ukrainian subsidiary on this list could materially adversely affect our relationships with counterparties and regulators in other jurisdictions and as a result could restrict our ability to conduct our business and carry out our business strategy. In addition, because we have a significant number of Ukrainian brokerage customers that are served by our non-Ukrainian subsidiaries, the existing sanctions imposed by Ukraine or any expansion of such sanctions could adversely affect our brokerage business. See "Russia-Ukraine conflict" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report.
Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
We are committed to compliance with all applicable economic sanctions, including those related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. U.S. economic sanctions include prohibitions that are generally administered and enforced by OFAC. With the exception of OFAC’s Iran and Cuba sanctions programs these prohibitions apply to U.S. persons, including companies organized under the laws of the United States and their overseas branches (such sanctions applicable to U.S. persons are generally referred to as “primary” sanctions) but do not apply to non-U.S. subsidiaries of U.S. persons unless the relevant transactions have a nexus with the United States. U.S. economic sanctions also include “secondary” sanctions that make certain activities of non-U.S. persons sanctionable under U.S. statutes such as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) or the U.S. President’s executive orders. These sanctions are administered by OFAC and/or the U.S. Department of State. We require all of our group companies to fully comply with all U.S. primary sanctions that are applicable to them and/or to transactions with a U.S. nexus in which they are involved. In addition, where sanctions do not apply to particular transactions or activities due to a lack of a nexus to the jurisdiction that imposed the relevant sanctions, our subsidiaries aim to refrain from any conduct that could create exposure to secondary sanctions, taking into account potential conflicting law issues given that certain of these subsidiaries operate in highly-regulated industries in which a disregard of local law requirements results in regulatory and litigation risk.
Because Freedom Holding Corp. is a U.S.-domiciled holding company that operates through its subsidiaries, we are obliged to comply with Ukraine-Russia conflict-related sanctions imposed by the United States, but those sanctions do not apply to the fully independent activities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries where there is no U.S. nexus. If, however, it were determined that Freedom Holding Corp. facilitated activities of its subsidiaries that are prohibited under U.S. sanctions, Freedom Holding Corp. could be subject to civil or criminal penalties under OFAC regulations. In addition, non-U.S. companies that cause U.S. companies to violate OFAC regulations may be subject to enforcement action and thereby the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. This could occur, for example, if one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries were to process a U.S. dollar transaction involving sanctioned securities through the U.S. financial system. The risk of noncompliance may arise in connection with international transactions conducted in U.S. dollars, transfers to or from U.S. bank accounts, or dealings with U.S. broker-dealers.
We maintain omnibus brokerage accounts for several institutional clients. The order flow from these accounts represents transactions of customers of the relevant institutions, which are executed by the relevant institutions through their omnibus accounts with us. While we have agreements with such customers in which they have agreed to comply with sanctions laws, and to grant us access to its customer records for purposes of compliance monitoring upon our request, we do not have direct access to such institutional customers' own customer check systems. While based on the procedures we have performed we believe that the beneficial owners who are the beneficiaries of trades being carried out through such omnibus accounts are not sanctioned persons, because we do not have such direct access we cannot provide assurance that this is the case.
In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees, agents or independent contractors have or may have caused us or any of our subsidiaries to violate applicable economic sanctions laws, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which could be costly and require significant time and attention from senior management. Non-compliance with these laws may result in criminal or civil penalties, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows and cause significant brand or reputational damage.
Sanctions are subject to rapid change, and it is also possible that new sanctions programs could be established, or secondary sanctions could be imposed, by the U.S. or other jurisdictions without warning in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The extent of current sanctions measures, not all of which are fully aligned across jurisdictions, further increases operational complexity for our business and increases the risk of making errors in managing day-to-day business activities within the rapidly evolving sanctions environment.
We are monitoring closely the developing sanctions environment, including Russian countersanctions, and utilizing dedicated corporate governance structures and in-house and outside advisors as and when required to ensure our continued compliance. However, we cannot assure that we can remain in compliance with all sanctions and countersanctions.
See "Russia-Ukraine conflict" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report.
Emerging markets, such as many of the markets in which we operate, are subject to greater risks than more mature markets, including significant political, economic and legal risks.
Generally, investments in emerging markets are only suitable for sophisticated investors who fully appreciate the significance of the risks involved. Investors in emerging markets should be aware that these markets are subject to greater risk than more mature markets, including in some cases significant political, economic and legal risks, including:
•difficulties in enforcing legal rights;
•corruption in certain countries;
•economic volatility and sustained economic downturns;
•restrictive changes in securities brokerage, financial services and banking laws;
•differing and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory regimes;
•unpredictable, uncertain and potentially adverse changes to tax regimes;
•difficulties in developing, staffing, and simultaneously managing a number of international operations;
•risks related to government regulation;
•uncertain protection and enforcement of our intellectual property rights;
•uncertain and changing judicial and regulatory environments and requirements;
•currency exchange rate fluctuations and currency exchange controls;
•procuring adequate insurance; and
•political or social unrest, including domestic protests such as occurred in Kazakhstan in January 2022 and international conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Emerging market governments and judiciaries often exercise broad, unchecked discretion and are susceptible to abuse and corruption. Investors should also note that emerging economies such as Kazakhstan are subject to rapid change and that the information set out herein may become outdated relatively quickly. Moreover, financial, political or social turmoil in any emerging market country can disrupt the local securities markets.
The economies of Kazakhstan and other countries in which we operate are vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in the global economy.
Shocks and fluctuations to the global economy may adversely impact Kazakhstan and the other emerging market countries in which we operate. We estimate that, for fiscal 2024, approximately 89% of our total revenue and most of our total net income was attributable to our operations in Kazakhstan, and as of March 31, 2024, approximately 81% of our total assets were attributable to our operations in Kazakhstan. The economic resilience of Kazakhstan has been tested by global financial shifts and political events, impacting its growth trajectory. Particularly, the Covid-19 pandemic led to a significant downturn in 2020, exacerbated by a sharp decline in oil prices. Although there was a subsequent recovery, the economy's growth rates have been inconsistent, influenced by external challenges such as reduced oil production and supply chain disruptions, partly from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Kazakhstan's heavy reliance on its oil and gas sector, despite diversification efforts, underscores the economy's vulnerability. CPC is the main oil export route (at least two thirds of total oil exports), which runs from fields in the west of the country to a terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Even though Kazakhstan is undertaking efforts to diversify its oil export routes through the Transcaspian International Transport Route (TITR), the CPC will continue to play a major role in the transportation of Kazakhstan's oil. The Russia-Ukraine conflict may cause damages to the Russian port that can lead to a decrease of oil exports for Kazakhstan.
Changes in both the global and domestic environment have resulted in, among other things, lower liquidity levels across the banking sector, tighter credit conditions for Kazakhstan companies generally and fluctuating global demand for, and instability in, the price of crude oil and other commodities and downward pressure on the tenge. For example, the tenge depreciated significantly relative to the U.S. dollar in 2018 mainly due to significant deterioration of external factors, such as depreciation of the Russian ruble and the decrease in crude oil prices (starting from October 2018) due to increased oil reserves and oil production by principal exporters. The tenge depreciated relative to the U.S. dollar by 10.4% in 2020 primarily due to a sharp fall in oil prices caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the tenge depreciated by 8.0% relative to the U.S. dollar during the quarter ended March 31, 2022. However, during fiscal 2024 the value of the tenge largely stabilized and appreciated by approximately 4% against the U.S. dollar.
Kazakhstan and other countries remain vulnerable to external shocks and the economic performance of their trading partners. A significant decline in economic growth in the EU or in any of a country's other major trading partners, including Russia (whether or not resulting from international sanctions), could have a material adverse effect on such country's balance of trade and adversely affect its economic growth.
Weaknesses in the global economy, or a future external economic crisis, may have a negative effect on economies or investors' confidence in the markets where we operate. Such developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Kazakhstan's economy is vulnerable to internal political and social unrest.
The countrywide unrest in Kazakhstan that occurred in January 2022 resulted in major interruptions to Kazakhstan's financial market. As a result of shutdowns (or restrictions on access to) the internet and the state of emergency declared by the president of Kazakhstan, our Kazakhstan subsidiaries, along with other financial institutions in
Kazakhstan, were unable to conduct operations or operated with limited functionality during the unrest. We are currently exploring the possibility of obtaining alternative ways to access the internet in the case of such emergency situations and to eliminate or mitigate the consequences of losing access to the internet. This event also resulted in significant changes to the Kazakhstan government and reshuffling of government officials, which could in turn result in future impacts to the financial markets in Kazakhstan, including possible amendments to legislation that may limit or make it more difficult or expensive to conduct our operations or make our services less attractive to our customers.
Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters
We are subject to extensive regulation, and the failure to comply with laws and regulations could subject us to monetary penalties or sanctions.
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, licensing and oversight in multiple jurisdictions. Laws, regulations and rules or other obligations to which we are subject include but are not limited to those concerning securities brokerage, retail and commercial banking, insurance services, payment services, securities trading, underwriting and market-making, granting of credit, deposit taking, margin lending, foreign currency exchange, data protection and privacy, cross-border and domestic money transmission, cybersecurity, fraud detection, antitrust and competition, consumer protection, U.S. and non-U.S. sanctions regimes, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. See "Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company." above and "Our measures to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing violations may not be completely effective." below. Our Prime Executions subsidiary is a broker-dealer and investment adviser registered with the SEC and is primarily regulated by FINRA.
As we introduce new products and services and expand existing product and service offerings we may become subject to additional regulations, restrictions, licensing requirements and related regulatory oversight.
Compliance with many of the regulations applicable to us involves a number of risks, particularly in areas where applicable regulations may be subject to varying interpretation. Many of the requirements imposed by these regulations are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect customers and other third parties who deal with us. New regulations may result in enhanced standards of duty on our subsidiaries in their dealings with their clients. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities, including through net capital, customer protection and market conduct requirements, including those relating to principal trading.
We have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Notwithstanding these measures, it is possible that our employees, contractors, and agents could nevertheless breach such laws and regulations. We may be subject to legal claims from our customers and counterparties, as well as regulatory actions brought against us by the regulators, self-regulatory agencies and supervisory authorities that oversee and regulate the industries in which we operate.
From time to time, we have been, and in the future may be, subject to investigations, audits, inspections and subpoenas, as well as regulatory proceedings and fines and penalties brought by regulators. We are subject to regulation from numerous regulators, which include, but are not limited to, the NBK, the AFSA, the ARDFM, CySEC and the SEC. We have received various inquiries and formal requests for information on various matters from certain regulators, with which we have cooperated and will continue to do so. If we are found to have violated any applicable laws, rules or regulations, formal administrative or judicial proceedings may be initiated against us that may result in censure, fine, civil or criminal penalties. For example, on February 13, 2023, following an elective audit of Freedom Bank KZ commenced by the ARDFM in June 2022, the ARDFM issued an order providing that Freedom Bank KZ violated a number of banking laws and regulations. In connection with such order, Freedom Bank KZ developed and implemented a remediation plan, the completion of which was confirmed on April 10, 2024. We could also experience negative publicity and reputational damage as a result of future lawsuits, claims or regulatory actions. Any of the foregoing could, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Financial services firms have been subject to increased regulatory scrutiny increasing the risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory actions.
Firms in the financial services industry have been operating in an onerous regulatory environment. The industry has experienced increased scrutiny from a variety of regulators, including the SEC and FINRA in the United States, U.S. state regulators and regulators in non-U.S. jurisdictions. Penalties and fines sought by regulatory authorities have increased substantially. We may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities. Each of the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over us has regulatory powers dealing with many different aspects of financial services, including, but not limited to, the authority to fine us and to grant, cancel,
restrict or otherwise impose conditions on the right to continue operating particular businesses. Increasingly, regulators have instituted a practice of "regulation by enforcement" where new interpretations of existing regulations are introduced by bringing enforcement actions against securities firms for activities that occurred in the past but were not then thought to be problematic. We also may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations (e.g., FINRA) that supervise the financial markets. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action taken against us could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects including our cash position.
As a U.S. public company listed on Nasdaq we have substantial regulatory reporting obligations.
We are subject to extensive corporate governance, reporting and accounting disclosure requirements under U.S. securities laws and regulations of the SEC. These laws, as well as the listing standards of Nasdaq, impose certain compliance requirements, costs and obligations on listed companies. This requires a significant commitment of resources and management oversight. The expenses associated with being a public company include auditing, accounting and legal fees and expenses, investor relations expenses, increased directors' fees, registrar and transfer agent fees and listing fees, as well as other expenses.
Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") or the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory, exchange or market authorities, and related penalties, fines and litigation.
We are subject to risks related to anti-corruption laws in effect in the United States and the non-U.S. jurisdictions where we conduct business.
We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and similar non-U.S. anti-corruption laws that generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value to influence foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or obtaining an unfair advantage.
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws, with more frequent voluntary self-disclosures by companies, aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings, resulting in record fines and penalties, increased enforcement activity, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals.
We operate through subsidiaries in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, the EU, the UAE, the U.S., Germany, and Cyprus including representative offices of our Cyprus broker in Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and Netherlands. Enforcement officials generally interpret anti-corruption laws to prohibit, among other things, improper payments to government officials such as those of the ARDFM, the NBK, AFSA, CySEC, FINRA, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany ("BaFIN"), the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) in Uzbekistan and the National Commission on Securities and Stock Market of Ukraine, which are the principal regulatory bodies that control and monitor our operations in the respective countries in which we operate. Our internal policies and those of our subsidiaries provide for training and compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations. Despite our training and compliance programs, it is possible that our employees, agents or independent contractors may cause us or a subsidiary to violate applicable laws. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees, agents or independent contractors have or may have caused us or a subsidiary to violate applicable anti-corruption laws, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be costly and require significant time and attention from senior management. Non-compliance with these laws may result in criminal or civil penalties, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, result of operations and cash flows.
A failure by our subsidiaries to meet capital adequacy and liquidity requirements could affect our operations, financial condition and cash flows.
As a condition to maintaining our licenses to conduct brokerage, insurance and banking activities, some of our subsidiaries must meet ongoing capital and liquidity standards, which are subject to evolving rules and qualitative judgments by government regulators regarding the adequacy of their capital and internal assessment of their capital needs. These net capital rules may limit the ability of each subsidiary to transfer capital to us. New regulatory capital, liquidity, and stress testing requirements may limit or otherwise restrict how each subsidiary utilizes its capital and may require us to increase our capital and/or liquidity or to limit our growth. Failure by our subsidiaries to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could
adversely affect the licenses of our subsidiaries, as well as our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The countries in which we operate have changing regulatory regimes, regulatory policies, and interpretations.
The countries in which we operate have differing, and sometimes conflicting, regulatory regimes governing the delivery of financial services in each country, the transfer of funds to and from such countries, and other aspects of the broker-dealer, finance, investment, banking, and insurance industries. In some jurisdictions where we operate, these provisions were promulgated during changing political circumstances, are continuing to change and may be relatively untested, particularly insofar as they apply to foreign investments by residents of various countries.
Therefore, there may exist little or no administrative or enforcement history or established practice that can aid us in evaluating how the regulatory regimes may impact our operations or our customers. It is possible that governmental policies will change or that new laws and regulations, administrative practices or policies, or interpretations of existing laws and regulations including those governing capital, liquidity, leverage, long-term debt, margin requirements, restrictions on leveraged lending or other business practices, reporting requirements and tax burdens will materially and adversely affect our activities in one or more of the countries where we operate. Further, since the history and practice of industry regulation is limited in a number of jurisdictions where we operate, our activities may be particularly vulnerable to the decisions and positions of individuals, who may change, be subject to external pressures, or administer policies inconsistently. Internal bureaucratic politics may have unpredictable and negative consequences. If we fail to develop and maintain good working relationships with local regulators, or a local regulator determines that we have violated local laws in a particular market it could negatively impact our businesses in that market and our reputation generally.
Our revenue and profitability could be affected by changes to rules and regulations that impact the business and financial sectors generally, including changes to the laws governing foreign ownership, electronic commerce, customer privacy and security of customer data. In addition, changes to laws, rules and regulations or changes in the enforcement of existing laws, rules or regulations, could:
•limit the lines of business we conduct;
•require us to reduce our ownership stake in a subsidiary;
•compel us to terminate certain lines of business in affected jurisdictions;
•require us to reduce our investment position in a particular instrument;
•result in material cost increases including our cost of capital;
•otherwise adversely affect our ability to compete effectively with other institutions that are not similarly impacted;
•require us to modify existing business practices;
•force us to relocate operations or personnel;
•require us to invest significant management attention and resources and legal costs to evaluate and make necessary changes to our compliance, risk management, treasury and operations functions;
•make it uneconomical for us to provide certain services in particular countries; and
•influence how we manage our capital and liquidity.
Our measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing violations may not be completely effective.
Notwithstanding the anti-money-laundering (“AML”) regulations that are in place in Kazakhstan, the EU, the U.S. and other jurisdictions in which we operate, we are subject to the risk that our subsidiaries that are financial institutions could be used as vehicles for money laundering.
Minimum standards and duties according to the anti-money laundering legislation in Kazakhstan, Cyprus, the EU, the U.S. and other jurisdictions where we operate include customer identification, analysis of the customer's economic profile, record keeping, suspicious activity reporting, employee training, an audit function and designation of a compliance officer. Suspicious transactions must be reported on a daily basis to the relevant authorities. We comply with applicable
anti-money-laundering and anti-terrorist-financing laws and regulations. Our anti-money-laundering measures are based on relevant legislation. For example, Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Group (an Associate Member of the FATF) and has enacted laws and regulations to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes. We have procedures and documents aimed at preventing money laundering and financing of terrorist activities, including a general anti-money-laundering policy, employee training, the designation of a compliance officer, internal control procedures that include a refusal policy whereby we may refuse to conduct business with suspicious entities or individuals and rules on counteracting money laundering and financing of individuals and legal entities engaged in terrorist activities. In the case of suspicious transactions, internal suspicion reports (ISRs) are submitted to the local compliance departments for initial internal investigation. In the case of confirmed suspicious transactions, such transactions are reported immediately to the relevant local financial intelligence unit (FIU). We believe that we fully comply with the reporting requirements under applicable legislation related to money laundering or terrorist financing. However, there can be no assurance that third parties will not attempt to use us as a conduit for money laundering or terrorist financing without our knowledge, nor that the measures described above will be completely effective. Any technical or other breaches of the anti-money laundering laws and regulations by us could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Due to the omnibus brokerage accounts we maintain for certain institutional brokerage clients, penalties and other enforcement actions could be brought against us under relevant AML/CTF laws due to breaches by those clients of those laws and regulation and similar laws despite the fact that we have no direct control over the activities or policies of such clients. The order flow from these accounts represents transactions of underlying customers of the relevant institutions, which are executed by the relevant institutions through their omnibus accounts with us. While we have agreements with such institutional clients in which they have agreed to comply with AML/CTF controls that are applicable to brokers in the U.S. and EU, and we test their frameworks and systems by regular risk-based sampling and have access to their underlying customer records for purposes of compliance monitoring, because we do not have direct access to such institutional clients' underlying customers or screening systems, we cannot provide assurance that the beneficial owners who are the beneficiaries of trades being carried out through such omnibus accounts are conducting trades in compliance with applicable AML/CTF laws.
If we violate securities laws, or are involved in litigation in connection with a violation, our reputation and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. In our underwriting business, we are exposed to substantial liability under U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. securities laws, other U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, and court decisions, including decisions with respect to underwriters' liability and limitations on indemnification of underwriters by issuers. For example, a firm that acts as an underwriter may be held liable for material misstatements or omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection with the securities being offered or for statements made by its securities analysts or other personnel. Our underwriting activities will usually involve offerings of the securities of smaller companies, which often involve a higher degree of risk and are more volatile than the securities of more established companies. In comparison with more established companies, smaller companies are also more likely to be the subject of securities class actions, to carry directors and officers liability insurance policies with lower limits or not at all, and to become insolvent. In addition, in market downturns, claims tend to increase. Each of these factors increases the likelihood that an underwriter may be required to contribute to an adverse judgment or settlement of a securities lawsuit.
We are subject to risks related to potential litigation.
We may be subject to legal claims from our customers and counterparties, employment-related claims and other claims. We could experience negative publicity and reputational damage as a result of lawsuits or claims, in addition to potential significant costs incurred to defend ourselves or settle claims and judgments. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Our operations are highly dependent on the continued and proper functioning of our information technology systems.
Our brokerage, financial services and banking businesses are highly dependent on processing, on a daily basis, a large number of communications and increasingly complex transactions across diverse markets, in various languages. These communications and transactions are accomplished primarily through electronic information technology systems
("IT") that are comprised of a wide array of computer systems, software, server and network hardware, internet connectivity and underlying infrastructure that enable them to function. The financial, accounting, or other data processing systems we or the firms that clear transactions on behalf of our customers use may fail to operate properly, become disabled, or otherwise become unavailable, as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. Events causing failures of our systems may include a disruption of electrical, communications, internet or other infrastructure, or related services, or our inability to access or use one or more of our facilities, as a result of any number of occurrences, including, but not limited to, the outbreak of a pandemic such as Covid-19, social unrest such as occurred in Kazakhstan in January 2022, or armed conflict such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For example, during the transition from the calendar year 2022 to the calendar year 2023, Freedom Bank KZ experienced a technical failure in processing transactions on its MultiInvest cards, as a result of which it incurred losses of approximately $3 million. After the error was identified, measures were taken to rectify the issue and provide for timely synchronization of the balances going forward.
In particular, our "Tradernet" electronic trading platform is proprietary technology that plays a key role in both our customers' use of our services and for other important aspects of our business. Errors, failures, delays, interruptions, disruptions, vulnerabilities, bugs, incompatibility, obsolescence, or similar issues with Tradernet, or the software or systems upon which Tradernet relies for its functionality, however caused, could result in business disruptions, financial loss, reputational damage, and other adverse impacts on our business.
Other businesses we currently operate, or that we will establish in the future pursuant to our digital fintech ecosystem strategy, including our planned telecommunications and media businesses, will also be highly dependent on the proper functioning of IT systems and related technology.
If any of our systems do not operate properly or are disabled or otherwise unavailable, or if there are other
shortcomings or failures in our internal processes, personnel, or systems related to the electronic communications and
functionality our operations depend on, we could suffer impairment to our liquidity, financial loss, a disruption of business,
liability to customers, regulatory intervention, or reputational damage. The inability of our systems to accommodate an
increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to expand our business operations.
We interact with large volumes of sensitive data that exposes us to IT breach and other data security risks and liabilities.
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, and transmission of confidential, personal, financial and other information in our computer systems and networks. In particular, our ability to operate our business, and specifically our electronic trading platform, Tradernet, depends on our ability to protect the computer systems, networks and databases that we operate and use from unauthorized intrusions of third parties, including cyber attacks. Our computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, spyware or other malicious code, and other evolving cybersecurity threats.
The occurrence of one or more of these events could: (a) jeopardize confidential and other information processed by, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks or the computer systems and networks of our customers or other third parties with whom we conduct business; or (b) otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or the operations of our customers or third parties with whom we conduct business. In addition, new and expanding data privacy laws and regulations (such as the GDPR, as discussed above in this Item 1A under "We operate in highly regulated industries") are, or soon will be, in effect in many of the jurisdictions where we conduct business. These pose increasingly complex compliance challenges, which may increase compliance costs, and compliance failures could result in significant fines, penalties and liability.
We have previously experienced cybersecurity incidents which breached our information systems, but these were contained by our response teams and generated negligible impacts. There is also a possibility that we are not currently aware of certain undisclosed vulnerabilities in our IT systems and other assets. There is an increased likelihood that escalation of tensions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict could result in cyber attacks that could either directly or indirectly impact our operations. Although our subsidiaries have implemented cybersecurity strategies for mitigating these risks, we cannot be sure that our network and information technology systems will not be subject to such issues, or, if they are, that we will be able to maintain the integrity of our customers' and employees' data or that malware or other technical or operational issues will not disrupt our network or systems and cause significant harm to our operations. If our services are affected by attacks or malware and this degrades our services, our products and services may be perceived as being vulnerable to cyber risk and the integrity of our data protection systems may be questioned. As a result, users and customers may curtail or stop using our products and services, and we might incur reputational damage, litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties, reimbursement or other compensatory costs.
As of the date of this report, most of our employees have returned to working on site rather than remotely, which we believe lessens the overall IT risks associated with widespread remote work. However, possible outbreaks or other events occur in the future, we may again be required to move a significant portion of our workforce to working remotely. We continue use risk management and contingency plans and other precautions designed to address the heightened risk of cybersecurity breaches resulting from a significant remote work force. However, we cannot assure that such measures will continue to adequately protect our business in the event of future transitions of our workforce to remote working, as remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to IT and cybersecurity threats.
The infrastructure on which our IT systems depend is subject to events that could interrupt our ability to operate.
The infrastructure upon which our operations and IT systems depend, including electrical communications and internet, and transportation and other services, are vulnerable to damage or disruptions from events outside our control, including natural disasters, military conflicts, power, telecommunications and internet unavailability or outages, terrorist acts, riots, government shutdown orders, changes in government regulation, equipment or system failures or an inability to access or operate such equipment or systems, human error or intentional wrongdoings, cyber attacks or any other types of information technology security threats.
In addition, as we operate in emerging markets which may have an increased threat of terrorism, military conflict, social unrest or governmental interference with infrastructure, which could result in property damage, business interruption and damage to our brand or reputation. The local authorities may order our subsidiaries to temporarily shut down their entire networks or part or all of our networks may be shut down due to actions relating to military conflicts, social unrest or a nationwide strike. For example, during the social unrest in Kazakhstan that occurred in January 2022, the Kazakhstan government temporarily shut down access to the internet in the country, which resulted in severance of internal communications within our Kazakhstan subsidiaries.
Because we have employees in a number of locations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Germany, Spain, Greece, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Armenia, the UAE, the UK, the U.S. and Cyprus, all of whom need to work and communicate as an integrated team, the functionality of the infrastructure affects our ability to conduct business. If a disruption occurs in one location and our employees in that location are unable to communicate with or travel to other locations, our ability to service and interact with our customers may suffer. While we have contingency plans in place to address such issues, these plans may not always be deployed successfully or be sufficiently adequate to fully offset the impacts of such disruptions. We do not maintain insurance policies to mitigate these risks because such insurance may not be available or may be more expensive than the perceived benefit. Further, any insurance that we may purchase to mitigate certain risks may not cover all losses.
In addition, the computers and data centers that process our trades and payments are located in the same locale. If a catastrophic event were to occur at such a locale it may result in permanent data loss. More generally, substantial property and equipment loss, and disruption in operations as well as any defects in our systems or those of third parties or other difficulties could expose us to liability and materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, any outage or disruptive efforts could adversely impact our reputation and other aspects of our business.
Failure or compromise of third-party systems operations or security could adversely affect our business and expose us to data breaches and cyber attacks.
We rely on certain third-party computer systems or third-party service providers, including clearing systems, other broker-dealers, exchange systems, banking systems, internet service, co-location facilities, communications facilities and other facilities. Any interruption in these third-party services, or deterioration in their performance, could be disruptive to our business. If our arrangement with any third-party is terminated, we may not be able to find an alternative source of systems support on a timely basis or on commercially reasonable terms. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In particular, funds invested by our customers in securities of U.S. companies are transmitted by us to U.S. registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firms. Funds from the sale of securities are transmitted from such U.S. registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firms back to us through international banking electronic transfers, which can experience clerical and administrative mistakes, be subject to technical interruption, be delayed, or otherwise fail to work as planned. We do not have any control over these funds transfers. Failures or substantial delays in funds transfers could impair our customer relationships. Damage to or the loss of our relationships with these U.S. registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firms could also impair our ability to continue to offer such services to our customers which
could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. See "We are dependent upon our relationships with third party U.S.-registered securities broker-dealer and clearing firms to receive and transmit securities and funds internationally." above.
Our success also depends on the continued availability, development and maintenance of the internet infrastructure globally and particularly in the countries in which we operate. This includes maintenance of a reliable network backbone with the necessary speed, data capacity and security for providing reliable internet services. Any disruption in network access provided by third parties or any failure by them to handle current or higher future volumes of use may significantly harm our business. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience interruptions and delays in service from time to time. Furthermore, we depend on hardware and software suppliers for prompt delivery, installation and service of servers and other equipment to deliver our services.
Use of third-party systems and vendors creates additional potential vulnerabilities. These third-parties may have weaker cybersecurity practices than our own. A cyberattack, data breach, or system failure originating within a third-party system could disrupt our operations, compromise sensitive data, or damage our reputation. Despite measures to manage third-party risks, we cannot fully eliminate these exposures.
To remain competitive, we must keep pace with rapid technological change.
The global securities industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology, shifting industry standards and evolving trading systems, practices and techniques. Our customers' needs and demands fluctuate with these changes. We are focused on anticipating and developing technologies to meet the constantly changing demands of the market through ongoing enhancement of our products, services and platforms. If our platforms and systems do not operate properly, are slow to market, provide customers with a poor user experience, or are non-competitive with the offering of our competitors, we could experience a loss in business that could reduce our earnings or cause a loss of revenue.
In particular, our "Tradernet" electronic trading platform is proprietary technology that has taken substantial resources and time to build and requires continued development to remain competitive with other trading platforms. Adoption or development of superior platforms or technologies by our competitors may require us to devote substantial resources to the further development of Tradernet, or other platforms, to remain competitive. Our future success will depend in part on our ability to develop, adapt or acquire up-to-date technology that meets ever evolving industry standards. We may not always be correct or timely in our assessment of how technological changes may impact our business. If we are unable to develop, adapt to, access or acquire technology that meets or exceeds industry standards on a timely and cost-effective basis, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
For example, in Kazakhstan we have developed an online-based platform that integrates Kazakhstan government databases with our services, making our service offerings faster and more convenient than services without such integration. We do not control the relevant government databases and cannot guarantee that we will always have access to such databases or proper functionality with such databases. For us to expand this type of integrated product outside of Kazakhstan, we would be reliant on similar databases being available and able to integrate with our systems in the jurisdictions to which we expand, the availability of which will likely vary greatly among jurisdictions.
Other businesses we currently operate, or that we will establish in the future pursuant to our digital fintech ecosystem strategy, including our planned telecommunications and media businesses, are also subject to rapid technological change.
Furthermore, many of our competitors are larger, more experienced and have greater resources to devote to the development of new technologies and services. If we are unable to keep pace with their development efforts our customers may find our platforms and services less compelling, which could lead to customer losses or a reduction in the revenue we generate from our product and service offerings.
Taxation Risks Related to Our International Operations
Global anti-offshore measures could adversely impact our business.
In 2013, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") and G20 countries accepted that existing international tax rules create opportunities for base erosion and profit shifting. Pursuing solutions to this problem, the OECD and G20 countries adopted a 15-point Action Plan to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("BEPS"). The BEPS package of measures represents a substantial revision of international tax rules. In light of the new measures, it is
expected that profits will be reported where the economic activities that generate them are carried out and where value is created.
The Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters developed by the Council of Europe and the OECD in 1988 and amended by Protocol in 2010 has now been signed by 141 jurisdictions (including Kazakhstan, Armenia and Cyprus). This convention requires competent authorities of jurisdictions-signatories to participate in the exchange of information that is foreseeably relevant for the administration or enforcement of their domestic laws concerning taxes. In 2018 Kazakhstan joined the Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (Common Reporting Standard) (the "CRS"). The CRS calls on jurisdictions to obtain information from their financial institutions and automatically exchange that information with other jurisdictions on an annual basis.
The foregoing developments regarding global information exchange could complicate our tax planning as well as related business decisions and could possibly expose us to significant fines and penalties and to enforcement measures, despite our best efforts at compliance, and could result in a greater than expected tax burden.
On November 24, 2016, the OECD published the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS (the "MLI") which introduces new provisions to existing double tax treaties limiting the use of tax benefits provided thereby. As a minimum standard, the MLI implements a principal purposes test, under which treaty benefits are disallowed if one of the principal purposes of the transaction or the structure was to obtain a tax benefit. The MLI was ratified by Cyprus on January 22, 2020, by Kazakhstan on February 20, 2020 and by Armenia on September 25, 2023. Application of the MLI could potentially limit tax benefits granted under the double tax treaties of Cyprus, Kazakhstan and Armenia.
Frequent tax law changes in regions where we conduct operations could adversely affect our business and the value of investments.
We are subject to a broad range of taxes and other compulsory payments, including, but not limited to, income tax, VAT and social contributions. Tax laws have been in force for a short period relative to tax laws in more developed market economies, and the implementation of these tax laws is still unclear or inconsistent. The tax laws and regulations in our regions outside the U.S. are subject to frequent changes, varying and contradicting interpretations, and inconsistent and selective enforcement. Currently the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is developing new Tax Code which can significantly affect our business.
The Transfer Pricing Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated July 5, 2008, provides for three-level transfer pricing documentation, including a country-by-country report (CbCR). Under the mandatory filing requirements or CbCR in Kazakhstan, if a corporation reaches the reporting threshold established for the group's consolidated revenue (e.g. EUR 750 million) it may be required to submit relevant CbCR reports. The mentioned threshold was reached in FY2024, as such we are required to prepare and submit CbCR during FY2025.
Kazakhstan transfer pricing legislation may require pricing adjustments and impose additional tax liabilities.
Under Kazakhstan transfer pricing legislation, the burden of proving market prices, as well as keeping specific documentation, lies with the taxpayers. In certain circumstances, the local tax authorities may apply the transfer pricing rules and methods in cases where the rules are formally not applicable, claiming additional tax charges calculated using the transfer rules but based on other tax concepts (e.g., anti-avoidance rules, lack of economic justification of expenses, etc.). Our subsidiaries in Kazakhstan could become subject to transfer pricing tax audits by the Kazakhstan tax authorities in the foreseeable future. As a result of such audits, the tax authorities could challenge the level of prices applied by us under "controlled" transactions (including certain intercompany transactions) or challenge the methods used to prove prices applied by us, and as a result we may accrue additional tax liabilities. If additional taxes are assessed with respect to these matters, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.
Uncertainties and ongoing changes in Kazakhstan's tax regime may have an adverse impact on our business.
Kazakhstan's tax regime is subject to ongoing changes, resulting in uncertainties in the interpretation and application of its tax laws. For example, the Kazakhstan government has taken steps to promote investment in its financial markets, including providing a preferential tax regime within the AIFC established by the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 7, 2015 "On the Astana International Financial Center" (the "AIFC Framework Law"). Among other tax benefits, there is an exemption from corporate income tax on commission income earned by an AIFC-registered member from rendering defined financial services in the AIFC. It is currently unclear whether an AIFC-registered member is eligible for the tax benefits if, for example, it renders services online through employees working outside the AIFC. As a result of these uncertainties, the availability of these new tax exemptions to us is currently unclear.
Another tax risk we face is associated with "corporate tax residency" in Kazakhstan. Notably, when an entity is recognized as a Kazakhstan tax resident it is obligated to register with the Kazakhstan tax authorities, calculate and pay Kazakhstan income tax on its worldwide income and comply with other tax-related rules established for Kazakhstan entities. There is uncertainty as to how these residency criteria will be treated and applied by the Kazakhstan tax authorities to FRHC. There is also uncertainty regarding determination of the "beneficial owner" of income under Kazakhstan tax law, for purposes of double-tax treaties. In particular, to date, there are still no officially approved requirements for the documentation to be obtained from the recipient of income claiming beneficial owner status. . In case one of our non-Kazakhstan subsidiaries is not able to provide evidence that it is a beneficial owner of the income which it receives from one of our Kazakhstan subsidiaries, benefits under a double tax treaty will not be applicable, as a result of which the Kazakhstan subsidiary would be required to withhold taxes from such payment at the rate provided by the Tax Code of Kazakhstan without any reductions or exemptions from taxation in Kazakhstan. This could lead to additional tax liabilities for our companies.
More generally, Kazakhstan tax legislation is subject to frequent changes, varying and potentially contradicting interpretations and inconsistencies. There can be no assurance that Kazakhstan tax legislation will be amended in the future in a manner that makes our tax planning more predictable. Further, the introduction of new taxes, amendments to current taxation rules, or new interpretations of existing tax law may have a substantial impact on the overall amount of our tax liabilities. As a result, there is no assurance that we will not be required to make substantially larger tax payments in the future, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Changes in regulations related to taxes on stock transfers and other financial transactions could reduce the volume of market transactions and impact our business.
Changes to laws or regulations, such as tax laws, could also have a disproportionate impact on our business or profitability, based on the way those laws or regulations are applied to us due to our corporate structure. For example, the current U.S. presidential administration has proposed tax policy ideas that if enacted would, among other things, increase the corporate tax rate and the U.S. tax rate on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income ("GILTI").
Because of certain tax advantages we realize in certain jurisdictions where we operate, the proposed changes in the GILTI tax rate by the current U.S. administration, which have not yet been adopted and may change significantly before being implemented, if at all, could result in significantly higher tax burdens on us in the U.S., which could offset some of the favorable tax advantages we realize in some of the jurisdictions where we conduct business.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Internal Operations
As a diversified holding company with few operations of its own, FRHC is reliant on the operations of our subsidiaries to fund its holding company operations.
Our operations are conducted primarily through the subsidiaries of Freedom Holding Corp., and Freedom Holding Corp.'s ability to generate cash to fund its operations and expenses, to pay dividends or to meet debt service obligations is highly dependent on the earnings and the receipt of funds from our subsidiaries through dividends or intercompany loans. Deterioration in the financial condition, earnings or cash flow of our subsidiaries for any reason, including the risks discussed herein as applicable or the occurrence of such events to any such subsidiary, could limit or impair their ability to pay such distributions to Freedom Holding Corp. Additionally, to the extent our subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions under applicable laws or regulations or under the terms of financing arrangements or are otherwise unable to provide funds to the extent of Freedom Holding Corp.'s needs, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
As a "controlled company" under Nasdaq rules, we qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that may adversely affect our stock price.
Timur Turlov controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Accordingly, we qualify as a "controlled company" within the meaning of Nasdaq corporate governance standards. Under Nasdaq rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by one individual is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including the requirements that:
•a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors;
•its nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors;
•each committee have a written charter addressing such committee's purpose and responsibilities; and
•an annual evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee be performed.
We currently utilize an exemption to allow Timur Turlov to sit on our nominating and corporate governance committee. The charters for each of our board committees provide for annual performance evaluations. Currently we have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors.
Our status as a controlled company and resulting available exemptions from corporate governance standards could make our common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
The interests of our controlling shareholder may conflict with those of other shareholders.
