Turkey to Enforce New Crypto Rules to Fight Laundering

• Turkey enacts strict crypto laws to curb fraud and laundering risks.

• Stablecoin transfers limited to $3K daily, $50K monthly maximum.

• Non-compliant withdrawals delayed 48–72 hours to block illegal activity.

Turkey is taking serious steps to stop the misuse of cryptocurrencies. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has announced new measures to prevent money laundering, especially from illegal betting and fraud. Such new regulations will have a direct impact on the way crypto transactions are carried out in the country.

Turkey Sets $3K Daily, $50K Monthly Limit on Stablecoin Transfers

The Ministry will tighten the grip on the Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASP). These venues will have to track its transactions more strictly. With each crypto transaction the CASPs have to prompt users about the origin of funds and why they are transferring funds. In addition, each transaction will require a user to comment briefly (no less than 20 characters). Such switching will enable the detection of suspicious activity easier.

In addition, now, Turkey will impose time limits on specific withdrawal of crypto. Any crypto transfer that fails to comply with the provisions of the so-called travel rule, which involves sharing of information about the sender and the receiver, will be slowed down. When this happens, the user will have to wait in a minimum of 48 hours before he/she can make withdrawals. In cases of the first-time withdrawals in an account, the waiting will last not less than 72 hours. Such delays will be used to ensure that there is no speedy removal of illegal funds.

Moreover, the government will create new regulations on stablecoin transfers. Stablecoins are virtual currencies pegged on real-world values such as the American dollar. The rule will restrict the amount of stablecoins individuals can move in a single day to just $3,000 and to $50,000 a month. Nevertheless, using the platform that complies with the travel rule in full, it might permit doubling these figures. This will see to it that platforms that have met all safety stipulations are provided with certain leeway.

Turkey Strengthens Crypto Laws to Protect Financial System

In December 2024, Turkey made it compulsory for people to provide personal details with their crypto transactions exceeding 15,000 Turkish Lira (approximately $425). This regulation also was designed to prevent the deployment of digital assets on terrorism or other criminal activities. The new regulations build upon and further advance those existing regulations.

Furthermore, the Ministry will apply tighter restrictions on stablecoin transfers to prevent fast removal of suspicious funds. Such restrictions are a part of a more comprehensive plan to reduce the speed of the illegal operations and oversee the crypto trading process more.

Mehmet Simsek, the Treasury and Finance Minister, has stressed the necessity of such changes. Apparently, he added, the aim is not to prevent legal use of cryptos but ensure that criminals are not able to misuse the system. He clarified that there are no stern constraints on the users who perform legal actions such as market making or arbitrage activities and can enlighten the origin of their funds. However, their activity will remain under surveillance by the used platforms.

The Minister Levent Yildirim Şimşek warned crypto platforms sternly. He stated clearly that any provider that will not comply with the new rules will suffer grave consequences. This may be fines, license loss, or even a ban on operation.

Last but not least, Turkey is undertaking significant rearrangements to see to it that the use of crypto is safe and legal. The government will ensure the safety of the financial system with improved monitoring, delays in time, and strict restrictions that will provide the system with a space to conduct any honest crypto activity.