Freedom Holding Corp.
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed Jun 13, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Jun 13, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-06-14.
0000924805-24-000041
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-06-13.
0000924805-25-000012
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 339 previous paragraphs and 365 current paragraphs.
199 unchanged; 111 reworded; 50 added; 24 removed; 5 previous and 5 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (50)
Current report
•We may fail to adequately obtain, maintain, enforce and protect our intellectual property and similar proprietary rights, which may harm our business and competitive position.
Current report
•Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
Current report
•Continuing inflation has driven up the cost of goods and services and may further increase our expenses, weaken our competitive position, or lower consumer spending power.
Current report
•Changes in U.S. or other countries trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
•Incorporating AI technologies into some of our products and processes may present business, compliance, and reputational risks.
Current report
•Reliance on centralized infrastructure and cloud services increases our exposure to larger scale service disruptions and cyber-attacks.
Current report
•OECD's Inclusive Framework's agreement on Pillar-Two solutions impacts our business.
Current report
•If our controlling shareholder, Timur Turlov, sold, or there is a perception that he may sell, large amounts of shares of our common stock, this could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.
Current report
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. For example, there is currently significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and various other countries with respect to trade policies and tariffs. This uncertainty could harm or disrupt international commerce and the global economy, and could have a material adverse effect on us and our customers, service providers, and other partners. In addition, political uncertainty surrounding international trade disputes and the potential of the escalation to trade war and global recession could have a negative effect on customer confidence, which could materially and adversely affect our business. We may have also access to fewer business opportunities, and our operations may be negatively impacted as a result. In addition, the current and future actions or escalations by either the United States or China that affect trade relations may cause global economic turmoil and potentially have a negative impact on our markets, our business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as the financial condition of our customers. See also "Changes in U.S. or other countries trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations." below.
Current report
During the year ended March 31, 2025 the Group incurred advertising and sponsorship expense from Kazakhstan Chess Federation in the amount of $11,222 thousand. Kazakhstan Chess Federation is a Kazakhstan-based company in which Timur Turlov holds a management position. The Group continues to support the development of chess as a sport in Kazakhstan. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Group has made financial contributions to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation to support the preparation and holding of championships, tournaments, training camps and other events.
Current report
Pursuing the development of a digital fintech ecosystem involves significant risks. These include, among others, the possibility that (i) our limited experience with certain new business lines may adversely affect the success of our initiatives, (ii) the revenues generated from these new activities may be insufficient to cover associated development, regulatory, and operational costs, (iii) changing consumer preferences and strong competition may impact the viability and profitability of our offerings, and (iv) our existing internal controls may not be adequate to address the risks posed by these new operations. Additionally, we may face increased regulatory risks as evolving legal and compliance requirements could delay or constrain our ability to launch, integrate or scale our services. We are also exposed to infrastructure integration risks, as the complexity of connecting diverse systems may lead to operational inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, or service disruptions. If any such expansions into new product markets are not successful, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
In addition, a substantial part of our revenue is derived from our major customers. The aggregate revenue from such customers amounted to $317.5 million, $296.3 million, and $48.4 million in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, representing 15%, 18% and 6% of our total revenue for the same periods, respectively. These concentrations of our revenues means that our results of operation and financial condition are, in part, dependent on the continuation or increase of our revenues from these particular sources. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected by changes to, or the termination of, our relationships with, market maker institutions or major customers 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. Our ability to maintain close relationships with these customers is essential to the sustainability, growth and profitability of our business. The agreements we enter into with these customers do not grant us any exclusivity and do not contain any minimum service conditions.