Timur Turlov, our chief executive officer and chairman of our board, beneficially owns 69.9% of our outstanding common stock. He currently has voting control of FRHC and can control the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for approval. In addition, Mr. Turlov has the ability to control our management and affairs as a result of his position as our chief executive officer, chairman of our board and his ability to control the election of our directors. Mr. Turlov also has interests in other companies, certain of which, in particular FST Belize, have conducted significant amounts of business with our company and have significantly contributed to our revenues. Such related party transactions give increase to a risk of the conclusion of transactions on terms less favorable than could be obtained in arm’s length transactions. The interests of Mr. Turlov could conflict with those of other stockholders. Any such conflict could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and prospects.
Mr. Turlov is prohibited from membership on the audit committee of our board under the terms of such committee's charter. As majority shareholder, Mr. Turlov owes fiduciary duties to minority shareholders under Nevada law. Mr. Turlov also owes fiduciary duties to the Company as a board member and officer. However, Nevada corporate law can be viewed as more protective of officers and directors than the corporate laws of other U.S. state jurisdictions, and it therefore may not provide the same level of redress as other U.S. state corporate laws.
Civil liability may be difficult or impossible to enforce against us.
Certain of our directors, substantially all of our officers, and our controlling shareholder reside outside the U.S., and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the U.S. in jurisdictions that are not parties to treaties or other agreements with the U.S. for the mutual enforcement of U.S. court judgments. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to enforce against us or such persons judgments of U.S. courts.
For example, the Civil Procedure Code of Kazakhstan, which became effective on January 1, 2016, provides that Kazakhstan courts should recognize and enforce foreign court judgments only if provided for by Kazakhstan law or an international treaty to which Kazakhstan is a party (based on reciprocity). Kazakhstan is not a party to any multilateral or bilateral treaties with the U.S. or the UK (or most other western jurisdictions) for the mutual enforcement of court judgments, and, accordingly, there is a risk that a judgment obtained from a court in New York or England would not be enforceable in Kazakhstan courts. Each of Kazakhstan, the U.S. and the UK are, however, parties to the 1958 New York Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards (the "Convention"), and, accordingly, an arbitral award under the Convention should generally be recognized and enforceable in Kazakhstan provided the conditions to enforcement set out in the Convention and applicable Kazakhstan laws are met. The Civil Procedure Code of Kazakhstan establishes the procedure for the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past, and we may identify material weaknesses in the future or fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
We are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which requires management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires management to provide an annual report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Additionally, we are required to have our independent registered public accounting firm report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm needs to issue an adverse report if there is a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
In preparing our financial statements in connection with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023, we previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Management identified a material weakness due to a deficiency in one of the principles associated with the Control Environment component of the COSO framework, specifically relating to a lack of a sufficient complement of qualified technical accounting and financial reporting personnel to perform control activities in support of preparing the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Control Environment material weakness contributed to other material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, related to the design of our controls over:
•the application of U.S. GAAP to complex transactions;
•the classification of certain loans and deposits from banking institutions within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows;
•the classification of certain interest income from margin lending within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income;
•the classification of funds received under the Kazakhstan state program for financing of mortgage loans “7-20-25” within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and
•the review and timely identification of misstatements in the notes to the Consolidation Financial Statements.
While we have remediated these material weaknesses as of March 31, 2024, we cannot assure you that these or other measures will prevent future material weaknesses from occurring.
As part of our remediation of the material weakness identified above we (a) provided training on U.S. GAAP to employees responsible for preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements; (b) implemented new or modified existing controls over the preparation of the financial statements and (c) hired additional employees and external consultants with appropriate qualifications and expertise in U.S. GAAP and in designing, maintaining and improving procedures and controls focused on the application of U.S. GAAP.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting by us going forward could adversely impact our ability to report our financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a timely and accurate basis. If our financial statements are inaccurate, investors may not have a complete understanding of our operations and we could face the risk of stockholder litigation. Likewise, if our financial statements are not filed on a timely basis, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities
The price of our common stock has fluctuated historically and may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are:
•the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related sanctions and their direct and indirect effects;
•geopolitical and civil unrest in any of the markets in which we operate;
•planned or completed acquisitions or disposals;
•investigations, lawsuits, enforcement actions, and other claims by third parties or governmental authorities;
•new regulatory pronouncements and changes in regulatory guidelines;
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
•changes in market valuations or earnings of similar companies;
•any future sales of our common stock or other securities;
•material breaches of regulations by our employees;
•changes in securities analysts' estimates of our financial performance or lack of research coverage and reports by industry analysts;
•domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance;
•pandemic and epidemic disease;
•announcements by us of significant impairment charges;
•investor perception of us and our industry;
•announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, dispositions or strategic partnerships; and
•speculation in the press or investment community.
Stock markets can experience extreme volatility unrelated to the operating performance of any particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, class action litigation has often been instituted against the affected company. Any litigation of this type brought against us could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Future offerings of securities which would rank senior to our common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our board of directors to fix the relative rights and preferences of our 20,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock, without approval from our stockholders. This could affect the rights of our common stockholders regarding, among other things, voting, distributions, dividends and liquidation. We could also use the preferred stock to deter or delay a change in control of the Company that may be opposed by our management, even if the transaction might be favorable to our common stockholders.
If, in the future, we issue debt or equity securities that rank senior to our common stock, it is possible that such securities will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock and may result in dilution to owners of our common stock. We and, indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our common stock bear the risk that future offerings might reduce the market price of our common stock and dilute the value of their stock holdings in the Company.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future and, consequently, our stockholders’ ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We currently intend to use our future earnings to repay debt, to fund our growth, to develop our business, for working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. We are not likely to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, and the success of an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in the value of our common stock. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain its current value.
Payments of dividends, if any, are at the sole discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including general and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax, and regulatory restrictions and implications of the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries. As such, to
the extent that we determine in the future to pay dividends on our common stock, none of our subsidiaries will be obligated to make funds available to us for the payment of such dividends. Further, Nevada law imposes additional requirements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
We lease and own a number of properties across our business segments: Brokerage, Banking, Insurance, and Other, through which we conduct our operations.
We currently lease office space for 265 retail, executive, administrative and operational facilities in Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the United States, Turkey, Germany, Spain, France, Greece and Kyrgyzstan. Our total aggregate leased square footage is approximately 562,380 square feet. We own 20 buildings consisting of an aggregate of approximately 287,913 square feet, in Kazakhstan and Cyprus.
In our Insurance and Bank segments collectively, as of March 31, 2024, we owned 16 buildings consisting of approximately 129,992 square feet and we leased offices consisting of an aggregate of 112,688 square feet. Our Insurance and Bank segment properties include our principal executive offices, which are located at "Esentai Tower" BC, Floor 7, 77/7 Al Farabi Ave., Almaty, Kazakhstan 050040, and which are leased.
In our Other segment we own two buildings consisting of approximately 83,014 square feet. As of March 31, 2024, the area of leased offices in our Other segment was 254,598 square feet.
In our Brokerage segment we own 2 buildings consisting of approximately 74,907 square feet. As of March 31, 2024, the area of leased offices in our Brokerage segment was 195,094 square feet. Our principal property in our Brokerage segment is our office building located at Christaki Kranou 20, Freedom Tower, 5th floor, 4041 Limassol, Cyprus with an area of 6,959 square meters (approximately 74,906 square feet), which we own. On May 10, 2023, our subsidiary Freedom EU signed a contract for the construction of Elysium Tower, a building in Limassol, Cyprus, which is planned to be a new office building for our Freedom EU subsidiary. Also, we rent our offices in the United States, which are located at 40 Wall Street, 57th and 58th floor, New York, and comprise 15,250 square feet.
We consider our properties to be in good condition. While we believe our properties are adequate for our current needs, we have engaged in a number of business acquisitions in the past, and future acquisitions may require us to add additional space or dispose of existing space. For additional information regarding our office lease commitments see Note 27 "Leases" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The financial services industry is highly regulated. In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of litigation involving the brokerage industry, including customer and shareholder class action suits that generally seek substantial damages, including in some cases punitive damages. Compliance and trading problems that are reported to federal, state and provincial regulators, exchanges or other self-regulatory organizations by dissatisfied customers are investigated by such regulatory bodies, and, if pursued by such regulatory body or such customers, may increase to the
level of arbitration or disciplinary action. We are also subject to periodic governmental and regulatory audits and inspections that might result in fines or other charges.
From time to time, we or our subsidiaries may be named as defendants in various routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory inquiries arising out of the ordinary course of our business. Management believes that the results of these routine legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, or on our operations and cash flows. However, we cannot estimate the legal fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with these routine matters and, therefore, are unable to determine whether these future legal fees and expenses will have a material impact on our operations and cash flows. It is our policy to expense legal and other fees as incurred.
Estate of Toleush Tolmakov Litigation
The Estate of Toleush Tolmakov (the “Estate”) commenced a legal action against Freedom Holding Corp., and our subsidiary FFIN Securities, Inc. in the Third Judicial District Court of Salt Lake County, State of Utah in December 2021. This proceeding relates to cash distributions arising from the 2011 sale of a subsidiary of BMB Munai, Inc. (the predecessor to Freedom Holding Corp.) and shares of common stock of the Company belonging to Toleush Tolmakov, who was a shareholder of the Company at the time he died in 2011, and a now defunct British Virgin Islands corporation, in which Mr. Tolmakov may have had an interest. The Company has held the relevant assets since Mr. Tolmakov's death because it does not know to whom they should be distributed and no party has yet established legal right of ownership of the assets. On October 21, 2022, in accordance with an order entered into by the Third Judicial District Court of Salt Lake County, we deposited an amount of $8.4 million into the registry of the court, representing the amount of cash distributions claimed by the Estate. The Company continues to deny any and all liability in this matter. We are currently in settlement discussions with the Estate. We do not believe that the outcome of this legal action could be material to our financial condition.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "FRHC". Our common stock also trades on the KASE under the symbol "US_FRHC".
Holders
As of May 13, 2024, we had approximately 479 shareholders of record. The number of record holders was determined from the records of our stock transfer agent and does not include beneficial owners of common stock whose shares are held in street name (i.e., in the names of various securities brokers, dealers, and registered clearing houses or agencies or similar institutions).
Dividends
We have not declared or paid a cash dividend on our common stock for the past two fiscal years. Any payment of cash dividends on stock in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, contractual and legal restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the operation, development and expansion of our business, and therefore we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" in Part III Item 12 of this annual report for our equity compensation plan information.
Stock Performance Graph
The graph and table below compares our cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and the S&P 500 Diversified Financials index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from March 31, 2019 to March 31, 2024.
The comparisons shown in the graph and table below are based upon historical data. The stock price performance shown in the graph and table below is not necessarily indicative of, nor is it intended to forecast, the future performance of our common stock
3/19 3/20 3/21 3/22 3/23 3/24
Freedom Holding Corp. 100 163 613 685 826 811
S&P 500 100 91 140 160 145 185
S&P 500 Diversified Financials 100 89 142 170 148 188
The performance graph and table shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
During fiscal 2024, we did not sell any unregistered shares of our equity securities.
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities
We did not repurchase any equity securities of the Company during fiscal 2024.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist you in understanding the results of operations and present financial condition of Freedom Holding Corp. ("FRHC") and its consolidated subsidiaries in Part II Item 8 of this annual report as well as the information set forth in Part I Item 1 "Business" of this annual report. Except where the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, references herein to the "Company," "Freedom," "we," "our," and "us") mean Freedom Holding Corp. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors as described under the heading "Special Note About Forward-Looking Information" in this annual report. Actual results could differ materially
from those projected in any forward-looking statements. For additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties, see the disclosure under the heading "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 1A of this annual report.
This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022.
OVERVIEW
Freedom Holding Corp. is organized under the laws of the State of Nevada and acts as a holding company for all of our operating subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries engage in a broad range of activities including securities brokerage, securities dealing for customers and for our own account, market making activities, investment research, investment counseling, investment banking services, retail and commercial banking, insurance products, payment services, and information processing services. We also own several ancillary businesses which complement our core financial services businesses, including telecommunications and media businesses in Kazakhstan that are in a developmental stage.
Our business was founded in order to provide access to the international capital markets for retail brokerage clients. Our business has grown rapidly in recent years. We are pursuing a strategy to become a leader in the financial services industry, serving individuals and institutions desiring enhanced market access to international capital markets using state of the art technology platforms for their brokerage and banking needs.
Our principal executive office is in Almaty, Kazakhstan. We have a presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, France, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates. We divested our Russian subsidiaries in February 2023. Our subsidiaries in the United States include an SEC- and FINRA-registered broker dealer. As of March 31, 2024, we had 6,197 employees, 161 offices (of which 46 offered brokerage services, 52 offered insurance services, 20 offered banking services and seven offered other financial and non-financial services) and 530,000 retail brokerage customer accounts.
Exclusion of Russian subsidiaries presented as discontinued operations
This "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of this annual report focuses exclusively on the continuing operations of the Company in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial results, operating performance, and liquidity discussed herein explicitly exclude our former Russian subsidiaries, which were divested in February 2023 and have been classified as discontinued operations for fiscal 2023. The prior periods discussed in this annual report have also been recasted for discontinued operations. For a comprehensive understanding of the Company's overall financial position, results, and the impact of the discontinued operations, we encourage you to refer to the accompanying financial statements and relevant notes.
Inclusion of insurance companies under the pooling of interest method due to being under common control
As of May 17, 2022, the Company's financials included the acquisition of two insurance companies in Kazakhstan: Freedom Life, a life insurance company, and Freedom Insurance, a direct insurance carrier excluding life, health, and medical coverage. These entities have been considered under common control with the Company since 2018. Prior to the Company's acquisition of these companies, each was wholly owned by the Company's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov, who had previously acquired Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance from a non-related party on February 28, 2018, and August 22, 2018, respectively. The two companies are under common control with the Company since the dates when they were acquired by Timur Turlov. The financial results, operating performance, and liquidity discussed herein explicitly include two insurance companies above-mentioned and prior periods have been recasted accordingly.
Change in reportable segment
Effective from the beginning of the fiscal year 2024, the Company has undergone a strategic realignment in its business management and reporting structure. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President, collectively acting as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), have initiated a new approach to managing our operations. This approach is based on a more segmented analysis of our business activities, allowing for more precise operating decisions and performance evaluations.
Change in accounting principle
On April 1, 2023, we adopted new accounting guidance which requires entities to estimate and recognize an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses for our financial assets in scope. Previously, an allowance for credit losses was recognized based on probable incurred losses. The results for reporting periods beginning on or after April 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326, while prior periods amount continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable
GAAP. For more information regarding adoption of new standard, see "Recent accounting pronouncements" in Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of this annual report.
Summary of Results of Operations
The highlights of our consolidated results for fiscal 2024 are as follows:
•We had total revenues, net of $1,635.1 million for fiscal 2024, as compared to $795.7 million for fiscal 2023, respectively. The increase from fiscal 2023 and 2024 was primarily attributable to the following:
◦Our interest income for fiscal 2024 was $828.2 million, representing an increase of $533.5 million, or 181%, compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of interest income on trading securities. Interest income on loans to customers and margin loans to customers also increased.
◦Our fee and commission income for fiscal 2024 was $440.3 million, an increase of $113.1 million, or 35%, compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in fee and commission income from brokerage services and commission income from payment processing.
◦Our net gain on trading securities for fiscal 2024 was $133.9 million, an increase of $62.8 million, or 88%, compared to fiscal 2023. The majority of the net gain for fiscal 2024 was attributable to appreciation during the course of the fiscal year of Kazakhstan sovereign bonds held in our proprietary portfolio.
◦Our insurance underwriting income for fiscal 2024 was $264.2 million, an increase of $148.8 million or 129%, compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was driven by the expansion of our insurance operations and increase in the number of active insurance contracts from 681,667 as of March 31, 2023 to 807,173 as of March 31, 2024.
•We had net income of $375.0 million for fiscal 2024, as compared to $205.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
•Our total assets increased to $8.3 billion as of March 31, 2024 from $5.1 billion as of March 31, 2023. Of our total assets:
◦Our proprietary trading portfolio increased by 53% to $3,688.6 million as of March 31, 2024 from $2,412.6 million as of March 31, 2023.
◦The loan portfolio of Freedom Bank KZ increased by 68% to $1,374.1 million as of March 31, 2024 from $819.4 million as at March 31, 2023.
•We had approximately 530,000 total retail brokerage customers as of March 31, 2024 as compared to approximately 370,000 as of March 31, 2023.
•We had approximately 3,360,000 bank accounts at our Freedom Bank KZ subsidiary as of March 31, 2024 as compared to approximately 1,662,000 as of March 31, 2023
The operating results for any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our operations have been, and may continue to be, affected by certain key factors as well as certain historical events. The key factors affecting our business and the results of operations include, in particular: market and economic conditions, the growth of retail brokerage activity in our key markets, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, acquisitions and divestitures, the entry into new business areas and markets, our transactions with related parties, our arrangements with market maker customers and governmental policies. Each of these factors is discussed in more detail below.
Market and Economic Conditions
Performance in the financial services industry is heavily influenced by the overall strength of economic conditions and financial market activity, which generally have a direct and material impact on our results of operations and financial condition. These conditions are a product of many factors, which are mostly unpredictable and beyond our control, and may affect the decisions made by financial market participants.
Changes in economic and political conditions, including economic output levels, interest and inflation rates, employment levels, prices of commodities including oil and gas, exogenous market events, consumer confidence levels, and fiscal and monetary policy can affect market conditions. While many global financial markets have shown signs of improvement in recent years, uncertainty remains. A period of sustained downturns and/or volatility in the securities markets, and/or prolonged levels of increasing interest rates, could lead to a return to increased credit market dislocations, reductions in the value of real estate, and other negative market factors which could significantly impair our revenues and profitability.
Financial markets may also be impacted by political and civil unrest occurring in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Russia and Ukraine, South America and Asia. Hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have created global uncertainties around the spread of the conflict, and the potential use of nuclear weapons and have impacted global supply chains of energy supplies and food supplies throughout the world. These issues could have unforeseen and negative impacts upon the financial markets and our company and its operations.
Growth of Retail Brokerage Activity in Our Key Markets
The growth of our business has been driven to a large extent by growth in retail brokerage activity in our key markets. Historically, these markets have included Kazakhstan, Russia and certain other Eastern Europe and Central Asia jurisdictions. Retail brokerage activity in our key markets has grown rapidly in recent years. Our total number of retail brokerage customer increased from approximately 250,000 as of March 31, 2022 to approximately 370,000 as of March 31, 2023, to approximately 530,000 as of March 31, 2024. Internally, we designate "active customers" as those in which at least one transaction occurs per quarter. For the year ended March 31, 2024, we had approximately 96,906 active customers. The increases in the number of our customers have in turn contributed to increases in our customer liabilities over these periods. We currently regard our key markets to be Kazakhstan, Europe and other Central Asian jurisdictions, and we are actively seeking to decrease the amount of our clients located in Russia.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In February 2022, Russia launched a military offensive against Ukraine, which has resulted in a protracted conflict. The war is ongoing, and it is difficult to predict how long it will last. The economies of Russia, Ukraine and the surrounding region, the global economy generally and the Company specifically have been adversely affected by the conflict.
In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, numerous governments, including those of the United States, the EU and the United Kingdom have imposed an extensive range of additional economic sanctions on Russia, certain financial institutions, business enterprises, and key persons in Russia or deemed to be enabling the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The imposed sanctions significantly expand the sanctions first imposed on Russia following the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine and its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. In addition, many businesses are adopting a cautious approach to sanctions and export compliance matters, implementing internal policies that are more restrictive than strictly required by the applicable rules. The Russian government has issued countersanctions as a defensive measure targeted at "unfriendly states" which include the United States and most countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia, as well as imposed restrictions on currency transactions of its own citizens.
Historically, a large portion of our revenues was derived from individuals and institutions in Russia, through accounts at our Russian subsidiaries, through accounts at our non-Russian subsidiaries, and indirectly through accounts held by Russian customers of FST Belize. After careful consideration of the needs of our employees, customers and shareholders and the best interests of our company, shortly after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict we decided to divest our Russian subsidiaries, Freedom RU and Freedom Bank RU. In February 2023, we divested our Russian subsidiaries, including all of their offices and employees. As of March 31, 2022, our Russian subsidiaries had 43 offices and branches and 1,717 employees. Despite the divestiture of these subsidiaries, the scale of our overall business increased from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023. As of March 31, 2022, our total number of employees was 1,704 and our total number of offices was 66. As of March 31, 2023, the number of employees increased to 3,689 and the number of our offices increased to 126. The increase in the scale of our operations between the two fiscal years, despite the divestment of our Russian subsidiaries, was mainly attributable to our growth during fiscal 2023 through several acquisitions. In addition, certain customers of our former Russian subsidiaries opened accounts at our non-Russian subsidiaries, which mitigated the effects of the divestment of our Russian subsidiaries. Although we are actively seeking to decrease the amount of our clients located in Russia, the brokerage and banking customers of our non-US subsidiaries continue to include non-sanctioned Russian persons through their accounts at non-Russian companies within our group. Many of these Russian persons live outside of Russia. We do not regard the total number of Russian persons who are currently our clients to be material in the context of of our total customer base of brokerage, banking and insurance customers. See "Regulation" in "Business" in Part I Item 1 of this annual report.
Even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022, our clients were required to conform to strict anti-money laundering regulations and to undergo ongoing sanctions screening to assure us that they were not subject to United States, EU or UK sanctions that would restrict our ability to do business with them or require us to take regulatory compliance actions in response to their activities. However, the evolving sanctions and countersanctions in connection with the Russia-Ukraine conflict expose us to heightened risks and challenges. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also exposed us to a range of other heightened risks stemming from our actual or perceived connections with Russia, including risks related to our business relationships with counterparties outside of Russia, including commercial banks, settlement banks, stock exchanges and regulators.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also had, and may continue to have, adverse effects on our results of operations related to proprietary trading. For example, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 we sold 7,500,000 shares in the SPB Exchange that we owned and realized a loss from the divestiture in the amount of $73.4 million. We attribute this loss to a combination of factors, including the heightened market uncertainty and increased volatility caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its geopolitical consequences.
On October 19, 2022, the President of Ukraine signed a decree enacting a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) on the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) against more than 1,300 companies and more than 2,500 individuals. Freedom UA's brokerage license was suspended for a period of five years and its assets frozen by the Ukrainian authorities following its inclusion on the sanctions list. The lists of companies and individuals sanctioned included both Freedom UA and Timur Turlov, in his personal capacity. In addition, the list included our two former Russian subsidiaries, which have since been divested. We note that all persons on the Russian list of Forbes entrepreneurs for 2021 were included. In 2021 Mr. Turlov was on this Forbes list and still had Russian citizenship (in the appendix to the presidential decree there is a reference to Mr. Turlov’s Russian citizenship. We note that, prior to June 2022, Mr. Turlov was a Russian citizen. As from June 2022, Mr. Turlov renounced his Russian citizenship and is now a citizen of Kazakhstan. We have made a series of efforts seeking to have Freedom UA and Mr. Turlov removed from the sanctions list. In addition, we have contributed approximately $11.7 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through charitable funds. In view of the ongoing uncertainty related to Freedom UA, the management of the Company has determined that starting from April 1, 2023 the Company does not maintain effective control over Freedom UA. Accordingly, Freedom UA has not been consolidated in the Company's consolidated financial statements in this annual report.
Other than the Ukrainian sanctions described above, none of FRHC, nor any of our group companies, nor any of our current directors or senior management, is a target of sanctions imposed by the United States, the EU or the UK.
As of the date of this annual report, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is ongoing and its effects on us continue to evolve. As such, we expect there will be further impacts and unknown risks related to our business, the substance and reach of which we cannot fully anticipate.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Divestiture of Former Russian Subsidiaries
Historically, a large portion of our trading volume has been derived from individuals and qualifying institutions in Russia, through accounts at our former Russian subsidiaries and through non-Russian accounts. On February 28, 2023, we completed the divestiture of our former Russian subsidiaries. This divestiture has had an impact on our business and results of operations. For more information see "Russia-Ukraine Conflict" above.
Acquisitions
Historically we have been active in pursuing non-organic growth through mergers and acquisitions. We expect this trend to continue in the future. In particular, we plan to make acquisitions as part of our strategy to create a digital fintech ecosystem. Acquisitions and divestitures may have a material effect on our business and financial results. For additional information see Note 1 "Description of Business" and Note 30 "Segment Information" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 and "Business" in Part I Item 1 of this annual report.
Acquisitions we completed in the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years include the following:
•On April 26, 2023, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Internet-Tourism LLP, a Kazakhstan-based online aggregator for buying air and railway tickets, in order to expand our presence in the digital services ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The purchase price paid for the acquisition was $2.0 million.
•On April 26, 2023, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Aviata LLP, a Kazakhstan-based online aggregator for buying air and railway tickets, in order to expand our presence in the digital services ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The purchase price paid for the acquisition was $31.3 million.
•As a result of a series of transactions, we effectively obtained control over Arbuz Group LLP ("Arbuz") on May 22, 2023, and as a result of other transactions we increased our ownership interest to 94.73% by December 31, 2023, with Timur Turlov owning the remaining 5.27%. We acquired Arbuz to accelerate our growth in e-commerce sector. For more details please refer to Note 28 Acquisitions of Subsidiaries in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8.
•On July 27, 2023, we completed the acquisition of 90% of Comrun LLP ("Rekassa"), a Kazakhstan-based digital service for cash transaction data management, in order to expand our presence in the digital services ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The purchase price paid for the acquisition was $3.1 million.
•On January 9, 2024, we completed the acquisition of 100% of DITel LLP ("DITel"), a provider of telecommunications services in Kazakhstan. The purchase price paid for the acquisition was $1.1 million.
Deconsolidation of Freedom UA
On October 19, 2022, Freedom UA was included on the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine sanctions list, which resulted in the blocking of the assets and liabilities of Freedom UA and the suspension of its brokerage license. Due to the uncertainty of our ability to control Freedom UA, the Company believes that it no longer controls Freedom UA starting April 1 2023, and accordingly it has not been consolidated in the financial statements starting from the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
Entry Into New Business Areas and Markets
On November 27, 2023, consistent with our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem, our Board of Directors approved a plan to expand our business by entering the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan through our Freedom Telecom subsidiary. Execution of the new plan is expected to require significant capital expenditure, the specific amount of which is currently uncertain. Total capital expenditures for the development of this business area are currently expected to be required for, among other things, construction of network infrastructure, including a backbone network, obtaining frequency licenses or other rights to provide services where required and acquisitions of smaller companies in the sector. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Expenditures" below. We currently project that Freedom Telecom will incur losses for the first several years of its operations based on assumptions included in our current financial model. While such losses, and increased debt service costs associated with funding the implementation of the strategic plan, will have an adverse effect on our consolidated net income in the relevant periods, the current financial model provides that the successful execution of the new plan will begin to have a significant positive impact on our consolidated net income starting in 2028. Our strategy and budget for Freedom Telecom are currently being reassessed and are subject to revisions, which may be material.
As a further step in implementing our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem, on January 25, 2024, Freedom Telecom established a subsidiary, Freedom Media, in Kazakhstan for the purposes of providing media content to customers in Kazakhstan. It is planned that Freedom Media will offer comprehensive access to an extensive portfolio of television series, movies, documentaries, and exclusive content, covering a wide range of genres. Total capital expenditures required in connection with Freedom Media over the next five years are estimated to be approximately $54 million. We project that Freedom Media will incur losses for the calendar years 2024 and 2025 with profitability forecasted to commence from the calendar year 2026 onwards, based on assumptions included in our financial model.
Related Party Transactions
During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company engaged in various related party transactions, a substantial amount of which were conducted with FST Belize, a corporation registered in and licensed as a broker dealer in Belize. FST Belize was formed in 2014 and is 100% owned by the Company's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov. FST Belize is not part of our group of companies. Between 2022 and 2024, we actively reduced the scale of our omnibus brokerage relationship with FST Belize and had terminated that relationship as of March 31, 2024.
During the fiscal years under review, we received fee and commission income from FST Belize, which had its own brokerage customers. FST Belize's customers included a market maker institution with whom a significant amount of
our customer orders were executed through FST Belize's omnibus brokerage account at Freedom EU. For the year ended March 31, 2023, $197.4 million, or 60% and for the year ended March 31, 2024, $61.4 million or 14% of our total fee and commission income, was derived from the omnibus brokerage relationship between Freedom EU and FST Belize. In fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, approximately 14%, 60% and 82% of our fee and commission income was derived from the omnibus brokerage relationship between Freedom EU and FST Belize. We understand that the majority of the fee and commission income Freedom EU received from FST Belize during these fiscal years was attributable to commissions paid by such market maker customer in connection with its trading. See "Market Maker Customer Arrangements" below. The decrease in fee and commission income generated from FST Belize as a percentage of our total fee and commission income across the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 and 2022 was due to a decrease in the volume of trading activity by FST Belize through its omnibus accounts with us across the respective periods, as a result of ongoing joint efforts by us and FST Belize to encourage clients of FST Belize to open accounts at brokerage companies within our group, in particular Freedom Global and Freedom AR, and conduct ongoing trading through such accounts, consistent with our strategy to reduce and ultimately eliminate our omnibus brokerage relationship with FST Belize. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we estimate that approximately 30,000 customers of FST Belize migrated their brokerage accounts to brokerage companies within our group.
Interest income generated from FST Belize accounted for approximately 3%, 8% and 8% of our total interest income for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, our margin lending receivables due from FST Belize were $- million and $290.2 million, respectively. The decrease in margin lending receivables due from FST Belize was attributable to a significant reduction in the volume of business we conducted involving FST Belize between the two dates, consistent with our strategy to eliminate our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize. Historically, majority of this margin receivable was attributable to a market maker customer.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, our customer liabilities included deposits from FST Belize held by Freedom EU related to brokerage services provided by Freedom EU to FST Belize in the amounts of $0.8 million and $23.7 million, respectively. Part of these deposits as of March 31, 2024 represents funds retained as proceeds following the closing of margin loan and short positions by FST Belize in connection with FST Belize closing its positions in its omnibus accounts of Freedom EU, consistent with our strategy to eliminate our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize.
Our transactions with FST Belize were performed in the ordinary course of our brokerage and banking businesses and such transactions were made on substantially the same terms and conditions as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with similarly situated unaffiliated third parties. In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, our audit committee, all members of which are independent, is responsible for reviewing, approving and overseeing any transaction between the Company, including its subsidiaries, and any related person and any other potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis.
For additional information regarding our transactions with FST Belize, see Note 24 "Related Party Transactions" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.
Market Maker Customer Arrangements
We have derived a significant portion of our fee and commission income and interest income from margin loans to customers from trading activity of certain institutional market maker customers with whom we internalize the execution of trades of our customers. We earn fee and commission income from such market maker customers for executing trades as well as commissions paid by them for order flow, which is net compensation received from firms to which our broker-dealer subsidiaries send equity and options orders, and fees for outstanding short sale positions. We also earn interest income on margin loans we grant to them. Our arrangements with such market maker customers have provided us and our customers with a substantial liquidity pool for trading, including reduced settlement costs for us and enabling faster execution of trades for our customers. Prior to the end of fiscal 2024, we had such an arrangement indirectly with an institutional market maker customer of our affiliate FST Belize, and since approximately the beginning of fiscal 2024 we have had such an arrangement with an institutional market maker customer of our Freedom Global subsidiary. We receive a commission from such institutional market maker customers for executing their trades, and in the past we earned such commissions indirectly through commissions we received from FST Belize. For the year ended March 31, 2024, we earned fee and commission income from the market maker customer at our Freedom Global subsidiary in an amount of $196.7 million, representing 12% of our total fee and commission income for fiscal 2024. For the year ended March 31, 2024, we earned interest income from margin lending from the market maker customer at our Freedom Global subsidiary in an amount of approximately $100 million, representing 6% of our total interest income from margin lending for fiscal 2024. For fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, approximately 14%, 60% and 82% of our fee and commission income from our affiliate
FST Belize, respectively, and we understand that the majority of such fee and commission income was attributable to execution of trades of a market maker institution with an account at FST Belize.
Governmental Policies
Our earnings are and will be affected by the monetary, fiscal and foreign policies of the governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate, in particular Kazakhstan, the European Union and the United States. The monetary policies of these countries may have a significant effect upon our operating results. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.
Key Income Statement Line Items
Revenue
We derive revenue primarily from fee and commission income, net gain on trading securities, interest income, insurance underwriting income, and net gain on foreign exchange operations.
Fee and Commission Income
Fee and commission income consists principally of fees and commissions from brokerage customer trading, banking services, payment processing services and underwriting and market making activities. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from commissions from customers through accounts with transaction-based pricing. Brokerage commissions are charged on investment products in accordance with a schedule we have formulated that aligns with local practices. Part of our brokerage fees from customer trading consists of commissions we receive for from institutional market maker customers for execution of trades requested by them. Fees received for banking services consist primarily of commissions earned from merchants on acquiring operations, commission on transfer and payment processing and commissions on cash operations. Fees for payment processing services are mainly related to the charges for the service of handling and processing particular cash transfer transactions or operations.
Fee and commission income as a percentage of our total revenue was 27%, 41% and 49% in the fiscal years ended , March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively. Retail brokerage service fee and commission income as a percentage of our total fee and commission income was 76%, 88% and 95% in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Interest Income
We earn interest income from trading securities, margin lending, reverse repurchase transactions, and loans to customers. Interest income on trading securities consists of interest earned from investments in debt securities held in our proprietary trading account.
Net Gain/(Loss) on Trading Securities
Net gain/(loss) on trading securities reflects the change in value of the securities held in our proprietary trading portfolio during the relevant period. A net gain or loss is comprised of both realized and unrealized gains and losses during the period. Realized gains or losses are recognized when we close an open position in a security and recognize a gain or a loss on that position. U.S. GAAP requires that we also reflect in our financial statements any unrealized gain or loss on each open securities positions as of the end of each period based on whether the value of the open position is higher or lower at the period end than it was at either: (i) the beginning of the period, if the position was held for the full period; or (ii) at the time the position was opened, if the position was opened during the period. Fluctuations in unrealized gains or losses from one period to another can occur as a result of factors beyond our control, such as fluctuations in the market prices of the open securities positions we hold resulting from market and economic uncertainty arising from global or local events that cause significant market volatility, or even halting of trading in certain markets, all of which occurred as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Fluctuations might also result from factors within our control, such as when we elect to close an open securities position, which would have the effect of reducing our open positions and, thereby potentially reducing or increasing the amount of unrealized gains or losses in a period. These fluctuations can adversely affect the ultimate value we realize from our proprietary trading activities. Unrealized gains or losses in a particular period may or may not be indicative of the gain or loss we will ultimately realize on a securities position when the position is closed. As a result, we might realize significant swings in net gains and losses realized on our trading securities year-over-year and quarter-to-quarter.
Insurance Underwriting Income
Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due; accident and health insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the premium paying period and property; and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.
Net Gain on Foreign Exchange Operations
Net gain on foreign exchange operations reflects the net gain from: (i) the change in value resulting from currency fluctuations of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in any currency other than the functional currency of the entity holding such asset or liability; and (ii) purchases and sales of foreign currency. Under U.S. GAAP, we are required to revalue assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, which can result in gains or losses on foreign exchange operations. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates are beyond the Company's control, and the Company may suffer losses as a result of such fluctuations.
Net (Loss)/Gain on Derivatives
The Company enters into various derivative financial instruments, including forwards and swaps, in the foreign exchange markets. These financial instruments are held for trading and are initially recognized at fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices or valuation models that consider the current market and contractual values of the relevant underlying instruments, along with other factors. Derivative financial instruments with a positive fair value are recorded as assets, while those with a negative fair value are recorded as liabilities. Gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income as net (loss)/gain on derivatives.
Fee and Commission Expense
We incur fee and commission expense in our brokerage, banking, and insurance activities. Fee and commission expense consists of expenses related to brokerage, banking, stock exchange, clearing, depository and agent services. Generally, we expect fee and commission expense from brokerage and banking activities to increase and decrease corresponding to increases and decreases in fee and commission income. For our insurance operations, fee and commission expense arises from the deferral and subsequent amortization of the costs of acquiring business, which are referred to as “deferred acquisition costs” (principally commissions, and other incremental direct costs of issuing policies). Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) for traditional life insurance and long-duration health insurance are amortized over the estimated premium-paying period of the related policies. DAC for property insurance, accident insurance and health insurance is amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies.
Interest Expense
Interest expense includes the expenses associated with our short-term and long-term financing, which consist of interest on securities repurchase agreement obligations, customer accounts and deposits, debt securities issued, and loans received.
Payroll and Bonus
Payroll and bonuses represent the costs incurred by a company in compensating its employees for their services and providing performance-based incentives.
Professional Services
Professional services represent the costs associated with engaging external experts and consultants.
Stock Compensation Expense
Stock compensation expense represents the cost associated with issuing stock grants to employees and executives as part of their compensation packages.
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense represents a component of operating expenses. It signifies the investments made to promote products, services, or the overall brand to a targeted audience, ultimately driving customer acquisition and revenue growth.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense includes lease cost, depreciation and amortization, communications services, software support, representative expenses, business travel expenses, utilities, charity, sponsorship, fines and penalties, taxes other than income tax, rent and other operating expenses.
Insurance Claims Incurred, Net of Reinsurance
Insurance claims incurred are expenses directly associated with our insurance activity, and represent actual amounts paid or to be paid to policyholders when insurable events occur, less any amounts we receive from reinsurers related to the insurable event. This amount is adjusted for changes in loss reserves, including claims reported but not settled (RBNS), claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and not incurred claims reserve (NIC).
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Net of Tax
The functional currencies of our operating subsidiaries are the Kazakhstan tenge, the euro, the U.S. dollar, the Uzbekistan som, Kyrgyzstani som, the Azerbaijani manat, the Armenian dram, the British pound sterling and the United Arab Emirates dirham. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP we are required to revalue our assets from our functional currencies to our reporting currency for financial reporting purposes.
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interest
Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest includes our net income/(loss) attributable to our non-controlling interests in Arbuz and ReKassa. As of March 31, 2024 we held 94.73% of the ownership interest in Arbuz and 90% of the ownership interest in ReKassa. The remaining 5.27% of the ownership interest in Arbuz and 10.00% of the ownership interest in ReKassa are considered as non-controlling interests in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income.
