Türkiye Imposes 72-Hour Delay on Crypto Transactions to Curb Money Laundering

Türkiye has implemented stricter cryptocurrency regulations in 2025, led by Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, focusing on compliance and transparency. The new regulations aim to restructure market operations, aligning with EU standards to boost integrity and curb illegal activities.

Key updates include a mandatory capital minimum of 150 million TL for exchanges and a requirement for a joint-stock corporate structure to enhance transparency. These regulations affect exchange-listed tokens such as BTC and ETH, mandating compliance under the new standards. The changes impact individuals and markets by increasing reporting requirements and transaction delays. Stablecoins now face daily and monthly caps, reducing their transactional utility. These rules are designed to prevent money laundering and enhance security compliance. Business operations now have higher entry barriers, with enforced identity verification for large transactions.

Mehmet Şimşek, Finance Minister of Türkiye, emphasized the importance of these regulations, stating, "We are taking new steps to prevent the laundering of criminal proceeds obtained from illegal betting and fraud through cryptocurrency transactions." The regulatory changes require firms to adapt quickly to avoid penalties.

Market compliance involves regulatory oversight with potential fines. The government's stance leads to stablecoin restrictions, impacting liquidity. The alignment with international standards suggests Türkiye's regulatory approach could influence regional markets, sparking global interest in its crypto policies.

Türkiye has introduced new licensing rules that impose stricter oversight on platforms, custody services, and foreign providers. These regulations include a 48-hour delay in all crypto transactions, which will increase to 72 hours for certain transactions. Additionally, the Financial Crime Investigation Board has announced strict new rules for crypto platforms, requiring detailed checks on the source and purpose of transactions.

The new regulations aim to curb money laundering and other illicit activities by increasing transparency and accountability in the crypto market. By imposing stricter oversight, the Turkish authorities hope to create a safer environment for investors and users. The measures also include requirements for crypto platforms to verify the identity of their users and monitor transactions for suspicious activity. These steps are part of a broader effort to integrate cryptocurrencies into the formal financial system while mitigating the risks associated with their use.

The implementation of these regulations is expected to have a significant impact on the crypto market in Türkiye. Platforms and service providers will need to adapt to the new requirements, which may involve additional costs and operational changes. However, the long-term benefits of increased security and trust in the market could outweigh these initial challenges. The stricter regulations are also likely to attract more institutional investors, who may be more comfortable operating in a regulated environment.

The move by Türkiye to tighten crypto regulations comes at a time when many other countries are also grappling with how to regulate digital currencies. The global trend towards stricter oversight reflects growing concerns about the potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies, including money laundering, fraud, and market manipulation. By taking proactive steps to address these issues, Türkiye is positioning itself as a leader in the regulation of digital assets.

The new regulations are expected to have a positive impact on the overall stability and security of the crypto market in Türkiye. By increasing transparency and accountability, the measures will help to build trust among investors and users, which is essential for the long-term growth of the market. The stricter oversight will also help to prevent illicit activities, making the market safer for all participants. Overall, the implementation of these regulations is a significant step towards creating a more secure and transparent crypto market in Türkiye.