Current report
The majority of our non-US customer brokerage transactions are executed through over-the-counter (OTC) arrangements with one non-U.S. market maker customer. All such transactions are carried out under margin-trading principles. These transactions are typically internalized and settled on a cash basis through a prime broker and clearing firms. Under this margin-account settlement process, the securities are credited to the purchaser and, where necessary, borrowed by a market maker customer within the prime broker's and clearing firm’s custody, thereby eliminating any external delivery or locate requirement at execution. Relevant short positions are sufficiently collateralized by securities and cash in the market maker customer's margin account. We use the services of third-parties, including some U.S.-registered securities broker dealer and clearing firms to execute our trades. While these models are appropriate within their respective regulatory environments, they may differ from U.S.-based clearing and settlement practices, including those utilizing centralized depositories or real-time custody transfers. As a result, all aspects of our brokerage model do not necessarily conform to the operational norms or protections typical of U.S. retail broker-dealers. We maintain risk management procedures consistent with the nature and jurisdiction of the activity, and we continue to enhance transparency and customer disclosure to align expectations accordingly.
Current report
Furthermore, market volatility and the related Kazakhstan and global economic impact and other factors could also adversely impact our ability to access funds as and when needed. If additional capital is not available on terms acceptable to us or at all, we may need to modify, delay, limit or terminate our long-term strategies.
Current report
Each of Freedom KZ, Freedom Europe, Freedom Global and Freedom Bank KZ currently holds long-term issuer credit rating of "В+" and short-term issuer credit rating of "В" from S&P Global Ratings. On the Kazakhstan national scale, Freedom KZ and Freedom Bank KZ hold long-term issuer credit rating of "kzBBB". FRHC holds long-term issuer credit rating of "B-". As of the date of this report, Freedom Life has long-term issuer credit and financial strength ratings of "BB" with a "Stable" outlook and a "kzAA-" long-term issuer credit rating on the Kazakhstan national scale from S&P Global Ratings. Freedom Insurance has "BB-" long-term issuer credit and financial strength ratings with a "Stable" outlook and a "kzA-" Kazakhstan national scale rating from S&P Global Ratings
Current report
For example, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation in February 2022 and a significant increase in market volatility, the NBK raised the base rate from 10.25% to 14.5% by September 2022. Subsequently, with the acceleration of inflationary pressure, the base rate was further increased to 16.75% in December 2022. There was a decrease in the inflation rate by mid-2023, which led to a loosening of monetary policy and a reduction of the rate to 14.25% by mid-2024. Since November 2024, there has been a steady trend of accelerating inflation from 8.4% to 10%. In response, the NBK raised the base rate, which is currently 16.5%. The current market situation in Kazakhstan, the budget deficit, and the deteriorating global economic situation may lead to a continuation of the trend towards a rate hike, which could negatively impact the value of our Kazakhstan interest-sensitive assets and increase our borrowing and funding costs, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
In addition, the current and future actions or escalations by either the United States or China that affect trade relations may cause global economic turmoil and potentially have a negative impact currency fluctuations. See also "Changes in U.S.or other countries trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations." below.
Current report
We may fail to adequately obtain, maintain, enforce and protect our intellectual property and similar proprietary rights, which may harm our business and competitive position.
Current report
Our ability to succeed and remain competitive depends in part on adequately securing, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, and defending our intellectual property rights and proprietary technology. In addition to registration of our trademarks and other intellectual property in various jurisdictions, we rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual arrangements, including confidentiality and non-compete arrangements with our employees, to protect our proprietary rights. However, the measures we implement to safeguard these rights may not be adequate to fully prevent third parties from infringing upon, misappropriating, or otherwise violating our intellectual property, or from improperly disclosing or using our trade secrets and other confidential information. We make strategic decisions regarding when to pursue trademark or copyright registration or initiate other intellectual property protections, and when to rely on trade secret safeguard measures, but these decisions may ultimately prove insufficient. Additionally, we cannot protect our intellectual property if we are unable to detect unauthorized use or infringement. See also "Intellectual Property" in Part I Item 1 "Business" of this annual report.