Prior to April 1, 2023, the Company reflected Mr. Tashtitov's ownership interest in Freedom UA as a non-controlling interest in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Given the ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of Freedom UA, the management of the Company determined that starting from April 1, 2023 the Company does not maintain effective control over Freedom UA and it is no longer consolidated in the Company's financial statements. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2024 there are no non-controlling interests in relation to Freedom UA.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
The following comparison of our financial results for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, is not necessarily indicative of future results. Prior period presentations and disclosures were reclassified to provide comparability with current period classifications.
Revenue
The following table sets out information regarding our total revenue, net for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted)
Amount Change %
Change
Fee and commission income $ 440,333 $ 327,215 $ 113,118 35 % $ 335,211 $ (7,996) (2) %
Net gain on trading securities 133,854 71,084 62,770 88 % 155,252 (84,168) (54) %
Interest income 828,224 294,695 533,529 181 % 121,609 173,086 142 %
Insurance underwriting income 264,218 115,371 148,847 129 % 72,981 42,390 58 %
Net gain on foreign exchange operations 72,245 52,154 20,091 39 % 3,791 48,363 1276 %
Net loss on derivatives
(103,794) (64,826) (38,968) 60 % 946 (65,772) (6,953) %
Total revenue, net $ 1,635,080 $ 795,693 $ 839,387 105 % $ 689,790 $ 105,903 15 %
The following table sets out the components of our revenue as a percentage of total revenue, net for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Recasted)
Fee and commission income 27 % 41 % 49 %
Net gain on trading securities 8 % 9 % 22 %
Interest income 51 % 37 % 18 %
Insurance underwriting income 16 % 14 % 10 %
Net gain on foreign exchange operations 4 % 7 % 1 %
Net (loss)/gain on derivatives (6) % (8) % - %
Total revenue, net 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fee and commission income
The following table sets forth information regarding our fee and commission income for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March 31,
Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted)
Amount Change %
Change
Brokerage services $ 333,383 $ 286,732 $ 46,651 16 % $ 318,698 $ (31,966) (10) %
Commission income from payment processing
41,659 6,385 35,274 552 % - 6,385 - %
Bank services 25,180 17,964 7,216 40 % 6,727 11,237 167 %
Underwriting and market-making services 18,801 11,948 6,853 57 % 5,963 5,985 100 %
Other fee and commission income 21,310 4,186 17,124 409 % 3,823 363 9 %
Total fee and commission income $ 440,333 $ 327,215 $ 113,118 35 % $ 335,211 $ (7,996) (2) %
The following table sets out the components of our fee and commission income as a percentage of total fee and commission income, net for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022 (Recasted)
(as a % of total fee and commission income)
Brokerage services 76 % 88 % 95 %
Commission income from payment processing
9 % 2 % - %
Bank services 6 % 5 % 2 %
Underwriting and market-making services 4 % 4 % 2 %
Other fee and commission income 5 % 1 % 1 %
Total fee and commission income 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fee and commission income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $440.3 million, reflecting an increase of $113.1 million or 35% compared to $327.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. This increase was driven by multiple factors, including:
•Fee and commission income from brokerage services generated $333.4 million, representing a 16% increase from $286.7 million in fiscal 2023. This growth was primarily due to an increase in number of retail brokerage
customers from 370,000 in 2023 to 530,000 in 2024. The increase in the number of customers was attributable in part to the migration of customers from FST Belize to brokerage companies within our group during fiscal 2024. The increase in fee and commission income from brokerage services was offset in part by a decrease in fee and commission income from brokerage services from FST Belize, as our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize was wound down and customers of FST Belize closed their accounts with FST Belize and opened accounts with brokerage companies within our group.
•Fee and commission income from payment processing increased to $41.7 million in fiscal 2024 from $6.4 million in fiscal 2023 due to the acquisition of Paybox and its subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. This acquisition has added new revenue streams.
•Fee and commission income from banking services increased compared to fiscal 2023 by 40% to $25.2 million in fiscal 2024 reflecting increased volume of servicing of payment cards and a higher average turnover of merchants. This growth reflects our expanded banking operations and client acquisition strategies.
•Revenue from underwriting and market-making services increased by 57% to $18.8 million, driven by a higher volume of underwriting transactions and enhanced market positioning in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023.
•Other fee and commission income increased by 409% to $21.3 million, largely due to an increase in agency fees generated by our online travel ticket aggregator, which was in turn due to an increase in usage and demand of such services.
Fee and commission income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, amounted to $327.2 million, reflecting a decrease of $8.0 million or 2% compared to $335.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. This decrease was driven by multiple factors, including:
•Brokerage services generated $286.7 million, representing a 10% decrease from $318.7 million in the previous fiscal year. The decline in brokerage services was driven by a decrease in trading volumes and the number of transactions, mainly due to deteriorating stock market conditions and macroeconomic uncertainty. Despite this decrease, we believe it was not indicative of a broader trend but rather a result of high market volatility and geopolitical and economic situations during the period.
•Fee and commission income from banking services increased by $11.2 million to $18.0 million, reflecting growth in payment card servicing and higher average merchant turnover. This growth highlights the successful expansion of our banking operations and effective client acquisition strategies.
•Income from underwriting and market-making services increased by 100% to 11.9 million, driven by higher volumes and size of debt capital market transactions arranged by us and the unique market dynamics resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
•Other fee and commission income also increased by 9% to $4.2 million from $3.8 million in the previous fiscal year.
Net gain on trading securities
Net gain on trading securities was $133.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $62.8 million as compared to $71.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. The following table sets forth information regarding our net gains and losses on trading securities for fiscal 2024, and 2023:
Realized Net Gain/(Loss) Unrealized Net Gain/(Loss)
Net Gain on Trading Securities
Fiscal 2024 $ 38,125 $ 95,729 $ 133,854
Fiscal 2023 $ (36,226) $ 107,310 $ 71,084
Fiscal 2022 $ 206,239 $ (50,987) $ 155,252
During the year ended March 31, 2024, we had a realized gain on trading securities of $38.1 million, which is attributable to debt securities of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan sold during the year ended March 31, 2024. We had an unrealized net gain in the year ended March 31, 2024, due to securities positions we continued to hold at March 31, 2024, having appreciated by $95.7 million. The majority of the unrealized net gain was attributable to
appreciated debt securities of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which appreciation was primarily due to a decline in the NBK's base interest rate during the year ended March 31, 2024.
Net gain on trading securities was $71.1 million for fiscal 2023 as compared to $155.3 million for fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2023, we sold securities for a realized net gain of $37.2 million. This realized gain was offset by a realized net loss of $73.4 million, which was attributable to shares in the SPB Exchange that we sold in fiscal 2023, resulting in realized net loss of $36.2 million. Similarly, securities positions we continued to hold as of March 31, 2023, had appreciated by $56.5 million as compared to March 31, 2022. In addition to this unrealized gain, an unrealized loss of $50.8 million on SPB Exchange shares which was recognized during previous periods was reclassified to realized net loss during fiscal 2023, resulting in an unrealized net gain of $107.3 million for such fiscal year.
Interest income
The following table sets forth information regarding our revenue from interest income for the fiscal years presented:
Year ended March, 31
2024 2023 Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted) Amount Change %
Change
Interest income on trading securities $ 426,428 $ 178,288 $ 248,140 139 % $ 78,327 $ 99,961 128 %
Interest income on loans to customers 176,539 43,486 133,053 306 % 4,617 38,869 842 %
Interest income on margin loans to customers 175,571 34,558 141,013 408 % 14,164 20,394 144 %
Interest income on available-for-sale securities 32,821 27,003 5,818 22 % 22,437 4,566 20 %
Interest income on reverse repurchase agreements and amounts due from banks
16,865 9,836 7,029 71 % 1,658 8,178 493 %
Other interest income
- 1,524 (1,524) (100) % 406 1,118 275 %
Total interest income $ 828,224 $ 294,695 $ 533,529 181 % $ 121,609 $ 173,086 142 %
The following table sets out the components of our interest income as a percentage of total interest income, net for the fiscal years presented:
Year ended March 31,
2022 (Recasted)
(as a % of total interest income)
Interest income on trading securities 51.5 % 60.5 % 64.4 %
Interest income on loans to customers 21.3 % 14.8 % 3.8 %
Interest income on margin loans to customers 21.2 % 11.7 % 11.6 %
Interest income on available-for-sale securities 4.0 % 9.2 % 18.5 %
Interest income on reverse repurchase agreements and amounts due from banks
2.0 % 3.3 % 1.4 %
Other interest income
- % 0.5 % 0.3 %
Total interest income 100 % 100 % 100 %
Interest income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, was $828.2 million, an increase of $533.5 million or 181% compared to $294.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase on interest income on trading securities. Interest income on trading securities increased by 139% to $426.4 million, driven by an expanded trading portfolio and a higher proportion of bonds. This reflects a strategic focus on diversifying the investment portfolio and taking advantage of market opportunities where consistent with our investment policies and principles. In addition, there were increases in interest income on loans to customers, margin loans to customers, reverse repurchase agreements and amounts due from banks, and available-for-sale securities. Interest income from loans to customers increased by 306% to $176.5 million, reflecting the significant expansion of Freedom Bank KZ's loan portfolio. Our digital products, client oriented service and competitive interest rates have attracted a broader customer base. Interest income on margin loans to customers increased by 408% to $175.6 million due to higher utilization of margin
loans by our clients, particularly by an institutional market maker customer, which became our client in the second half of fiscal 2023. We had an increase of $5.8 million, or 22%, in interest income on available-for-sale securities, primarily due to the expansion of our trading portfolio between the two fiscal years. Our interest income on reverse repurchase agreements increased by $7.0 million, or 71%, from $9.8 million as of March 31, 2023, to $16.9 million as of March 31, 2024.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 interest income was $294.7 million, representing an increase of $173.1 million, or 142%, compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase in interest income was primarily attributable to an increase in interest income from trading securities of $100.0 million, or 128%, which was in turn the result of an increase in the total size of our trading portfolio between the two fiscal years and an increase in the amount of bonds we held as a percentage of our total trading portfolio between the two fiscal years. We had trading securities of $2.4 billion as at March 31, 2023, as compared to $1.2 billion as at March 31, 2022. In addition, we had an increase of $38.9 million, or 842%, in interest income on loans to customers between the two fiscal years, which was mainly attributable to an increase in the amount of mortgage loans issued and the purchase of uncollateralized bank customer loans from our affiliate FFIN Credit. Our loans to customers increased by $733.8 million, or 794%, from $92.4 million as of March 31, 2022 to $826.3 million as of March 31, 2023. In addition, we had a $20.4 million, or 144%, increase in interest income on margin loans to customers, resulting from a higher usage of margin loans for trades by our clients, including our affiliate FST Belize, between the two fiscal years. Moreover, this increase was caused by the increase in loan volumes and interest rate.
The following table provides a summary of the monthly average balances and average interest rates for the major categories of interest-earning assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Recasted)
Average balance
Interest-earning assets
Trading securities
$ 3,381,287 (2)
$ 1,532,598 $ 853,541
Loans issued 1,218,935 440,486 29,266
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net
933,797 (1)
406,884 141,948
Available for sale securities, at fair value
221,356 (2)
198,080 153,044
Average yields
Trading securities 12.6 % 11.6 % 9.2 %
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net
8.2 % 7.1 % 10.0 %
Loans issued 14.5 % 9.9 % 15.8 %
Available- for- sale securities, at fair value
14.8 % 13.6 % 14.7 %
Interest income
Interest income on trading securities $ 426,428 $ 178,288 $ 78,327
Interest income on loans to customers 176,539 43,486 4,617
Interest income on margin loans to customers
76,871 28,767 14,164
Interest income on available- for- sale securities
32,821 27,003 22,437
Other interest income 16,865 11,360 2,064
Total interest income
$ 729,524 $ 288,904 $ 121,609
(1) Average balance and average yields relate to margin lending activities.
(2) Average balance, average yields, and interest income relates to corporate debt, non-US sovereign debt and US sovereign debt activities.
Interest income on margin loans to customers includes income accrued on off-balance sheet arrangements, the monthly average balance of which is not included in the table above. These off-balance sheet arrangements mainly included repurchase agreements of our brokerage clients. As of March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the monthly average
balance of off-balance sheet arrangements were $822.5 million, $96.5 million and $0, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 12%, 6%, and 0%, respectively.
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. Changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
Year ended March 31,
2024 vs 2023
Increase/ (decrease) due to change in
Rate Volume Net
Interest income
Interest income on loans to customers
$ 27,813 $ 105,240 $ 133,053
Interest income on margin loans to customers
5,419 42,686 48,105
Interest income on trading securities
16,173 231,967 248,140
Interest income on available-for-sale securities
2,486 3,332 5,818
Other interest income
- - 5,505
Total interest income
$ 51,890 $ 383,226 $ 440,621
Year ended March 31,
2023 vs 2022
Increase/ (decrease) due to change in
Rate Volume Net
Interest income
Interest income on loans to customers $ (1,064) $ 39,933 $ 38,869
Interest income on margin loans to customers
(2,702) 17,305 14,603
Interest income on trading securities 25,165 74,796 99,961
Interest income on available-for-sale securities (1,429) 5,995 4,566
Other interest income
- - 9,296
Total interest income
$ 19,971 $ 138,028 $ 167,295
Insurance underwriting income
Insurance underwriting income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, was $264.2 million, an increase of $148.8 million or 129% compared to $115.4 million in the previous fiscal year. The increase was mainly attributable to a 110% increase in written insurance premiums to $287.8 million, in fiscal 2024 from $137.3 million in fiscal 2023, which was in turn driven by the expansion of our insurance operations and an increase in the number of active insurance contracts from 681,667 as of March 31, 2023 to 807,173 as of March 31, 2024. This growth reflects our successful efforts in diversifying our insurance product offering and expanding our insurance customer base. In addition, there was a decrease in the negative change in the unearned premium reserve to $3.8 million, or 22%. This adjustment indicates improved underwriting practices and a more favorable risk profile. These positive factors were partially offset by a $5.4 million, or 127%, increase in the negative change in reinsurance premiums ceded.
Insurance underwriting income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, was $115.4 million, an increase of $42.4 million or 58% compared to $73.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase was mainly attributable to a 78% increase in written insurance premiums to $137.3 million in fiscal 2023 from $77.1 million in fiscal 2022, which was in turn driven by the expansion of our insurance operations, including an increase in the number of active insurance contracts from 558,530 as of March 31, 2022 to 681,667 as of March 31, 2023. This growth reflects our successful efforts in diversifying our insurance product offerings and expanding our customer base. In addition, there was an increase in the negative change in reinsurance premiums ceded to $3.8 million, or 905% due to expansion of our insurance operations generally, which is reflected by increase in number of active contracts and acquisition of London-Almaty. The foregoing
positive factors were partially offset by an increase in the negative change in unearned premium reserve to $17.7 million in fiscal 2023, from $3.7 million in fiscal 2022.
The following table sets out information on our insurance underwriting income for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March, 31
2024 2023 Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted) Amount Change %
Change
Written insurance premiums $ 287,773 $ 137,346 $ 150,427 110 % $ 77,131 $ 60,215 78 %
Reinsurance premiums ceded (9,647) (4,252) (5,395) 127 % (423) (3,829) 905 %
Change in unearned premium reserve, net (13,908) (17,723) 3,815 (22) % (3,727) (13,996) 376 %
Insurance underwriting income $ 264,218 $ 115,371 $ 148,847 129 % $ 72,981 $ 42,390 58 %
Net gain on foreign exchange operations
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we realized a net gain on foreign exchange operations of $72.2 million compared to a net gain of $52.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. The change was driven by our subsidiary Freedom Bank KZ in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 from the purchase and sale of foreign currency in the amount of $22.2 million, as the volume of currency transactions conducted by such subsidiary increased by 248% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we realized a net gain on foreign exchange operations of $52.2 million compared to a net gain of $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The change was primarily due to a net gain of $45.7 million by our subsidiary Freedom Bank KZ in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 from the purchase and sale of foreign currency, as the volume of currency transactions conducted by such subsidiary increased by 701% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. This net gain was primarily the result of the appreciation of the Kazakhstan tenge relative to the Russian ruble by approximately 16% over the course of fiscal 2023.
Net loss on derivatives
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we had a net loss on derivatives of $103.8 million compared to a net loss of $64.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. Our subsidiary, Freedom Bank KZ, started engaging in currency swaps in fiscal 2023 to diversify its funding sources. As a result of the negative revaluation of those swaps and an increased volume of swaps in fiscal 2024, we realized a loss of $98.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we realized a net loss on derivatives of $64.8 million compared to a realized net gain of $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The change was primarily attributable to our subsidiary, Freedom Bank KZ, which realized net loss of $65.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 in connection with currency swaps entered into to diversify its funding sources.
Expense
The following table sets forth information regarding our total expense for the periods presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted) Amount Change %
Change
Fee and commission expense $ 154,351 $ 65,660 $ 88,691 135 % $ 85,909 $ (20,249) (24) %
Interest expense 501,111 208,947 292,164 140 % 76,947 132,000 172 %
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance 139,561 77,329 62,232 80 % 54,447 22,882 42 %
Payroll and bonuses 181,023 81,819 99,204 121 % 46,288 35,531 77 %
Professional services 34,238 17,006 17,232 101 % 12,682 4,324 34 %
Stock compensation expense 22,719 9,293 13,426 144 % 7,859 1,434 18 %
Advertising expense 38,327 14,059 24,268 173 % 11,916 2,143 18 %
General and administrative expense 120,888 59,971 60,917 102 % 23,533 36,438 155 %
Allowance for expected credit losses 21,225 29,119 (7,894) (27) % 2,502 26,617 1,064 %
Other (income)/expense, net (13,734) (3,448) (10,286) 298 % 4,014 (7,462) (186) %
Total expense $ 1,199,709 $ 559,755 $ 639,954 114 % $ 326,097 $ 233,658 72 %
The following table sets out the components of our expense as a percentage of total expense for the fiscal years presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Recasted)
Fee and commission expense 12 % 12 % 26 %
Interest expense 42 % 37 % 24 %
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance 12 % 14 % 17 %
Payroll and bonuses 15 % 15 % 14 %
Professional services 3 % 3 % 4 %
Stock compensation expense 2 % 2 % 2 %
Advertising expense 3 % 2 % 4 %
General and administrative expense 10 % 11 % 7 %
Allowance for expected credit losses
2 % 5 % 1 %
Other (income)/expense, net (1) % (1) % 1 %
Total expense 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fee and commission expense
The following table sets forth information regarding our fee and commission expense for the periods presented.
Year ended March 31,
Amount Change %Change
2022 (Recasted)
Amount Change %Change
Agency fees expense $ 103,020 $ 23,518 $ 79,502 338 % $ 12,378 $ 11,140 90 %
Bank services 18,121 11,645 6,476 56 % 7,826 3,819 49 %
Brokerage services 16,587 26,148 (9,561) (37) % 60,352 (34,204) (57) %
Exchange services 3,302 2,631 671 26 % 1,669 962 58 %
Central Depository services 446 364 82 23 % 329 35 11 %
Other commission expenses 12,875 1,354 11,521 851 % 3,355 (2,001) (60) %
Total fee and commission expense $ 154,351 $ 65,660 $ 88,691 135 % $ 85,909 $ (20,249) (24) %
The following table sets out the components of our fee and commission expense as a percentage of total fee and commission expense, net for the periods presented.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022 (Recasted)
(as a % of total fee and commission expense)
Agency fees expense 67 % 36 % 14 %
Bank services
12 % 17 % 10 %
Brokerage services
11 % 40 % 70 %
Exchange services
2 % 4 % 2 %
Central Depository services - % 1 % - %
Other commission expenses
8 % 2 % 4 %
Total fee and commission expense
100 % 100 % 100 %
Fee and commission expense increased by $88.7 million, or 135% in fiscal 2024, as compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase of agency fees expense of $79.5 million in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was mainly due to an increase of insurance product sales by Freedom Finance Life, which are outsourced to outside agents. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in fee and commission expense from brokerage services by $9.6 million or 37%, which is the net result of the effect of a decrease in pricing levels as a result of our change to a new prime broker in Europe during fiscal 2023, as a result of which, for part of fiscal 2023 prior to such change, we had a different composition of order flow transactions, which were charged at higher rates than we paid in fiscal 2024. Such decrease was partially offset by an increase in the volume of transactions between the two periods. There was also an increase in other commission expense by $11.5 million.
Fee and commission expense decreased by $20.2 million, or 24%, for fiscal 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022. There were increases in fee and commission expense from bank services of $3.8 million and agency fees expenses of $11.1 million, which were offset by a decrease in brokerage commissions expense by $34.2 million due to our change to a new prime broker in Europe during fiscal 2023, as a result of which, for part of fiscal 2023, we had a different composition of order flow transactions, which were charged at lower rates than we paid in fiscal 2022. The decrease in brokerage commissions expense was also attributable to a decrease in the volume of transactions executed by our brokerage customers between the two fiscal years. Generally, we expect fee and commission expense to increase and decrease in correspondence with increases and decreases in fee and commission income.
Interest expense
For fiscal 2024, we had a $292.2 million, or 140%, increase in interest expense as compared to fiscal 2023. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a $244.1 million, or 154%, increase in interest expense on short-term financing through securities repurchase agreements due to an increase in the volume of such financing, and a $30.4 million, or 75%, increase in interest expense on customer deposits. Compared to the fiscal year ended March 31,
2023, we increased our volume of short-term financing through securities repurchase agreements primarily in order to fund our investment portfolio. The increase in interest on customer deposits was a result of growth of our banking client base due to the expansion of the operations of Freedom Bank KZ between the two fiscal years.
For fiscal 2023, we had a $132.0 million, or 172%, increase in interest expense as compared to fiscal 2022. The increase in interest expense was primarily attributable to a $100.4 million, or 172%, increase in interest expense on short-term financing through securities repurchase agreements due to an increase in the volume of such financing we conducted in fiscal 2023.
The following table provides a summary of the monthly average balances and average interest rates for the major categories of interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Year ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Recasted)
Average balance
Interest-bearing liabilities
Securities repurchase agreement obligations $ 2,590,599 $ 1,182,110 $ 537,303
Customer liabilities 1
1,070,098 433,450 101,307
Debt securities issued 131,047 50,065 25,908
Average rates
Securities repurchase agreement obligations 15.54 % 13.42 % 10.84 %
Customer liabilities 1
6.61 % 9.31 % 16.13 %
Debt securities issued 7.90 % 6.16 % 7.03 %
Interest expense
Interest expense on securities repurchase agreement obligations
$ 402,665 $ 158,595 $ 58,229
Interest expense on customer accounts and deposits
70,778 40,335 16,336
Interest expense on debt securities issued
10,356 3,085 1,822
Other interest expense
17,312 6,932 560
Total interest expense
$ 501,111 $ 208,947 $ 76,947
(1) Average balance, average rates, and interest expense relates to interest-bearing deposits.
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on interest. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), The net column represents the sum of the
prior columns. Changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
Year ended March 31,
2024 vs 2023
Increase/ (decrease) due to change in
Rate Volume Net
Interest expense
Interest expense on securities repurchase agreement obligations
$ 28,662 $ 215,408 $ 244,070
Interest expense on customer accounts and deposits
(7,465) 37,908 30,443
Interest expense on debt securities issued
1,081 6,190 7,271
Other interest expense
10,380
Total $ 22,278 $ 259,506 $ 292,164
Year ended March 31,
2023 vs 2022
Increase/ (decrease) due to change in
Rate Volume Net
Interest expense
Interest expense on securities repurchase agreement obligations $ 16,609 $ 83,757 $ 100,366
Interest expense on customer accounts and deposits (3,554) 27,553 23,999
Interest expense on debt securities issued (193) 1,456 1,263
Other interest expense
6,372
Total interest expense
$ 12,862 $ 112,766 $ 132,000
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance
For fiscal 2024, we had a $62.4 million, or 81%, increase in insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance, as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to a $58.4 million or 221% increase in expenses for insurance reserve, which correlates with the increase in premiums received for the period, and a $1.4 million, or 7% increase in claims paid as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. The increases were offset in part by a $0.6 million, or 150%, decrease in in claims paid, reinsurers share between the two fiscal years.
For fiscal 2023, we had a $22.9 million, or 42%, increase in insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance, as compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to a $17.2 million or 128%, increase in other insurance expenses, which are mainly represented by redemption amounts under the pension annuity upon termination of the contract, a $9.3 million, or 82%, increase in expenses for claims for the year ended March 31, 2023, and a $0.6 million, or 59% increase in claims paid, reinsurers share as compared to the year ended March 31, 2022, in each case due to the expansion of our insurance operations between the two periods. The increases were offset in part by a $4.2 million, or 14%, decrease in expenses for insurance reserve between the two fiscal years.
Payroll and bonuses
In fiscal 2024, we had payroll and bonuses expense of $181.0 million, representing an increase of $99.2 million or 121% compared to $81.8 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was attributable to the expansion of our operations generally and in particular the expansion of our workforce through hiring and acquisitions.
In fiscal 2023, we had payroll and bonuses expense of $81.8 million, representing an increase of $35.5 million or 77% compared to payroll and bonuses expense of $46.3 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was attributable to the expansion of our operations generally and in particular the expansion of our workforce through hiring and acquisitions.
Professional services
For fiscal 2024, our professional services expense was $34.2 million, representing an increase of $17.2 million or 101% compared to $17.0 million for fiscal 2023. The increase was attributable to an increase in audit services expense due to the accruals for the annual external audit in respect of fiscal 2024. There was also an increase in expenses for legal and consulting services due to an increase in the use of such services in connection with the acquisition of new companies, regulatory matters and the general development and expansion of our business and operations.
For fiscal 2023, our professional services expense was $17.0 million, representing an increase by $4.3 million or 34% compared to $12.7 million for fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly attributable to increased expenses for consulting services provided in connection with the acquisition of new companies and the general development and expansion of our business and operations.
Stock compensation expense
In fiscal 2024, our stock compensation expense was $22.7 million, representing an increase of $13.4 million or 144% compared to stock compensation expense of $9.3 million for fiscal 2023. The increase is attributable to new stock grants the majority of which vested on the date of their issuance during fiscal 2024.
In fiscal 2023, our stock compensation expense was $9.3 million, representing an increase of $1.4 million or 18% compared to stock compensation expense of $7.9 million for fiscal 2022. The increase is attributable to the relocation of multiple employees of our former Russian subsidiaries to our Kazakhstan subsidiaries during fiscal 2023. These employees held an aggregate of 195,000 shares, which contributed to the increase in stock compensation expense.
Advertising expense
Advertising expense for fiscal 2024, was $38.3 million, representing an increase of $24.3 million or 173% compared to $14.1 million for fiscal 2023. There was an increase of $13.7 million from Freedom EU, which is mostly attributable to increase in influencers and affiliates advertising, brand promotions on social networks and marketing sponsorships. During fiscal 2024, Freedom EU spent approximately $1.0 million on sponsorships of events such as the Celebrity Gala Ballet, the Freedom24 Influence Festival and the European Sailing Championship. There was also an increase in advertising expense by $3.4 million, related to advertising and marketing related expenses of our Aviata subsidiary, which was acquired in fiscal 2024. Additionally, there was an increase in marketing expenses from Freedom Bank KZ in the amount of $1.6 million related to loan products, such as the Digital Car Loan and the Loan for Small and Middle-sized Business. There was also an increase of $1.0 million of advertising expense from FRHC due to video advertising and branded posters for sponsored events. There was also an increase in advertising expense from Freedom Global by $1.0 million due to the increased expenditure on digital marketing.
Advertising expense for fiscal 2023 was $14.1 million, representing an increase of $2.1 million or 18% compared to advertising expense of $11.9 million for fiscal 2022. The primary reason for this increase was increased advertising expenditure of Bank KZ, which was primarily attributable to the introduction of new loan products such as the digital mortgage and digital car loan products. Additionally, the implementation of the “7-20-25” state mortgage program led to increased expense on advertising campaigns.
General and administrative expense
General and administrative expenses for the fiscal year 2024, were $120.9 million, representing an increase of $60.9 million or 102% compared to $60.0 million for the fiscal 2023. This increase is attributable to the general expansion and development of our business between the two fiscal years. The main factors were contributing to the increase were increases in other operating expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses, charity and sponsorship, software support, taxes other than income tax, lease depreciation expenses, business travel, IT services, communications services, rent and inventory write-off. Other operating expenses increased by $10.0 million, primarily attributable to increased banking and overhead costs from Freedom Bank KZ and the organization of major events such as the Qara Forum, Freedom Ballet, and participation in the Digital Bridge forum. These activities highlight our efforts to strengthen our market position and enhance brand visibility through high-profile events and initiatives. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $9.5 million, driven by the addition of new subsidiaries during fiscal 2024 and the overall growth of our operations. The integration of these subsidiaries required substantial investments in new technology and infrastructure, leading to higher depreciation and amortization costs. Charity and sponsorship expenses increased by $8.0 million due to contributions made to several organizations through our subsidiaries, including the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, International Chess Federation, Unique Media, Ukraine for humanitarian aid, Republican Scientific and Practical Center "Daryn," and "Paryz" Aktobe Public Fund. Software support expenses increased by $6.7 million, mainly due to the general growth of our operations and personnel. Taxes, other than income tax, increased by $6.2 million, mainly due to our general growth,
including the addition of new subsidiaries. The expansion of our business operations resulted in higher tax liabilities, reflecting our broader market presence and increased operational scale. Lease depreciation expenses increased by $4.9 million, attributable to our overall growth and the need for more office space. The expansion of our workforce and the establishment of new offices required additional leasing, leading to higher depreciation costs. Business travel expenses increased by $3.8 million, reflecting more frequent business travel during fiscal 2024 as a result of the growth of our operations in Kazakhstan and other regions and our expanded geographic footprint.
General and administrative expense for fiscal 2023 amounted to $60.0 million, representing an increase of $36.4 million or 155% compared to general and administrative expense of $23.5 million for fiscal 2022. The main factors contributing to the increase were increases in fines and penalties, charity and sponsorship, other operating expenses, software support, communications services and depreciation and amortization. Fines and penalties increased by $2.8 million in fines and penalties primarily due to penalties imposed one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries by a local regulator for regulatory noncompliance. Charity and sponsorship increased by $12.9 million due to humanitarian aid we provided to a Ukraine-based charitable fund in connection with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Other operating expenses increased by $3.6 million driven by our general organic growth. Software support increased by $2.4 million due to the expansion of our software infrastructure and the implementation of systems to support our operations. Communication services expenses increased by a $2.6 million due to the implementation of SMS-informing services for banking operations by Freedom Bank KZ.
Allowance for credit losses
We recognized allowance for credit losses in the amount of $21.2 million for fiscal 2024, as compared to provisions for credit losses of $29.1 million for fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to the fact that in fiscal 2023 we accrued a one-off provision expense for restricted brokerage customers' cash, cash and cash equivalents and loans issued which was held with a Ukrainian bank due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in allowance for credit losses for loans issued, due to the adoption of ASC 326 starting from April 1, 2023 and the growth of the loan portfolio of Freedom Bank KZ, as the majority of provisions is accrued on loan products.
For fiscal 2023, we recognized an allowance for credit losses in the amount of $29.1 million, compared to an allowance for credit losses of $2.5 million for fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the growth of the loan portfolio of Freedom Bank KZ, as the majority of allowances are accrued on loan products. Additionally, in fiscal 2023, we accrued a one-off provision expense for restricted brokerage customers' cash, cash equivalents, and loans issued, which were held with a Ukrainian bank due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Other (income)/expense, net
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we had other income, net of $13.7 million, an increase of $10.3 million or 298% compared to other income, net of $3.4 million in fiscal 2023. The increase in other income was attributable to dividends received on shares in our trading portfolio amounting to $2.9 million, income from the sale of educational materials in the amount of $1.4 million, income from the revaluation of previously held interest in Arbuz in the amount of $1.0 million and related products, a net realized gain of $0.7 million on available-for-sale securities and increases in several other types of other income.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we had other expense, net of $3.4 million, representing a decrease of $7.5 million or 186% compared to other income, net of $4.0 million in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a net realized loss on the revaluation of available-for-sale securities in the amount of $5.4 million in fiscal 2024, which was in turn due to the adverse impact of heightened market volatility and a global economic slowdown, which led to a negative revaluation of our securities portfolio, reflecting the challenging market conditions during such fiscal year.
Income tax expense
We had net income before income tax of $435.4 million, $235.9 million and $363.7 million in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022 respectively. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2024 decreased to 13.9%, from 18.1% during fiscal 2023 as a result of changes in the composition of the revenues we realized from our operating activities and the tax treatment of those revenues in the various jurisdictions where our subsidiaries operate along with the incremental U.S. tax on GILTI. Despite the increase in our net income before income tax by $199.4 million, as a result of the decrease in our effective tax rate, our income tax expense decreased by $17.6 million for fiscal 2024.
Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2023 increased to 18.1%, from 10.6% during fiscal 2022 as a result of changes in the composition of the revenues we realized from our operating activities and the tax treatment of those revenues in the various jurisdictions where our subsidiaries operate along with the incremental U.S. tax on GILTI. Despite decrease in our
net income before income tax by $127.8 million, as a result of the increase in our effective tax rate, our income tax expense increased by $4.2 million for fiscal 2023.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing factors, for fiscal 2024 we had net income of $375.0 million as compared to $205.6 million for fiscal 2023, an increase of 82%, and for fiscal 2023 we had net income of $205.6 million as compared to $220.9 million for fiscal 2022, a decrease of 7%.
Non-controlling interest
As of March 31, 2024, FRHC held a 94.7% ownership interest in Arbuz and a 90.0% ownership interest in ReKassa. The remaining 5.3% of the ownership interest in Arbuz and 10.0% of the ownership interest in ReKassa are recognized as non-controlling interests in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Prior to April 1, 2023, the Company reflected the ownership interest of Askar Tashtitov, FRHC's President, in Freedom UA as a non-controlling interest in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Given the ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of Freedom UA, our management determined that starting from April 1, 2023 the Company does not maintain effective control over Freedom UA and it is no longer consolidated in the Company's financial statements. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2024 there are no non-controlling interests in relation to Freedom UA.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest was $0.6 million for fiscal 2024, as compared to net income of $0.4 million for fiscal 2023, and net loss of $6.6 million for fiscal 2022.
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Due to a 1.1% appreciation of the Kazakhstan tenge against the U.S. dollar during the year ended March 31, 2024, we realized a foreign currency translation gain of $12.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2024, as compared to a foreign currency translation gain of $5.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2023.
Due to the appreciation of the Russian ruble by 5% against the U.S. dollar and appreciation of the Kazakhstan tenge by 4.4% against the U.S. dollar at March 31, 2023 as compared to March 31, 2022, we realized a foreign currency translation loss of $5.2 million for fiscal year 2023, as compared to a foreign currency translation loss of $20.6 million for fiscal year 2022.
Business Segment Operations
We report our results of operations through the following four business segments: Brokerage, Banking, Insurance, and Other. These operating segments are based on how our CODM will be making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. The total revenue, net associated with our segments is summarized in the following table:
Year ended March 31,
Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted)
Amount Change %
Change
Brokerage
$ 616,951 $ 384,576 $ 232,375 60 % $ 395,562 $ (10,986) (3) %
Banking
614,660 245,105 369,555 151 % 84,346 160,759 191 %
Insurance
340,998 170,723 170,275 100 % 105,238 65,485 62 %
Other
62,471 (4,711) 67,182 (1426) % 104,644 (109,355) (105) %
Total revenue, net $ 1,635,080 $ 795,693 $ 839,387 105 % $ 689,790 $ 105,903 15 %
During fiscal 2024, total revenue, net increased across each of our business segments compared to fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2023, total revenue, net increased in the Banking and Insurance segments but decreased in the Brokerage and Other segments compared to fiscal 2022. In our segment reporting, we account for all operations within each business segment, including all related subsidiaries and their activities. This method offers a thorough perspective on the financial performance and operational characteristics of each segment. By incorporating all subsidiaries and their activities into the
respective segments, we ensure that the reporting accurately represents the full financial status and performance of each business area. Below is a detailed analysis of these changes:
We generate revenue from these products and services in several ways, including:
Brokerage Segment
•In fiscal 2024, the Brokerage segment saw a significant increase in total revenue, net, primarily driven by higher interest income. This was largely due to an increase in interest accrued on securities held in our trading portfolio and on margin loans to customers. Fee and commission income also increased, primarily due to a general increase in brokerage activity between the two periods. Additionally, there was an increase in net gain on trading securities, reflecting the growth of the trading portfolio within the Brokerage segment. However, these revenue gains were partially offset by a net loss on derivatives and a net loss on foreign exchange operations.
•In fiscal 2023, total revenue, net in the Brokerage segment decrease was primarily due to a reduction in fee and commission income, driven by a decrease in the number of active brokerage clients and a decline in the volume of transactions per client. Additionally, there was a decrease in net gain on trading securities, resulting from relatively lower trading activity and the revaluation of the trading portfolio. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in interest income due to the growth of margin lending balances.
Banking Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total revenue, net in the Banking segment increase was mainly attributable to higher interest income from trading securities and loans to customers. An increase in net gain on trading securities, due to the growth of the trading portfolio within this segment, also contributed to the revenue increase. However, these gains were partially offset by a net loss on derivatives.
•In fiscal 2023, total revenue, net in the Banking segment increase was primarily driven by higher interest income from trading securities and loans to customers. Additionally, there was an increase in net gain on foreign exchange operations due to higher foreign exchange dealing operations. The growth in net gain on trading securities, resulting from the expansion of the trading portfolio, also contributed to the increase. These gains were partially offset by a decrease in net gain on derivatives.
Insurance Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total revenue, net in the Insurance segment increase was mainly due to an increase in insurance underwriting income, reflecting the overall growth of our insurance operations.
•In fiscal 2023, total revenue, net in the Insurance segment increase was primarily due to an increase in insurance underwriting income, driven by the expansion of our insurance operations.
Other Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total revenue, net in the Other segment increase was mainly due to an increase in fee and commission income from payment processing at Paybox and its subsidiaries, which were acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
•In fiscal 2023, total revenue, net in the Other segment decrease was primarily driven by a trading gain in fiscal 2022 following our acquisition of an equity interest in the SPB Exchange at the end of fiscal 2021. During fiscal 2023, the value of our equity interest in the SPB Exchange decreased and was subsequently liquidated by the end of the fiscal year, resulting in a net loss on trading securities in the Other segment.
