Turkey Unveils New Crypto Rules to Clamp Down on Money Laundering

Turkey has unveiled a comprehensive set of cryptocurrency regulations aimed at curbing money laundering and enhancing transparency within its market. These measures, announced on June 24, 2025, represent significant advancements in aligning the nation’s crypto framework with international standards.

The proposed regulations would require crypto platforms to obtain detailed information on the origin and purpose of every transfer. Users on their part will be required to provide a transaction description of at least 20 characters for each transfer.

Limits on Crypto Transactions 

Platforms will be required to apply time limits on crypto withdrawals when the Travel Rule does not apply. These include a 48-hour delay for most withdrawals and a minimum 72-hour delay for the first withdrawal from any account. This initiative is focused on preventing the movement of suspicious funds. 

These measures are part of a wider crackdown by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. The ministry is intensifying its regulatory oversight of crypto‑asset service providers (CASPs).

Furthermore, the Ministry will introduce daily and monthly limits on stablecoin transfers. This measure will prevent the rapid outflow of illicit funds, especially from crimes like illegal betting and fraud. Users will be limited to $3,000 per day and $50,000 per month.

However, platforms that fully comply with the Travel Rule obligations, including the collection of full sender and recipient identity details, will be permitted to apply these limits at double the threshold. 

Preserving Legitimate Crypto Operations

Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek stressed that while the regulations are strict, they are designed to combat misuse without hampering legitimate crypto activities.

Notably, he explained that transfers related to liquidity provision, market making or inter‑market arbitrage will be exempt from the limits. These exemptions apply only when such transactions are monitored under the responsibility of the relevant platform. He also emphasized the need for crypto platforms to comply with the regulations stating:  

“In addition to administrative sanctions, various legal and financial sanctions, including denial of license or cancellation, may be imposed on platforms that do not comply with the new regulations.”

The proposed rules are among Turkey’s most comprehensive steps to align its crypto regulations with standards, like the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). Overall, the measures seek to protect investors and also position the country as a responsible player in the global crypto market.