Turkey’s Ministry of Finance has announced comprehensive new cryptocurrency regulations that will impose strict limits on stablecoin transfers and mandatory withdrawal delays as part of an aggressive campaign to combat money laundering and financial crimes. The new rules require crypto platforms to collect detailed information about the origin and purpose of each transfer, with users required to provide transaction descriptions of at least 20 characters for every operation.
The regulatory framework represents one of the most stringent cryptocurrency compliance measures implemented globally in 2025, as Turkey seeks to align its digital asset oversight with international standards and remove itself from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list where it has remained since October 2021.
Comprehensive Stablecoin Transfer Restrictions
Under the new regulations, Turkey will introduce limits on stablecoin transfers to prevent rapid outflow of illegal funds — $3,000 per day and $50,000 per month. These restrictions specifically target stablecoins, which have become increasingly popular for cross-border transactions due to their price stability and ease of transfer.
The daily and monthly limits represent a significant constraint on cryptocurrency users, particularly those engaged in legitimate business activities requiring larger transaction volumes. However, full compliance with Travel Rule obligations will allow platforms to double the threshold values, providing incentives for exchanges to implement comprehensive compliance measures.
Additional restrictions will be applied to stablecoin transfers, with daily and monthly limits of $3,000 and $50,000, while platforms that achieve full Travel Rule compliance can increase these limits, demonstrating Turkey’s approach of rewarding regulatory cooperation with operational flexibility.
Mandatory Withdrawal Delays and Enhanced Due Diligence
The new regulatory framework introduces significant operational changes for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Turkey. In cases where Travel Rule does not apply, platforms will delay most withdrawals for 48 hours and 72 hours for first-time withdrawals from any account.
These withdrawal delays are designed to provide regulatory authorities and exchanges additional time to review suspicious transactions and verify the legitimacy of fund movements. For withdrawals where the «travel rule» does not apply, a time delay will be imposed — 48 hours after purchase, exchange, or deposit, and 72 hours for first-time withdrawals.
The enhanced due diligence requirements extend beyond simple transaction monitoring. Cryptocurrency platforms must now implement sophisticated verification systems that track the source and destination of funds, requiring detailed documentation for each transaction above specified thresholds.
Travel Rule Implementation and FATF Compliance
Turkey’s regulatory approach heavily emphasizes implementation of the FATF Travel Rule, a global standard requiring financial institutions to share customer information for cryptocurrency transactions above certain thresholds. The Crypto Travel Rule, based on FATF Recommendation 16, is a global standard designed to combat money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF).
The Travel Rule requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to collect and share customer information including names, addresses, and transaction details when processing transfers above specified amounts. Under the FATF Crypto Travel Rule, VASPs must share personal details like names and wallet addresses during qualifying transactions.
Turkey has been on the «gray list» of the Paris-based global money laundering and terror financing watchdog since 2021, and these new cryptocurrency regulations represent a crucial step in the country’s efforts to demonstrate compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.
Government Statement and Enforcement Measures
Finance and Treasury Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasized that the new regulations aim to balance crime prevention with legitimate cryptocurrency activities. Minister Mehmet Şimşek stated that the measures are designed to curb criminal abuse without suppressing legitimate activity.
The government has outlined severe consequences for non-compliance with the new regulations. «In addition to administrative sanctions, platforms that do not comply with new rules may face various legal and financial sanctions, including license denial or revocation,» the official said.
Non-compliant exchanges will be subject to hard limits on transfers. Individuals using unlicensed platforms will be subject to a maximum of $3,000 per day and $50,000 per month in stablecoin transactions, creating strong incentives for both platforms and users to operate within the regulated framework.
Exemptions for Professional Trading Activities
The regulations include specific exemptions designed to accommodate professional trading activities and market-making operations. However, transfers related to liquidity provision, market making, and arbitrage with confirmed source of funds will be exempt from restrictions provided full platform oversight.
These exemptions recognize the legitimate needs of professional traders, market makers, and liquidity providers who require larger transaction volumes and faster execution speeds. The exemptions require platforms to maintain comprehensive oversight and documentation of these activities, ensuring that professional trading operations can continue while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Broader Regulatory Context and Implementation Timeline
The new cryptocurrency regulations form part of Turkey’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of digital asset service providers and align local regulation with international standards. Crypto service providers will be required to verify the identities of users making transactions exceeding 15,000 Turkish lira (£425), with unregistered wallets also subject to strict checks.
Turkey has introduced new AML crypto regulations that will require user information for transactions above $425, starting from Feb. 25, 2025, demonstrating the government’s commitment to implementing comprehensive anti-money laundering measures across the cryptocurrency sector.
The regulatory framework includes various compliance deadlines, with platforms required to establish organizational structures, implement conflict-of-interest policies, and prepare risk disclosure forms for customers by March 31, 2025.
Market Impact and Industry Response
Turkey represents one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency markets, with over 5 million people currently owning cryptocurrency in Turkey according to research published by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority. Turkey ranked fourth globally in raw crypto transaction volumes, at approximately $170 billion, making these regulatory changes significant for the global cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The implementation of strict stablecoin limits and withdrawal delays may impact Turkey’s position as a major cryptocurrency trading hub, particularly for retail investors and smaller trading operations that rely on quick access to funds and higher transaction volumes.
International Regulatory Trends
Turkey’s regulatory approach reflects broader global trends toward stricter cryptocurrency oversight. Stablecoin adoption is skyrocketing, with global transactions expected to jump by 70% by 2025, pushing the market cap to a projected $400B or more, driving increased regulatory attention worldwide.
The compliance costs associated with these new regulations are substantial, with issuers facing average annual expenses of $10 million to meet regulatory standards, highlighting the significant investment required for cryptocurrency businesses to operate in increasingly regulated environments.
Future Implications and Conclusion
Turkey’s new cryptocurrency regulations represent a significant shift toward comprehensive oversight of digital asset transactions, particularly stablecoins which have become increasingly important for cross-border payments and trading activities. The implementation of daily and monthly transfer limits, coupled with mandatory withdrawal delays, demonstrates the government’s commitment to preventing illicit financial activities while attempting to preserve legitimate cryptocurrency commerce.
The success of these regulations in achieving their stated goals of combating money laundering while supporting legitimate cryptocurrency activities will likely influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions. As Turkey works to remove itself from the FATF grey list, the effectiveness of these measures in meeting international anti-money laundering standards will be closely monitored by regulators worldwide.