The total expenses associated with our segments are summarized in the following table:
Year ended March 31,
Amount Change %
Change 2022 (Recasted)
Amount Change %
Change
Brokerage
$ 268,037 $ 182,401 $ 85,636 47 % $ 142,448 $ 39,953 28 %
Banking
487,930 187,842 300,088 160 % 66,605 121,237 182 %
Insurance
298,525 136,176 162,349 119 % 95,555 40,621 43 %
Other
145,217 53,336 91,881 172 % 21,489 31,847 148 %
Total expense, net $ 1,199,709 $ 559,755 $ 639,954 114 % $ 326,097 $ 233,658 72 %
For fiscal 2024, total expenses, net increased across each of our business segments compared to fiscal 2023. In our segment reporting, we account for all operations within each business segment, including all related subsidiaries and their activities. This method offers a thorough perspective on the financial performance and operational characteristics of each segment. By incorporating all subsidiaries and their activities into the respective segments, we ensure that the reporting accurately represents the full financial status and performance of each business area. Below is a detailed analysis of these changes:
Brokerage Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total expenses, net in our Brokerage segment increase was primarily driven by an increase in interest expense, mainly due to interest paid on securities repurchase agreements. Additionally, there was an increase in payroll and bonuses, reflecting our efforts to attract and retain top talent. Advertising expenses also increased as we intensified our marketing efforts to expand our client base. General and administrative expenses rose due to the overall growth of our operations. However, these increases were partially offset by a decrease in provision for impairment and fee and commission expenses.
•In fiscal 2023, total expenses, net in our Brokerage segment increase was mainly attributable to higher interest expenses, driven by interest paid to clients on positive cash balances in their brokerage accounts. Additionally, there was an increase in general and administrative expenses, provision for impairment losses, and payroll and bonuses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in fee and commission expenses.
Banking Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total expenses, net in our Banking segment increase was primarily due to a $199.7 million increase in interest expense on securities repurchase agreements within this segment, and a $37.8 million increase in interest expense on customer deposits. Additionally, payroll and bonuses increased by $27.2 million, reflecting the growth of Freedom Bank KZ's operations. General and administrative expenses rose by $17.1 million, further contributing to the overall increase.
•In fiscal 2023, total expenses, net in our Banking segment increase was driven by higher interest expenses on securities repurchase agreements and customer deposits. Additionally, there was a increase in payroll and bonuses, as well as general and administrative expenses, reflecting the overall growth of the bank's operations.
Insurance Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total expenses, net in our Insurance segment increase was mainly due to higher fee and commission expenses, particularly agency fees, attributable to the overall growth of our insurance operations. Interest expenses also increased, primarily from securities repurchase agreements executed within this segment.
•In fiscal 2023, total expenses, net in our Insurance segment increase was primarily driven by an increase in fee and commission expenses, particularly agency fees, and insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance. Interest expenses and payroll and bonuses also increased between the two fiscal years.
Other Segment
•In fiscal 2024, total expenses, net in our Other segment increase was driven by higher general and administrative expenses, payroll and bonuses, and professional services and advertising expenses related to FRHC and Paybox. There was also an increase in fee and commission expenses due to the overall growth in the provision of acquiring and payment services, as well as online aggregators for buying air and railway tickets.
•In fiscal 2023, total expenses, net in our Other segment increase was primarily due to higher interest expenses accrued from a direct repurchase agreement in the amount of $12.8 million entered into by FRHC. Additionally,
there was an increase in operating expenses amounting to $3.4 million which is attributable to Freedom Finance Technologies due to the overall growth of its IT development.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet our potential cash requirements for general business purposes. During the periods covered in this report our operations were primarily funded through a combination of existing cash on hand, cash generated from operations, returns generated from our proprietary trading and proceeds from the sale of bonds and other borrowings.
We regularly monitor and manage our leverage and liquidity risk through various committees and processes we have established to maintain compliance with net capital and capital adequacy requirements imposed on securities brokerages and banks in jurisdictions where we do business. We assess our leverage and liquidity risk based on considerations and assumptions of market factors, as well as other factors, including the amount of available liquid capital (i.e., the amount of cash and cash equivalents not invested in our operating business). While we are confident in the risk management monitoring and processes we have in place, a significant portion of our trading securities and cash and cash equivalents are subject to collateralization agreements. This significantly enhances our risk of loss in the event financial markets move against our positions. When this occurs our liquidity, capitalization and business can be negatively impacted. Certain market conditions can impact the liquidity of our assets, potentially requiring us to hold positions longer than anticipated. Our liquidity, capitalization, projected return on investment and results of operations can be significantly impacted by market events over which we have no control, and which can result in disruptions to our investment strategy for our assets.
We maintain a majority of our tangible assets in cash and securities that are readily convertible to cash, including governmental and quasi-governmental debt and highly liquid corporate equities and debt. Our financial instruments and other asset positions are stated at fair value and should generally be readily marketable in most market conditions. The following sets out certain information regarding our assets as of the dates presented:
As of March 31,
2024 2023
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
$ 545,084 $ 581,417
Trading securities $ 3,688,620 $ 2,412,556
Total assets $ 8,301,930 $ 5,084,558
Net liquid assets(2)
$ 3,137,383 $ 1,852,886
(1)Of the $545.1 million in cash and cash equivalents we held at March 31, 2024, $135.0 million, or approximately 25%, were subject to reverse repurchase agreements. By comparison, at March 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $581.4 million, of which $29.8 million, or 5%, were subject to reverse repurchase agreements. The amount of cash and cash equivalents we hold is subject to minimum levels set by regulatory bodies to comply with required rules and regulations, including adequate capital and liquidity levels for each entity.
(2)Consists of cash and cash equivalents, trading securities, and margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net of securities repurchase agreement obligations. It includes liquid assets possessed after deducting securities repurchase agreement obligations.
As at March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had total liabilities of $7.1 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively, including customer liabilities of $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.
We finance our assets primarily from revenue-generating activities and short-term and long-term financing arrangements.
Cash Flows
The following table presents information from our statement of cash flows for the periods indicated. Our cash and cash equivalents include restricted cash, which principally consists of cash of our brokerage customers which are segregated in a special custody accounts for the exclusive benefit of our brokerage customers.
Year ended March 31,
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (1,064,362) $ (951,683) $ (406,365)
Net cash used in investing activities
(638,222) (1,463,244) (146,323)
Net cash from financing activities
1,674,572 2,133,381 618,528
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 8,788 78,191 (54,420)
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH $ (19,224) $ (203,355) $ 11,420
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during fiscal 2024 was comprised of net cash from operating activities and net income adjusted for non-cash movements (changes in deferred taxes, unrealized gain on trading securities, net change in accrued interest, change in insurance reserves, and allowance for credit losses). Net cash used in operating activities resulted primarily from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Such changes included those set out in the following table.
Year ended March 31,
Increases in trading securities
$ (1,048,205) (1)
$ (1,019,191) (608,622)
Increases/(decreases) in brokerage customer liabilities $ 112,258 (2)
$ 105,942 (23,167)
(Increases)/decreases in margin lending, brokerage and other receivables $ (1,272,652) (3)
$ (253,301) (103,756)
Increases in margin lending and trade payables $ 734,605 (4)
163,763 26,062
(1)Resulted from an increase in the amount of securities held in our proprietary account.
(2)Resulted from increased funds in brokerage accounts from new and existing customers.
(3)Resulted from an increase in volume of margin lending receivables.
(4)Resulted from increased volume of margin lending payables.
Net cash used in operating activities increased to $1.1 billion for fiscal 2024 from $951.7 million for fiscal 2023. Net cash used in operating activities in each of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 was attributable to net cash outflows from increases in trading securities and increases in margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, which increases were offset in part primarily by an increase margin lending and trade payables. The increase in net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023 was mainly attributable to an increase in margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, which was due to increase in the usage of margin loans for trades by our clients. This increase was offset in part by an increase in increase in margin lending and trade payables.
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
During fiscal 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $638.2 million compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1.5 billion during fiscal 2023 ($629.7 million of which relates to discontinued operations), and net cash used in investing activities of $146.3 million during fiscal 2022 ($4.4 million of which relates to discontinued operations). Net cash flow used in investing activities from discontinued operations in the amount of $629.7 million during fiscal 2023 mostly relates to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash disposed of in connection with the divestiture of our Russian subsidiaries. Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations during fiscal 2024 decreased in comparison
with net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations during fiscal 2023 mainly due to a larger amount of payments made for acquisition of new companies during fiscal 2023 and a decrease in funds used for the issuance of new loans to customers during fiscal 2024.
During fiscal 2024, cash used in investing activities included cash used for the issuance of loans, net of repayment by customers, in the amount of $569.2 million, consideration paid for the acquisitions of Aviata, Arbuz, Ticketon, Internet Tourism and DItel in the aggregate amount of $34.5 million and cash used for the purchase of fixed assets in the amount of $43.8 million. Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2024 was partially offset by the proceeds received from the sale of available for sale securities, net of purchase, in the amount of $30.4 million, and cash and cash equivalents received as part of the acquisitions of Aviata, Internet Tourism, Arbuz, ReKassa and DItel in the amount of $2.5 million.
Net Cash From Financing Activities
Net cash from financing activities decreased in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023 mainly due to a decrease in funds received from customer deposits and a decrease in funds received under the state program "7-20-25" due to a decrease in mortgage loans issued under the program. These decrease were partially offset by an increase in proceeds from issuance of debt securities due the our issuance of debt securities in December 2023 and proceeds from securities repurchase agreement obligations due to an increase in the size of our trading portfolio, the securities in which are used as collateral under securities repurchase agreements.
Net cash from financing activities for fiscal 2024, consisted principally of proceeds from securities repurchase agreement obligations in the amount of $1,191.2 million, bank customer deposits received in the amount of $217.6 million due to the growth of banking activity, mortgage loans sold to JSC Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund as the Program Operator, net of repurchase, under the state mortgage program "7-20-25" in the amount of $60.2 million, proceeds from the issuance, net of repurchase, of debt securities in the amount of $206.3 million and proceeds from loans received of $2.5 million. These cash inflows were offset in part by a cash outflow for the purchase of a non-controlling interest in Arbuz in the amount of $3.2 million.
Capital Expenditures
On May 10, 2023, our subsidiary Freedom EU signed a contract for the construction of Elysium Tower, a building in Limassol, Cyprus. The building is planned to be a new office building for our Freedom EU subsidiary. The contract implies approximate capital expenditures in the amount of $7.5 million and $4.5 million for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, respectively. We are financing this construction project primarily using our own funds.
On November 27, 2023, our Board of Directors approved a strategic plan to expand our business by entering the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan through our Freedom Telecom subsidiary. Execution of the new plan is expected to require significant capital expenditure, the specific amount of which is currently uncertain. Total capital expenditures for the development of this business area are currently expected to be required for, among other things, construction of network infrastructure, including a backbone network, obtaining frequency licenses or other rights to provide services where required and acquisitions of smaller companies in the sector. Our strategy and budget for Freedom Telecom are currently being reassessed and are subject to revisions, which may be material. We currently plan to finance our capital expenditures for this business area with a combination of own funds and borrowings, including vendor financing, including the proceeds of a $200 million U.S. dollar domestic bond placement on the AIX that we completed on December 19, 2023. For further information, see "Indebtedness - Long-term" below.
As a further step in implementing our strategy to build a digital fintech ecosystem, on January 25, 2024, Freedom Telecom established a subsidiary, Freedom Media, in Kazakhstan for the purposes of providing media content to customers in Kazakhstan. Total capital expenditures required in connection with Freedom Media over the next five years are estimated to be approximately $54 million. We will finance our capital expenditures related to Freedom Media primarily using our own funds.
Dividends
Any payment of cash dividends on our common stock in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, contractual and legal restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. We currently
intend to retain any future earnings to fund the operation, development and expansion of our business, and therefore we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
We did not declare or pay a cash dividend on our common stock during fiscal 2024. Any payment of cash dividends on stock in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, contractual and legal restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the operation, development and expansion of our business, and therefore we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future.
Indebtedness
Short-term
Our short-term financing is primarily obtained through securities repurchase arrangements conducted through stock exchanges. We use repurchase arrangements, among other things, to finance our liquidity positions. As of March 31, 2024, $2.8 billion, or 75% of the trading securities held in our proprietary trading account were subject to securities repurchase obligations compared to $1.5 billion, or 63% as of March 31, 2023. The securities we pledge as collateral under repurchase agreements are liquid trading securities with market quotes and significant trading volume. For additional information regarding our securities repurchase agreement obligations see Note 13 "Securities Repurchase Agreement Obligations" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.
Long-term
On October 21, 2021, our subsidiary Freedom Finance Special Purpose Company LTD ("Freedom SPC") issued U.S. dollar-denominated bonds due 2026, in an aggregate principal amount up to $66 million, which are listed on the AIX. The annual interest rate for such bonds is 5.5%. The bonds are guaranteed by FRHC.
On December 19, 2023, Freedom SPC issued U.S. dollar-denominated bonds due 2028, in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million, for the purpose of raising funds to finance the development of the Freedom Telecom business. The bonds are guaranteed by FRHC and are listed on the AIX. For the first and second years, the annual interest rate for such bonds is 12%, and for subsequent years the interest rate will be fixed and set as the sum of the effective federal funds rate as of December 10, 2025 and a margin of 6.5%.
As of March 31, 2024, there was an aggregate of $64.5 million and $200.4 million in principal amount of Freedom SPC Bonds due 2026 and Freedom SPC bonds due 2028, respectively, outstanding. The aggregate accrued interest as of March 31, 2024 for both the Freedom SPC bonds due 2026 and the Freedom SPC bonds due 2028 was $2.3 million.
Net Capital and Capital Requirements
A number of our subsidiaries are required to satisfy minimum net capital and capital adequacy requirements to conduct their brokerage, banking and insurance operations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. This is partially maintained by retaining cash and cash equivalent investments in those subsidiaries or jurisdictions. As a result, such subsidiaries may be restricted in their ability to transfer cash between different jurisdictions and to FRHC. Additionally, transfers of cash between international jurisdictions may have adverse tax consequences that could discourage such transfers.
At March 31, 2024, these minimum net capital and capital adequacy requirements for each company ranged from approximately $0.2 million to $196.6 million and fluctuate depending on various factors. At March 31, 2024, the aggregate net capital and capital adequacy requirements of our subsidiaries was approximately $245.9 million. Each of our subsidiaries that is subject to net capital or capital adequacy requirements exceeded the minimum required amount at March 31, 2024.
Although we operate with levels of net capital and capital adequacy substantially greater than the minimum established thresholds, in the event we fail to maintain minimum net capital or capital adequacy, we may be subject to fines and penalties, suspension of operations, revocation of licensure and disqualification of our management from working in the industry. Our subsidiaries are also subject to various other rules and regulations, including liquidity and capital
adequacy ratios. Our operations that require the intensive use of capital are limited to the extent necessary to meet our regulatory requirements.
Over the past several years, we have pursued an aggressive growth strategy both through acquisitions and organic growth efforts. While our active growth strategy has led to revenue growth it also results in increased expenses and greater need for capital resources. Additional growth and expansion may require greater capital resources than we currently possess, which could require us to pursue additional equity or debt financing from outside sources. We cannot assure that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, at the time it is needed.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, cash expected to be generated from operating activities, and forecasted returns from our proprietary trading, combined with our ability to raise additional capital will be sufficient to meet our present and anticipated financing needs.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Following are the accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates, judgments and assumptions and which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Allowance for credit losses
The Company has recently adopted a new accounting standard, ASC 326 - Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL), effective April 1, 2023. This standard has introduced significant changes to how we estimate and recognize credit losses for our financial assets. Management estimates and recognizes the CECL as an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses for loans issued. This is different compared to the previous practice of recognizing allowances based on probable incurred losses.
Under CECL, the allowance for credit losses (ACL) primarily consists of two components:
Collective CECL Component: This component is used for estimating expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics.
Individual CECL Component: This component is applied to loans that do not share common risk characteristics and require individual assessment.
The ACL is a valuation account that is subtracted from the amortized cost of total loans and available-for-sale securities to reflect the net amount expected to be collected. Our methodology for establishing the allowance for loan losses is based on a comprehensive assessment that considers relevant and available information from internal and external sources. This assessment takes into account past events, including historical trends in loan delinquencies and charge-offs, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Our processes and accounting policies for the CECL methodology are further described in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We have accounted for our acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date as we allocate the purchase price to the estimated fair values of acquired tangible and intangible assets and the liabilities assumed. We also use our best estimates to determine the useful lives of the tangible and definite-lived intangible assets, which impact the periods over which depreciation and amortization of those assets are recognized. These best estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain as they pertain to forward looking views of our businesses, customer behavior, and market conditions. In our acquisitions, we have also recognized goodwill at the amount by which the purchase price paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired.
Our ongoing accounting for goodwill and the tangible and intangible assets acquired requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions as we exercise judgement to evaluate these assets for impairment. Our processes and accounting policies for evaluating impairments are further described in Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of our annual report. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had goodwill of $52.6 million.
Income taxes
We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgement is required in determining the provision for income tax. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As a result, actual future tax consequences relating to uncertain tax positions may be materially different than our determinations or estimates.
We recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the difference between the Consolidated Balance Sheet and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized.
Income taxes are determined in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As part of the process of preparing financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for tax consequences in future years based on differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements at each year-end and tax loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable to the differences that are expected to affect taxable income.
We periodically evaluate and establish the likelihood of tax assessments based on current and prior years' examinations, and unrecognized tax benefits related to potential losses that may arise from tax audits in accordance with the relevant accounting guidance. Once established, unrecognized tax benefits are adjusted when there is more information available or when an event occurs requiring a change.
Legal contingencies
We review outstanding legal matters at each reporting date, in order to assess the need for provisions and disclosures in our financial statements. Among the factors considered in making decisions on provisions are the nature of the matter, the legal process and potential legal exposure in the relevant jurisdiction, the progress of the matter (including the progress after the date of the financial statements but before those statements are issued), the opinions or views of our legal advisers, experiences on similar cases and any decision of our management as to how we will respond to the matter.
Consolidation of FST Belize
We have assessed whether we should consolidate FST Belize under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) accounting method or the voting interest method ("VOE"). In July 2014, prior to our reverse acquisition transaction, Timur Turlov founded FST Belize, a Belize-based broker dealer. FST Belize is solely owned by Mr. Turlov and was not acquired by our company as part of our reverse acquisition transaction. Although FRHC and FST Belize are common control entities, under the control of an individual, there is no indication that FRHC should consolidate FST Belize given that:
(1) FST Belize is not a VIE and is not subject to further VIE analysis due to the fact it has sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional financial support and the control over its significant activities is held by its sole shareholder, Mr. Turlov who is also FRHC's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer; and
(2) Mr. Turlov has a controlling interest in FST Belize such that under the VOE model FRHC is not required to consolidate FST Belize.
FST Belize is a corporation and Mr. Turlov is the sole owner of FST Belize, holding 100% of the ownership interest in it. There are no other shareholders or parties with participating rights or the ability to remove Mr. Turlov from his ownership position. Mr.Turlov has the ability to make all decisions in respect of FST Belize. FRHC's management has also assessed the relationship between FRHC (through its subsidiary Freedom EU) and FST Belize. Other than the tariff rates stipulated in the Variation Agreement dated February 25, 2020 entered into between Freedom EU and FST Belize, including the General Terms and Conditions of Business, which sets out the specific terms and conditions of the
relationship between Freedom EU and FST Belize, there are no other contractual agreements or other implicit arrangements between the two parties that provide FRHC the power to control the operations of FST Belize. The most recent VIE analysis was performed on December 2022 as a result of a change in certain contractual arrangements with FST Belize. Since such analysis was performed, there were no material changes to the contractual agreements or other implicit arrangements that affected the VIE analysis, and our omnibus brokerage relationship with FST Belize had been terminated as of March 31, 2024.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For details of applicable new accounting standards, see "Recent accounting pronouncements" in Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
The following information, together with information included in "Overview" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 of this annual report, describes our primary market risk exposures. Market risk is the risk of economic loss arising from the adverse impact of market changes to the market value of our trading and investment positions. We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and equity price risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and outstanding debt. While we are exposed to global interest rate fluctuations, we are most sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates in Kazakhstan. Changes in interest rates in Kazakhstan may have significant effect on the fair value of securities on our balance sheet.
Our investment policies and strategies are focused on preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. We typically invest in highly rated securities, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss. Our investment policies generally require securities to be investment grade and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer with the exception of government and quasi-government entities. To provide a meaningful assessment of the interest rate risk associated with our investment portfolio, we performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the impact a change in interest rates would have on the value of the investment portfolio assuming a 100 basis point parallel shift in the yield curve. Based on investment positions as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 (not including assets held for sale), a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates across all maturities would have resulted in $128.9 million and $80.9 million incremental decline in the fair market value of the portfolio, respectively. Such losses would only be realized if we sold the investments prior to maturity. A hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates across all maturities would have resulted in a $138.3 million and $87.0 million incremental increase in the fair market value of the portfolio (not including assets held for sale), respectively.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have a presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, France, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, the United States, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates. The activities and accumulated earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rate between our functional currencies and our reporting currency, which is the U.S. dollar.
In accordance with our risk management policies, we manage foreign currency exchange risk on financial assets by holding or creating financial liabilities in the same currency, maturity and interest rate profile. This foreign exchange risk is calculated on a net foreign exchange basis for individual currencies. We may also enter into foreign currency forward, swap and option contracts with financial institutions to mitigate foreign currency exposures associated with certain existing assets and liabilities, firmly committed transactions and forecasted future cash flows.
As mentioned before, our main market is Kazakhstan. Because Kazakhstan's economy is highly dependent on oil exports, any significant decrease in oil prices lead to a devaluation of local currency, which can lose up to 17% quarterly (during COVID-19 outbreak) of its value relative to the U.S. dollar.
Based on an analysis of our March 31, 2024 and 2023 (not including assets held for sale) balance sheets we estimate that the net impact of a 10% adverse change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to all other currencies would have resulted in an increase of income before income tax in the amount of $121.5 million and decrease of $88.7 million, respectively.
Equity Price Risk
Our equity investments are susceptible to market price risk arising from uncertainties about future values of such investment securities. Equity price risk results from fluctuations in price and level of the equity securities or instruments we hold. We also have equity investments in entities where the investment is denominated in a foreign currency, or where the investment is denominated in U.S. dollars but the investee primarily makes investments in foreign currencies. The fair values of these investments are subject to change at the spot foreign exchange rate between these currencies and our functional currency fluctuates. We attempt to manage the risk of loss inherent in our equity securities portfolio through diversification and by placing limits on individual and total equity instruments we hold. Reports on our equity portfolio are submitted to our management on a regular basis.
As of March 31, 2024, and 2023, our exposure to equity investments at fair value was $126.1 million and $65.7 million, respectively. Based on an analysis of the March 31, 2024 and 2023 (not including assets held for sale) balance sheets we estimate that a decrease of 10% in the equity price would have reduced the value of the equity securities or instruments we held by approximately $12.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
Credit Risk
Credit risk refers to the risk of loss arising when a borrower or counterparty does not meet its financial obligations to us. We are exposed to credit risk through our products and assets, such as loans issued, marginal lending, derivatives, debt securities, reverse repurchase agreements, and trading account assets.
The table below presents the current credit ratings of issuers of securities in our proprietary portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and 2023:
March 31, 2024
>BB <BB Not rated Total
Non-U.S. sovereign debt $ 2,399,328 $ 9,258 $ 540 $ 2,409,126
Corporate debt 988,374 99,627 20,869 1,108,870
Corporate equity 88,787 855 36,461 126,103
U.S. sovereign debt 43,173 - - 43,173
Exchange traded notes 57 - 1,291 1,348
Total $ 3,519,719 $ 109,740 $ 59,161 $ 3,688,620
March 31, 2023
>BB <BB Not rated Total
Corporate debt $ 1,167,769 $ 92,279 $ 9,831 $ 1,269,879
Non-U.S. sovereign debt 1,018,255 11,216 386 1,029,857
Corporate equity 58,511 503 6,727 65,741
U.S. sovereign debt 45,022 - - 45,022
Exchange traded notes - - 2,057 2,057
Total $ 2,289,557 $ 103,998 $ 19,001 $ 2,412,556
Margin lending receivables risk
We extend margin loans to our customers. Margin lending is subject to various regulatory requirements of MiFID and of the AFSA and the NBK. Margin loans are collateralized by cash and securities in the customers' accounts. The risks associated with margin lending increase during periods of fast market movements, or in cases where collateral is concentrated and market movements occur. During such times, customers who utilize margin loans and who have collateralized their obligations with securities may find that the securities have a rapidly depreciating value and may not be sufficient to cover their obligations in the event of a liquidation. We are also exposed to credit risk when our customers execute transactions, such as short sales of equities that can expose them to risk beyond their invested capital.
We expect this kind of exposure to increase with the growth of our overall business. Because we indemnify and hold harmless our clearing houses and counterparties from certain liabilities or claims, the use of margin loans and short sales may expose us to significant off-balance-sheet risk in the event that collateral requirements are not sufficient to fully cover losses that customers may incur and those customers fail to satisfy their obligations. As of March 31, 2024, we had $1,635.4 million in margin lending receivables from our customers, none of which was due from FST Belize. The amount of risk to which we are exposed from the margin lending we extend to our customers and from short sale transactions by our customers is unlimited and not quantifiable as the risk is dependent upon analysis of a potential significant and undeterminable increase or fall in stock prices. As a matter of practice, we enforce real-time margin compliance monitoring and liquidate customers' positions if their equity falls below required margin requirements.
We have a comprehensive policy implemented in accordance with regulatory standards to assess and monitor the suitability of investors to engage in various trading activities. To mitigate our risk, we also continuously monitor customer accounts to detect excessive concentration, large orders or positions, patterns of day trading and other activities that indicate increased risk to us.
Our credit exposure is to a great extent mitigated by our policy of automatically evaluating each account throughout the trading day and closing out positions for accounts that are found to be under-margined. While this methodology is effective in most situations, it may not be effective in situations where no liquid market exists for the relevant securities or commodities or where, for any reason, automatic liquidation for certain accounts has been disabled. We continually monitor and evaluate our risk management policies, including the implementation of policies and procedures to enhance the detection and prevention of potential events to mitigate margin loan losses.
Operational Risk
Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss, or damage to our reputation, resulting from inadequate or failed operations or external events, including, but not limited to, business disruptions, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our technology or financial operating systems and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes including cybersecurity incidents.
For a description of related risks, see the information under the headings "Risks Related to our Business and Operations" and "Risks Related to Information Technology and Cybersecurity" in "Risk Factors" in Part I Item 1A of this annual report.
To mitigate and control operational risk, we have developed and continue to enhance policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization and within such departments. We also have business continuity plans in place that we believe will cover critical processes on a company-wide basis, and redundancies are built into our systems as we have deemed appropriate. These control mechanisms attempt to ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that our various businesses are operating within established corporate policies and limits.
Legal and Compliance Risk
We operate in a number of jurisdictions, each with its own legal and regulatory structure that is unique and different from the other. Legal and regulatory risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and damage to our reputation as a result of failure to comply with laws, regulations, rules, related self-regulatory organization standards and codes of conduct applicable to our business activities. Legal and compliance risk includes compliance with AML, terrorist financing, anti-corruption and sanctions rules and regulations. It also includes contractual and commercial risk, such as the risk that a counterparty's performance obligations will be unenforceable.
From time to time, we have been, and in the future may be, subject to investigations, audits, inspections and subpoenas, as well as regulatory proceedings and fines and penalties brought by regulators. We are subject to regulation
from numerous regulators, which include, but are not limited to, the AFSA, the ARDFM, CySEC, OFAC and the SEC. We have received various inquiries and formal requests for information on various matters from certain regulators, with which we have cooperated and will continue to do so. If we are found to have violated any applicable laws, rules or regulations, this could result in the imposition of legal or regulatory sanctions, material financial loss, including fines, penalties, judgments, damages and/or settlements, or loss to reputation that we may suffer as a result of compliance failures.
We have established and continue to enhance procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, such as public company reporting obligations, regulatory net capital and capital adequacy requirements, sales and trading practices, potential conflicts of interest, anti-money laundering, privacy, sanctions and recordkeeping. The legal and regulatory focus on the financial services industry presents a continuing business challenge for us.
Our business also subjects us to the complex income tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate, and these tax laws may be subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. We must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws when determining the provision for income taxes.
Geopolitical Risk
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to disruptions in financial markets that has negatively impacted the global economy and created significant uncertainty. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in the imposition by many countries of economic sanctions and export controls against certain Russian industries, companies and individuals. In response, Russia has implemented its own countermeasures against countries, businesses and investors deemed "unfriendly". Partly as a result of the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, businesses worldwide have experienced shortages in materials and increased costs for transportation, energy and raw materials. The continuation or escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict or other hostilities presents heightened risks relating to cyber attacks, supply chain disruptions, higher interest rates and greater frequency and volume of failures to settle securities transactions, as well as increased financial market volatility. The extent and duration of the war, sanctions and resulting market disruptions, as well as the potential adverse consequences for our business, liquidity and results of operations, are difficult to predict.
For more information regarding the financial impact to our operations from the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 please refer to "Russia-Ukraine Conflict" section in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II Item 7 and Note 30 "Segment Reporting" in the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this annual report.
Effects of Inflation
Because our assets are primarily short-term and liquid in nature, they are generally not significantly impacted by inflation. The rate of inflation does, however, affect our expenses, including employee compensation, communications and information processing and office leasing costs, which may not be readily recoverable from our customers. To the extent inflation result in rising interest rates and has adverse impacts upon securities markets, it may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Deloitte LLP (PCAOB ID No. 1056)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - WSRP, LLC (PCAOB ID No. 374)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Freedom Holding Corp.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Freedom Holding Corp. and subsidiaries (the "Group") as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the 2024 and 2023 financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended March 31, 2022, before the effects of the adjustments to consolidate Freedom Finance Life JSC and Freedom Finance Insurance JSC discussed in Note 3 and the adjustments to the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments discussed in Note 2 and Note 30 to the financial statements, were audited by other auditors whose report, dated May 31, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements. We have also audited the adjustments to the 2022 consolidated financial statements as to consolidate Freedom Finance Life JSC and Freedom Finance Insurance JSC as discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements and to adjust the disclosures for a change in the composition of reportable segments as discussed in Note 2 and Note 30 to the financial statements. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2022 consolidated financial statements of the Group other than with respect to the adjustments, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2022 consolidated financial taken as a whole.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Group's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 13, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Group's internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Group changed its method of accounting for credit losses as of April 1, 2023, due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements,
taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Related Party Transactions - Freedom Securities Trading Inc. (“FST Belize”) - Fee and commission income and interest income - Refer to Notes 2 and 24 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As discussed in Notes 2 and 24 to the financial statements, fee and commission income and interest income earned from related parties is comprised primarily of brokerage commissions and margin lending interest income from FST Belize, a Belize company which is owned personally by the Group’s chief executive officer, chairman, and majority shareholder.
FST Belize had omnibus accounts at the Group, which are trading accounts in which transactions of two or more individuals are combined and carried in the name of FST Belize without any segregation of these positions by the Group. As a result, the Group considers all FST Belize transactions through such omnibus accounts as being transactions from a single customer, FST Belize.
We identified fee and commission income and interest income from FST Belize as a critical audit matter because of the existence of the omnibus accounts and the magnitude of the revenues originated from FST Belize. These matters required a high degree of auditor judgment and significant audit effort.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the occurrence and validity of revenues recorded and disclosed from FST Belize included the following, among others:
•With the assistance of our regulatory compliance specialists, we:
◦Identified and evaluated whether there were indications that the procedures performed by FST Belize for new client onboarding, anti-money laundering (AML) and sanction screening for both individual and legal entity customers would not be consistent with the practices applied by the Group.
◦We tested the effectiveness of these new client onboarding, AML and sanction screening controls at FST Belize and the ongoing monitoring of these control activities at the Group.
•We selected a sample of individual and legal entities within the omnibus accounts and evaluated whether the individual or legal entity information obtained by FST Belize was consistent with external sources of information, including but not limited to individual passport ID, tax authority documents, registration number for legal entities and passport ID for owners of these entities.
•We tested a sample of transactions placed by FST Belize customers and how these transactions are reflected in the omnibus accounts. We tested that the revenue recognition for these contracts was in accordance with the requirements in ASC 606, ASC 940, and ASC 310.
Revenue recognition - Provision of IT Infrastructure (ITS) - Commission income from payment processing - Refer to Notes 2 and 19 to the financial statements
The Group's fee and commission income from its payment processing services encompass activities that provide their payment information technology (IT) infrastructure to merchants to facilitate payments made by banks.
The recognition of revenue when providing the IT infrastructure is highly automated and is based on contractual terms with clients, financial institutions, financial service providers, payment networks, and other parties.
Accordingly, we identified such fee and commission income as a critical audit matter.
This required an increased extent of audit effort, including the need for us to involve professionals with expertise in IT to identify, test, and evaluate the Group's systems, software applications, and automated controls as well as regulatory experts to identify, test, and evaluate the Group’s onboarding of clients who utilize the IT infrastructure.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the occurrence and validity of ITS revenues recorded and disclosed from included the following, among others:
•With the assistance of our IT specialists, we:
◦Identified the significant system used to process transactions and tested the general IT controls over such system, including testing of user access controls, change management controls, and IT operations controls.
◦Tested automated controls, as wells as the controls designed to ensure the accuracy and completeness of revenue.
•With the assistance of our regulatory compliance specialists, we performed analytical procedures to identify unusual sources of revenues and performed detail testing on underlying transactions by agreeing the amounts of revenue recognized to source documents and testing the mathematical accuracy of the recorded revenue.
Allowance for credit losses - Adoption of ASC 326 - Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Group adopted ASC 326 - Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) as of April 1, 2023. The Group maintains allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for financial assets measured at amortized cost and mainly consists of allowance for loan losses. Management estimates the ACL using relevant and available information from both internal and external sources about historical trends, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported asset amounts. Management judgement is required to determine which methodology, assumptions and model are appropriate for their circumstances.
Management adjusts the ACL through applying judgement in selecting internal and external environmental factors that are relevant in estimating the ACL within the loan portfolio.
Given the significance of the ACL adoption and the management judgments required for the selection of appropriate models and qualitative environmental factors, performing audit procedures to evaluate the ACL requires a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our credit specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the ACL included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over the development and maintenance of methodology, assumptions and models.
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over the calculation of ACL, including the accuracy and completeness of the data used in the calculation.
•We involved credit specialists to assist us in evaluating the reasonableness of the methodologies and assumptions applied in the models.
•We performed substantive testing about the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the models.
•With the assistance of our credit specialists, we evaluated the appropriateness of the models, assumptions and methodology by evaluating the inputs used in models as well as reperformed the calculation of the model to determine whether the models operated as intended.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of the forecasted future economic conditions selected by management for use in the models.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Almaty, Kazakhstan
June 13, 2024
We have served as the Group's auditor since 2022.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Freedom Holding Corp.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Freedom Holding Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of March 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2024, of the Group and our report dated June 13, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Group’s adoption of a new accounting standard.
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Aviata LLP and Arbuz Group LLP (together, the “Acquired Companies”), which were acquired on April 26, 2023 and May 22, 2023, respectively, and whose financial statements together constitute, 1% of total consolidated assets and 1% of total consolidated revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended March 31, 2024, respectively. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at the Acquired Companies.
Basis for Opinion
The Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Almaty, Kazakhstan
June 13, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and Board of Directors
Freedom Holding Corp.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Freedom Holding Corp. (the “Company”) for the year ended March 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the changes in the consolidated financial statements described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2024. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the changes in the consolidated financial statements described in Note 3 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company’s operations and its cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the changes in the consolidated financial statements described in Note 3 and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those adjustments were audited by other auditors.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ WSRP, LLC
We served as the Company's auditor from 2015 to 2022.
