Freedom Holdings, a Russian-origin brokerage firm that relocated to Kazakhstan, is accused of evading sanctions and falsifying revenues. They are also alleged to have manipulated client funds and their own shares.

 

It’s unlikely that sanctions will be imposed on Freedom Holdings or its leadership due to the investigation. However, experts believe this situation could further complicate matters for both Russians and Russian companies.

 

Freedom Holdings has labeled the investigation as “speculation and a collection of unconfirmed facts.” While commenting to The Bell publication, a representative of the brokerage noted that “the annual report of the holding is published on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website. The audit was conducted by one of the ‘Big Four’ firms, Deloitte. Revenue, balances, and clients are fully verified. Relations with all related parties have been analyzed and detailed. The report gives special attention to our processes related to sanctions and AML (Anti-Money Laundering). The SEC’s conclusion is clear.”

 

After the allegations were released, Freedom’s pre-market stock price on Nasdaq dropped by 6.88% to $70.5. The decline later slowed down, closing the session at $73.27 (-3.22%).

 

Hindenburg Research also announced it has taken a short position on Freedom Holdings’ stock. So far, the move by the short sellers against Freedom appears to be unsuccessful.