Current report
Our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated despite the steps we take to protect them. For example, third parties might copy, acquire, or use our intellectual property, including trade secrets, without authorization. Additionally, the use of trademarks or service names similar to ours could harm our brand identity and cause customer confusion. Similarly, confidentiality and non-compete agreements may be breached by counterparties or our employees under our standard employment contracts, and there may not be adequate remedies available to us for any such breach. We cannot be certain that all persons and entities contributing to our intellectual property have validly assigned to us all applicable intellectual property rights they may have, or that we will be able to enforce our rights under any such agreements. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee that confidentiality agreements are in place with every party that currently has, or previously had, access to our proprietary information, trade secrets, or know-how. Even where such agreements exist, they may not effectively prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, misappropriation, or reverse engineering of our intellectual property and proprietary information. We also might fail to maintain or be unable to obtain adequate protections for some of our intellectual property rights as such rights might not receive the same degree of protection in various jurisdictions because of the differences in patent, trademark, copyright, and other laws concerning intellectual property and proprietary rights.
Current report
Preventing any unauthorized use of our intellectual property and proprietary information is difficult and costly and the measures we take may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation, infringement, or other violations of our intellectual property and proprietary information. In some cases, we may have to rely on litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and the diversion of resources and the attention of management, any of which could negatively affect our business. Determining reserves for pending litigation is a complex, fact-intensive process that requires significant legal judgment. Further, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may face defenses and counterclaims attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights, and if such countermeasures are successful, we could lose valuable intellectual property rights. It is possible that unfavorable outcomes in one or more such proceedings could result in substantial payments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period.
Current report
Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
Current report
Continuing inflation has driven up the cost of goods and services and may further increase our expenses, weaken our competitive position, or lower consumer spending power.
Current report
Continuing inflation has led to higher prices for goods and services, which could increase the cost of delivering our services, weaken our competitive position, or reduce consumers’ purchasing power. Specifically, most of our operations and expenditures are based in Kazakhstan, where expenses are largely denominated in Kazakhstan tenge. As a result, inflation in Kazakhstan significantly affects our cost structure. Due to various factors, including geopolitical issues, the country is currently experiencing elevated inflation, which has driven up business costs, including for supplies and labor. These inflationary challenges, which may be intensified by geopolitical conflicts or shifts in global economic policy, such as U.S. or other countries trade policy, could be expected to persist for an uncertain duration. According to the National Statistics Bureau of the Kazakhstan Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, annual consumer inflation was 18.1% in March 2023, 9.1% in March 2024, and 10% in March 2025. A prolonged period of inflation, especially when paired with high interest rates, may destabilize markets, spark new financial crises, reduce loan activity, increase default rates, weaken consumer spending and investment activities, and damage consumer confidence, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current report
Changes in U.S. or other countries trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
Changes to international trade and investment policies by the U.S. or other countries, and the uncertainty about potential changes, could negatively impact financial markets globally and currency exchange rates. Significant increases in tariff rates, either broadly applied or targeted at specific goods or trading partners, could adversely impact economic conditions and/or result in higher inflation, which could result in financial market volatility as markets adjust to the incremental cost of doing business and/or new business models to reduce the impacts, as well as adversely impact asset prices. Also, escalation of tensions between the U.S. and China, including tariff increases, could lead to further U.S. measures that adversely affect financial markets, disrupt world trade and commerce and lead to trade retaliation, including through the use of counter tariffs, foreign exchange measures or the large-scale sale of U.S. Treasury bonds.
Current report
Any restrictions on the activities of businesses, could also negatively affect financial markets. These developments could adversely affect our businesses, customers, including demand for our products and services.
Current report
As we introduce or expand new digital offerings and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence ('AI')-driven services, internet of things ('IoT') applications, and next-generation identity solutions there is an increased risk of rolling out platforms before fully understanding their potential vulnerabilities or correctly interpreting regulatory requirements. Rapid deployments may create new avenues for malicious attacks or identity-based threats, where attackers could impersonate users, disrupt services, or commit fraud. A successful infiltration could compromise our technology, integrity and confidentiality of our data and expose us to regulatory scrutiny, liability, and damage to our reputation.