Salt Lake City, Utah
May 31, 2022
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (including $203 and $35,549 with related parties)
$ 545,084 $ 581,417
Restricted cash (including $- $114,885 with related parties)
462,637 445,528
Trading securities (including $1,326 and $556 with related parties)
3,688,620 2,412,556
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value 216,621 239,053
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net (including $22,039 and $295,611 due from related parties)
1,660,275 376,329
Loans issued (including $147,440 and $121,316 to related parties)
1,381,715 826,258
Fixed assets, net 83,002 54,017
Intangible assets, net 47,668 17,615
Goodwill 52,648 14,192
Right-of-use asset 36,324 30,345
Insurance contract assets 24,922 13,785
Other assets, net (including $5,257 and $16,102 with related parties)
102,414 73,463
TOTAL ASSETS $ 8,301,930 $ 5,084,558
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Securities repurchase agreement obligations $ 2,756,596 $ 1,517,416
Customer liabilities (including $44,127 and $130,210 to related parties)
2,273,830 1,925,247
Margin lending and trade payables (including $507 and $3,721 to related parties)
867,880 122,900
Liabilities from insurance activity (including $470 and $34 to related parties)
297,180 182,502
Current income tax liability 32,996 4,547
Debt securities issued 267,251 60,025
Lease liability 35,794 30,320
Liability arising from continuing involvement 521,885 440,805
Other liabilities (including $9,854 and $46 to related parties)
81,560 30,060
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 7,134,972 $ 4,313,822
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 29)
- -
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; $20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
- -
Common stock - $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 60,321,813 and 59,659,191 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively
60 59
Additional paid in capital 183,788 164,162
Retained earnings 998,740 647,064
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (18,938) (34,000)
TOTAL FRHC SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,163,650 $ 777,285
Non-controlling interest 3,308 (6,549)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 1,166,958 $ 770,736
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 8,301,930 $ 5,084,558
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Years ended March 31,
2024 2023 2022
(Recasted)
Revenue:
Fee and commission income (including $65,972, $199,235 and $291,163 from related parties)
$ 440,333 $ 327,215 $ 335,211
Net gain on trading securities 133,854 71,084 155,252
Interest income (including $24,941 , $23,191 and $10,191 from related parties)
828,224 294,695 121,609
Insurance underwriting income 264,218 115,371 72,981
Net gain on foreign exchange operations 72,245 52,154 3,791
Net (loss)/gain on derivatives (103,794) (64,826) 946
TOTAL REVENUE, NET 1,635,080 795,693 689,790
Expense:
Fee and commission expense (including $127, $2,988 and $16,307 from related parties)
154,351 65,660 85,909
Interest expense (including $955, $1,578 and $217 from related parties)
501,111 208,947 76,947
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance 139,561 77,329 54,447
Payroll and bonuses 181,023 81,819 46,288
Professional services 34,238 17,006 12,682
Stock compensation expense 22,719 9,293 7,859
Advertising expense 38,327 14,059 11,916
General and administrative expense (including $10,341, $2,953 and $790 from related parties)
120,888 59,971 23,533
Allowance for expected credit losses
21,225 29,119 2,502
Other (income)/expense, net (13,734) (3,448) 4,014
TOTAL EXPENSE 1,199,709 559,755 326,097
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX
435,371 235,938 363,693
Income tax expense (60,419) (42,776) (38,570)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 374,952 193,162 325,123
Income/(loss) before income tax (expense)/benefit of discontinued operations - 68,160 (117,199)
Reclassification of loss from cumulative translation adjustment of discontinued operations - (25,415) -
Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations
- (26,118) -
Income tax benefit/(expense) of discontinued operations - (4,203) 13,004
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations - 12,424 (104,195)
NET INCOME 374,952 205,586 220,928
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
(588) 446 (6,566)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST
$ 375,540 $ 205,140 $ 227,494
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Change in unrealized gain on investments available-for-sale, net of tax effect 6,196 1,431 (4,292)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale investments disposed of in the period, net of tax effect
(3,209) (2,916) 2,222
Reclassification of loss from cumulative translation adjustment of discontinued operations - 25,415 -
Foreign currency translation adjustments
12,075 5,195 (20,622)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) 15,062 29,125 (22,692)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS $ 390,014 $ 234,711 $ 198,236
Less: Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
(588) 446 (6,566)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST
$ 390,602 $ 234,265 $ 204,802
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (In U.S. dollars):
Earnings from continuing operations per common share - basic 6.37 3.29 5.59
Earnings from continuing operations per common share - diluted 6.33 3.24 5.59
Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations per common share - basic - 0.21 (1.75)
Earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations per common share - diluted - 0.21 (1.75)
Earnings per common share - basic 6.37 3.50 3.84
Earnings per common share - diluted 6.33 3.45 3.84
Weighted average number of shares (basic) 58,958,363 58,629,580 59,378,207
Weighted average number of shares (diluted) 59,362,982 59,504,811 59,378,207
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Common Stock Additional
paid in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total equity attributable to the shareholders'
Non-controlling interest Total
Shares Amount
At March 31, 2021 (Recasted)
58,443,212 $ 58 $ 135,260 $ 214,430 $ (40,433) $ 309,315 $ (1,641) $ 307,674
Stock based compensation 1,039,000 1 15,745 - - 15,746 - 15,746
Capital contribution - - 24,417 - - 24,417 - 24,417
Exercise of options 60,000 - 119 - - 119 - 119
Sale of Freedom UA shares - - (796) - - (796) 1,212 416
Other comprehensive loss
- - - - (2,070) (2,070) - (2,070)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax effect - - - - (20,622) (20,622) - (20,622)
Net income - - - 227,494 - 227,494 (6,566) 220,928
At March 31, 2022 (Recasted)
59,542,212 $ 59 $ 174,745 $ 441,924 $ (63,125) $ 553,603 $ (6,995) $ 546,608
Stock based compensation 57,216 - 11,038 - - 11,038 - 11,038
Contribution of shareholder - - 677 - - 677 - 677
Issuance of shares of common stock 59,763 - 4,290 - - 4,290 - 4,290
Acquisition of insurance companies - - (26,588) - - (26,588) - (26,588)
Other comprehensive loss
- - - - (1,485) (1,485) - (1,485)
Reclassification of loss from cumulative translation adjustment of discontinued operations - - - - 25,415 25,415 - 25,415
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax effect - - - - 5,195 5,195 - 5,195
Net income - - - 205,140 - 205,140 446 205,586
At March 31, 2023
59,659,191 $ 59 $ 164,162 $ 647,064 $ (34,000) $ 777,285 $ (6,549) $ 770,736
Cumulative adjustment from adoption of ASC 326
- - - (22,772) - (22,772) - (22,772)
Stock based compensation 662,622 1 19,626 - - 19,627 - 19,627
Disposal of FF Ukraine
- - - (6,549) - (6,549) 6,549 -
Purchase of Arbuz shares - - - 5,457 - 5,457 3,640 9,097
Purchase of ReKassa shares - - - - - - 256 256
Other comprehensive income
- - - - 2,987 2,987 - 2,987
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax effect - - - - 12,075 12,075 - 12,075
Net income - - - 375,540 - 375,540 (588) 374,952
At March 31, 2024
60,321,813 $ 60 $ 183,788 $ 998,740 $ (18,938) $ 1,163,650 $ 3,308 $ 1,166,958
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
For the years ended
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income 374,952 $ 205,586 $ 220,928
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations - $ 12,424 $ (104,195)
Net income from continuing operations 374,952 $ 193,162 $ 325,123
Adjustments to reconcile net income used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 14,603 5,138 3,416
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
49,635 8,450 7,860
Noncash lease expense 9,980 5,113 3,546
Subsidiaries goodwill impairment - - 832
Change in deferred taxes 800 (811) (4,681)
Stock compensation expense 22,719 9,293 7,859
Unrealized (gain)/loss on trading securities (95,729) (107,310) 50,987
Unrealized loss /(gain) on derivatives
3,009 (12) -
Net realized (gain)/loss on available-for-sale securities (3,209) (2,934) 2,222
Net change in accrued interest (69,289) (56,478) (15,940)
Change in insurance reserves 98,787 50,671 37,087
Revaluation of purchase price previously held interest in Arbuz
(1,040) - -
Change in unused vacation reserve
5,860 2,271 200
Allowances for expected credit losses
21,225 29,119 2,502
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trading securities (1,048,205) (1,019,191) (608,622)
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables (including $(272,946), $187,336, and $97,783 changes from related parties)
(1,272,652) (253,301) (103,756)
Insurance contract assets (5,930) 3,217 (2,316)
Other assets (74,497) (20,752) (17,328)
Securities sold, not yet purchased - at fair value - (13,865) 5,296
Brokerage customer liabilities (including $(86,083), $(195,694), and $90,444 changes from related parties)
112,258 105,942 (23,167)
Current income tax liability 28,432 (10,019) 357
Margin lending and trade payables (including $(2,732), $(35,650), and $25,079 changes from related parties)
734,605 163,763 26,062
Lease liabilities (10,433) (5,284) (3,670)
Liabilities from insurance activity 6,927 (10,769) 1,982
Other liabilities 32,830 (3,001) 10,284
Net cash flows used in operating activities from continuing operations (1,064,362) (927,588) (293,865)
Net cash flows used in operating activities from discontinued operations
- (24,095) (112,500)
Net cash flows used in operating activities (1,064,362) (951,683) (406,365)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of fixed assets and intangible assets
(43,751) (38,542) (5,623)
Net change in loans issued to customers (569,151) (715,038) (86,376)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities, at fair value (229,912) (330,095) (248,739)
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities, at fair value 260,336 260,634 198,798
Cash received from divestiture of Russian subsidiaries
- 51,506 -
Prepayment on acquisitions (21,708) (22,462) -
Consideration paid for Ticketon (3,003) - -
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
Consideration paid for Arbuz
(13,281) - -
Consideration paid for Internet Tourism
(1,028) - -
Consideration paid for Aviata
(16,098) - -
Consideration paid for DItel
(1,103) - -
Consideration paid for LD Micro - (4,000) -
Consideration paid for acquisition of London Almaty - (13,652) -
Consideration paid for acquisition of Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance - (26,588) -
Consideration paid for Paybox - (11,617) -
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash disposed as a result of deconsolidation of Freedom UA
(1,987) - -
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash received from acquisitions 2,464 16,348 -
Net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations (638,222) (833,506) (141,940)
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations - (629,738) (4,383)
Net cash flows used in investing activities (638,222) (1,463,244) (146,323)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from securities repurchase agreement obligations 1,191,219 637,392 427,619
Proceeds from issuance of debt securities 206,344 45,946 13,200
Repurchase of debt securities - (23,387) (9,988)
Repurchase of mortgage loans under the State Program (41,768) (14,806) (146)
Funds received under state program for financing of mortgage loans 101,926 435,713 7,022
Net change in bank customer deposits 217,561 1,011,147 141,497
Purchase of non-controlling interest in Arbuz
(3,228) - -
Proceeds from loans received 2,518 - -
Repayment of loans received - (4,867) -
Capital contributions - 677 -
Exercise of options - - 119
Net cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations 1,674,572 2,087,815 579,323
Net cash flows from financing activities from discontinued operations 45,566 39,205
Net cash flows from financing activities 1,674,572 2,133,381 618,528
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash from continued operations 12,194 43,689 (14,132)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash from discontinued operations - 34,502 (40,288)
Effect of expected credit losses on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(3,406) - -
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH (19,224) (203,355) 11,420
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 1,026,945 773,414 659,495
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - 456,886 559,385
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 1,026,945 1,230,300 1,218,880
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $ 1,007,721 $ 1,026,945 $ 773,414
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS $ - $ - $ 456,886
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 1,007,721 $ 1,026,945 $ 1,230,300
For the years ended
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 474,656 $ 199,371 $ 37,851
Income taxes paid $ 30,319 $ 53,180 $ 44,473
Supplemental non-cash disclosures:
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained/disposed of in exchange for operating lease obligations during the period, net $ 11,061 $ 23,586 $ 7,314
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents $ 545,084 $ 581,417 $ 225,464
Restricted cash $ 462,637 $ 445,528 $ 547,950
Total cash, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 1,007,721 $ 1,026,945 $ 773,414
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Overview
Freedom Holding Corp. (the "Company" or "FRHC" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is a corporation organized in the United States under the laws of the State of Nevada that through its operating subsidiaries provides securities brokerage, securities dealing for customers and for our own account, market making activities, investment research, investment counseling, investment banking services, retail and commercial banking, insurance products, payment services, and information processing services. The Company also owns several ancillary businesses which complement its core financial services businesses, including telecommunications and media businesses in Kazakhstan that are in a developmental stage. The Company's headquarters is in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with supporting administrative office locations in Cyprus and the United States. The Group has a presence in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, United States, Greece, Spain, France, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. The Company's subsidiaries in the United States include a broker-dealer that is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange ("KASE").
As of March 31, 2024, the Company owned, directly or indirectly, the following companies:
Name of subsidiary Jurisdiction of Incorporation Number of subsidiaries Business Area
Brokerage Segment
Freedom Finance JSC ("Freedom KZ")
Kazakhstan
3 Securities broker-dealer
Freedom Finance Global PLC ("Freedom Global")
Kazakhstan - Securities broker-dealer
Freedom Finance Europe Limited ("Freedom EU")
Cyprus
2 Securities broker-dealer
Freedom Finance Armenia LLC ("Freedom AR")
Armenia
- Securities broker-dealer
Prime Executions, Inc. ("PrimeEx")
USA
- Securities broker-dealer
Foreign Enterprise LLC Freedom Finance
Uzbekistan - Securities broker-dealer
Banking Segment
Freedom Bank Kazakhstan JSC ("Freedom Bank KZ")
Kazakhstan 1 Commercial bank
Insurance Segment
Freedom Finance Life JSC ("Freedom Life")
Kazakhstan - Life/health insurance
Freedom Finance Insurance JSC ("Freedom Insurance")
Kazakhstan - General insurance
Other segment
Ticketon Events LLP ("Ticketon")
Kazakhstan 3 Online ticket sales
Freedom Finance Special Purpose Company LTD ("Freedom SPC")
Kazakhstan - Issuance of debt securities
Freedom Finance Commercial LLP
Kazakhstan - Sales consulting
ITS Tech Limited
Kazakhstan
- IT support
Freedom Technologies LLP ("Paybox")
Kazakhstan 5 Payment services
Aviata LLP ("Aviata")
Kazakhstan - Online travel ticket aggregator
Internet-Tourism LLP ("Internet Tourism")
Kazakhstan - Online travel ticket aggregator
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Arbuz Group LLP ("Arbuz")
Kazakhstan 3 Online retail trade and e-commerce
Comrun LLP ("ReKassa")
Kazakhstan - Mobile and web application
Freedom Telecom Holding Limited ("Freedom Telecom")
Kazakhstan 3 Telecommunications
Freedom Kazakhstan PC Ltd
Kazakhstan
6 Holding company
Freedom Advertising Ltd
Kazakhstan
- Advertising
Freedom Shapagat Corporate Fund
Kazakhstan - Non-profit
FRHC Fractional SPC LTD
Kazakhstan
- Issuance of debt securities
Holding Operations LLP
Kazakhstan
- Hiring and recruitment
Freedom Horizons LLP Kazakhstan
- Business consulting and services
Freedom Finance Azerbaijan LLC
Azerbaijan - Financial educational center
Freedom Finance FZE.
UAE
- Consulting
Freedom Management Ltd.
UAE - Consulting
Freedom Finance Turkey LLC
Turkey
- Financial consulting
Freedom Finance Technologies Ltd
Cyprus
- IT development
Freedom Prime UK Limited ("Prime UK")
UK - Management consulting
Freedom Structured Products PLC
Cyprus
- Financial services
FFIN Securities, Inc.
USA - Dormant
Freedom U.S. Market LLC
USA 1 Management company
LD Micro ("LD Micro")
USA - Event platform
As at March 31, 2024 the Company owns a 9% interest in Freedom UA, a Kiev, Ukraine-based broker-dealer. The remaining 91% interest in Freedom UA is controlled by Askar Tashtitov, the Company's president. The Company entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Freedom UA and Mr. Tashtitov, including a consulting services agreement, an operating agreement and an option agreement.
On October 19, 2022, Freedom UA's brokerage license was suspended for a period of five years and its assets were frozen by the Ukrainian authorities following its inclusion on a sanctions list of the Ukrainian government. Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation in Ukraine, the management of the Company believes that as of March 31, 2024 the Company does not maintain effective control over Freedom UA.
Through its subsidiaries, the Company is a professional participant, with a license to provide one or more types of services, on a number of stock exchanges, including the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), the Astana International Stock Exchange (AIX), the Republican Stock Exchange of Tashkent (UZSE) and the Uzbek Republican Currency Exchange (UZCE) and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (Nasdaq). The Company also owns a 24.3% interest in the Ukrainian Exchange (UX). Freedom EU provides the Company's clients with operational support and access to investment opportunities in the United States and European securities markets.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting principles
The Group's accounting policies and accompanying consolidated financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements present the consolidated accounts of FRHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Consolidation of variable interest entities
In accordance with accounting standards regarding consolidation of variable interest entities ("VIEs"), VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. VIEs must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes. As of March 31, 2024 there are no VIEs in respect of the Company. As of March 31, 2023 and for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the only VIE of the Company was Freedom UA.
The carrying amounts of Freedom UA’s consolidated assets and liabilities were as follows as of March 31, 2023:
March 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents 26
Restricted cash 1,936
Trading securities 4,010
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net 1,616
Fixed assets, net 782
Intangible assets, net 131
Right-of-use asset 135
Other assets 56
Total assets $ 8,692
Customer liabilities 5,837
Securities repurchase agreement obligations 12
Trade payables 25
Lease liability 159
Other liabilities 298
Total liabilities $ 6,331
Loss of control of Freedom UA
Amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict and subsequent economic sanctions, Freedom UA was added to the Ukrainian government's sanctioned entities and individuals list, resulting in restrictive measures being imposed on it by the Ukrainian authorities, including suspension of its brokerage license. Effective April 1, 2023, the Company removed its equity interest in Freedom UA from its consolidated financial statements and recognized a loss of control of such company. The Company accounted for the deconsolidation of Freedom UA by recognizing loss in net income attributable to the Company as the difference between net liabilities of Freedom UA as of April 1, 2023 (date of loss of control) and net liabilities as of March 31, 2024.
Non-Consolidation of Freedom Securities Trading Inc.
The Company has assessed whether it should consolidate Freedom Securities Trading Inc. (formerly known as FFIN Brokerage Services, Inc.) ("FST Belize") under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) accounting method or the voting interest method ("VOE"). In July 2014, prior to the Company's reverse acquisition transaction, Timur Turlov founded FST Belize, a Belize-based broker dealer. FST Belize is solely owned by Mr. Turlov and was not acquired by the Company as part of the reverse acquisition transaction. Although FRHC and FST Belize are common control entities, under the control of an individual, there is no indication that FRHC should consolidate FST Belize given that:
(1) FST Belize is not a VIE and is not subject to further VIE analysis due to the fact it has sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional financial support and the control over its significant activities is held by its sole shareholder, Mr. Turlov who is also FRHC's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer; and
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NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
(2) Mr. Turlov has a controlling interest in FST Belize such that under the VOE model FRHC is not required to consolidate FST Belize.
FST Belize is a corporation and Mr. Turlov is the sole owner of FST Belize, holding 100% of the ownership interest in it. There are no other shareholders or parties with participating rights or the ability to remove Mr. Turlov from his ownership position. Mr.Turlov has the ability to make all decisions in respect of FST Belize. FRHC's management has also assessed the relationship between FRHC (through its subsidiary Freedom EU) and FST Belize. Other than the tariff rates stipulated in the Variation Agreement dated February 25, 2020 entered into between Freedom EU and FST Belize, including the General Terms and Conditions of Business, which sets out the specific terms and conditions of the relationship between Freedom EU and FST Belize, there are no other contractual agreements or other implicit arrangements between the two parties that provide FRHC the power to control the operations of FST Belize. In December 2022 the Company changed its treatment of certain interest income so that it applies from the settlement date whereas previously it applied from the trade date. As a result of that change, the Company's management has continued to assess for any modifications or reconsideration events.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the Group's financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue and expense recognition
Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606"), establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity's contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services promised to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. A significant portion of the Group's revenue-generating transactions are not subject to ASC Topic 606, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as loans and investment securities, as these activities are subject to other U.S. GAAP guidance discussed elsewhere within these disclosures. Descriptions of the Group's revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, which are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income as components of total revenue, net are as follows:
• Commissions on brokerage services;
• Commissions on banking services (money transfers, foreign exchange operations and other);
• Agency fee commissions (the Company earns agency fee commissions through its facilitation of transactions between clients);
• Commissions on payment processing; and
• Commissions on investment banking services (underwriting, market making, and bondholders' representation services).
Concentrations of Revenue
Revenues from one customer of the Group’s Brokerage segment represents the following amount of the Group’s consolidated revenues:
2024 2023 2022
Single non-related party
296,257 48,430 -
Gross versus net revenue
ASC 606 provides guidance on proper recognition of principal versus agent considerations which is used to determine gross versus net revenue recognition. Under ASC 606, the core objective of the guidance on gross versus net revenue recognition is to help determine whether the Group is a principal or an agent in a transaction. In general, the primary difference between these two is the performance obligation being satisfied. The principal has a performance obligation to provide the desired goods or services to the end customer, whereas the agent arranges for the principal to provide the
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(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
desired goods or services. Additionally, a fundamental characteristic of a principal in a transaction is control. A principal substantively controls the goods and services before they are transferred to the customer as well as controls the price of the good or service being provided. An agent normally receives a commission or fee for these activities. In addition to control, the level at which the Group controls the price of the good or service being transferred determines principal versus agent status. The more discretion over setting price a Group has in providing the good or service, the more likely they are considered a principal rather than an agent.
In certain cases, other parties are involved with providing products and services to Freedom's customers. If Freedom is principal in the transaction (providing goods or services itself), revenues are reported based on the gross consideration received from the customer and any related expenses are reported gross in non interest expense. If Freedom is an agent in the transaction (arranging for another party to provide goods or services), the Group reports its net fee or commission retained as revenue.
Interest income
Interest income on margin loans, loans issued, trading securities, available-for-sale securities, and reverse repurchase agreement obligations are recognized based on the contractual provisions of the underlying arrangements.
Loan premiums and discounts are deferred and generally amortized into interest income as yield adjustments over the contractual life and/or commitment period using the effective interest method.
The Group suspends accrual of interest income for the loans which meet the impairment criteria.
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other basis adjustments on trading securities are generally recognized in interest income over the contractual lives of the securities using the effective interest method.
Interest income from marginal lending includes income accrued on off-balance sheet arrangements, which mainly include repurchase agreements of the Group’s brokerage clients.
Loans
The Group's loan portfolio is divided into: mortgages, uncollateralized bank customer loans, collateralized bank customer loans, car loans, loans issued to policyholders, right of claim for purchased retail loans and subordinated loans. Mortgage loans consist of loans provided to individuals to purchase residential properties, which is used as collateral for the loan. Uncollateralized bank customer loans consist of loans provided through credit cards to individuals, individual entrepreneurs and retail unsecured banking loans provided to individuals. Collateralized bank customer loans consist of retail collateralized loans provided to individuals. Subordinated loans consist of uncollateralized loans provided to the legal entities to support their businesses, that ranks below other, more senior loans or securities with respect to claims on assets or earnings. Margin loans are not classified as part of the Group's loan portfolio and are instead recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net. Loans to policyholders are represented by loans issued by insurer to its policyholders under an accumulative insurance contract. Policy loans are provided within the redemption amount, which is a security for the return of the received loan and covers the loans amount and interest. Car loans consists of loans provided to individuals to purchase new or used car. Right of claim for purchased retail loans represented by microfinance organization Freedom Finance Credit (“FFIN Credit") loans. Additionally, most of our mortgage loans, uncollateralized bank customer loans, collateralized bank customer loans, car loans, and rights of claim for purchased retail loans are digital in nature.
A loan becomes delinquent when the borrower doesn't fulfill its obligations to the Group to repay the loan on time according to the agreement.
Write-off
Loans are written off either partially or in their entirety only when the Group has stopped pursuing the recovery. If the amount to be written off is greater than the accumulated loss allowance, the difference is first treated as an addition to the allowance that is then applied against the gross carrying amount. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to expected credit loss expense.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The loan or part of the loan can be fully or partially written off in the following cases:
•death of the borrower;
•bankruptcy of the borrower;
•entry into force of a court decision on refusal or partial satisfaction of the Group's claims for debt collection;
•conversion of the pledged property into the ownership of the Group;
•assignment by the Group of its rights of claim to third parties.
Modifications
Where possible, the Group seeks to restructure loans rather than to take possession of collateral. This may involve extending the payment arrangements and the agreement of new loan conditions.
The Group derecognizes loan when the terms and conditions have been renegotiated to the extent that, substantially, it becomes a new loan, with the difference recognized as a derecognition gain or loss, to the extent that an impairment loss has not already been recorded. When assessing whether or not to derecognize a loan to a customer, amongst others, the Group considers the following factors: change in currency of the loan, change in counterparty and modifications.
Allowance for credit losses
The Group maintains an allowance for credit losses (ACL) for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The ACL mainly consists of the allowance for loan losses, and the allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale securities. The estimate of expected credit losses under the current expected credit losses (CECL) methodology adopted on April 1, 2023 is based on relevant information about the past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts.
Allowance for credit losses - Loans
On April 1, 2023, the Group adopted new accounting guidance which requires entities to estimate and recognize an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses for loans. Previously, an allowance for credit losses for loans was recognized based on probable incurred losses.
The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost of total loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans.
Under CECL, the Group's methodology to establish the allowance for loan losses has two basic components: (1) a collective CECL component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (2) an individual CECL component for loans that do not share common risk characteristics.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant and available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, including historical trends in loan delinquencies and charge offs, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
Allowance for credit losses for loans that share common risk characteristics
Pooling loans with common risk characteristics for estimating allowance for credit losses is primarily based on the segmentation by product type and the type of collateral provided. The Group estimates current expected credit loss for loans with common risk characteristics using the PD/LGD methodology, which is based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, as well as reasonable forecasts that allow estimating the Group's potential losses on the loan portfolio.
In assessing the Probability of Default (PD) for loans with common risk characteristics, the Group uses average monthly loan balance flowing across delinquency buckets over a period of five years or more. Based on the weighted average maturity of loans with common risk characteristics, using the Markov chain method, the proportion of possible loan agreements with overdue debts over 90 days for individuals and individual entrepreneurs and over 60 days for legal entities is determined, which are used to determine the PD for a pool of loans. If there are no own statistics, then the calculation of PD is carried out on the basis of statistics of State Credit Bureau JSC on past events for a period of five or more years. The resulting PD indicator is adjusted for qualitative or internal and external environmental factors not considered within the
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NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
model, but which are relevant in estimating the expected credit losses within the loan portfolio. The macroeconomic indicators impacting the expected risk of loss within the loan portfolios may include the following: GDP, Brent oil price, inflation and exchange rate. These macroeconomic indicators are recalculated once per year, used throughout the year and for all loan types. For defaulted loans, PD of 100% is applied, for non-impaired loans PD for the average life of the pool is recognized at inception.
In order to estimate the loss given default (LGD) for loans with common risk characteristics, the Company uses collateral valuations for secured loans and historical data on recoveries through cash repayments of defaulted loans for unsecured loans. For secured loans the Company takes into account the latest market value of the collateral on the calculation date. First, liquidity ratios are applied to market values based on the type of collateral, after which the value of the collateral is discounted at the original effective interest rate of the loan agreement for the risk periods corresponding to the types of collateral. The LGD calculation methodology is the same for both non-impaired and defaulted secured loans. For unsecured loans, the Group uses the average monthly share of repayments of defaulted loans over the past 5 years, discounted back at the weighted average effective interest rate.
The described above PD/LGD approach apply for all type of loans, as well as non-impaired and defaulted.
Allowance for credit losses for loans that do not share common risk characteristics
Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with any pools of assets are subject to individual evaluation and are removed from the collectively assessed pools. Loans that are individually evaluated for collectability are reviewed based on an assessment of the financial condition of the borrower, taking into account the most possible debt repayment scenarios: due to expected cash flows from operating activities, cash available from guarantors, founders, shareholders, investors, related companies, other confirmed cash flows, restructuring of the borrower's obligations and the sale of collateral. Depending on the loan maturity date, the expected cash flows are discounted at the original effective interest rate and allowance for credit losses are calculated as the difference between the discounted expected cash flows and outstanding balance of the loan. If repayment of the debt is deemed impossible, based on the expected cash flows, the Group accrues allowance for credit losses in the amount of 100% of the loan balance.
Loan portfolio risk elements and credit risk management
Credit risk management. When implementing credit risk management processes, the Group is guided by internal policies and procedures, which define the main goals, objectives, principles, priority areas for the formation of an internal effective credit risk management system that corresponds to the current market situation and the Group's development strategy, and ensures effective identification, measurement, monitoring and control of the Group's credit risk. In order to minimize credit risk, the Group has developed procedures for managing internal risk appetite limits for currencies, countries, sectors of the economy, business categories and products, types of collateral, concentration of risk on the top 20 borrowers, debts of a group of related borrowers, etc. Control over the level of limits on credit risk is carried out by the Group's dedicated credit risk team through the preparation of monthly management reports, which include, but are not limited to, information on the quality of the loan portfolio, its classification in accordance with the requirements of reporting standards, on the amount of exposure to credit risk, including a group of related borrowers, on the concentration of credit risk of the largest borrowers and borrowers as related parties to the Group, on the internal rating of borrowers, etc. When analyzing a borrower, the Group uses the following information to assess creditworthiness: the borrower's existing loans, the presence of overdue debt, income, age, work experience and dynamics of credit behavior.
Mortgage loans. The Group provides mortgage loans for the purchase of real estate in both the primary and secondary markets. This is done through the Group's own and government lending programs, relevant lending products as described in the Group's internal normative documents. The main share of the Group's loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans issued within the framework of state support programs, funded from the funds of quasi-state organizations. Valuation of real estate collateral is carried out directly by independent appraisal companies with subsequent confirmation by the Group's collateral service. The collateral policy and methodology of the process for working with collateral comply with the regulatory requirements of the regulator and the banking legislation of the country. In the process of making decisions on the solvency and creditworthiness of borrowers, an automatic check is carried out through external and internal databases. To do this, the results of both the Group's own and third-party credit scoring models are taken into account. The Group does not use third party loan underwriting services. Residential mortgages include only fixed rate loans secured by real estate purchases. When making a decision to issue a mortgage on housing, the Group takes into account the qualifications of the borrower, as well as the value of the underlying property.
Car loans. When making decisions on car loans, the Group uses both evaluation and scoring systems. The Group provides loans for the purchase of motor vehicles both under the C2C scheme and under the B2C scheme with the participation of
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
car dealerships. The decision-making process includes the use of data from credit bureaus, government databases and other sources of information. This allows not only to assess the financial capacity of a potential borrower, but also to evaluate the purchased vehicle. Machine learning models have also been introduced that analyze data about the cars themselves and sellers. This allows to automatically screen out applications with high potential credit risk.
Right of claim for purchased retail loans. The Group regularly acquires receivables on consumer credit products from other financial institutions through assignment agreements (cessions). This pool of the Group's loan portfolio has higher recoverability due to the presence of a condition for the repurchase of loans by a microfinance organization in the event of an overdue debt on these loans for more than 20 calendar days in accordance with the agreement between the Group and the microfinance organization.
In order to assess the solvency of a financial institution, its financial position and the ability to fulfill obligations under an agreement on the repurchase of loans in case of default in payment terms for 20 or more days are analyzed.
Uncollateralized bank customer loans. The Group primarily offers unsecured loans for individual entrepreneurs, constituting the majority of its uncollateralized bank customer loans. Several scoring models are used to make decisions about this product to determine the risk segment for each customer. The income of the client and the class of the borrower are also estimated based on his property status. The Group uses data from official sources to determine the payment fund for an individual entrepreneur and turnover through an online cash register, which helps to assess the solvency of customers.
Part of the retail loan portfolio is represented by loans issued without collateral for consumer purposes. The main condition for issuing loans to potential borrowers is compliance with the regulator's requirement that the amount of monthly loan payments does not exceed 50% of the borrower's income after a credit analysis. In case of violation of this condition, the Group rejects the loan request.
The final decision to grant a limit depends on the risk segment and income class of the borrower. Loans are issued both within the framework of their own programs and under government programs with subsidized interest rates in the portfolio.
Collateralized bank customer loans. The Group provides loans secured by guarantees issued by the quasi-governmental company's and by highly liquid financial assets. Due to the presence of collateral, the maximum loan amount significantly exceeds those provided for unsecured loans. At the loan issuance date, the collateral value fully covers the loan amount.
Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into derivatives, such as foreign currency swaps, to diversify its funding sources and manage foreign currency risk; the Group does not use derivatives for trading purposes, to generate income or to engage in speculative activity. The Group enters into derivatives that not designated in hedging relationships under ASC 815, the fair value adjustments are recorded in gain (loss) on derivative instruments and trading securities, net. Derivatives in a gain position are reported as derivative assets at fair value and derivatives in a loss position are reported as derivative liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. In our consolidated statements of cash flows, cash receipts and payments related to derivative instruments are classified according to the underlying nature or purpose of the derivative transaction, generally in the investing section for derivatives not designated in hedging relationships.
Functional currency
Management has adopted ASC 830, Foreign Currency Translation Matters as it pertains to its foreign currency translation. The Company's functional currencies are the Kazakhstan tenge, the euro, the U.S. dollar, the Uzbekistani som, the Kyrgyzstani som, the Azerbaijani manat, the British pound sterling, the Armenian dram, the United Arab Emirates dirham and the Turkish lira, and its reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. For financial reporting purposes, foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars as the reporting currency. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. Average quarterly rates are used to translate revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of shareholders' equity as "Accumulated other comprehensive loss". The Group uses exchange rates from the NBK for foreign currency translation purposes.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are generally comprised of cash and certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents include reverse repurchase agreements with a
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NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
maturity of less than 90 days and where the credit risk of the counterparty is low, which are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were acquired plus accrued interest.
Securities reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements
A reverse repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Group purchases financial instruments from a seller, typically in exchange for cash, and simultaneously enters into an agreement to resell the same or substantially the same financial instruments to the seller for an amount equal to the cash or other consideration exchanged plus interest at a future date. Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the contractual amount for which the securities will be resold, including accrued interest. Financial instruments purchased under reverse repurchase agreements are recorded in the financial statements as cash placed on deposit collateralized by securities and classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the Group sells financial instruments to another party, typically in exchange for cash, and simultaneously enters into an agreement to reacquire the same or substantially the same financial instruments from the buyer for an amount equal to the cash or other consideration exchanged plus interest at a future date. These agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. The Group retains the financial instruments sold under repurchase agreements and classifies them as trading securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The consideration received under repurchase agreements is classified as securities repurchase agreement obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Group enters into reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions to, among other things, acquire securities to leverage and grow its proprietary trading portfolio, cover short positions and settle other securities obligations, to accommodate customers' needs and to finance its asset positions. The Group enters into these transactions in accordance with normal market practice. Under standard terms for repurchase transactions, the recipient of collateral has the right to sell or repledge the collateral, subject to returning equivalent securities on settlement of the transaction.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents that are held for specific reasons and not available for immediate use. Certain subsidiaries of the Group are obligated by rules and regulations mandated by their primary regulators to segregate or set aside certain customer cash in the interests of protecting customer assets. Restricted cash is mainly represented by customer cash and guaranty deposits, which are restricted in use by the Group for more than three months.
Available-for-sale securities
Financial assets categorized as available-for-sale ("AFS") are non-derivatives that are either designated as available-for-sale or not classified as (a) loans and receivables, (b) held to maturity investments or (c) trading securities.
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the Accumulated other comprehensive loss, with the exception of other-than-temporary impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest method, and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income. When the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in the accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income is then reclassified to net realized gain/(loss) on investments available-for-sale in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income.
Trading securities
Financial assets are classified as trading securities if the financial asset has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling it in the near term.
Trading securities are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in revenue. Changes in fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income and included in net gain on trading securities. Interest earned and dividend income are recognized in the
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income and included in interest income and other income, respectively, according to the terms of the contract and when the right to receive the payment has been established.
Investments in nonconsolidated managed funds are accounted for at fair value based on the net asset value of the funds provided by the fund managers with gains or losses included in net gain on trading securities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income.
Debt securities issued
Debt securities issued are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received, less directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequently, amounts due are stated at amortized cost and any difference between net proceeds and the redemption value is recognized over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. If the Group purchases its own debt it is removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the difference between the carrying amount of the liability and the consideration paid is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income.
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables
The Group engages in securities financing transactions with and for clients through margin lending. In margin lending, the Group's customers borrow funds from the Group or sell securities the customer does not own against the value of their qualifying securities held in custody by the Group. Under these agreements, the Group is permitted to sell or repledge securities received as collateral. Furthermore, the contractual arrangements establish that the Group can use the pledged collateral by the customers for repurchase agreement operations, securities lending transactions or delivery to other counterparties to cover short positions.
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables comprise margin lending receivables, brokerage commissions and other receivables related to the securities brokerage and banking activity of the Group. At initial recognition, margin lending, brokerage and other receivables are recognized at fair value. Subsequently, margin lending, brokerage and other receivables are carried at cost net of any allowance for credit losses.
For both individual and institutional brokerage clients, the Group may enter into arrangements for securities financing transactions in respect of financial instruments held by the Group on behalf of the client or may use such financial instruments for its own account or the account of another client. The Group maintains omnibus brokerage accounts for certain institutional brokerage clients, in which transactions of the underlying clients of such institutional clients are combined in a single account with us. As noted above, the Group may use the assets within the omnibus accounts to finance, lend, provide credit or provide debt financing or otherwise use and direct the order or manner of assets for financing of other clients of ours.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the margin lending receivables balance from FST Belize was fully collateralized by its customer-owned cash and market securities held by the Group, including $- millions and $37.1 of margin lending receivables collateralized by FRHC securities, respectively. Customers’ required margin levels and established credit limits are monitored continuously by the Group's risk management staff. Pursuant to the Group’s policy, customers are required to deposit additional collateral or reduce positions, when necessary, to avoid liquidation of their positions.
Derecognition of financial assets
A financial asset (or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognized where all of the following conditions are met:
•The transferred financial assets have been isolated from the Group - put presumptively beyond the reach of the Group and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership.
•The transferee has rights to pledge or exchange financial assets.
•The Group or its agents do not maintain effective control over the transferred financial assets or third-party beneficial interests related to those transferred assets.
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NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Where the Group has not met the asset derecognition conditions above, it continues to recognize the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement.
Impairment of long-lived assets
In accordance with the accounting guidance for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, the Group periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events and circumstances warrant such a review. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the fair value from such asset is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost of disposal. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 the Group did not record any charges for impairment of long-lived assets.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to reporting units, which are identified as the operating segments or one level below operating segments that generate separate financial information regularly reviewed by management. The assignment of goodwill to reporting units allows for the assessment of potential impairment at the appropriate level within the organization.
The Group has identified its reporting units based on its organizational and operational structure, as well as the level at which internal financial information is reviewed by management to make strategic decisions. In line with this, the reporting units have been established as follows:
Brokerage Reporting Unit: This reporting unit represents the Group's operations in brokerage business. The management team responsible for the brokerage business regularly reviews financial information specific to this reporting unit, including revenue, expenses, and key performance indicators.
Bank Reporting Unit: This reporting unit comprises the Group's operations in bank business. The management team responsible for the bank business reviews financial information related to this reporting unit, including revenue, expenses, and market trends.
Insurance Reporting Unit: This reporting unit comprises the Group's operations in insurance business. The management team responsible for the insurance business reviews financial information related to this reporting unit, including revenue, expenses, and market trends.
Other Reporting Unit: This reporting unit represents the Group's various businesses operations. The management team responsible for the group's various businesses reviews financial information related to this reporting unit, including revenue, expenses, and market trends.
Goodwill has been allocated to each reporting unit based on its relative fair value at the time of acquisition or significant triggering events. The fair value allocation of goodwill to reporting units is periodically reassessed to ensure alignment with the Group's evolving organizational structure and operational dynamics.
The Group conducts impairment testing on an annual basis or whenever indicators of potential impairment arise. The impairment testing involves comparing the carrying amount of each subsidiary, including its allocated goodwill, to its fair value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.
Further details regarding the measurement of goodwill impairment and the results of impairment tests for each reporting unit are provided below.
The Group discloses information about the reporting units, the carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit, and the impairment losses recognized. The allocation of goodwill to reporting units ensures a focused evaluation of each unit's financial performance and facilitates the identification of potential impairment, enhancing the transparency and reliability of the Company's financial reporting.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, goodwill recorded in the Group's Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $52,648 and $14,192 respectively. The Group performs an impairment review at least annually unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. The entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. If fair value exceeds the carrying amount, no impairment is recorded.
