Turkey has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on cryptocurrency transactions, introducing a robust set of new transfer limits, mandatory waiting periods, and stringent anti-money laundering (AML) policies. This bold move, announced by the Financial Crime Investigation Board (MASAK) on June 28, aims to significantly tighten oversight within the nation’s burgeoning crypto sector. Published in the Official Gazette, these changes fall under Law No. 5549, underscoring the government’s resolute commitment to boosting transparency and financial security in the digital asset space.
Sweeping Crackdown on Crypto Transactions
Turkey has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on cryptocurrency transactions, signaling a decisive shift towards tighter regulatory control. The Financial Crime Investigation Board (MASAK), operating under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, announced these new regulations on June 28. Published in the Official Gazette, these changes fall under Law No. 5549, designed to significantly enhance transparency and financial security within the crypto sector.
Key Compliance Measures for CASPs
The new General Communiqué No. 29 outlines a series of mandatory compliance measures for Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs). These include strict waiting periods: a minimum 48-hour delay for all crypto transfers and a 72-hour waiting period for first-time withdrawals from crypto storage accounts. Additionally, all transactions must now include user identification, and a minimum 20-character explanation is compulsory for each transfer, ensuring greater traceability.
Imposing Strict Transfer Limits
To curb the rapid outflow of illicit funds, Turkey has imposed new transfer limits on crypto transactions. A maximum of $3,000 is now permitted for single transfers between platforms, while the daily cap for all crypto transfers has been set at $50,000. These limits are complemented by enhanced AML measures, requiring CASPs to establish internal risk management policies, undergo independent audits, and actively detect and report suspicious activities.
Exemptions and Severe Penalties
Certain activities, such as liquidity provision, market making, or arbitrage, may be exempt from these new restrictions, but only with the explicit approval of the platform’s board of directors. However, if these exemptions are abused, they will be immediately revoked. Non-compliant Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) face severe penalties, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance approach to regulatory breaches and illicit financial activities.
Why Turkey Is Tightening the Reins
Turkey’s aggressive regulatory push in 2025 is a direct response to rising fraud and concerns over illicit finance, despite the country being a leader in crypto adoption. With the implementation of Communiqué No. 29, MASAK is prioritizing security, investor confidence, and alignment with global financial standards. Authorities have made it unequivocally clear that crypto platforms must now adhere to international AML norms or face serious consequences, reflecting a strong commitment to a compliant digital asset ecosystem.
Building a Trustworthy Digital Asset Environment
Turkey’s 2025 crypto regulation push marks a decisive shift towards establishing a fully compliant digital asset ecosystem. Through real-time transaction monitoring, mandatory identity checks, and enforced limits, the government aims to eradicate crypto-related financial crimes. This comprehensive approach is designed to build a trustworthy environment for investors, positioning Turkey as a regulated hub that effectively balances innovation with robust investor protection in the global crypto landscape.
