How is crypto regulated in Turkey?

Crypto regulation in Turkey has two main pillars. The Capital Markets Board (Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu, SPK) licenses and supervises crypto platforms under Law No. 7518 of 2024, while the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) sets anti-money laundering rules for crypto transfers. Crypto is not banned for individuals, but paying for goods with it is, as explained in is crypto legal in Turkey.

What do the SPK crypto license rules require?

The SPK published two communiqués, III-35/B.1 and III-35/B.2, in the Official Gazette on March 13, 2025. They set a two-step process: an establishment licence, then an operating licence. Key requirements include:

• Joint-stock company form with fully paid-up capital
• Minimum founding capital of TRY 150 million for platforms and TRY 500 million for custodians
• Liquid reserves equal to 3% of customer assets held, with equity never below that level
• Security systems that meet criteria set by TÜBİTAK, Turkey's national research council, before operating permission
• Customer cash held in separate bank accounts, moved only through customers' own bank accounts, and paid out within one business day of a request
• A recovery plan, reviewed at least once a year, and a board of at least three members

Platforms may not offer leverage, derivatives, margin trading, short selling or crypto lending on listed assets.

How far along is licensing in Turkey?

Slowly. Firms already operating stay on a temporary list while their files are reviewed. In March 2026 the SPK extended the deadlines for platforms to sign custody agreements and to obtain operating authorisation. It continues to grant establishment approvals, including two new platforms on June 5, 2026.

Foreign exchanges face enforcement. A Turkish office, Turkish-language website or marketing in Turkey brings a foreign firm under the rules, and in December 2024 the SPK began proceedings to block access to 108 unlicensed exchange sites under the Capital Markets Law.

What is Turkey's crypto travel rule?

MASAK's travel rule took effect on February 25, 2025 and applies to all crypto transfers. For transfers under TRY 15,000, sender and recipient names and wallet addresses are needed. At TRY 15,000 or more, the sender's details must also include an identifier such as a national ID number, address or date and place of birth. Transfers to or from unregistered wallets require a customer declaration, and transfers with missing information are returned or rejected. The general concept is covered in what is the crypto travel rule.

Is crypto banned in Turkey for stablecoin transfers?

Not banned, but limited. A MASAK communiqué in force since June 28, 2025 caps stablecoin withdrawals at US$3,000 a day and US$50,000 a month, doubled where the travel rule applies. Withdrawals to unregistered wallets or to providers that do not share user data must wait at least 48 hours after a purchase or deposit, and 72 hours for a user's first withdrawal. Each transfer needs a description of at least 20 characters. Tax rules remain unsettled, as covered in how crypto is taxed in Turkey.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the official regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.