The goodwill value at March 31, 2024 increased compared to March 31, 2023, due to acquisitions of Aviata, Internet Tourism, Arbuz, ReKassa and DITel LLP ("DITel") and as a result of foreign exchange currency translation.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, were as follows:
Brokerage
Bank
Insurance
Other
Total
Goodwill, gross
Balance as of March 31, 2022
$ 3,478 $ 2,742 $ 510 $ - $ 6,730
Foreign currency translation difference
(801) (90) 470 832 411
Acquired - - - 7,883 7,883
Balance as of March 31, 2023
2,677 $ 2,652 $ 980 $ 8,715 $ 15,024
Write-off due to deconsolidation of Freedom UA
- - - (832) (832)
Foreign currency translation difference
11 94 60 1 166
Acquired - - - 38,290 38,290
Balance as of March 31, 2024
2,688 $ 2,746 $ 1,040 $ 46,174 $ 52,648
Accumulated impairment
Balance as of March 31, 2022
$ - $ - $ - $ 832 $ 832
Impairment expense - - - - -
Balance as of March 31, 2023
$ - $ - $ - $ 832 $ 832
Impairment expense - - -
Write-off due to deconsolidation of Freedom UA
- - - (832) (832)
Balance as of March 31, 2024
$ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Goodwill, net of impairment
Balance as of March 31, 2022
$ 3,478 $ 2,742 $ 510 $ (832) $ 5,898
Balance as of March 31, 2023
$ 2,677 $ 2,652 $ 980 $ 7,883 $ 14,192
Balance as of March 31, 2024
$ 2,688 $ 2,746 $ 1,040 $ 46,174 $ 52,648
Business combinations and acquisitions
Acquisitions of businesses not under common control are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are generally
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
recognized in profit or loss as incurred. The assets and liabilities acquired are recognized, with certain exceptions such as deferred taxes, at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Business combinations under common control are accounted for under the pooling of interests method which involves combining the financial statements of the acquiring and acquired entities as if they had been combined from the beginning of the common control relationship. The assets and liabilities are combined on a carry over basis and not restated to its fair values. This approach required the Group to recast its consolidated financial statements to reflect the assets, liabilities and operations of the acquired entities since the beginning of the earliest comparative period.
Income taxes
The Group recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the difference between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized.
Current income tax expenses are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As part of the process of preparing financial statements, the Group is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Group accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for tax consequences in future years based on differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements at each year-end and tax loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable for the differences that are expected to affect taxable income.
The Group records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Group determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Group recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
The Group will include interest and fines arising from the underpayment of income taxes in the provision for income taxes (if anticipated). As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group had no accrued interest or fines related to uncertain tax positions.
The Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act require the Group to include in its U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary's tangible assets. The Group has presented the deferred tax impacts of GILTI tax in its consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Pillar 1 and Pillar 2
In October 2021, the Inclusive Framework, established by members of the OECD and the G20 countries, reached an agreement on a Two-Pillar Solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy (Pillar 1 and Pillar 2). The Inclusive Framework brings together over 140 countries and jurisdictions, including Kazakhstan.
Pillar 2 rules apply to multinational enterprises with annual consolidated revenue of 750 million EUR or more (“MNE groups”).
In general, Pillar 2 rules introduce additional taxation on the profits of in-scope MNE groups in cases where the effective tax rate ("ETR") in the jurisdictions where they operate falls below 15%. The global minimum tax consists of three principle rules: the income inclusion rule (IIR), the undertaxed payments rule (UTPR), and the subject to tax rule (STTR).
In order to apply Pillar 2 rules, they need to be implemented into national legislation. On October 3, 2023, the Cyprus Ministry of Finance launched a public consultation on a draft bill for the transposition into national law of the Council Directive (EU) 2022/2523 of December 14, 2022 on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups and large-scale domestic groups. The draft bill provides for an IIR practically as from 2024, a UTPR
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
practically as from 2025 which is a supplementary additional tax (rather than as an adjustment to corporate income tax through a denied deduction), and a domestic minimum top-up tax as from 2025.
Kazakhstan, as a member of the Inclusive Framework, has agreed to the Two-Pillar Solution to address challenges related to the digitization of the economy. However, Kazakhstan has not yet implemented Pillar 2 rules into its legislation. Despite this, profits of companies in Kazakhstan that are constituent entities of MNE groups could potentially be subject to taxation in jurisdictions where other group companies (parent company, subsidiaries, branches, etc.) are located and where Pillar 2 rules are already in effect (i.e., Cyprus). This situation may occur when these companies generate profits in Kazakhstan but have not paid the minimum tax of 15%.
Fair Value
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value is the current bid price for financial assets, current ask price for financial liabilities and the average of current bid and ask prices when the Group is both in short and long positions for the financial instrument. A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange or other institution and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm's length basis.
Leases
The Group follows ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," upon adoption of ASC 842, the Group elected not to recognize leases with terms of one-year or less on the balance sheet.
Operating lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities were recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 27 "Leases", to the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosure and significant accounting policies affecting leases.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range between three and sixty-five years.
Insurance contract assets and liabilities
Insurance and reinsurance receivable
Insurance receivable is recognized when the contract comes into force and measured on initial recognition at the fair value of the consideration receivable. Reinsurance receivable is recognized when a gross payment is accrued for which there is reinsurance coverage. Subsequent to initial recognition, any insurance and reinsurance receivable is measured at cost net of any allowance for impairment losses.
Deferred acquisition costs
Deferred acquisition costs are commissions, premium taxes, and other incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that results directly from and are essential to the contract transaction(s) and would not have been incurred by the Group had the contract transaction(s) not occurred. The deferred amounts are recorded as an asset on the balance sheet and amortized to expense in a systematic manner. Traditional life insurance deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized over the coverage period of the related insurance contracts. Deferred acquisition costs for property and casualty insurance and short-duration health insurance are amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies.
Insurance and reinsurance payable
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Payables on insurance business comprise advances received, amounts payable to insured (claims and premium refund payable) and amounts payable to agents and brokers, and advances received from insurers and reinsurers.
Payables on reinsurance business comprise net amounts payable to reinsurers. Amounts payable to reinsurers include ceded reinsurance premiums, assumed premium refunds and claims on assumed reinsurance. Insurance and reinsurance payable are accounted for at amortized cost.
Unearned premium reserve and claims
Unearned premium is determined by the method of proportion for each contract, as the product of the insurance premium under the contract for the ratio of the expiration of the insurance cover (in days) to the balance sheet date (in days) from the date when contract come into force until the end of the insurance coverage. The reinsurer's share in the unearned premium reserve is calculated separately for each insurance (reinsurance) contract and is determined as the ratio of the insurance premium under the reinsurance contract to the insurance premium under the insurance contract multiplied by the unearned premium reserve.
Results of insurance activity includes net written insurance premiums reduced by the net change in the unearned premium reserve, commissions recognized from assumed insurance and reinsurance contracts, claims paid net and net change in the loss reserves.
Net written insurance premiums represent gross written premiums less premiums ceded to reinsurers. Upon inception of a contract (except for classes of life and annuity insurance), premiums are recorded as written and are earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the related contract coverage. The unearned premium reserve represents the portion of the premiums written relating to the unexpired terms of coverage and is included in the accompanying statement of Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unearned premium reserve relates to non-life insurance products and non-annuity insurance products.
Claims and other insurance expenses are expensed to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income as incurred.
Insurance loss reserves
Premium Deficiency Reserve
Premium deficiency reserve is a liability balance based on actuarial estimates for anticipated losses on value-based-care contracts reassessed by management when it becomes probable that future losses will be incurred. The reserve balance is the sum of expected future costs, claims adjustment expenses, and maintenance costs that exceed future premiums under contracts excluding consideration from investment income. Losses or gains from these reassessments are recorded in the period in which such losses were identified and reflected within the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss. If a premium deficiency occur, future changes in the liability is based on the revised assumptions. No loss is reported if it results in creating future income. The liability for future policy benefits using revised assumptions based on actual and anticipated experience is estimated periodically for comparison with the liability for future policy benefits (reduced by unamortized acquisition costs) at the valuation date. Premium deficiency reserves are amortized over the period in which loses are expected to be incurred and expected to have an offsetting impact on operating losses in that period. Premium deficiency reserve process is applicable for both life and non-life insurance policies.
Use of Estimates in Premium Deficiency Reserves. The Group's Premium deficiency reserve may fluctuate from period to period as a percentage of total revenue and value-based care revenue. This is due to the significant uncertainty and varying nature of key inputs into the measurement of the reserves, driving the income or expense in the period. These key inputs include the contractual rates within value-based care contracts, forecasted benefit and member population changes, contractual periods, risk adjustments and claims costs forecasts associated with the Group's member populations and allocation of operating costs to these contracts.
Non-life and general insurance
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Loss reserves are a summary of estimates of ultimate losses, and include both claims reported but not settled (RBNS) and claims incurred but not reported (IBNR). RBNS is created for existing reported claims not settled at the reporting date. Estimates are made on the basis of information received by the Group during its investigation of insured events. IBNR is estimated by the Group based on its previous history of reported/settled claims using actuarial methods of calculation, which include claim development triangles.
Reinsurance assets in IBNR are estimated applying the same actuarial method used in IBNR estimation.
Life insurance
Not incurred claims reserves (NIC) on life insurance contracts equal the NIC amount for all life insurance contracts valid as at the reporting date. NIC reserve on a separate contract of life insurance is equal to the maximum value of the net level premium reserve and gross-premium reserve. Net level premium reserve is the present value of future benefits (excluding survival benefits) less present value of future net premiums. Gross-premium reserve is present value of benefits, expenses of the Group that are directly related to consideration, settlement, and determination of the benefit amount, operating expenses of the Group related to conducting of the business, less present value of future gross-premiums. The Group excludes terminations of the contracts from the statistics which is then used for NIC reserves, given the inclusion of terminations will result lower level of NIC reserves which may not be sufficient.
Annuity insurance
NIC reserve on annuity contracts is the sum of the present value of future benefits, the claims for annuity insurance and administrative expenses on annuity insurance contracts maintenance, less the present value of insurance contributions (in case of lump sum - insurance premium), which the Group is due to receive after the settlement date.
The reserves are calculated using the assumptions established at the time the contract was issued, in which case a margin for risk and adverse deviation is generally included.
Segment information
From the beginning of calendar 2024, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President, who collectively act as our chief operating decision maker (CODM), began to manage our business, make operating decisions, and evaluate operating performance on the basis of a new segmental structure. As a result, we have realigned our reportable segments into the following four segments: Brokerage, Banking, Insurance, and Other. All prior period segment information has been recast to reflect this change in reportable segments.
The Company used the management approach to identify its reportable segments, as required by ASC 280. The management approach is based on the way the Company's management organizes and evaluates its operations, and based on the way the Company's operations are managed and reported in its internal financial reporting system.
The Company evaluated whether its segments met the quantitative thresholds to be reportable separately. The quantitative thresholds require that a segment's revenue is 10% or more of the combined revenue of all segments, or its absolute profit or loss is 10% or more of the greater of the combined absolute profit of all segments that have a positive profit or the combined absolute loss of all segments that have a loss. The Brokerage, Banking and Insurance segments were identified under the quantitative thresholds.
Under the management approach, the Company identified the Brokerage, Banking, Insurance and Other segments as its reportable segments as they are managed separately. The performance of all segments is regularly reviewed by the CODM.
Factors Used in Determining Reportable Segments
The Company considered several factors when determining its reportable segments. These factors include similarities and differences among its products, services, economic factors, and internal reporting.
The Company considered the similarities and differences among its business to determine whether they should be aggregated or reported separately. Each business was determined to be sufficiently different from other businesses and therefore should be reported separately.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The Company also considered the economic factors that affect its operating segments, such as the regulatory environment, competitive landscape, and market conditions, to determine whether they should be reported separately. Reportable regions were determined to have unique economic factors that warranted separate reporting.
The information that is regularly reviewed by the CODM, including but not limited to the revenue, profit or loss, and assets, was also considered by the Company when determining its reportable segments. Each reportable segment was determined to be regularly reviewed by the CODM and therefore should be reported separately. All prior period segment information has been recast to reflect this change in reportable segments.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In June 2016 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which introduced an expected credit loss methodology for the impairment of financial assets measured at amortized cost basis. That methodology replaces the probable, incurred loss model for those assets. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10 "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (ASC 326). The Board developed a philosophy to extend and simplify how effective dates are staggered between larger public companies (bucket one) and all other entities (bucket two). Those other entities include private companies, smaller public companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Under this philosophy, a major update would first be effective for bucket-one entities, that is, public business entities that are SEC filers, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies (SRCs) under the SEC's definition. All other entities, including SRCs, other public business entities, and nonpublic business entities (private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans) would compose bucket two. For those entities, the Board considered requiring an effective date staggered at least two years after bucket one for major updates. When ASU 2019-10 was issued, it provided SRCs with the option to defer the implementation of the standard. As the Company qualified as an SRC at the time of the standard's release, it chose not to adopt the update on January 1, 2020. Since then, the Company has grown and became a Larger Public Company as of March 31, 2022, and following ASU 2019-10, qualifies for bucket one. Accordingly, ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted ASC 326 starting from April 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective transition approach for its financial assets in scope.
The results for reporting periods beginning on or after April 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326, while prior periods amount continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The following table illustrates the impact of ASC 326.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2023 ASC 326 Adoption Impact April 1, 2023
Allowance for credit losses for loans
Mortgage loans $ 554 $ 2,216 $ 2,770
Car loans 759 6,462 7,221
Collateralized bank customer loans - 35 35
Uncollateralized banks customer loans 233 7,436 7,669
Right of claim for purchased retail loans 1,246 9,046 10,292
Allowance for credit losses for other financial assets - 249 249
Total allowance for credit losses $ 2,792 $ 25,444 $ 28,236
Retained earnings
Total allowance increase 25,444
Decrease to retained earnings, pre-tax 25,444
Tax effect (2,671)
Foreign currency translation difference effect (1)
Decrease to retained earnings, net of tax effect $ 22,772
In June 2022, FASB Issued Accounting Standard Updated No. 2022-03 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions”. The FASB has issued this standard to (1) clarify the guidance in Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurement, when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security, (2) to amend a related illustrative example, and (3) to introduce new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. The amendments in this update affects all entities that have investments in equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to a contractual sale restriction. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2022-03 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In September 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-04 “Liabilities-Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations” to enhance the transparency of supplier finance programs. This requires all entities, which apply those programs in connection with the purchase of goods and services (buyer party), to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about the use of the finance programs to understand the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and potential magnitude.
Accordingly, ASU 2022-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on roll forward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company does not expect that ASU 2022-04 will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944”): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts ” to make targeted improvements to its guidance on long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity in response to stakeholder feedback indicating that more timely, transparent, and decision-useful information about long-duration contracts was needed. Subsequently, FASB issued ASU 2019-09 and ASU 2020-11 amended ASU 2018-12 to defer its effective date. In December 2022, FASB Issued Accounting Standard Updated No. 2022-05 “Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Transition for Sold Contracts”, which introduces an optional accounting policy election under which insurers can choose not to apply the amendments made by ASU 2018-12 to certain
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
contracts that are derecognized as a result of a sale or disposal before the effective date of ASU 2018-12.2 Insurers that make this accounting policy election would also be subject to additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2022-05 is effective for all entities that adopt ASU 2018-12. Specifically, the effective dates are as follows: for public business entities that meet the definition of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer and are not smaller reporting companies, LDTI is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Early application is permitted. The Company evaluated the impact that ASU 2022-05 has on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, as a result of the evaluation the ASU 2022-05 does not have an impact on consolidated financial statements. Since its initial issuance, the FASB has deferred the ASU 2018-12 effective date for two years. The amendments are now effective for SEC filers that are not small reporting companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. For all other entities the effective date is now for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or interim periods after December 15, 2025. As of November 15, 2019, the Company met the definition of a smaller reporting company. The Company will adopt ASU 2018-12 effective April 1, 2025 using the modified retrospective transition method where permitted. ASU 2018-12 will impact the accounting and disclosure requirements for all long-duration contracts issued by the Company. The Company expects the standard to have an immaterial financial impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2023, FASB Issued Accounting Standard Updated No. 2023-01 “Lease (Topic 842): Common control arrangement”. Topic 842 requires that entities determine whether a related party arrangement between entities under common control (hereinafter referred to as a common control arrangement) is a lease. If the arrangement is determined to be a lease, an entity must classify and account for the lease on the same basis as an arrangement with an unrelated party (on the basis of legally enforceable terms and conditions).That represents a change from the requirements of Topic 840, Leases, which required that an entity classify and account for an arrangement on the basis of economic substance when those terms and conditions were affected by the related party nature of the arrangement. The amendments in this Update affect all lessees that are a party to a lease between entities under common control in which there are leasehold improvements. The amendments apply to all entities (that is, public business entities, private companies, not-for-profit entities, and employee benefit plans). The amendments in this Update for both Issue 1 and Issue 2 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities in any interim period. If an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it shall adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU No. 2023-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-02 “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects”, which amended Subtopic 323-740, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures-Income Taxes, introduced the option to apply the proportional amortization method to account for investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met. The amendments in this Update apply to all reporting entities that hold (1) tax equity investments that meet the conditions for and elect to account for them using the proportional amortization method or (2) an investment in a LIHTC structure through a limited liability entity that is not accounted for using the proportional amortization method and to which certain LIHTC-specific guidance removed from Subtopic 323-740 has been applied. The amendments in this Update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities in any interim period. If an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it shall adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact Update No. 2023-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2023, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-05 “Business Combinations- Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60)” that provides a new basis of accounting upon formation of a joint venture to reduce diversity in practice and provide investors with decision-useful information. The amendments in Update 2023-05 require that a joint venture, upon formation, initially measures its assets and liabilities at fair value (with exceptions to fair value measurements that are consistent with other new combinations guidance). It requires that a joint venture apply the following key adaptations from business combinations guidance upon formation: (1) a joint venture is the formation of a new entity without the accounting acquirer, (2) a joint venture measures its identifiable net assets and goodwill if any, at the formation date, (3) initial measurement of a joint venture’s total net assets is equal to the fair value of 100 percent of the joint venture’s equity, (4) a joint venture provides relevant disclosures, the requirements for joint venture disclosures upon formation are different from the requirements for business combinations. In case that the formation is incomplete by the
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
end of the reporting period in which the formation occurs, the amendments in this Update permit a joint venture to apply measurement period guidance in Subtopic 805-10.
The amendments in this Update are effective for all joint venture formations with formation dates on or after January 1, 2025, and may be used retrospectively if sufficient information is available. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period in which financial statements have not yet been issued, either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2023-05 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In October 2023, FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2023-06 “Disclosure Improvements” that modifies the disclosure or presentation requirements of several Topics in the Codification.
The following is the summary of amendments made to codification subtopics:
•230-10 Statement of Cash Flows - Overall. Requires an accounting policy disclosure in annual periods of where the cash flow is associated with derivative instruments and their related gains and losses are presented in the statement of cash flows.
•250-10 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections- Overall. Requires that when there has been a change in the reporting entity, the entity disclose any material prior-period adjustment and the effect of the adjustment on retained earnings in interim financial statements.
•260-10 Earnings Per Share- Overall. Requires disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings-per-share computation for each dilutive security and clarifies that certain disclosures should be made during interim periods. Amends illustrative guidance to illustrate disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings-per-share computation.
•270-10 Interim Reporting- Overall. Conforms to the amendments made to Topic 250.
•440-10 Commitments-Overall. Requires disclosure of assets mortgaged, pledged, or otherwise subject to lien and the obligations collateralized.
•470-10 Debt-Overall. Requires disclosure of amounts and terms of unused lines of credit and unfunded commitments and the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding short-term borrowings. Entities that are not public business entities are not required to provide information about the weighted-average interest rate.
•505-10 Equity-Overall. Requires entities that issue preferred stock to disclose preference in involuntary liquidation if the liquidation preference is other than par or stated value.
•815-10 Derivatives and Hedging-Overall. Adds cross-reference to disclosure requirements related to where cash flows associated with derivative instruments and their related gains and losses are presented in the statement of cash flows in Topic 230.
•860-30 Transfers and Servicing-Secured Borrowing and Collateral. Requires (a) that accrued interest be included in the disclosure of liabilities incurred in securities borrowing or repurchase or resale transactions; (b) Separate presentation of the aggregate carrying amount of reverse repurchase agreements on the face of the balance sheet if that amount exceeds 10 percent of total assets; (c) Disclosure of the weighted-average interest rates of repurchase liabilities for public business entities; (d) Disclosure of amounts at risk with an individual counterparty if that amount exceeds more than 10 percent of stockholder’s equity; (e) Disclosure for reverse repurchase agreements that exceed 10 percent of total assets on whether there are any provisions in a reverse repurchase agreement to ensure that the market value of the underlying assets remains sufficient to protect against counterparty default and, if so, the nature of those provisions.
•932-235 Extractive Activities- Oil and Gas-Notes to Financial Statements. Requires that paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-36 be applicable for each annual period presented in the financial statements.
•946-20 Financial Services- Investment Companies- Investment Company Activities. Requires that investment companies disclose the components of capital on the balance sheet.
•974-10 Real Estate-Real Estate Investment Trusts-Overall. Requires disclosure for annual reporting periods of the tax status of distributions per unit (for example, ordinary income, capital gain, and return of capital) for a real estate investment trust.
Entities under SEC disclosure requirements and those filing financial statements with the SEC for issuing securities without transfer restrictions will adopt the amendments on the date when the SEC removes the related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation, without the option for early adoption. Other entities will implement the changes two years later.
The amendments should be applied prospectively. If by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirements from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending amendment will be removed from the Codification and won’t be effective for any entity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2023-06 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In October 2023, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2023-07 “Segment Reporting (Topic 280)” that provides improvements to segment reporting disclosure, as segment information is one of the crucial pieces of information that investors look for in financial reports.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The amendments in this Update can be summarized as follows:
•Public entity is required to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss (“significant expense principle”).
•Public entity is required to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, an amount of other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition. This category is the difference between segment revenue less expenses (disclosed under significant expense principle) and each reported measure of segment profit or loss.
•Public entities are required to provide all annual disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets currently required by Topic 280 in interim periods.
•Entities to clarify if the CODM uses more than one measure of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources, a public entity may report one or more of those additional measures of segment profit. However, among these measures, at least one should align with the principles used to measure similar amounts in the company's consolidated financial statements, following GAAP. This means that while a company must report the primary measure consistent with GAAP, they can also disclose other segment profit or loss measures utilized by their management for assessing segment performance and resource allocation.
•Public entity is required to disclose the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources.
•Public entity that has a single reportable segment is required to provide all the disclosures required by the amendments in this Update and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280.
The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. Public entities should apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2023-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2023-08 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60)” that provides improvements to the accounting and disclosure of crypto assets. The amendments in this update are applicable to the assets that meet the following criteria: meet the definition of intangible assets as defined in the Codification; do not provide the holder with enforceable rights to or claims on underlying assets, services or other assets; are created or reside on a distributed ledger based on a blockchain or similar technology;
are secured through cryptography; are fungible; are not issued or created by the reporting entity or its related parties.
The amendments require that assets that meet the criteria above are measured at fair value with changes recognized in the net income each reporting period. Entity is also required to present crypto assets measured at fair value separately from other intangible assets in the balance sheet and changes from the remeasurement of crypto assets separately from changes in the carrying amounts of other intangible assets in the income statement. The amendments also require specific presentation of cash receipts arising from crypto assets that are received as non-cash considerations in the ordinary course of business and are converted almost immediately into cash, however, there are no changes to the presentation requirements for the statement of cash flow. For annual and interim reporting periods, entities are required to disclose: (1) name, cost basis, fair value, number of units of each significant crypto asset holding and aggregate fair values and cost bases asset holdings that are not individually significant; (2) the fair value of those crypto assets, that are subject to contractual sale restrictions. For annual reporting periods, entities are required to disclose: (1) a rollforward (aggregate) of activity in the reporting period, including additions (with description of activities that led to additions), dispositions, gains and losses; (2) for any dispositions of crypto asset holdings, the difference between the disposal price and the cost basis (with the description that led to disposition); (3) if gains and losses are not presented separately, the income statement line where those gains and losses are recognized; (4) the method for determining the cost basis of crypto assets.
The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual periods. The amendment requires a cumulative- effect adjustment to the opening balance of the retained earnings as of the beginning of the annual reporting in which the entity adopts the amendments. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2023-08 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosure. The amendments in this Update mandate public entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and additional information for reconciling items that meet quantitative threshold in the annual tax rate reconciliations. Update requires to present a table showing percentages and currency amounts, outlining tax related aspects such as state/local income tax, foreign tax effect, changes in tax law, credits, valuation allowances, nontaxable and nondeductible items, unrecognized tax benefits. Items that impact tax calculations by 5% and more are required to be disclosed separately, with certain categories required to be disaggregated by jurisdiction or
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
nature. Reconciling items are categorized based on state/local, foreign, or federal/national tax levels. Some items can be presented on a net basis, while others need gross presentation. Entities must provide explanations of the major state/local jurisdictions affecting taxes and explain individual reconciling items. For non-public business entities, qualitative disclosure on significant differences between statutory and effective tax rates is required. Additionally, the amendments in this Update require that all entities must disclose amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal(national) state and by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid if equal to or greater than 5% of total income taxes paid. The amendments also require entities to disclose income from continuing operations before income tax expense, and income tax expenses categorized by federal/national, state, and foreign levels. Moreover, certain previous disclosure requirements, like estimating changes in unrecognized tax benefits and cumulative temporary differences in deferred tax liabilities, are eliminated. The amendment in this Update also replaces the term "public entity" with "public business entity" in Topic 740 definitions.
The amendments in this Updated are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For entities other than public business entities, amendments are effective beginning December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2023-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2024-01, titled "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) to improve generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by adding an illustrative example to demonstrate how an entity should apply the scope guidance in paragraph 718- 10-15-3 to determine whether profits interest and similar awards should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.
Some entities grant profits interest awards to employees or nonemployees, allowing them to share in future profits and/or equity appreciation. Distinguishing from capital interests, these awards do not grant rights to existing net assets. Determining whether to account for these awards under Topic 718 or Topic 710 has led to inconsistency. Stakeholders requested examples for clarity, prompting the addition of scope application examples to improve consistency.
The updates regarding the scope application issue apply to all reporting entities awarding profits interests as compensation for goods or services. Additionally, improvements to paragraph 718-10-15-3 apply universally to entities engaged in share-based payment transactions. This update makes GAAP clearer by adding an example with four scenarios. These scenarios show how to decide if profits interest awards should follow Topic 718. By using specific conditions, this example aims to simplify the process and reduce differences in practice. The changes to paragraph 718-10-15-3 also make it clearer without changing the guidance itself.
The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, for Public Business Entities. Other entities will implement the changes for annual periods starting after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. If adopted during an interim period, they should be applied from the start of the corresponding annual period.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU No 2024-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2024-02, titled “Codification Improvements-Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements”. This update makes amendments to the Codification by removing references to various FASB Concepts Statements. It is part of the Board's ongoing effort to refine GAAP through incremental improvements to the Codification. These changes aim to clarify guidance and correct unintended applications, without significantly impacting accounting practices or costs for most entities. The rationale for each amendment is detailed within the update, and while initially proposed in 2019, some revisions were made based on stakeholder feedback. The changes in this update impact several topics in the Codification and are applicable to all reporting entities covered by the affected accounting guidance.
The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Entities are allowed to apply the amendments in this update early, for any fiscal year or interim period without issued financial statements. If adopted during an interim period, entities must implement them at the start of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The update provides two transition methods: prospective application to new transactions after the adoption date or retrospective application to the earliest comparative period presented, requiring adjustments to the opening balance of retained earnings or other relevant equity components.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU No 2024-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 3 - RECAST
When preparing the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2024, management determined that certain amounts included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2022
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
required revision due to the closing on May 17, 2022, of the Company's acquisition of two insurance companies in Kazakhstan, a life insurance company, Freedom Life, and a direct insurance carrier, excluding life, health and medical, Freedom Insurance, which were deemed to be entities under common control with the Company since 2018. Prior to the Company's acquisition of these companies, each was wholly owned by the Company's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov, who had previously acquired Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance from a non-related party on February 28, 2018, and August 22, 2018, respectively. The two companies are under common control with the Company since the dates when they were acquired by Timur Turlov.
The Company acquired these companies from Mr. Turlov at the historical cost paid by him plus amounts he had contributed as additional paid in capital since his purchase. The Company acquired the two companies to expand its presence in the insurance segment. The purchase price for 100% of the outstanding shares of Freedom Insurance was $13,977 and the purchase price for 100% of the outstanding shares of Freedom Life was $12,611. During the year ended March 31,2023 Freedom KZ has fully repaid the payable for acquisitions of Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance.
The financial results of Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance have been consolidated in financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2022 for comparative purposes, as if they had been acquired prior to such periods.
The previously issued Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2022, and Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended March 31, 2022 have been revised as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of March 31, 2022
As previously reported FF Life acquisition Elimi-nations FF Insurance acquisition Elimi-nations As recasted
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 224,663 $ 1,429 $ (917) $ 371 $ (82) $ 225,464
Restricted cash 547,950 - - - - 547,950
Trading securities 1,080,982 8,875 - 68,520 - 1,158,377
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value 1 161,363 - - - 161,364
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net 147,480 172 (34) 61 (20) 147,659
Loans issued 92,403 43 - - - 92,446
Fixed assets, net 17,387 182 - 254 - 17,823
Intangible assets, net 3,512 1,490 - 161 - 5,163
Goodwill 5,388 359 - 151 - 5,898
Right-of-use asset 6,747 532 - 152 - 7,431
Insurance contract assets - 3,555 - 2,157 - 5,712
Other assets, net 19,351 9,863 - 427 - 29,641
Assets held for sale 825,419 - - - - 825,419
TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,971,283 $ 187,863 $ (951) $ 72,254 $ (102) $ 3,230,347
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Securities repurchase agreement obligations $ 742,710 $ 47,690 $ - $ 49,824 $ - $ 840,224
Customer liabilities 766,627 - (917) - (82) 765,628
Margin lending and trade payables 45,082 - - 21 (20) 45,083
Liabilities from insurance activity - 108,925 - 13,162 - 122,087
Current income tax liability 14,556 - - - - 14,556
Securities sold, not yet purchased - at fair value 13,865 - - - - 13,865
Debt securities issued 34,390 - - - - 34,390
Lease liability 6,785 543 - 176 - 7,504
Liability arising from continuing involvement 6,447 - - - - 6,447
Other liabilities 20,668 551 (34) 292 - 21,477
Liabilities held for sale 812,478 - - - - 812,478
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 2,463,608 $ 157,709 $ (951) $ 63,475 $ (102) $ 2,683,739
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
- - - - - -
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock -$0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
- - - - - -
Common stock - $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 59,542,212 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2022
59 9,465 (9,464) 15,576 (15,577) 59
Additional paid in capital 141,340 - 16,498 - 16,907 174,745
Retained earnings 426,563 28,132 (6,665) (4,812) (1,294) 441,924
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (53,291) (7,444) (369) (1,985) (36) (63,125)
TOTAL FRHC SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 514,671 $ 30,153 $ - $ 8,779 $ - $ 553,603
Non-controlling interest (6,996) 1 - - - (6,995)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 507,675 $ 30,154 $ - $ 8,779 $ - $ 546,608
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 2,971,283 $ 187,863 $ (951) $ 72,254 $ (102) $ 3,230,347
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Year ended March 31, 2022
As previously reported FF Life acquisition Elimi-nations FF Insurance acquisition Elimi-nations As recasted
Revenue:
Fee and commission income $ 335,444 $ - $ - $ 83 $ (316) $ 335,211
Net gain/(loss) on trading securities 156,345 (1,283) - 190 - 155,252
Interest income 90,153 23,027 - 8,429 - 121,609
Insurance underwriting income - 60,526 - 12,455 - 72,981
Net gain on foreign exchange operations 1,979 1,615 - 197 - 3,791
Net gain on derivatives 946 - - - - 946
TOTAL REVENUE, NET $ 584,867 $ 83,885 $ - $ 21,354 $ (316) $ 689,790
Expense:
Fee and commission expense 73,243 12,289 - 693 (316) 85,909
Interest expense 65,449 5,194 - 6,304 - 76,947
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance - 42,606 - 11,841 - 54,447
Payroll and bonuses 39,779 3,624 - 2,885 - 46,288
Professional services 12,123 106 - 453 - 12,682
Stock compensation expense 7,859 - - - - 7,859
Advertising expense 10,059 - - 1,857 - 11,916
General and administrative expense 18,744 3,516 - 1,273 - 23,533
Provision for impairment losses 2,206 - - 296 - 2,502
Other expense/(income), net 1,312 2,708 - (6) - 4,014
TOTAL EXPENSE $ 230,774 $ 70,043 $ - $ 25,596 $ (316) $ 326,097
NET INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX 354,093 13,842 - (4,242) - 363,693
Income tax (expense)/benefit (38,529) (54) - 13 - (38,570)
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 315,564 13,788 - (4,229) - 325,123
Loss before income tax (expense)/benefit of discontinued operations (117,199) - - - - (117,199)
Income tax benefit of discontinued operations 13,004 - - - - 13,004
Loss from discontinued operations (104,195) - - - - (104,195)
NET INCOME/(LOSS) $ 211,369 $ 13,788 $ - $ (4,229) $ - $ 220,928
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary (6,566) - - - - (6,566)
NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST
$ 217,935 $ 13,788 $ - $ (4,229) $ - $ 227,494
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Change in unrealized gain on investments available-for-sale, net of tax effect - (4,292) - - - (4,292)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on available-for-sale investments disposed of in the period, net of tax effect - 2,222 - - - 2,222
Foreign currency translation adjustments (17,245) (2,014) - (1,363) - (20,622)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME (17,245) (4,084) - (1,363) - (22,692)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS $ 194,124 $ 9,704 $ - $ (5,592) $ - $ 198,236
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary (6,566) - - - - (6,566)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTROLLING INTEREST 200,690 9,704 - (5,592) - 204,802
For the year ended March 31, 2022, the Company’s EPS as reported was 5.43 for both basic and diluted EPS for continuing operations, (1.75) for both basic and diluted EPS for discontinued operations, and 3.67 for both basic and diluted total EPS. Due to the items noted above, the Company’s EPS has been recast to 5.59 for both basic and diluted EPS for continuing operations, to (1.75) for both basic and diluted EPS for discontinued operations, and to 3.84 for both basic and diluted total EPS.
NOTE 4 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Short term deposits in National Bank (Kazakhstan) $ 196,942 $ 357,454
Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements 134,961 29,812
Short term deposits in commercial banks 127,051 83,755
Short term deposits in stock exchanges 47,830 31,691
Petty cash in bank vault and on hand 22,613 35,998
Cash in transit 9,633 3,364
Overnight deposits 3,557 1,926
Short term deposits on brokerage accounts 2,917 37,417
Short term deposits in the Central Depository (Kazakhstan) 42 -
Allowance for Cash and cash equivalents (462) -
Total cash and cash equivalents $ 545,084 $ 581,417
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023 cash and cash equivalents balance included short-term collateralized securities received under reverse repurchase agreements which the Group concludes mainly on KASE. KASE, in turn, guarantees payments to the counterparty. The terms of the short-term collateralized securities received under reverse repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented below:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2024
Interest rates and remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Average
interest rate Up to 30
days Total
Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements
Corporate equity 14.57 % $ 96,647 $ 96,647
US sovereign debt 4.77 % 16,885 16,885
Non-US sovereign debt 4.45 % 12,468 12,468
Corporate debt 5.31 % 8,961 8,961
Total $ 134,961 $ 134,961
March 31, 2023
Interest rates and remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Average
interest rate
Up to 30
days 30-90
days Total
Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements
US sovereign debt 2.06 % $ 17,102 $ - $ 17,102
Corporate equity 17.17 % 6,963 - 6,963
Non-US sovereign debt
6.12 % 3,483 - 3,483
Corporate debt 2.52 % 2,079 185 2,264
Total $ 29,627 $ 185 $ 29,812
The securities received by the Group as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements are liquid trading securities with market quotes and significant trading volume. The fair value of collateral received by the Group under reverse repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $133,380 and $31,165 respectively.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements included accrued interest in the amount of $106 and $11, with a weighted average maturity of 3 days and 9 days, respectively. All securities repurchase agreements transactions were executed through the KASE.
NOTE 5 - RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, consisted of:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Brokerage customers' cash $ 366,260 $ 328,435
Guaranty deposits 97,052 116,628
Restricted bank accounts 8,079 10,436
Due from banks
6,374 -
Deferred distribution payment 23 23
Allowance for restricted cash (15,151) (9,994)
Total restricted cash $ 462,637 $ 445,528
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, part of the Group’s restricted cash was segregated in a special custody account for the exclusive benefit of the relevant brokerage customers.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 6 - TRADING AND AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, trading and available-for-sale securities consisted of:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Non-U.S. sovereign debt $ 2,409,126 $ 1,029,857
Corporate debt 1,108,870 1,269,879
Corporate equity 126,103 65,741
U.S. sovereign debt 43,173 45,022
Exchange traded notes 1,348 2,057
Total trading securities $ 3,688,620 $ 2,412,556
Corporate debt 173,568 191,082
Non-US sovereign debt 27,016 40,162
US sovereign debt 16,037 7,809
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 216,621 $ 239,053
The following tables present maturity analysis for available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
March 31, 2024
Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Up to 1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years More than 10 years Total
Corporate debt 65,415 44,374 59,553 4,226 173,568
Non-US sovereign debt 7,839 7,310 5,797 6,070 27,016
US sovereign debt - 5,059 9,753 1,225 16,037
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 73,254 $ 56,743 $ 75,103 $ 11,521 $ 216,621
March 31, 2023
Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Up to 1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years More than 10 years Total
Corporate debt 77,006 82,579 31,486 11 191,082
Non-US sovereign debt - 33,143 820 6,199 40,162
US sovereign debt 1,947 2,805 1,725 1,332 7,809
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 78,953 $ 118,527 $ 34,031 $ 7,542 $ 239,053
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of March 31, 2024, the Group held debt securities of two issuers which individually exceeded 10% of the Group's total trading securities - the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Fitch: BBB credit rating) in the amount of $2,394,541 and Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund JSC (Fitch: BBB credit rating) in the amount of $669,756. As of March 31, 2023, the Group held debt securities of two issuers each of which individually exceeded 10% of the Group's total trading securities - the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Fitch: BBB credit rating) in the amount of $1,015,161 and the Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund JSC (Fitch: BBB credit rating) in the amounts of $834,917, respectively. The debt securities issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund JSC are categorized as non-US sovereign debt and corporate debt, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Group recognized $413 and $390, respectively, other-than-temporary impairment in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The fair value of securities is determined using observable market data based on recent trading activity. Where observable market data is unavailable due to a lack of trading activity, the Group utilizes internally developed models to estimate fair value and independent third parties to validate assumptions, when appropriate. Estimating fair value requires significant management judgment, including benchmarking to similar instruments with observable market data and applying appropriate discounts that reflect differences between the securities that the Group is valuing and the selected benchmark. Depending on the type of securities owned by the Group, other valuation methodologies may be required.
