Turkey Imposes 48-Hour Withdrawal Delays, $3,000 Daily Stablecoin Limits on Crypto Platforms

Turkey’s Finance Ministry is set to implement stringent new regulations targeting cryptocurrency platforms to enhance transparency and curb illicit activities. The proposed framework mandates detailed transaction data collection and imposes transfer limits on stablecoins, reflecting a robust approach to financial crime prevention. Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasized that these measures aim to balance regulatory oversight with preserving legitimate crypto market activities.

Turkey is advancing its regulatory framework by requiring cryptocurrency platforms to collect comprehensive information on the source and purpose of every transaction. This includes a mandatory transaction description of at least 20 characters for each transfer, ensuring greater traceability and accountability within the crypto ecosystem. These measures are designed to align with international anti-money laundering (AML) standards and provide authorities with enhanced tools to detect and prevent illicit financial flows.

In addition to data collection, the new rules introduce mandatory holding periods on crypto withdrawals when the Travel Rule does not apply. Most withdrawals will be subject to a 48-hour delay, while first-time withdrawals from any account will face a 72-hour delay. This approach aims to deter rapid fund movements that could facilitate money laundering or fraud, adding an extra layer of security for both users and regulators.

To further combat financial crime, Turkey will impose daily and monthly transfer limits on stablecoins, capping daily transfers at $3,000 and monthly transfers at $50,000. These restrictions target the prevention of rapid and large-scale illicit fund movements, particularly related to illegal betting and fraud schemes. Platforms that fully comply with Travel Rule requirements—collecting complete sender and recipient identity information—may apply doubled transfer limits, incentivizing adherence to regulatory standards.

The regulations thoughtfully exempt transfers linked to liquidity provision, market making, and arbitrage, provided users can verify the source of funds and platforms monitor these activities diligently. This exemption underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a healthy crypto market environment while minimizing regulatory burdens on legitimate operations.

These regulatory developments represent a significant step toward harmonizing Turkey’s crypto oversight with international frameworks. Earlier in the year, the Capital Markets Board (CMB) established licensing and operational requirements for crypto asset service providers (CASPs), granting it comprehensive authority over exchanges, wallet providers, and custodians.

The new rules stipulate stringent criteria for CASP establishment, including executive qualifications, shareholder transparency, and minimum capital reserves. Crypto exchanges must maintain at least $4.1 million in capital, while custodians are required to hold a minimum of $13.7 million. These measures aim to enhance market stability and investor protection by ensuring that service providers possess adequate financial strength and governance standards.

Non-compliance with the new regulations may result in severe administrative and legal sanctions, including license revocation. This underscores the government’s resolve to enforce compliance rigorously. Market participants are encouraged to review their operational frameworks to align with these evolving requirements and engage proactively with regulators to ensure smooth transitions.

Turkey’s comprehensive regulatory overhaul reflects a balanced approach to fostering innovation in the crypto sector while mitigating risks associated with financial crime. By enforcing detailed transaction data collection, stablecoin transfer limits, and robust licensing standards, the government aims to create a transparent and secure environment for digital asset activities. These measures signal Turkey’s commitment to integrating its crypto market within the global regulatory landscape, offering both protection for investors and clarity for service providers.