Current report
Our business relies on legacy IT systems, software, and platforms. These systems are frequently more vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to outdated security protocols, unpatched vulnerabilities, and lack of vendor support. Maintaining and supporting these older systems often requires specialized, and increasingly scarce, expertise and investment into compensating security measures. Development of new features or integrations for legacy systems can be slow, costly, and prone to errors.
Current report
Incorporating AI technologies into some of our products and processes may present business, compliance, and reputational risks.
Current report
We are currently evaluating and experimenting with machine learning and AI technologies to enhance our products and processes in certain circumstances, such as improving the efficiency of our compliance checks. Our efforts in researching and developing these technologies are ongoing. As with many emerging technologies, AI poses a variety of risks and challenges that could negatively impact our business. If we are unable to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, particularly within the financial technology industry, our competitive position and business may be adversely affected.
Current report
Incorporating AI technologies, especially generative AI, into new or existing processes or offerings may also introduce new or increased risks and liabilities. These may arise from heightened regulatory or governmental oversight, litigation, compliance obligations, ethical concerns, or risks related to confidentiality and security. Any such risks could harm our business, reputation, or financial performance. Additionally, laws, regulations, or industry standards that are developed in response to AI may be restrictive or burdensome, potentially limiting our ability to use, create, or implement AI, particularly generative AI, within our products, processes, or business expansion strategies.
Current report
If we are unable to secure rights to use AI technologies on commercially reasonable terms, we may need to acquire or build alternative solutions, which could delay our ability to offer competitive products and increase our costs. AI solutions may also utilize data from third-party sources, potentially exposing us to risks related to data usage rights and protection. The legal and regulatory framework surrounding AI is rapidly developing and remains uncertain, including issues related to intellectual property rights, licensing, cybersecurity, and data privacy - many of which have yet to be addressed by law makers, courts or regulators. Our use, development, or adoption of AI technologies in our processes or offerings may lead to claims from third parties involving copyright infringement or other intellectual property disputes, which could require us to pay damages or license fees. In addition, the changing regulatory and legal environment for AI may also affect our ability to safeguard our own data and intellectual property from unauthorized use.
Current report
Reliance on centralized infrastructure and cloud services increases our exposure to larger scale service disruptions and cyber-attacks.
Current report
We are consolidating our IT infrastructure and applications into centralized data centers and cloud services, combining the use of third-party software and IT infrastructure providers, our superapps, such as Freedom SuperApp and Freedom Banker, and Tradernet. This approach allows us to utilize the advantages of economies of scale, uniform security controls, more efficient management, and reduces our reliance on the number of third-party IT service providers. While centralized IT infrastructure may reduce our probability of incidents of IT disruptions through service disruptions or cyber-attacks risks, it increases our exposure to larger scale service disruptions and cyber-attack incidents. If a key infrastructure or cloud provider experiences an outage, faces a security breach, or substantially raises costs, our operations could be disrupted, impacting both customer-facing services and internal processes. Moreover, a single malfunction or vulnerability in consolidated systems may impact multiple businesses simultaneously. Any resulting operational downtime, data compromise, data integrity violation, or reputational damage could be magnified by the reliance on a centralized IT system, attracting scrutiny from regulators in the relevant jurisdictions and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. At the same time, reverting to a decentralized architecture would likely lead to extended attack surface, higher operational costs, shortages of experienced staff, and diminished service reliability.
Current report
OECD's Inclusive Framework's agreement on Pillar-Two solutions impacts our business.
Current report
The OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("BEPS") addresses the tax challenges arising from the digitalization and globalization of the economy. In October 2021, the OECD's Inclusive Framework ("IF") reached an agreement on a Two-Pillar Solution addressing global tax challenges. This framework, agreed upon by over 135 jurisdictions, significantly reforms international tax rules to ensure multinational enterprises ("MNEs") pay a fair minimum level of tax in each jurisdiction where they operate.