Measurement of fair value is classified within a hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The valuation hierarchy contains three levels:
•Level 1 - Valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•Level 2 - Valuation inputs are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other observable inputs directly or indirectly related to the asset or liability being measured.
•Level 3 - Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The following tables present trading securities assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
Weighted
average
interest rate
Total Fair Value Measurements at
March 31, 2024 using
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets Significant Other
Observable Inputs Significant unobservable
units
(Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Non-U.S. sovereign debt 11.61 % $ 2,409,126 $ 1,592,380 $ 816,746 $ -
Corporate debt 14.83 % 1,108,870 171,218 937,360 292
Corporate equity 126,103 102,134 3,819 20,150
U.S. sovereign debt 4.98 % 43,173 43,173 - -
Exchange traded notes 1,348 1,045 303 -
Total trading securities $ 3,688,620 $ 1,909,950 $ 1,758,228 $ 20,442
Corporate debt 15.53 % 173,568 47,135 126,433 -
Non-U.S. sovereign debt 10.48 % 27,016 12,378 14,638 -
U.S. sovereign debt 3.54 % 16,037 16,037 - -
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 216,621 $ 75,550 $ 141,071 $ -
Weighted
average
interest rate
Total Fair Value Measurements at
March 31, 2023 using
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets Significant Other
Observable Inputs Significant unobservable
units
(Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)
Corporate debt 15.62 % $ 1,269,879 $ 1,106,584 $ 162,895 $ 400
Non-U.S. sovereign debt 12.04 % 1,029,857 971,762 54,319 3,776
Corporate equity - 65,741 62,971 1,808 962
U.S. sovereign debt 4.22 % 45,022 45,022 - -
Exchange traded notes - 2,057 447 1,610 -
Total trading securities $ 2,412,556 $ 2,186,786 $ 220,632 $ 5,138
Corporate debt 15.78 % 191,082 129,504 61,578 -
Non-U.S. sovereign debt 13.64 % 40,162 39,624 538 -
U.S. sovereign debt 4.24 % 7,809 7,809 - -
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 239,053 $ 176,937 $ 62,116 $ -
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The tables below present the Valuation Techniques and Significant Level 3 inputs used in the valuation as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023. The table is not intended to be all inclusive, but instead captures the significant unobservable inputs relevant to determination of fair value.
Type Valuation
Technique
FV as of March 31, 2024 Significant Unobservable Inputs %
Corporate debt DCF $ 292 Discount rate 74.0%
Estimated number of years 3 months
Corporate equity DCF 20,007 Discount rate 13.0%
Estimated number of years 4 years, 6 months
Termination multiplier
27x
Corporate equity DCF 143 Discount rate 58.8%
Estimated number of years 9 years
$ 20,442
Type Valuation
Technique
FV as of March 31, 2023 Significant Unobservable Inputs %
Non-US sovereign debt DCF $ 3,776 Discount rate 48.8%
Estimated number of years 11 years
Corporate debt DCF 400 Discount rate 74.0%
Estimated number of years 3 months
Corporate equity DCF 962 Discount rate 58.8%
Estimated number of years 9 years
$ 5,138
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
Trading
securities
Balance as of March 31, 2022 (Recasted)
$ 9,142
Reclassification to Level 2
(1,339)
Sale of investments that use Level 3 inputs (5,213)
Purchase of investments that use Level 3 inputs 2,604
Revaluation of investments that use Level 3 inputs (56)
Balance as of March 31, 2023
$ 5,138
Reclassification to Level 2
(32)
Deconsolidation of Freedom UA securities (3,927)
Sale of investments that use Level 3 inputs (15,856)
Purchase of investments that use Level 3 inputs 35,807
Revaluation of investments that use Level 3 inputs (132)
Reclassification to investment in associate
(556)
Balance as of March 31, 2024
$ 20,442
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The table below presents the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income, and fair value of available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2024 and 2023:
March 31, 2024
Assets measured at amortized cost Recognized impairment loss in Income Statement Unrealized gain/(loss) accumulated in other comprehensive
income/(loss) Assets
measured at
fair value Maturity Date
Corporate debt $ 172,689 $ (61) $ 940 $ 173,568 2024 - 2039
Non-US sovereign debt 29,121 (352) (1,753) 27,016 2024 - indefinite
U.S. sovereign debt 16,767 - (730) 16,037 2027 - 2044
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 218,577 $ (413) $ (1,543) $ 216,621
March 31, 2023
Assets measured at amortized cost Recognized impairment loss in Income Statement Unrealized loss accumulated in other comprehensive
income/(loss) Assets
measured at
fair value Maturity Date
Corporate debt $ 192,167 $ (402) $ (683) $ 191,082 2023 - 2035
Non-US sovereign debt 42,456 - (2,294) 40,162 2024 - indefinite
U.S. sovereign debt 8,391 - (582) 7,809 2023-2044
Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value $ 243,014 $ (402) $ (3,559) $ 239,053
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 7 - MARGIN LENDING, BROKERAGE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, consisted of:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Margin lending receivables $ 1,635,377 $ 361,684
Bank commissions receivable 11,574 6,035
Bond coupon receivable and dividends accrued 5,429 1,000
Receivables from payment processing services 5,351 128
Receivables from brokerage clients 2,603 7,302
Receivable for underwriting and market-making services 1,278 2,317
Other receivables 10,653 10,370
Allowance for receivables (11,990) (12,507)
Total margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net $ 1,660,275 $ 376,329
Margin lending receivables are amounts owed to the Group from customers as a result of borrowings by such customers against the value of qualifying securities, primarily for the purpose of purchasing additional securities. Amounts may fluctuate from period to period as overall client balances change as a result of market levels, client positioning and leverage. Credit exposures arising from margin lending activities are generally mitigated by their short-term nature, the value of collateral held and the Group's right to call for margin when collateral values decline.
The fair value of collateral received by the Group under margin loans as of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023 was $7,579,057 and $1,418,129, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 сollateral from single counterparty comprised $2,516,108, 33% from total collateral. Where margin lending receivable from single counterparty comprised $399,196.
As of March 31, 2024 There were no margin lending, brokerage and other receivables due from a single related party customer. As of March 31, 2023, margin lending, brokerage and other receivables due from a single related party customer were $290,195, representing 78% of total margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net. Approximately 98% of this balance as of March 31, 2023 was due from FST Belize, a company owned by the Company's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov. Based on historical data, the Group considers receivables due from related parties fully collectible.
For both individual and institutional brokerage clients, the Group may enter into arrangements for securities financing transactions in respect of financial instruments held by the Group on behalf of the client or may use such financial instruments for our own account or the account of another client. The Group maintain omnibus brokerage accounts for certain institutional brokerage clients, in which transactions of the underlying clients of such institutional clients are combined in a single account with us. As noted above, the Group may use the assets within the omnibus accounts to finance, lend, provide credit or provide debt financing or otherwise use and direct the order or manner of assets for financing of other clients of ours.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the margin lending receivables balance from FST Belize was fully collateralized by its customer-owned cash and market securities held by the Group, including $- and $37.1 margin lending receivables collateralized by FRHC securities, respectively. Margin requirements refer to the amount of collateral that the Group requires the client to deposit in order to conclude a margin transaction. These requirements are put in place to ensure that the Group has sufficient funds to cover potential losses on the margin transaction. The specific margin requirements may vary depending on the specific asset involved in the margin transaction, but generally the higher level of risk assessed by the Group, the higher the margin requirement.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 using historical and statistical data, the Group recorded an allowance for brokerage receivables in the amounts of $11,990 and $12,507 respectively.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 8 - LOANS ISSUED
Loans issued as of March 31, 2024, consisted of the following:
Amount Outstanding Due Dates Average Interest Rate Fair Value of
Collateral Loan Currency
Mortgage loans $ 741,312 April, 2024 - March, 2049
10.3% $ 740,462 KZT
Car loans 262,708 April, 2024 - March, 2031
23.9% 259,755 KZT
Uncollateralized bank customer loans 245,188 April, 2024 - March, 2044
27.4% - KZT
Right of claim for purchased retail loans 146,152 April, 2024 - March, 2029
15.0% 146,152 KZT
Collateralized bank customer loans 22,299 June, 2024 - July, 2043
19.1% 22,270 KZT
Subordinated loan 5,037 December, 2025
3.0% - USD
Other 2,638 April, 2024 - January, 2029
18.6%/15.0%/2.5%
18 KZT/USD/EUR
Allowance for loans issued (43,619)
Total loans issued $ 1,381,715
The Group provides mortgage loans to borrowers on behalf of the JSC Kazakhstan Sustainability Fund ("Program Operator") related to the state mortgage program "7-20-25" and transfers the rights of claim on the mortgage loans to the Program Operator. The proceeds received from these transfers are presented within funds received under state program for financing of mortgage loans in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this program, borrowers can receive a mortgage at an interest rate of 7% for 20 years, and the interest payments received by the Group are recognized as interest income in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income. In accordance with the program and trust management agreement for the program, Group services the transferred loans and remits all repayments of principal it receives plus 4% of the 7% interest received to the Program Operator. The interest paid to the Program Operator is recognized as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Statements of Other Comprehensive Income. The remaining 3% of the 7% interest is retained by Group. Under the program and trust management agreement, Group is required to repurchase the rights to make claims on the transferred loans when either loan principal repayments or interest payments are overdue 90 days or more. The repurchase of overdue loans is performed at the loans’ nominal value and is presented within repurchase of mortgage loans under the State Program in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Since the Group transfers the rights to make claims on the loans with recourse for loans that are more than 90 days past due, retains part of the interest received on the loans and agrees to service the loans after the sale of the loans to the Program Operator, the Group has determined that it retains control over the loans transferred and continues recognizing the loans, which are accounted for as secured borrowings of the Group in accordance with ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. As the Group continues to recognize the loans as assets, it also recognizes the associated liability equal to the proceeds received from the Program Operator, which is presented separately as liability arising from continuing involvement in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This liability accrues 4% interest annual as described above. As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the corresponding liability amounted to $521,885 and $440,805, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, mortgage loans include loans under the state mortgage program "7-20-25" with an aggregate principal amount of $532,389 and $463,114, respectively, were presented within loans issued in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The Group has an agreement with FFIN Credit, a company established and controlled by FRHC's controlling shareholder, chairman and chief executive officer, Timur Turlov, to purchase uncollateralized retail loans. FFIN Credit is a non-bank credit institution that issues loans in Kazakhstan under simplified lending procedures. FFIN Credit was created as a pilot project to test and improve the scoring models used for qualifying and issuing loans. The principal operation of FFIN Credit is to provide loans to customers online using biometric identification and its proprietary scoring process. After completion of the pilot launch, it is anticipated that the ownership of FFIN Credit will be sold by Mr. Turlov to the Company. The bank has legal ownership over purchase from FFIN Credit uncollateralized retail loans, however, in accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements, the Group does not recognize those loans, since effective control over the transferred loans are maintained by FFIN Credit. Instead, the Group recognizes the loans receivable from FFIN Credit presented on the consolidated balance sheets within the loans issued. As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, right of claims for purchased retail loans in the amount of $146,152 and $121,177, respectively.
The total accrued interest for loans issued amounted $8,327 as of March 31, 2024 and $3,548 as of March 31, 2023.
Loans issued as of March 31, 2023, consisted of the following:
Amount Outstanding Due Dates Average Interest Rate Fair Value of
Collateral Loan Currency
Mortgage loans
$ 534,154 April, 2023 - March, 2048 9.0% 534,154 KZT
Right of claims for purchased retail loans 121,177 April, 2023 - March, 2027 15.0% 121,177 KZT
Car loans 102,269 April, 2023 - April, 2030 25.0% 102,247 KZT
Uncollateralized bank customer loans 46,970 April, 2023 - March, 2043 25.0% - KZT
Collateralized bank customer loans
17,653 May, 2023 - March, 2028 2.0% 17,636 KZT/RUB
Subordinated loan 5,039 December, 2025 3.0% - USD
Loans issued to policyholders 1,488 June, 2023 - February, 2024 15.0% 1,752 KZT
Other 300 March, 2024 - September, 2029 2.0% - EUR
Allowance for loans issued (2,792)
Total loans issued
$ 826,258
Credit quality indicators
Freedom Bank KZ uses a loan portfolio quality classification system that indicates signs of a significant increase in credit risk and contractual impairment, depending on the analysis of reasonable and supportable information available at the reporting date. The loan portfolio is classified into “not credit impaired”, “with significant increase in credit risk” and “credit impaired” agreements.
Loans “not credit impaired” under the agreement are serviced as usual, there are no primary signs of an increase in credit risk. Agreements classified as “with significant increase in credit risk” represent loans for which there is an increase in the credit risk expected over the life of the agreement compared to the initial risk at the date of recognition of the loan. In practice, the presence of overdue debt on principal and interest for a period of more than 30 days or the absolute probability of default
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
threshold PD exceeds 20%. Agreements classified as “credit impaired” represent loans for which at the reporting date there are signs of impairment, the borrower has been in default for 90 or more days for individuals and 60 or more days for legal entities, the borrower for the last 6 months for individuals and 12 months for legal entities restructured the contract due to the deterioration of the financial condition, the borrower is recognized as credit impaired, the presence of a sign of default, a sign of bankruptcy, the deterioration of the financial performance of the borrower, the presence of other information indicating the presence of a high credit risk.
The table below presents the Group's loan portfolio by credit quality classification and origination year as of March 31, 2024. Current vintage disclosure is the requirement due to first adoption of ASC 326.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Term Loans by Origination Year
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving loans Total
Mortgage loans $ 241,848 $ 458,401 $ 41,063 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 741,312
that are not credit impaired 240,974 454,933 40,784 - - - - 736,691
with significant increase in credit risk 676 2,415 111 - - - - 3,202
that are credit impaired 198 1,053 168 - - - - 1,419
Car loans 196,305 66,403 - - - - - 262,708
that are not credit impaired 193,302 55,427 - - - - - 248,729
with significant increase in credit risk 1,590 2,232 - - - - - 3,822
that are credit impaired 1,413 8,744 - - - - - 10,157
Uncollateralized bank customer loans 210,612 34,568 8 - - - - 245,188
that are not credit impaired 200,211 30,337 - - - - - 230,548
with significant increase in credit risk 4,715 1,072 - - - - - 5,787
that are credit impaired 5,686 3,159 8 - - - - 8,853
Right of claim for purchased retail loans 130,291 15,694 167 - - - - 146,152
that are not credit impaired 130,291 15,694 167 - - - - 146,152
with significant increase in credit risk - - - - - - - -
that are credit impaired - - - - - - - -
Collateralized bank customer loans 21,972 327 - - - - - 22,299
that are not credit impaired 21,796 327 - - - - - 22,123
with significant increase in credit risk 89 - - - - - - 89
that are credit impaired 87 - - - - - - 87
Subordinated loan - 5,037 - - - - - 5,037
that are not credit impaired - 5,037 - - - - - 5,037
with significant increase in credit risk - - - - - - - -
that are credit impaired - - - - - - - -
Other 2,404 165 69 - - - - 2,638
that are not credit impaired 2,395 165 69 - - - - 2,629
with significant increase in credit risk - - - - - - - -
that are credit impaired 9 - - - - - - 9
Total $ 803,432 $ 580,595 $ 41,307 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 1,425,334
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
The table below presents the Group's loan portfolio by credit quality classification as of March 31, 2023.
March 31, 2023
That are not credit impaired With significant increase in credit risk That are credit impaired Total
Mortgage loans
$ 532,621 $ 1,505 $ 28 $ 534,154
Right of claim for purchased retail loans
121,055 122 - 121,177
Car loans 102,269 - - 102,269
Uncollateralized Bank customer loans
46,882 81 7 46,970
Collateralized Bank customer loans 17,653 - - 17,653
Subordinated loan 5,039 - - 5,039
Loans issued to policyholders 1,488 - - 1,488
Other 300 - - 300
Total loans $ 827,307 $ 1,708 $ 35 $ 829,050
Aging analysis of past due loans as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, is as follows:
March 31, 2024
Loans 30-59 Days past due Loans 60-89 days past due Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing Current loans Total
Mortgage loans $ 2,133 $ 1,069 $ 1,419 $ 736,691 $ 741,312
Car loans 2,167 1,655 10,157 248,729 262,708
Uncollateralized bank customer loans 3,576 2,211 8,853 230,548 245,188
Right of claim for purchased retail loans - - - 146,152 146,152
Collateralized bank customer loans - 89 87 22,123 22,299
Subordinated loan - - - 5,037 5,037
Other - - 9 2,629 2,638
Total $ 7,876 $ 5,024 $ 20,525 $ 1,391,909 $ 1,425,334
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2023
Loans 30-59 days past due Loans 60-89 days past due Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing Current loans Total
Mortgage loans
$ 1,265 $ 240 $ 28 $ 532,621 $ 534,154
Right of claims for purchased retail loans 123 - - 121,054 121,177
Car loans - - - 102,269 102,269
Uncollateralized bank customer loans 73 8 7 46,882 46,970
Collateralized Bank customer loans - - - 17,653 17,653
Subordinated loan - - - 5,039 5,039
Loans issued to policyholders - - - 1,488 1,488
Other - - - 300 300
Total $ 1,461 $ 248 $ 35 $ 827,306 $ 829,050
The activity in the allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 is summarized in the following tables.
Allowance for credit losses
Mortgage loan Uncollateralized bank customer loans Collateralized bank customer loans Car loans Right of claim for purchased retail loans Other Total
March 31, 2023
$ (554) $ (233) $ - $ (758) $ (1,247) $ - $ (2,792)
Adjustment to allowance for adoption of ASU 2016-13 (2,216) (7,436) (35) (6,462) (9,046) - (25,195)
Charges (2,361) (22,464) (115) (15,014) (13,334) (31) (53,319)
Recoveries 2,132 10,795 71 8,181 17,095 - 38,274
Forex (34) (298) (1) (209) (45) - (587)
March 31, 2024
$ (3,033) $ (19,636) $ (80) $ (14,262) $ (6,577) $ (31) $ (43,619)
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Allowance for credit losses
Mortgage loan Uncollateralized bank customer loans Collateralized bank customer loans Car loans Right of claim for purchased retail loans Other Total
April 1, 2022 $ (305) $ (16) $ - $ - $ (1,308) $ - $ (1,629)
Charges (3,616) (3,450) (39) (5,187) (16,778) - (29,070)
Recoveries 3,381 3,238 39 4,443 16,878 - 27,979
Forex (14) (5) - (14) (39) - (72)
March 31, 2023
$ (554) $ (233) $ - $ (758) $ (1,247) $ - $ (2,792)
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES
The Group is subject to taxation in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Germany, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The tax rates used for deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, were 21% for the United States, 20% for Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, 18% for Tajikistan, 10% for Kyrgyzstan, 31% for Germany, 12.5% for Cyprus, 25% for Turkey, 25% for United Kingdom, 9% United Arab Emirates, 18% for Armenia and 15% for Uzbekistan.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Company were comprised of the following:
Year ended March 31, 2024
Year ended March 31, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Revaluation on trading securities $ 454 $ -
Tax losses carryforward 3,809 1,548
Accrued liabilities - 933
Provision for impairment losses 8,210 2,079
Deferred tax assets $ 12,473 $ 4,560
Deferred tax liabilities:
Revaluation on trading securities $ 1,447 $ 29
Fixed and Intangible Assets 7,535 2,457
Other liabilities 335 326
Deferred tax liabilities $ 9,317 $ 2,812
Net deferred tax assets $ 3,222 $ 2,442
Net deferred tax liabilities $ 66 $ 694
The Company is subject to the U.S. federal income taxes at a rate of 21%. The reconciliation of the amount computed by multiplying income before provision for income taxes at the 21%income tax rate compared to the Company's income tax expense as reported is as follows:
Year ended March 31, 2024 Year ended March 31, 2023 Year ended March 31, 2022
Income before income tax at 21% $ 91,428 $ 49,547 $ 76,376
Global intangible low taxed income 60,323 39,139 31,194
Permanent differences 58,872 14,096 (2,567)
Subpart F Income 6,887 4,732 -
Stock based compensation 4,601 2,039 3,090
Provision for impairment losses - - (13)
Valuation allowance - - (316)
Foreign tax rate differential (17,665) (13,089) (18,544)
Foreign tax credit (14,915) (18,423) (16,200)
Nontaxable gains (129,112) (35,265) (34,450)
Income tax expense $ 60,419 $ 42,776 $ 38,570
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, income tax expense was comprised of the following:
Year ended March 31, 2024 Year ended March 31, 2023 Year ended March 31, 2022
Current income tax charge
Federal 34,623 22,387 15,184
Foreign 24,573 21,406 27,381
59,196 43,793 42,565
Deferred income tax charge
Federal 3,695 (2,606) (2,191)
Foreign (2,472) 1,589 (1,804)
1,223 (1,017) (3,995)
Income tax expense $ 60,419 $ 42,776 $ 38,570
During the years ended March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company realized net income before income tax $435,371, $235,938 and $363,693, respectively. During the same periods, the Company's effective tax rate was equal to 13.9%, 18.1% and 10.6%, respectively. Tax years ended from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2020 are remains subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.
Income before income taxes includes the following components:
Year ended March 31, 2024 Year ended March 31, 2023 Year ended March 31, 2022
United States $ (66,053) $ (26,383) $ (8,012)
Foreign 501,424 262,321 371,705
Net income before income tax $ 435,371 $ 235,938 $ 363,693
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of $801,099. The Company intends to reinvest its foreign earnings indefinitely in the non-U.S. operations and therefore has not provided for any non-U.S. withholding tax that would be assessed on dividend distributions. The determination of the U.S. state income taxes upon a potential foreign earnings distribution is impractical. In the event the earnings were distributed to the U.S., the Company would adjust its income tax provision for the period and would determine the amount of foreign tax credit that would be available.
Tax loss carryforwards as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, was $30,472 and $12,384, respectively, in Cyprus.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 10 - FIXED ASSETS, NET
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, fixed assets, net of the Company included the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Buildings $ 25,241 $ 19,569
Office equipment 18,552 11,004
Processing and storage data centers 13,316 10,793
Land 10,938 9,106
Furniture 9,234 6,633
Construction in progress 8,165 -
Capital expenditures on leasehold improvements 7,941 3,288
Vehicles 1,591 1,516
Other 2,985 1,428
Less: Accumulated depreciation (14,961) (9,320)
Total fixed assets, net $ 83,002 $ 54,017
Depreciation expense totaled $6,806, $4,083 and $2,270 for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 11 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, intangible assets, net of the Company included the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Weighted-Average Life
Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets
Trademark 6 years $ 22,118 $ (3,672) $ - $ -
Software 16 years 15,599 (3,145) 6,140 (992)
Client base 6 years 9,043 (3,057) 5,264 (1,707)
Licenses 23 years 8,447 (1,269) 4,977 (489)
Value added business 37 years 5,058 (2,476) 5,058 (2,355)
Other intangible assets 13 years 1,098 (76) 2,074 (355)
Total $ 61,363 $ (13,695) $ 23,513 $ (5,898)
Total intangible assets, net $ 47,668 $ 17,615
Aggregate Amortization Expense
For year ended 31.03.2024 $ 7,797
Estimated Amortization Expense
For year ended 31.03.2025 $ 7,865
For year ended 31.03.2026 $ 7,894
For year ended 31.03.2027 $ 7,766
For year ended 31.03.2028 $ 7,775
For year ended 31.03.2029 $ 7,624
Amortization expense totaled $7,797, $1,054 and $1,146 for the years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 12 - OTHER ASSETS, NET
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, other assets, net of the Company included the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Advances paid $ 29,251 $ 12,553
Deferred acquisition costs 28,259 17,495
Prepayments on acquisition 26,614 23,428
Taxes other than income taxes 4,919 5,908
Deferred tax assets 3,222 2,442
Current income tax asset 1,008 1,529
Rent guarantee deposit 815 363
Investments in joint ventures and associated companies 372 4,000
Assets held for sale 146 -
Other 7,808 5,745
Total other assets 102,414 73,463
Allowance for other assets - -
Other assets, net $ 102,414 $ 73,463
NOTE 13 - SECURITIES REPURCHASE AGREEMENT OBLIGATIONS
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, trading securities included collateralized securities subject to repurchase agreements as described in the following table:
March 31, 2024
Interest rates and remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Average
interest rate Up to
30 days 30-90
days Total
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
Non-US sovereign debt 13.78 % $ 1,545,080 $ 259,948 $ 1,805,028
Corporate debt 13.84 % 923,752 14,644 938,396
US sovereign debt 3.06 % 13,172 - 13,172
Total securities sold under repurchase agreements $ 2,482,004 $ 274,592 $ 2,756,596
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2023
Interest rates and remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Average
interest rate Up to 30
days 30-90
days Total
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
Non-US sovereign debt 15.98 % $ 826,196 $ 55,265 $ 881,461
Corporate debt 16.07 % 597,559 5,375 602,934
US sovereign debt 1.52 % 17,637 - 17,637
Corporate equity 12.24 % 15,384 - 15,384
Total securities sold under repurchase agreements $ 1,456,776 $ 60,640 $ 1,517,416
The fair value of collateral pledged under repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $2,753,601 and $1,519,926, respectively.
Securities pledged as collateral by the Group under repurchase agreements are liquid trading securities with market quotes and significant trading volume.
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, securities repurchase agreement obligations included accrued interest in the amount of $11,684 and $25,179, with a weighted average maturity of 12 days and 11 days, respectively. All securities repurchase agreements transactions were executed through the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange.
NOTE 14 - CUSTOMER LIABILITIES
The Group recognizes customer liabilities associated with deposit funds of its brokerage and bank customers. As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, customer liabilities consisted of:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Amount Interest rate Amount Interest rate
Interest-bearing deposits:
Term deposits $ 1,221,072 0.04% -17.3%
$ 832,751 0.10%-16.9%
Total Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,221,072 $ 832,751
Non-interest-bearing deposits:
Brokerage customers $ 742,902 $ 633,542
Current customer accounts $ 309,856 458,954
Total non-interest-bearing accounts
$ 1,052,758 $ 1,092,496
Total customer liabilities 2,273,830 1,925,247
In accordance with Kazakhstan law requirements, commercial banks conclude agreements with JSC Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund ("KDIF"), under which banks have to pay commissions to KDIF on a recurring basis, the amount of which depends on the term and demand deposits received by banks from the customers. Under the agreement, KDIF insures the term and demand deposits up to $45 to each customer. As at March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Group had total amounts in excess of insured bank time deposits of $600,972 and $539,411 for all customers, respectively.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 15 - MARGIN LENDING AND TRADE PAYABLES
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, margin lending and trade payables of the Group were comprised of the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Margin lending payable $ 839,454 $ 117,144
Payables to merchants 13,475 382
Payables to suppliers of goods and services 10,525 2,965
Trade payable for securities purchased 485 482
Other 3,941 1,927
Total margin lending and trade payables $ 867,880 $ 122,900
As of March 31, 2024 there were no margin lending payable to any related party. As of March 31, 2023, margin lending payable to a single related party amounted to $3,239, which represented 3% of the total margin lending payable.
The fair value of collateral by the Group under margin loans as of March 31, 2024, and 2023 was $2,400,361 and $164,861, respectively.
NOTE 16 - DEBT SECURITIES ISSUED
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, outstanding debt securities of the Company included the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 Interest rate
Issue date
Maturity date
Freedom SPC bonds due 2028
$ 200,386 $ - 1-2 years: 12%
3-5years: EFFR + 6.5%
December, 2023
December, 2028
Freedom SPC bonds due 2026
64,546 58,582 5.5% October, 2021
October, 2026
Accrued interest 2,319 1,443
Total debt securities issued $ 267,251 $ 60,025
The Group’s debt securities as of March 31, 2024, consisted of $64,546 Freedom SPC bonds due 2026 and $200,386 Freedom SPC bonds due 2028. The Freedom SPC bonds are denominated in U.S. dollars and were issued under Astana International Financial Centre law and trade on the AIX. The Company is a guarantor of the Freedom SPC bonds.
The Freedom SPC bonds due 2026 bear interest at an annual rate of 5.5% and mature in October 2026. Interest payments are duly semi-annually in April and October. The proceeds from the issuance of such bonds were loaned to the Company pursuant to a loan agreement dated November 22, 2021. The loan has the same interest rate and maturity date as the bonds.
For the first two years of Freedom SPC bonds due 2028, the annual interest rate is 12%, and for subsequent years the interest rate will be fixed and set as the sum of Effective Federal Funds Rate (EFFR) as of December 10, 2025 and a margin of 6.5%. Interest is paid on a monthly basis. The bondholders have a right of early redemption after two years at nominal value plus accrued interest. After two years, the issuer has the option to redeem the bonds in full or in part at nominal value plus accrued interest.
Debt securities issued are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received, less directly attributable transaction costs.
The Group has no covenants to comply with in its debt securities.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 17 - INSURANCE CONTRACTS ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM INSURANCE ACTIVITIES
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, insurance and reinsurance receivables of the Group were comprised of the following:
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Assets:
Amounts due from policyholders $ 10,260 $ 9,699
Amounts due from reinsured 2,274 555
Claims receivable from reinsurance 1,400 1,087
Advances paid for reinsurance
3,231 -
Less provision for impairment losses (1,045) (1,325)
Insurance and reinsurance receivables: 16,120 10,016
Unearned premium reserve, reinsurers’ share 4,770 2,379
Reserves for claims and claims’ adjustment expenses, reinsurers’ share 4,032 1,390
Total $ 24,922 $ 13,785
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, the premium receivables from policyholders increased due to the expansion of operations.
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, insurance and reinsurance payables of the Company was comprised of the following:
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Liabilities:
Amounts payable to agents and brokers $ 6,334 $ 2,466
Amounts payable to reinsurers 4,294 2,002
Amounts payable to insured 2,771 1,807
Insurance and reinsurance payables: 13,399 6,275
Unearned premium reserve 60,088 43,082
Reserves for claims and claims’ adjustment expenses 223,693 133,145
Total $ 297,180 $ 182,502
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, liabilities from insurance activity mainly changed due to the increase of reserves for claims and claim's adjustment expenses, unearned premium reserve and the amount payable to agents and brokers as a result of the expansion of operations.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 18 - OTHER LIABILITIES
As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, other liabilities of the Company included the following:
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
Salaries and other employee benefits $ 15,660 $ 4,970
Loans received 9,469 1
Payable to suppliers 9,391 3,623
Vacation reserve 9,121 3,261
Other advances received 3,867 -
Taxes payable other than income tax 3,852 2,782
Outstanding settlements operations 3,455 -
Deferred distribution payments 156 156
Deferred income tax liabilities 66 694
Payable for acquisition - 7,188
Other 26,523 7,385
Total other liabilities $ 81,560 $ 30,060
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 19 - FEE AND COMMISSION INCOME
Fee and commission income is recognized when, or as, the Group satisfies its performance obligations by transferring the promised services to the customers. A service is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that service. A performance obligation may be satisfied at a point in time or over time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that the Group determines the customer obtains control over the promised service. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is recognized by measuring the Group’s progress in satisfying the performance obligation in a manner that depicts the transfer of the services to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration the Group expects to receive in exchange for those promised services (i.e., the “transaction price”). In determining the transaction price, the Group considers multiple factors, including the effects of variable consideration, if any.
The Company’s revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when the performance obligations are satisfied at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such services. The majority of the Group’s performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time and are typically collected from customers by debiting their brokerage account with the Group.
Brokerage Services
Commissions from brokerage services - The Group earns commission revenue by executing, settling and clearing transactions with clients primarily in exchange-traded and over-the-counter corporate equity and debt securities, money market instruments and exchange-traded options and futures contracts. Trade execution and clearing services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation, as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenue associated with combined trade execution and clearing services, as well as trade execution services on a standalone basis, are recognized at a point in time on trade date when the performance obligation is satisfied.
Commission revenue is generally paid on settlement date, which is generally two business days after trade date for equity securities and corporate bond transactions and one day for government securities, options and commodities transactions. The Group records a receivable on the trade date and receives a payment on the settlement date.
Bank Services
The Group earns revenue from two primary streams related to commissions from bank services:
•The Group earns bank commissions by executing client order for money transfer, purchase and sale of foreign currency, and other bank services. A substantial portion of the Group's revenue is derived from commissions from private clients through accounts with transaction-based pricing. Commission revenue is collected and recognized by the Company at a point in time at the execution of the order.
•Interchange - The Group acts as an agent between customers and international payment systems, such as VISA and MasterCard. When using third-party payment platforms or networks, the Group is an agent for the payment processing services to retail customers and. therefore, revenue is recognized on a net basis, as the Group is not primarily responsible for fulfilling the payment processing on third parties' payment platforms/networks and has no discretion in establishing the selling price of the payment processing service to the retail customer on third party payment platforms/networks. Fees from customers using third-party payment platform are earned for processing debit card transactions.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Payment Processing
The Group earns revenue from two primary streams related to payment processing:
•Commissions from payment processing services, which include activities such as authorization, clearing, and settlement of electronic payments. The Company recognizes revenue at the time when the payment card transaction is completed. These services are typically provided under a commission rate from amounts of transactions. Fees are typically billed and paid monthly.
•Provision of IT infrastructure to merchants to facilitate payments. The Company recognizes revenue at the time when the performance obligation is satisfied - as soon as payments are facilitated. These services are typically provided under a commission rate from amounts of facilitated payments. Fees are typically billed and paid monthly.
Underwriting and market-making services
The Group earns underwriting revenues by providing capital raising solutions for corporate clients through initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, equity-linked offerings, private investments in public entities, and private placements. Underwriting revenues are recognized at a point in time on placement date, as the client obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets offering at that point. These fees are generally received within 90 days after the placement date. Transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of legal, travel and other costs directly associated with the transaction, are included in underwriting revenues. These costs are deferred and recognized in the same period as the related investment banking transaction revenue. However, if the transaction is abandoned and does not close, the accounting treatment for the transaction-related costs may differ. In such cases, the accounting principles typically require the immediate recognition of the transaction-related expenses as an expense in the period in which the decision to abandon the transaction is made. This ensures that the costs associated with the abandoned transaction are recognized and reflected accurately in the financial statements of the entity.
Receivables and Contract Balances
Receivables arise when the Group has an unconditional right to receive payment under a contract with a customer and are derecognized when the cash is received. Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables are disclosed in Note 7 in the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Contract assets arise when the revenue associated with the contract is recognized before the Group’s unconditional right to receive payment under a contract with a customer (i.e., unbilled receivable) and are derecognized when either it becomes a receivable or the cash is received. As of March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 contract asset balances were not material.
Contract liabilities arise when customers remit contractual cash payments in advance of the Group satisfying its performance obligations under the contract and are derecognized when the revenue associated with the contract is recognized either when a milestone is met triggering the contractual right to bill the customer or when the performance obligation is satisfied. As of March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 contract liability balances were not material.
During the year ended March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 fee and commission income was comprised of:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Year ended March 31, 2024
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance
Other Total
Brokerage services $ 333,383 $ - $ - $ - $ 333,383
Commission income from payment processing - - - 41,659 41,659
Bank services - 25,180 - - 25,180
Underwriting and market-making services 18,801 - - - 18,801
Other fee and commission income 297 1,056 296 19,661 21,310
Total fee and commission income $ 352,481 $ 26,236 $ 296 $ 61,320 $ 440,333
Year ended March 31, 2023
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance Other Total
Brokerage services $ 286,732 $ - $ - $ - $ 286,732
Bank services - 17,964 - - 17,964
Underwriting and market-making services 11,948 - - - 11,948
Commission income from payment processing - - - 6,385 6,385
Other fee and commission income 390 244 128 3,424 4,186
Total fee and commission income $ 299,070 $ 18,208 $ 128 $ 9,809 $ 327,215
Year ended March 31, 2022
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance Other Total
Brokerage services $ 318,698 $ - $ - $ - $ 318,698
Bank services - 6,727 - - 6,727
Underwriting and market-making services 5,963 - - - 5,963
Other fee and commission income 2,391 273 83 1,076 3,823
Total fee and commission income $ 327,052 $ 7,000 $ 83 $ 1,076 $ 335,211
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 20 - NET GAIN ON TRADING SECURITIES
For years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 net gain on trading securities included the following:
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Year ended March 31, 2022
Net unrealized gain/(loss) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date
$ 95,729 $ 107,310 $ (50,987)
Net gain/(loss) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period
38,125 (36,226) 206,239
Net gain recognized during the period on trading securities $ 133,854 $ 71,084 $ 155,252
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Group sold securities for a gain of $38,125 and recognized unrealized gain in the amount of $95,729. The principal factor contributing to the unrealized net gain is the growth in prices of debt securities within the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the year ended March 31, 2023 the Group sold securities for a loss of $36,226 and recognized unrealized gain in the amount of $107,310.
