Turkey Imposes 72-Hour Withdrawal Delay on Non-Compliant Crypto Platforms

Turkey has implemented a series of stringent regulations targeting the cryptocurrency sector to combat illicit activities, particularly money laundering. The new rules mandate that all cryptocurrency transactions must include transfer notes of at least 20 characters. This requirement is designed to enhance the traceability of transactions, making it more difficult for illicit transfers to evade detection.

In addition to the transfer note requirement, Turkey has introduced a 72-hour withdrawal delay for any platform found to be non-compliant with anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines. This cooling-off period is intended to provide authorities with additional time to scrutinize suspicious transactions and prevent the illicit outflow of digital assets.

To address the excessive use of stablecoins without disadvantaging crypto platforms, Turkey has set daily and monthly limits on stablecoin transactions. The limits are $3,000 per day and $50,000 per month. However, platforms that obtain proper licensing from Turkish regulators will benefit from relaxed limits, encouraging compliance and formal registration within the country’s financial system.

These regulatory measures reflect Turkey's commitment to aligning with international AML standards while maintaining a vibrant crypto ecosystem. By incentivizing licensing and introducing new compliance measures, Turkey aims to reduce illicit activities without stifling innovation in the cryptocurrency sector. The country consistently ranks among the most active global crypto markets, and these moves are part of a broader effort to ensure that the sector operates within a regulated framework.