Current report
Pillar 2 specifically targets MNEs with annual consolidated revenues of EUR 750 million or more (for any two years within the last 4 reporting years), aiming to ensure a minimum global effective tax rate ("ETR") of 15%. The primary mechanisms under Pillar Two include:
Current report
•Income Inclusion Rule ("IIR"): Applies at the level of the parent entity, imposing additional top-up taxes on the profits of constituent entities in jurisdictions with an ETR below the minimum threshold of 15%.
Current report
•Undertaxed Profits Rule ("UTPR"): Serves as a secondary or backstop rule to the IIR, applying a residual top-up tax on constituent entities where such top-up tax is not adequately captured by the IIR.
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Removed paragraphs (24)
Previous report
•Possible future pandemics may impact the global economy, global financial markets and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous report
•Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
Previous report
•Changes in regulations related to taxes on stock transfers and other financial transactions could reduce the volume of market transactions and impact our business.
Previous report
"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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
Possible future pandemics may impact the global economy, global financial markets and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
Non-compliance with U.S., EU, UK, Russian or other sanctions programs could adversely impact our company.
Previous report
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.
Previous report
Changes in regulations related to taxes on stock transfers and other financial transactions could reduce the volume of market transactions and impact our business.
Previous report
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").
Previous report
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.
Previous report
The Control Environment material weakness contributed to other material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, related to the design of our controls over:
Previous report
•the application of U.S. GAAP to complex transactions;
Previous report
•the classification of certain loans and deposits from banking institutions within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows;
Previous report
•the classification of certain interest income from margin lending within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income;
Previous report
•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
Previous report
•the review and timely identification of misstatements in the notes to the Consolidation Financial Statements.
Previous report
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.
Reworded paragraphs (111)
Previous wording
•Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Current wording
•Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
•A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, clients, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
Current wording
•A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
Previous wording
•A failure by our subsidiaries to meet capital adequacy and liquidity requirements could affect our operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Current wording
•A failure by our subsidiaries or our company to meet capital adequacy and liquidity requirements could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
•We are subject to risks related to potential litigation.
Current wording
•We are subject to risks related to potential litigation and arbitration.
Previous wording
•Our operations are highly dependent on the continued and proper functioning of our information technology systems.
Current wording
•Our operations are highly dependent on the continued and proper functioning of our information technology systems and infrastructure.
Previous wording
•We interact with large volumes of sensitive data that exposes us to IT breach and other data security risks and liabilities.
Current wording
•We interact with large volumes of sensitive data that expose us to data breaches and other cybersecurity risks and liabilities.
Previous wording
•Kazakhstan transfer pricing legislation may require pricing adjustments and impose additional tax liabilities.
Current wording
•Transfer pricing legislation in certain jurisdictions where we operate may require pricing adjustments and impose additional tax liabilities.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 $799.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, $1,666.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and $2,050.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. 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.