NOTE 21 - NET INTEREST INCOME/EXPENSE
Net interest income/expense includes:
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Year ended March 31, 2022
Interest income:
Interest income on trading securities $ 426,428 $ 178,288 $ 78,327
Interest income on loans to customers 176,539 43,486 4,617
Interest income on margin loans to customers 175,571 34,558 14,164
Interest income on securities available-for-sale 32,821 27,003 22,437
Interest income on reverse repurchase agreements and amounts due from banks 16,865 9,836 1,658
Other interest income
- 1,524 406
Total interest income $ 828,224 $ 294,695 $ 121,609
Interest expense:
Interest expense on securities repurchase agreement obligations $ 402,665 $ 158,595 $ 58,229
Interest expense on customer accounts and deposits 70,778 40,335 16,336
Interest expense on margin lending payable 16,990 6,635 -
Interest expense on debt securities issued 10,356 3,085 1,822
Other interest expense 322 297 560
Total interest expense $ 501,111 $ 208,947 $ 76,947
Net interest income $ 327,113 $ 85,748 $ 44,662
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 22 - NET GAIN ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE OPERATIONS
Net gain on foreign exchange operations includes:
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Year ended March 31, 2022
Sales and purchases of foreign currency, dealing $ 67,490 $ 45,963 $ (4,057)
Translation of financial assets and financial liabilities 4,755 6,191 7,848
Total net gain on foreign exchange operations $ 72,245 $ 52,154 $ 3,791
NOTE 23 - NET (LOSS)/GAIN ON DERIVATIVES
For years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 net (loss)/gain on derivatives included the following:
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Year ended March 31, 2022
Net realized (loss)/gain on derivatives
$ (100,785) $ (64,838) $ 946
Net unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives
(3,009) 12 -
Total net (loss)/gain on derivatives $ (103,794) $ (64,826) $ 946
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Group recognized net loss on derivatives in the amount of $103,794, which included unrealized loss on derivatives in the amount of $3,009 and realized loss on derivatives in the amount of $100,785 as a result of engaging in currency swaps. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Group recognized net loss on derivatives in the amount of $64,826. During the year ended March 31, 2022, the Group recognized net gain on derivatives in the amount of $946.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 24 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Related party balances Total category as per financial statements captions Related party balances Total category as per financial statements captions
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 203 $ 545,084 $ 35,549 $ 581,417
Companies controlled by management
203 35,549
Restricted cash $ - $ 462,637 $ 114,885 $ 445,528
Companies controlled by management
- 114,885
Trading securities $ 1,326 $ 3,688,620 $ 556 $ 2,412,556
Companies controlled by management
1,326 556
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables, net
$ 22,039 $ 1,660,275 $ 295,611 $ 376,329
Management 8,849 4,209
Companies controlled by management
13,190 291,402
Loans issued $ 147,440 $ 1,381,715 $ 121,316 $ 826,258
Management 117 139
Companies controlled by management
147,323 121,177
Other assets, net $ 5,257 $ 102,414 $ 16,102 $ 73,463
Companies controlled by management
5,257 16,102
LIABILITIES
Customer liabilities $ 44,127 $ 2,273,830 $ 130,210 $ 1,925,247
Management 12,604 19,789
Companies controlled by management
31,253 110,253
Other
270 168
Margin lending and trade payables $ 507 $ 867,880 $ 3,721 $ 122,900
Management 226 227
Companies controlled by management
281 3,494
Liabilities from insurance activity $ 470 $ 297,180 $ 34 $ 182,502
Companies controlled by management
470 34
Other liabilities $ 9,854 $ 81,560 $ 46 $ 30,060
Management 7,947 -
Companies controlled by management
1,907 46
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Year ended
March 31, 2024
Year ended
March 31, 2023
Year ended
March 31, 2022
Related party amounts
Total category as per financial statements captions Related party amounts
Total category as per financial statements captions Related party amounts
Total category as per financial statements captions
Revenue:
Fee and commission income $ 65,972 $ 440,333 $ 199,235 $ 327,215 $ 291,163 $ 335,211
Management 935 806 729
Companies controlled by management
65,035 198,428 290,434
Other
2 1 -
Interest income $ 24,941 $ 828,224 $ 23,191 $ 294,695 $ 10,191 $ 121,609
Management 665 18 -
Companies controlled by management
24,276 23,173 10,191
Expense:
Fee and commission expense $ 127 $ 154,351 $ 2,988 $ 65,660 $ 16,307 $ 85,909
Companies controlled by management
127 2,988 16,307
Interest expense $ 955 $ 501,111 $ 1,578 $ 208,947 $ 217 $ 76,947
Management 307 431 1
Companies controlled by management
642 1,146 216
Other
6 1 -
General and administrative expenses $ 10,341 $ 120,888 $ 2,953 $ 59,971 $ 790 $ 23,533
Management 587 808 -
Companies controlled by management
9,754 2,145 790
During the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group engaged in various related party transactions, a substantial amount of which were conducted with FST Belize, a Belize company which is wholly owned personally by the Company’s chief executive officer, chairman and majority shareholder, Timur Turlov, and is not part of the FRHC group of companies. FST Belize has its own brokerage customers, which include individuals and market-maker institutions and conducts business with the Group through a client omnibus accounts at Freedom EU.
Fee and commission income earned from related parties is comprised primarily of brokerage commissions principally FST Belize. Fee and commission income earned from FST Belize principally consists of fees and commissions paid by FST Belize to Freedom EU to execute trades requested by brokerage customers of FST Belize, as well as commissions paid by FST Belize for order flow, which is net compensation received from firms to which the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries send equity and options orders, and fees for outstanding short sale positions. For the year ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 fee and commission income from FST Belize accounted for approximately 93% and 99% of the Group's total related party fee and commission income. The decrease in fee and commission income generated from FST Belize as a percentage of our total fee and commission income between the year ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was due to a decrease in the volume of trading activity by FST Belize through its omnibus accounts with us between the respective periods, as a result of ongoing joint efforts by us and FST Belize to encourage clients of FST Belize to open accounts at Freedom Global and Freedom Armenia and conduct ongoing trading through such accounts, consistent with our strategy to reduce the volume of business that was being conducted involving FST Belize.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Interest income earned from related parties is comprised entirely of interest income from FST Belize, principally interest income from margin lending. During the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group earned interest income generated from FST Belize accounted for approximately 93% and 100% of the Company's total related party interest income for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Margin lending, brokerage and other receivables from related parties principally represent margin lending receivables in respect of margin loans granted by Freedom EU to FST Belize. As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Group's margin lending receivables from FST Belize accounted for -% and 98% of the Group's total margin lending, brokerage and other receivables from related parties. The decrease in margin lending and brokerage receivables due from FST Belize was attributable to a significant reduction in the volume of business we conducted involving FST Belize between the two dates, consistent with our plan to ultimately eliminate our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize.
As of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, 2% and 18%, respectively, of the Group's customer liabilities were deposits from FST Belize held by Freedom EU related to brokerage services provided by Freedom EU to FST Belize. Part of these deposits as of March 31, 2024 represent funds retained as proceeds following the closing of margin lending and short positions by FST Belize in connection with FST Belize closing its positions in its omnibus accounts of Freedom EU, consistent with our plan to ultimately eliminate our omnibus brokerage arrangement with FST Belize.
As of March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023 the Group had loans issued which included uncollateralized bank customer loans purchased from a related party, FFIN Credit a company outside of the FRHC group which is controlled by Timur Turlov.
Margin lending, brokerage and related banking services were provided to related parties pursuant to standard client account agreements and at standard market rates.
NOTE 25 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On October 6, 2022, the Company awarded a restricted stock grant totaling 20,000 shares of its common stock to key employees of the Company. Of the 20,000 shares awarded pursuant to the restricted stock grant awards, 4,000 shares vested on the date of the award, 4,000 shares vest on May 18, 2023, 4,000 shares vest on May 18, 2024, 4,000 shares vest on May 18, 2025 and 4,000 shares vest on May 18, 2026.
On March 10, 2023 and on October 11, 2022, the Company awarded a stock grant totaling 18,974 and 18,242 shares of its common stock, respectively, to key employees of the Company's subsidiary, which vested on the date of the award, and on October 20, 2022, the Company awarded a stock grant totaling 8,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant of the Company, which vested on the date of the award.
In May 2022, Freedom KZ completed the acquisition of two insurance companies, Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance. Prior to being acquired by the Company, these two companies were 100% controlled by Timur Turlov. The consideration for the purchase was $26,588. The Company was required to pay the purchase price to Timur Turlov by no later than December 31, 2022. As at March 31,2023 Freedom KZ has repaid the payable for acquisition of Freedom Life and of Freedom Insurance.
During the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, Timur Turlov made a capital contribution to the Company in the amount of $- and $677, respectively.
During the year ended March 31, 2023 the Company completed a placement 59,763 shares of its common stock. The shares of common stock were used for purchase of LD Micro.
On May 18, 2021, the Company awarded restricted stock grants totaling 1,031,500 shares of its common stock to 56 employees and consultants of the Company, including two executive officers of the Company. Of the 1,031,500 shares awarded pursuant to the restricted stock grant awards, 200,942 shares are subject to one-year vesting, 211,658 shares are subject to two-year vesting and 206,300 shares per year are subject to three, four, and five-year vesting schedule, respectively.
On March 1, 2024, the Company awarded a stock grant totaling 217,295 shares of its common stock, which vested on the date of the award.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
On March 1, 2024, the Company awarded a restricted stock grant totaling 661,205 shares of its common stock. Of the 563,205 shares awarded pursuant to the restricted stock grant awards, 127,641 shares vest on January 25, 2025, 127,641 shares vest on January 25, 2026, 122,241 shares vest on January 25, 2027 and 122,241 shares vest on January 25, 2028 and 122,241 shares vest on January 25, 2029 .
NOTE 26 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The compensation expense related to restricted stock awards was $22,719 during the year ended March 31, 2024, and $11,038 during the year ended March 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024, there was $46,935 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares of stock awarded. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.78 years. The compensation expense related to stock awards, which vested on the date of the award was $16,488 during the year ended March 31, 2024, and $2,880 during the year ended March 31, 2023.
The Company has determined the fair value of shares awarded during the year ended March 31, 2024, using the Monte Carlo valuation model based on the following key assumptions:
Term (years) 4.91
Volatility 36.55 %
Risk-free rate 4.18 %
The table below summarizes the activity for the Company's stock awards outstanding during the year ended March 31, 2024:
Shares Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Outstanding, March 31, 2023
467,058 18,035
Granted 878,500 61,734
Vested (357,853) (21,936)
Forfeited/cancelled/expired (4,500) (235)
Outstanding, March 31, 2024
983,205 57,598
NOTE 27 - LEASES
At March 31, 2024, the Group was obligated under a number of noncancellable leases, predominantly operating leases of office space, which expire at various dates through 2033. The Group's primary involvement with leases is in the capacity as a lessee where a Group lease premises to support its business.
The Group determines whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. Operating lease liabilities and right-of-use (ROU) assets are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The future lease payments are discounted at a rate that estimates the Company’s collateralized borrowing rate for financing instruments of a similar term and are included in accounts payable and other liabilities. The operating lease ROU asset, included in premises and equipment, also includes any lease prepayments made, plus initial direct costs incurred, less any lease incentives received. The Company recognizes fixed lease costs on a straight-line basis throughout the lease term in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Certain of these leases also have extension or termination options,
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
and the Company assess the likelihood of exercising such options. If it is reasonably certain that the Group will exercise the options to extend, then we include the impact in the measurement of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
When readily determinable, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value; however, the rate implicit on most of the Group's leases are not readily determinable. Therefore, the Company must discount lease payments based on an estimate of its incremental borrowing rate.
The table below presents the lease related assets and liabilities recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024:
Classification on Balance Sheet March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Assets
Operating lease assets Right-of-use assets $ 36,324 $ 30,345
Total lease assets $ 36,324 $ 30,345
Liabilities
Operating lease liability Lease liability
$ 35,794 $ 30,320
Total lease liability $ 35,794 $ 30,320
The following table presents as of March 31, 2024, the annual maturities of the lease liabilities:
Leases maturing during twelve months ended March 31,
2025 $ 11,377
2026 11,415
2027 10,258
2028 6,715
2029 1,839
Thereafter 2,803
Total payments 44,407
Less: amounts representing interest (8,613)
Lease liability, net $ 35,794
Weighted average remaining lease term (in months) 29
Weighted average discount rate 14 %
Lease commitments for short-term operating leases as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 was approximately $2,014 and $457, respectively. The Group's rent expense for office space was $3,197 for the year ended March 31, 2024 and $2,038 for the year ended March 31, 2023.
The Group has leases that involve variable payments tied to an index, which are considered in the measurement of operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities.
NOTE 28 - ACQUISITIONS OF SUBSIDIARIES
Acquisition of Aviata
Aviata's preeminent position in the air and rail ticketing sectors makes it an important strategic asset to the Group as it works to develop a comprehensive digital fintech ecosystem in Kazakhstan.
On April 26, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Aviata by purchasing 100% of its outstanding shares.
As of April 26, 2023, the date of the acquisition of Aviata, the fair value of net assets of Aviata was $9,523. The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of April 26, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 448
Restricted cash 105
Brokerage and other receivables 1,313
Loans issued 1,078
Fixed assets 63
Intangible assets 8,779
Other assets 1,221
TOTAL ASSETS 13,007
LIABILITIES
Trade payables 1,606
Current tax liabilities 14
Other liabilities 1,864
TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,484
Net assets acquired 9,523
Goodwill 21,795
Total purchase price $ 31,318
Acquisition of Internet-Tourism
As of April 26, 2023 the Company completed the acquisition of Internet-Tourism by purchasing 100% of its authorized capital. The Company acquired Internet-Tourism in order to accelerate its growth in digital sector. The fair value of net assets of Internet-Tourism was $1,359 . The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of April 26, 2023
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 523
Brokerage and other receivables 838
Loans issued 62
Fixed assets 89
Intangible assets 959
Other assets 591
TOTAL ASSETS 3,062
LIABILITIES
Trade payables 644
Other liabilities 1,059
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,703
Net assets acquired 1,359
Goodwill 640
Total purchase price $ 1,999
Acquisition of Arbuz
As of March 31, 2023, the Company held a 25% equity interest in Arbuz. On April 14, 2023, the Company acquired an additional 5.42% of Arbuz's shares. On May 22, 2023, the Company purchased a further 8.36% of Arbuz's shares, resulting in a total equity interest of 38.78% in Arbuz. With the inclusion of Timur Turlov's individual ownership interest in Arbuz of 18.08% that was acquired before March 31, 2023, the Company effectively obtained control over Arbuz with its purchase on May 22, 2023. During three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired additional 12.81% of Arbuz's shares resulting in total equity interest of 94.73% in Arbuz.
The fair value of Arbuz on the date of the acquisition was $11,685. The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of May 22, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 731
Brokerage and other receivables 591
Fixed assets 2,383
Intangible assets 15,154
Loans issued 157
Right-of-use assets 1,097
Other assets 5,002
TOTAL ASSETS 25,115
LIABILITIES
Trade payables 2,559
Current tax liabilities 11
Lease liability
1,186
Other liabilities 9,674
TOTAL LIABILITIES 13,430
Net assets acquired 11,685
Goodwill 14,961
Purchase price 13,281
Revaluation of purchase price previously held interest
1,040
Fair value of NCI
12,325
Total purchase price $ 26,646
Acquisition of ReKassa
As of July 26, 2023 the Company completed the acquisition of ReKassa by purchasing 90% of its authorized capital. The Company acquired ReKassa in order to accelerate its growth in digital sector. The fair value of net assets of ReKassa was $2,555. The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of July 26, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 654
Brokerage and other receivables 125
Loans issued 177
Fixed assets 14
Intangible assets 1,680
Other assets 11
TOTAL ASSETS 2,661
LIABILITIES
Trade payables 15
Lease liabilities 42
Other liabilities 49
TOTAL LIABILITIES 106
Net assets acquired 2,555
Goodwill 560
Purchase price 2,600
Non-cash consideration 259
Fair value of NCI 256
Total purchase price $ 3,115
Acquisition of DITel
As of January 9, 2024 the Company completed the acquisition of DItel by purchasing 100% of its authorized capital.
The Company acquired DItel as part of its strategy to enter the telecommunications sector in Kazakhstan. The fair value of net assets of DItel was $ 1,056. The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of January 9, 2024
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3
Brokerage and other receivables 29
Fixed assets 132
Intangible assets 858
Other assets 62
TOTAL ASSETS 1,084
LIABILITIES
Trade payables 7
Other liabilities 21
TOTAL LIABILITIES 28
Net assets acquired 1,056
Goodwill 47
Total purchase price $ 1,103
NOTE 29 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Freedom Bank KZ is a party to certain off-balance sheet financial instruments. These financial instruments include guarantees and unused commitments under existing lines of credit. These commitments expose the Company to varying degrees of credit and market risk which are essentially the same as those involved in extending loans to customers, and are subject to the same credit policies used in underwriting loans. Collateral may be obtained based on Freedom Bank KZ's credit evaluation of the counterparty. The Company's maximum exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments.
Unused commitments under lines of credit
Unused commitments under lines of credit include commercial, commercial real estate, home equity and consumer lines of credit to existing customers. These commitments may mature without being fully funded.
Unused commitments under guarantees
Unused commitments under guarantees are conditional commitments issued by Freedom Bank KZ to provide bank guarantees to customers. These commitments may mature without being fully funded.
Bank guarantees
Bank guarantees are conditional commitments issued by Freedom Bank KZ to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support trade transactions or guarantee arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing guarantees is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. A significant portion of the issued guarantees are collateralized by cash. Total lending related commitments outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, were as follows:
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
As of
March 31, 2024
As of
March 31, 2023
Unused commitments under lines of credits and guarantees
$ 207,519 $ 20,617
Bank guarantees 9,012 7,001
Total $ 216,531 $ 27,618
As of March 31, 2024, loans secured by cash constituted 95% of the unused commitments under lines of credit and guarantees.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 30 - SEGMENT REPORTING
The following tables summarize the Group's Statement of Operations by its reportable segments. There are no revenues from transactions between the segments and intercompany balances have been eliminated for separate disclosure:
Year ended March 31, 2024
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance
Other
Total
Fee and commission income
$ 352,481 $ 26,236 $ 296 $ 61,320 $ 440,333
Net gain/(loss) on trading securities 33,483 87,459 14,114 (1,202) 133,854
Interest income 233,858 524,596 63,676 6,094 828,224
Insurance underwriting income - - 264,218 - 264,218
Net (loss)/gain on foreign exchange operations
(852) 78,174 (1,306) (3,771) 72,245
Net (loss)/gain on derivative
(2,019) (101,805) - 30 (103,794)
TOTAL REVENUE, NET 616,951 614,660 340,998 62,471 1,635,080
Fee and commission expense $ 24,740 $ 13,219 $ 103,346 $ 13,046 $ 154,351
Interest expense 89,732 368,286 29,965 13,128 501,111
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance - - 139,561 - 139,561
Payroll and bonuses 71,077 48,953 18,796 42,197 181,023
Professional services 6,977 527 561 26,173 34,238
Stock compensation expense 11,352 6,124 2,755 2,488 22,719
Advertising expense 25,353 4,828 789 7,357 38,327
General and administrative expense 40,847 30,804 5,413 43,824 120,888
Allowance for expected credit losses
2,962 16,399 942 922 21,225
Other income, net
(5,003) (1,210) (3,603) (3,918) (13,734)
TOTAL EXPENSE 268,037 487,930 298,525 145,217 1,199,709
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $ 348,914 $ 126,730 $ 42,473 $ (82,746) $ 435,371
Income tax expense (51,158) (15,857) (8,662) 15,258 (60,419)
NET INCOME/(LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $ 297,756 $ 110,873 $ 33,811 $ (67,488) $ 374,952
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Year ended March 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance
Other
Total
Fee and commission income
$ 299,070 $ 18,208 $ 128 $ 9,809 $ 327,215
Net gain/(loss) on trading securities
20,736 55,437 16,063 (21,152) 71,084
Interest income 64,654 177,561 41,007 11,473 294,695
Insurance underwriting income - - 115,371 - 115,371
Net (loss)/gain on foreign exchange operations
(347) 59,190 (1,846) (4,843) 52,154
Net gain/(loss) on derivative
463 (65,291) - 2 (64,826)
TOTAL REVENUE, NET 384,576 245,105 170,723 (4,711) 795,693
Fee and commission expense 33,126 9,097 22,824 613 65,660
Interest expense 43,089 130,693 18,492 16,673 208,947
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance 1 - 77,328 - 77,329
Payroll and bonuses 37,583 21,749 11,733 10,754 81,819
Professional services 4,978 466 580 10,982 17,006
Stock compensation expense 5,648 372 279 2,994 9,293
Advertising expense 9,063 3,251 1,191 554 14,059
General and administrative expense 32,906 13,671 5,024 8,370 59,971
Allowance for expected credit losses
16,911 8,773 1,071 2,364 29,119
Other (income)/expense, net
(904) (230) (2,346) 32 (3,448)
TOTAL EXPENSE 182,401 187,842 136,176 53,336 559,755
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $ 202,175 $ 57,263 $ 34,547 $ (58,047) $ 235,938
Income tax (expense)/benefit
(32,632) (7,832) (5,106) 2,794 (42,776)
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
$ 169,543 $ 49,431 $ 29,441 $ (55,253) $ 193,162
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
Year ended March 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance Other Total
Fee and commission income
$ 327,052 $ 7,000 $ 83 $ 1,076 $ 335,211
Net gain/(loss) on trading securities
32,376 19,204 (1,093) 104,765 155,252
Interest income 35,204 54,438 31,455 512 121,609
Insurance underwriting income - - 72,981 - 72,981
Net gain/(loss) on foreign exchange operations 1,249 2,439 1,812 (1,709) 3,791
Net (loss)/gain on derivative
(319) 1,265 - - 946
TOTAL REVENUE, NET 395,562 84,346 105,238 104,644 689,790
Fee and commission expense 67,005 5,849 12,666 389 85,909
Interest expense 20,934 42,429 11,498 2,086 76,947
Insurance claims incurred, net of reinsurance - - 54,447 - 54,447
Payroll and bonuses 25,838 9,387 6,510 4,553 46,288
Professional services 2,885 749 558 8,490 12,682
Stock compensation expense 4,190 314 236 3,119 7,859
Advertising expense 9,647 378 1,857 34 11,916
General and administrative expense 11,970 4,840 4,788 1,935 23,533
Allowance for expected credit losses 89 2,120 293 - 2,502
Other (income)/expense, net
(110) 539 2,702 883 4,014
TOTAL EXPENSE 142,448 66,605 95,555 21,489 326,097
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
$ 253,114 $ 17,741 $ 9,683 $ 83,155 $ 363,693
Income tax expense
(27,810) (655) (41) (10,064) (38,570)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
$ 225,304 $ 17,086 $ 9,642 $ 73,091 $ 325,123
The following tables summarize the Company's total assets and total liabilities by its business segments. Intercompany balances have been eliminated for separate disclosure:
March 31, 2024
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance Other
Total
Total assets $ 2,586,803 $ 4,939,626 $ 529,517 $ 245,984 $ 8,301,930
Total liabilities 1,973,887 4,389,745 402,865 368,475 7,134,972
Net assets $ 612,916 $ 549,881 $ 126,652 $ (122,491) $ 1,166,958
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
March 31, 2023
Brokerage
Banking
Insurance
Other
Total
Total assets $ 1,212,163 $ 3,248,245 $ 470,337 $ 153,813 $ 5,084,558
Total liabilities 1,024,888 2,769,981 385,952 133,001 4,313,822
Net assets $ 187,275 $ 478,264 $ 84,385 $ 20,812 $ 770,736
Brokerage
Companies in the Brokerage segment offer securities brokerage, securities dealing for customers and for our own account, market making activities, investment research, investment counseling, underwriting and market-making services to a global client base of corporations, investors, financial institutions, merchants, government and municipal entities. Companies in the Brokerage segment also conduct proprietary securities trading.
The Group's services in this segment include providing clients with access to the world's largest stock exchanges and a gateway to global investment opportunities. Additionally, the Group's offerings in this segment include professional securities analytics, empowering clients with valuable insights and market intelligence to make informed investment decisions. To ensure a seamless experience, the Group provides user-friendly trading applications that offer convenience and flexibility.
Banking
Company in the Banking segment generates banking service fees by providing services that include lending, deposit services, payment card services, money transfers, correspondent accounts, supporting both individual and corporate clients with innovative digital financial solutions. To ensure a seamless experience, it provides user-friendly trading applications that offer convenience and flexibility. Companies in the Banking segment also conduct proprietary securities trading activities.
Insurance
Companies in the Insurance segment offer products including life insurance, obligatory insurance, tourist medical health insurance and auto insurance. These insurance products are designed to offer comprehensive coverage and tailored solutions to protect individuals, property, auto and businesses in the event of unforeseen events or risks. Companies in the Insurance segment also conduct proprietary securities trading activities.
Other
Activities of companies in the Other segment include provision of payment processing services, financial educational center services, financial intermediary center services, financial consulting services, administrative management services, telecommunication services information processing services, entertainment ticketing sales, online air and railway ticket purchase aggregation and an online retail trade and e-commerce application.. The Other segment also includes transactions conducted by the Company in connection with repurchase agreements.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 31 - STATUTORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The Company has two insurance subsidiaries operating in Kazakhstan: Freedom Life (a regulated life insurer) and Freedom Insurance (a regulated property and casualty insurance entity). The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 126-II "On Insurance Activities" (the "Insurance Law") is the main law regulating the insurance sector in Kazakhstan. It establishes a framework for insurance activities, registration and licensing of insurance companies and regulation of insurance activities by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market (“ARDFM”).
Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance is required to notify and receive verbal approval from the ARDFM of any proposals to declare or pay a dividend on its share capital. The amount of dividends these subsidiaries are permitted to declare is limited to the relevant subsidiary’s realized retained earnings and dividends can only be paid to the extent they will not cause a breach to the minimum solvency and capital requirements of the relevant subsidiary. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance were in compliance with the ARDFM dividend, minimum solvency and minimum capital requirements. Freedom KZ in its capacity of an insurance holding is also limited in declaration and payment of dividends if such payment leads to breach of capital ratios applicable to insurance Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance.
There are no significant differences between the statutory accounting practices and statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the insurance subsidiaries.
In addition, our subsidiaries operate under various securities brokerage, banking and financial services regulations and must maintain such licenses in order to conduct their operations. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, we, through our subsidiaries, held: (a) brokerage licenses (i) in Kazakhstan issued by ARDFM and the Astana Financial Services Authority (the "AFSA"), (ii) in Cyprus issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC"), (iii) in the United States issued by FINRA, (iv) in Armenia issued by the Central Bank of Armenia, and (v) in Uzbekistan issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan; (b) a banking license for foreign currency operations license in Kazakhstan issued by the ARDFM; (c) a banking license for corporate and retail banking services in Kazakhstan issued by the ARDFM (including for currency exchange operations); and (d) payment service provider in Kazakhstan is specially registered in such capacity with National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, payment services providers in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan hold licenses from the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, respectively.
The table below presents net capital/eligible equity, required minimum capital, excess regulatory capital and retained earnings as of March 31, 2024 for each of the regulated entities that is material for our consolidated financial statements.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
(amounts in thousands)
Regulated activities
Net Capital/Eligible Equity Required Minimum capital/solvency
Excess regulatory capital
Retained earnings
Freedom KZ Brokerage
$ 107,064 $ 413 $ 106,651 $ 122,416
Freedom Bank KZ
Bank
329,738 196,594 133,144 193,376
Freedom Life Life Insurance
50,757 12,395 38,362 57,085
Freedom EU Brokerage
269,424 10,868 258,556 319,484
Freedom Insurance Property and Casual Insurance
30,011 12,395 17,616 19,773
Freedom Global Brokerage
16,428 12,352 4,076 117,468
Freedom Armenia ("Freedom AR")
Brokerage
7,317 763 6,554 6,447
Other regulated operating subsidiaries Other
8,533 155 8,378 (11,665)
$ 819,272 $ 245,935 $ 573,337 $ 824,385
According to the requirements of National Bank of Republic of Kazakhstan, the regulator of Freedom KZ and Freedom Life, capital is adjusted through subtraction of non-liquid assets. Consequently, it may result that net capital for regulatory purposes may be lower than retained earnings balances. As per capital requirements Freedom EU regulated by The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and Freedom Global regulated by Astana Financial Services Authority, current year profit is not included within net capital for regulatory purposes, as profits can only be included in net capital after a statutory audit is completed.
The table below presents net capital/eligible equity, required minimum capital, excess regulatory capital and retained earnings as of March 31, 2023 for each of the regulated entities that is material for our consolidated financial statements.
(amounts in thousands) Regulated activities
Net Capital/Eligible Equity
Required Minimum capital/solvency
Excess regulatory capital
Retained earnings
Freedom KZ
Brokerage
$ 109,952 $ 817 $ 109,135 $ 118,213
Freedom Bank KZ
Bank
71,630 22,138 49,492 99,984
Freedom Life
Life Insurance
30,252 10,171 20,081 37,239
Freedom EU
Brokerage
28,597 7,759 20,838 185,918
Freedom Insurance
Property and Casual Insurance
21,888 10,171 11,717 3,159
Freedom Global
Brokerage
11,133 9,135 1,998 18,924
Freedom AR
Brokerage
1,001 774 227 (283)
Other regulated operating subsidiaries Other
9,007 606 8,401 (21,514)
$ 283,460 $ 61,571 $ 221,889 $ 441,640
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2024
(All amounts in thousands of United States dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 32 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the time of filing this annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC. Other than as disclosed below, during this period the Company did not have any additional material recognizable subsequent events.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2024 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Remediation of Previously Reported Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In preparing our financial statements in connection with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023, we previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Management identified a material weakness due to a deficiency in one of the principles associated with the Control Environment component of the COSO framework, specifically relating to a lack of a sufficient complement of qualified technical accounting and financial reporting personnel to perform control activities in support of preparing the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Control Environment material weakness contributed to other material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, related to the design of our controls over:
•the application of U.S. GAAP to complex transactions;
•the classification of certain loans and deposits from banking institutions within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows;
•the classification of certain interest income from margin lending within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income;
•the classification of funds received under the Kazakhstan state program for financing of mortgage loans “7-20-25” within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and
•the review and timely identification of misstatements in the notes to the Consolidation Financial Statements.
Our management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, designed and implemented measures to remediate the control deficiencies contributing the material weaknesses. Throughout the year ended March 31, 2024, we designed and implemented improved financial reporting and entity level controls, including (a) providing training on U.S. GAAP to employees responsible for preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements; (b) implementing new or modifying existing controls over the preparation of the financial statements and (c) hiring additional employees and external consultants with appropriate qualifications and expertise in U.S. GAAP and in designing, maintaining and improving procedures and controls focused on the application of U.S. GAAP.
Based on these remediation actions, as well as testing the operating effectiveness of the applicable financial reporting controls over a sustained period of financial reporting cycles, we have concluded that the previously reported material weaknesses have been remediated as of March 31, 2024.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company acquired Aviata LLP and Arbuz Group LLP (together, the “Acquired Companies”) on April 26, 2023 and May 22, 2023 respectively, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2024, the internal controls of the Acquired Companies, which represent total assets of $74,908 (or 1% of total consolidated assets) and total revenues of $9,403 (or 1% of total consolidated revenues) included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended March 31, 2024, respectively.
Management conducted an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment and the criteria set forth by COSO, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2024.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2024, has been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm based in Kazakhstan, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except for the changes discussed above, during the quarter ended on March 31, 2024, there was no change in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the period covered by this report, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers has adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (each as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
Item 9С. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
PART III
Except as otherwise provided herein, the information required by Items 10 through 14 of this annual report is, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, incorporated by reference herein from our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with SEC (the "2024 Proxy Statement") within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Our Board of Directors has adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, or any other disposition of the Company’s securities and material non-public information that are designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules, regulations, and applicable Nasdaq standards. Our insider trading policies and procedures apply to the Company and its directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, service providers, and their immediate family members and continue to apply so long as they remain in possession of material non-public information. A copy of our insider trading policies and procedures is filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 19.1.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this annual report:
Financial Statements
The consolidated audited financial statements required to be filed in this annual report are included in Part II, Item 8 hereof.
Exhibits
Exhibit No. Exhibit Description
3.01 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Freedom Holding Corp.(1)
3.02 By-Laws of Freedom Holding Corp. (as amended through February 4, 2019)(1)
4.01 Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended(2)
4.02 Guarantee Agreement dated August 10, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Freedom Finance SPC Ltd. in relation to U.S.$200,000,000 Bond Program of Freedom Finance SPC Ltd.(6)%
4.03 Offer Terms of the 5.5% Coupon US$66,000,000 Bonds Due October 21, 2026 issued by Freedom Finance SPC Ltd.(7)
10.01 Freedom Holding Corp., 2019 Equity Incentive Plan(3) +
10.02 Employment Agreement No. 21-38/1 dated February 1, 2021 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Timur Turlov+*#
10.03 Agreement with Member of the Board of Directors dated July 24, 2020 Freedom Finance Global PLC and Askar Tashtitov+*#
10.04 Employment Agreement No. 18-107/1 dated November 1, 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov)+%#*
10.05 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Contract No. 18-107/1 from 01 November 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov(2)+%#
10.06 Agreement with Member of the Board of Directors dated July 24, 2020 Freedom Finance Global PLC and Evgeniy Ler+#
10.07 Employment Agreement No. 15-128 dated February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler+#*
10.08 Supplementary Agreement dated January 25, 2016 to the Employment Agreement No. 15-128 dated February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler(2)+%#*
10.09 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 15-128 from 09 February 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler(2)+%#*
10.10 Employment Agreement No. 16-217 dated August 1, 2016 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.11 Employment Agreement dated September 14, 2020 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.12 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Renat Tukanov+*
10.13 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Askar Tashtitov(5)+
10.14 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Evgeniy Ler(5)+
10.15 Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2020 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.16 Employment Agreement dated February 3, 2020 between Freedom Finance JSC and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.17 Employment Agreement dated December 29, 2020 between Prime Executions and Robert Wotczak+*
10.18 Employment Agreement No. 2 dated May 11, 2023 between Freedom Horizons LLP and Kairat Kelimbetov+*#
10.19 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.20 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective December 30, 2020, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Robert Wotczak+*
10.21 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement from January 2, 2020 between Prime Executions and Robert Wotczak+*
10.22 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 21-38/1 from February 01, 2021 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Timur Turlov+*#
10.23 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 18-107/1 from 01 November 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov+*#
10.24 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 15-128 from February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance JSC and Evgeny Ler+*#
10.25 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 20-362 from 14 September 2020 between Freedom Global PLC and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.26 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 16-217 from 01 August 2016 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Renat Tukanov +*#
10.27 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 20-13 from 03 February 2020 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
19.01 Insider Trading Policy*
14.01 Code of Ethics(4)
21.01 Schedule of Subsidiaries*
23.01 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (WSRP, LLC)*
23.02 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte LLP)*
31.01 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.01 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
97 Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation*
101 The following Freedom Holding Corp. financial information for the year ended March 31, 2022, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.*
104 Cover page formatted in inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101).*
* Filed herewith.
+ Indicates management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.
% Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by "[***]") have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(6) of Regulation S-K.
#
This exhibit is an English translation of a foreign language document. The Company hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of the foreign language document.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 6, 2019.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s original Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 14, 2020.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 21, 2018.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 27, 2018.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2021.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 22, 2021.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022.
Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FREEDOM HOLDING CORP.
Date: June 13, 2024
By: /s/ Timur Turlov
Timur Turlov
Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signatures Title Date
/s/ Timur Turlov Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer)
June 13, 2024
Timur Turlov
/s/ Evgeniy Ler Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) June 13, 2024
Evgeniy Ler
/s/ Askar Tashtitov Director
June 13, 2024
Askar Tashtitov
/s/ Kairat Kelimbetov
Director
June 13, 2024
Kairat Kelimbetov
/s/ Boris Cherdabayev Director June 13, 2024
Boris Cherdabayev
Director
Andrew Gamble
Director
Philippe Vogeleer
/s/ Amber Williams Director June 13, 2024
Amber Williams

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Our Board of Directors has adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, or any other disposition of the Company’s securities and material non-public information that are designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules, regulations, and applicable Nasdaq standards. Our insider trading policies and procedures apply to the Company and its directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, service providers, and their immediate family members and continue to apply so long as they remain in possession of material non-public information. A copy of our insider trading policies and procedures is filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 19.1.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be contained in the 2024 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this annual report:
Financial Statements
The consolidated audited financial statements required to be filed in this annual report are included in Part II, Item 8 hereof.
Exhibits
Exhibit No. Exhibit Description
3.01 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Freedom Holding Corp.(1)
3.02 By-Laws of Freedom Holding Corp. (as amended through February 4, 2019)(1)
4.01 Description of Registrant’s Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended(2)
4.02 Guarantee Agreement dated August 10, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Freedom Finance SPC Ltd. in relation to U.S.$200,000,000 Bond Program of Freedom Finance SPC Ltd.(6)%
4.03 Offer Terms of the 5.5% Coupon US$66,000,000 Bonds Due October 21, 2026 issued by Freedom Finance SPC Ltd.(7)
10.01 Freedom Holding Corp., 2019 Equity Incentive Plan(3) +
10.02 Employment Agreement No. 21-38/1 dated February 1, 2021 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Timur Turlov+*#
10.03 Agreement with Member of the Board of Directors dated July 24, 2020 Freedom Finance Global PLC and Askar Tashtitov+*#
10.04 Employment Agreement No. 18-107/1 dated November 1, 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov)+%#*
10.05 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Contract No. 18-107/1 from 01 November 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov(2)+%#
10.06 Agreement with Member of the Board of Directors dated July 24, 2020 Freedom Finance Global PLC and Evgeniy Ler+#
10.07 Employment Agreement No. 15-128 dated February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler+#*
10.08 Supplementary Agreement dated January 25, 2016 to the Employment Agreement No. 15-128 dated February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler(2)+%#*
10.09 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 15-128 from 09 February 2015 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Evgeniy Ler(2)+%#*
10.10 Employment Agreement No. 16-217 dated August 1, 2016 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.11 Employment Agreement dated September 14, 2020 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.12 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Renat Tukanov+*
10.13 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Askar Tashtitov(5)+
10.14 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Evgeniy Ler(5)+
10.15 Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2020 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.16 Employment Agreement dated February 3, 2020 between Freedom Finance JSC and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.17 Employment Agreement dated December 29, 2020 between Prime Executions and Robert Wotczak+*
10.18 Employment Agreement No. 2 dated May 11, 2023 between Freedom Horizons LLP and Kairat Kelimbetov+*#
10.19 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective May 18, 2021, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
10.20 Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective December 30, 2020, between Freedom Holding Corp. and Robert Wotczak+*
10.21 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement from January 2, 2020 between Prime Executions and Robert Wotczak+*
10.22 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 21-38/1 from February 01, 2021 between Freedom Finance Global PLC and Timur Turlov+*#
10.23 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 18-107/1 from 01 November 2018 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Askar Tashtitov+*#
10.24 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 15-128 from February 9, 2015 between Freedom Finance JSC and Evgeny Ler+*#
10.25 Supplementary Agreement to the Employment Agreement No. 20-362 from 14 September 2020 between Freedom Global PLC and Renat Tukanov+*#
10.26 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 16-217 from 01 August 2016 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Renat Tukanov +*#
10.27 Supplementary Agreement to an Employment Agreement No. 20-13 from 03 February 2020 between Freedom Finance Joint Stock Company and Sergey Lukyanov+*#
19.01 Insider Trading Policy*
14.01 Code of Ethics(4)
21.01 Schedule of Subsidiaries*
23.01 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (WSRP, LLC)*
23.02 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte LLP)*
31.01 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.01 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
97 Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation*
101 The following Freedom Holding Corp. financial information for the year ended March 31, 2022, formatted in XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.*
104 Cover page formatted in inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101).*
* Filed herewith.
+ Indicates management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.
% Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by "[***]") have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(6) of Regulation S-K.
#
This exhibit is an English translation of a foreign language document. The Company hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of the foreign language document.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 6, 2019.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s original Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 14, 2020.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 21, 2018.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 27, 2018.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 21, 2021.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 22, 2021.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022.