Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp, is spearheading a unique global initiative to integrate chess into modern education systems. His vision took center stage at the Smart Moves Summit 2025, held August 4–5 in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia. The summit brought together educators, policymakers, technology leaders, and corporate visionaries to explore how chess can develop focus, resilience, and strategic thinking in students around the world.
This initiative, blending sport, education, and corporate responsibility, is more than a passion project—it’s part of a broader movement to reimagine learning in the digital age. For Turlov, chess is not just a competitive pastime; it’s a cognitive tool with the potential to transform how young minds think and solve problems.
A Vision Born from a Global Perspective
Timur Turlov’s career trajectory is a case study in global leadership. Born in Russia and later establishing his business base in Kazakhstan, he built Freedom Holding Corp from a modest brokerage into a Nasdaq-listed financial services powerhouse operating in over 20 countries. His ability to spot opportunities in emerging markets and scale operations internationally mirrors the very skills chess aims to develop—anticipation, strategy, and adaptability.
Turlov’s interest in chess is rooted in its universal accessibility. Regardless of language, background, or economic status, the game offers equal opportunities for learning and mastery. This makes it an ideal educational bridge across cultures, something Turlov has emphasized in interviews and public speeches. For him, the discipline and logical reasoning chess requires are precisely the qualities today’s education systems should nurture.
The Smart Moves Summit 2025: A Turning Point
The Smart Moves Summit 2025 was designed as both a thought-leadership platform and a call to action. The event gathered notable figures such as Dana Reizniece, Dr. Bill Poucher, Steinar Sæthre, and Omoboye Odu, each contributing expertise in education reform, technology integration, and cognitive skill development.
Turlov opened the summit by addressing a challenge many educators face: the decline in students’ attention spans in an era of digital distractions. He argued that chess offers a proven framework to train sustained concentration and analytical thinking.
“Global corporations compete for attention. I really believe that chess could be a great solution to help overcome this,” Turlov noted in his keynote.
Across multiple sessions, speakers examined how chess could be introduced systematically in school curricula. Topics ranged from early childhood chess programs to teacher training and scalable digital learning platforms. Case studies from Kazakhstan demonstrated the feasibility of integrating chess into hundreds of schools, providing a proof of concept for other nations.
Freedom Holding Corp’s Strategic Role
While the summit’s focus was on education, it was clear that Freedom Holding Corp’s resources and infrastructure are instrumental in scaling the initiative. Under Turlov’s leadership, the company has built a diversified portfolio of financial services—from brokerage and banking to insurance and fintech solutions—serving millions of clients worldwide.
The company’s support for the Smart Moves Summit is part of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy. Freedom Holding Corp has consistently invested in projects that align with its values of innovation, development, and long-term thinking. In this case, backing chess education is both a philanthropic gesture and a strategic investment in the skills of future generations.
Chess as a Development Tool
Why chess? The answer lies in its multifaceted benefits. Research has shown that playing chess can improve problem-solving skills, enhance memory, and foster creativity. It requires players to evaluate complex situations, anticipate opponents’ moves, and adapt strategies in real time—skills that translate directly into academic success and professional competence.
At the summit, education experts highlighted how chess can be particularly effective in developing executive function skills in children. These include planning, self-control, and cognitive flexibility—qualities that contribute not only to academic achievement but also to emotional resilience.
Global Ambitions and Collaboration
One of the summit’s most significant outcomes was a declaration of intent to scale chess education internationally. Delegates discussed forming partnerships with ministries of education, non-profits, and technology companies to ensure that chess programs are both accessible and sustainable.
Turlov’s approach is inherently collaborative. Rather than promoting a top-down model, he advocates for adaptable frameworks that countries can tailor to their own cultural and educational contexts. This flexibility is crucial for achieving broad adoption, particularly in regions with varying levels of infrastructure and resources.
Synergy with the 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship
The timing of the summit was intentional, coinciding with the 2025 FIDE World Schools Team Championship. This event brought together young chess players from around the world to compete in an environment that celebrated both intellectual achievement and sportsmanship.
Turlov, along with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and other dignitaries, participated in the ceremonial first moves, symbolizing the unity of competitive sport and educational reform. The championship provided a vivid demonstration of how chess can inspire students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and connect with peers from different backgrounds.
Freedom Holding Corp’s Broader Impact
Beyond education, Freedom Holding Corp under Turlov has become a symbol of economic opportunity and innovation in Central Asia and beyond. The company’s listing on Nasdaq in 2019 was a milestone for the region, signaling that businesses from emerging markets could compete on the global stage.
This success has given Turlov both the platform and the credibility to champion causes like chess education. By linking corporate achievement with social good, he is helping redefine the role of business leaders in addressing global challenges.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Smart Moves initiative faces both opportunities and challenges. Scaling requires sustained funding, curriculum development, and teacher training. Digital platforms could play a crucial role, especially in reaching rural or underserved areas.
Turlov’s vision is ambitious but grounded. By leveraging Freedom Holding Corp’s global network, forging alliances with educational bodies, and harnessing technology, he aims to make chess education a norm rather than a novelty. His leadership suggests that this is more than a one-off event—it’s the start of a long-term transformation in how we think about learning.
Conclusion
Timur Turlov’s dual role as a corporate leader and educational advocate illustrates how business influence can extend far beyond profit margins. The Smart Moves Summit 2025 was not just a conference; it was a declaration that education can—and should—equip students with the mental tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.
By championing chess, Turlov is aligning a centuries-old game with the demands of a digital future. Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, his message is clear: strategic thinking is not optional—it’s essential.