Previous wording
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
Current wording
We have experienced a rapid growth in our business over the recent periods. Specifically, our number of total retail brokerage customer accounts increased from approximately 370,000 as of March 31, 2023 to approximately 683,000 as of March 31, 2025. Our total number of employees increased from 3,689 employees as of March 31, 2023 to 8,764 employees as of March 31, 2025. Our total assets increased by 95% to $9.9 billion as of March 31, 2025 from $5.1 billion as of March 31, 2023. In addition, we have made a number of significant acquisitions in recent years, including the acquisitions of Freedom Bank KZ and PrimeEx in December 2020, and Freedom Life and Freedom Insurance in May 2022. Over the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 we have also made a number of acquisitions, including the acquisition of SilkNetCom LLP ("SilkNetCom") in September 2024.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve a positive return on the investments we make in the 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 control processes, information technology systems and cybersecurity measures, 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 customer 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, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
In addition, there are substantial risks associated with acquisitions and expansion into new business areas, including the risk 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, and implementation of cybersecurity measures. 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 can also result in IT, information security and data protection incidents 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
For example, in the past, 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 2025, 2024 and 2023 respectively, approximately —%, 14% and 60% of our fee and commission income was derived from transactions with FST Belize. Consistent with our plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate our omnibus brokerage relationship with FST Belize, we have encouraged customers 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. 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. The Group wound down these arrangements with FST Belize before the end of fiscal 2024, leading to a decrease in related party transactions during the year ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2024.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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, a company outside of the FRHC group which is controlled by Mr Timur Turlov, through the purchase and sale of right of claims of retail loans. There is no assurance that we will be able to replace these related-party arrangements on comparable terms if needed. If we are required to pursue alternative options, we may incur higher costs, delays, or operational inefficiencies, which could materially impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
Related party transactions and arrangements we enter into subject 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, related-party transactions present potential conflicts of interest that could result in decisions that prioritize the economic interests of certain individuals over those of our company and its stockholders. In the event of a dispute under any related-party agreement, the interests of affiliated parties may not align with ours, and the resolution of such disputes may be less favorable than what we might achieve in a transaction with an unaffiliated third party.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 may 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, when developing our telecommunications and media business in Kazakhstan, we expect to compete with various telecommunications operators and other participants in the telecommunications market and with various media providers, respectively. Our ability to compete successfully in these areas will depend on attracting and retaining customers as well as obtaining licenses or 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, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
Our telecommunications subsidiary Freedom Telecom has been and 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 expansion into the telecommunication sector, will have an adverse effect on our consolidated net income in the relevant periods. Our plans and budget for Freedom Telecom may be reassessed and be 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 2025 to 2026 with profitability forecasted to commence from the 2027 calendar year onwards, based on assumptions included in our financial model.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 in an interconnected manner. See "Our Business Strategy" in "Overview" in Part I Item 1 "Business" of this annual report. Our ability to execute this strategy could be affected by a number of factors, including the factors described in this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
In particular, we can give no assurance as to our future ability to successfully develop our telecommunications business 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, IT, information security and data protection incidents, 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 successfully and profitably 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 develop a media business in Kazakhstan in a timely fashion or on profitable terms.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 infrastructure, online and technology investments, and 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 customers, counterparties, or the assets securing these products could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
Our loan portfolio may be impacted by global, regional and local macroeconomic and market dynamics, including prolonged weakness in GDP, significant market uncertainty, including uncertainty caused by trade policies and tariffs, 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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, a significant rate of mortgage defaults in Kazakhstan could adversely affect our banking operations and the ultimate success of our digital mortgage product.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
We reserve for potential credit losses in the future by recording a provision for credit losses in our income statement. This includes an 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 business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
We extend margin loans to our brokerage customers. As of March 31, 2025, we had margin lending receivables in the amount of approximately $3.3 billion and $1.7 billion as of March 31, 2024. We also enter into margin loans for our own account. 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 advanced to customers are collateralized by cash and securities in the customers' accounts. The risks associated with margin credit increase during periods of rapid 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. While we have a real-time margin compliance monitoring and undertake mitigation measures, 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 quan tifiable, as the risk is dependent upon analysis of a potential significant and undeterminable increase or fall in stock prices.
Previous wording
Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Current wording
Our revenues are concentrated in certain customers and products, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
We have derived a significant portion of our fee and commission income from trading activity of certain institutional market maker customers with whom we execute trades on behalf 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 beginning of fiscal 2024 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, including short positions and in the past we earned such commissions indirectly through commissions we received from FST Belize. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, we earned fee and commission income from the market maker customer at our Freedom Global subsidiary in an amount of $284.7 million and $196.7 million, respectively, representing 56% and 45% of our total fee and commission income for those fiscal years, and we earned interest income from margin loans to customers from such customer in an amount of approximately $32.8 million and $99.6 million, respectively, representing 15% and 57% of our total interest income from margin loans to customers for those fiscal years.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 firms 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 to which they are accustomed and could result in higher transaction costs for us or our customers, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 developments 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 services. Some customers might prefer to invest through our competitors that do not engage in these arrangements or engage in them differently than we do. 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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) a civil law liability, such as damages and/or contractual or statutory penalties 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.
Previous wording
A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, clients, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
Current wording
A breakdown or interruption in our operational systems or processes may adversely affect our reputation, customers, business activities, operational outcomes, and financial stability.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
We face liquidity risk, which 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 our business principally by issuing long-term debt instruments, by customers' term deposits and current accounts at our Freedom Bank KZ subsidiary, by issuing hybrid financial instruments, by entering into repurchase agreements and from cash flow from operations.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
The proportion of our funding represented by customer term deposits and current accounts has been increasing, and we intend for this proportion to continue to increase going forward as part of our funding strategy. We obtain term deposits and customer accounts directly from retail and commercial customers and through brokerage firms that offer our term deposit and current account products to their customers. However, customer term deposits and current accounts are subject to fluctuation due to certain factors outside our control, such as increasing competitive pressures for retail or corporate customer term deposits and current accounts, 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 term deposits and current accounts within a short period of time. To the extent there is heightened competition among Kazakh banks for retail customer term deposits and current accounts, this competition may increase the cost of procuring new term deposits and current accounts and/or retaining existing term deposits and current accounts, and otherwise negatively affect our ability to grow our term deposit and current accounts base. An inability to grow, or any material decrease in, our term deposits and current accounts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to satisfy our liquidity needs.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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 (if available), 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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. Any financing arrangements we may pursue or assume may require us to grant certain rights, take certain actions or agree to certain restrictions that could negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
As of the date of this report, Freedom Life has a "BB" long-term issuer credit and financial strength rating on the international scale and a "kzAA-" long-term rating on the Kazakhstan national scale from S&P Global Ratings with a "Positive" outlook. Freedom Insurance has a "BB-" international scale rating and a "kzA-" Kazakhstan national scale rating from S&P Global Ratings with a "Stable" outlook.
Previous wording
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
Current wording
In the event of a reduction in our credit ratings both our ability to obtain long-term funding and our credit spreads and resulting cost of such funding may be materially adversely affected. 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
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, 2025, our assets included $2.3 billion in trading securities, of approximately 35.5% of which consisted of corporate debt securities and approximately 56.4% 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. Such pressures may include or be exacerbated by the recent tariff increases and trade tensions. As a result, we may suffer losses from our investment activities. Our proprietary portfolio is concentrated in sovereign debt instruments outside the US and debt of number of companies. 97% of sovereign bonds we hold have been issued by the Republic of Kazakhstan, while the remaining sit across Central Asian and European countries. 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
Substantially all of our investing and market-making positions are marked-to-market on a daily basis, and declines in asset values directly 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. Our investing and market-making strategies may not be effective or 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, including as a consequence of global trade policies and tariffs, 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, 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.
Previous wording
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.
Current wording
As part of our investment activities, both as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders and on a proprietary basis (i.e., when acting for our own account), we raise funds through repurchase transactions on the KASE. Our short-term financing is primarily obtained through securities repurchase arrangements. As of March 31, 2025, $1.4 billion, or 63%, 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.
Showing the first 40 of 111 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (5)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Approximately 88%, 93% and 91% of our trading income in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, was derived from interest income on Kazakhstan government or quasi-government debt securities.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders and adversely impact the price of our stock, 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.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We are committed to compliance with all applicable economic sanctions, including those related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The mentioned threshold was reached in FY2024, as such we filed CbCR in the United States along with the tax return.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (5)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
shortcomings or failures in our internal processes, personnel, or systems related to the electronic communications and
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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.