Turkey’s New Crypto Regulations Strive for Security and Transparency

Turkey’s crypto landscape is changing dramatically as MASAK introduces new regulations to enhance security and transparency. Industry expert Burak Kesmeci shares his insights on these significant developments.

New Regulations Signal Major Change in Crypto Landscape

A significant shift is taking place in the realm of cryptocurrency in Turkey, as authorities unveil stringent regulations. The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has rolled out new guidelines that signal a tougher stance on virtual assets. Industry expert Burak Kesmeci has stepped in to dissect these changes, offering insight into their potential impacts on crypto users and traders alike.

Mandatory Waiting Period for Transactions

MASAK’s recent directive, general communique No. 29, emerged on June 28, 2025, and outlines key alterations in how virtual asset service providers must operate. This regulation is part of the larger framework established by Law No. 5549, which aims to prevent the laundering of criminal proceeds. Kesmeci indicates that the crowning change among these new rules is the enforced waiting period for crypto transactions, which aims to detect suspicious activities more thoroughly.

Impact on Traders and Short-term Activities

The new regime introduces a mandatory waiting period for first-time withdrawals from local exchanges, which are now delayed for 72 hours. Subsequent withdrawals face a 48-hour hold. Kesmeci critiques this development as detrimental to traders who rely on the fast-paced nature of crypto exchanges, stating that it poses hurdles for short-term trades, which could ultimately stifle market activity.

Specific Limits on Stablecoins and Other Cryptos

Another layer to these regulations involves transfer limits imposed on funds moved from exchanges to cold wallets. Kesmeci notes these limits range from $3,000 to $6,000 daily and from $50,000 to $100,000 monthly. However, this restriction applies only to stablecoin transfers, allowing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to be transferred without limits. Kesmeci explains that this limitation reflects a previous regulation focusing solely on stablecoins rather than an overarching restriction on all crypto assets.

Enhancing Transparency in Crypto Exchanges

Furthermore, MASAK is pursuing a push for greater transparency among crypto exchanges. This includes a requirement for platforms to disclose new token listings to Turkey’s Public Disclosure Platform. Burak Kesmeci has expressed enthusiasm for this regulation, highlighting the unprecedented access it grants users to the asset listing process. This could empower users to make more informed decisions based on transparent practices.

Custody Requirements for User Asset Safety

A strictly monitored custody requirement is another significant change, stipulating that only 5% of user funds can remain on exchanges while the remaining 95% must be held with approved custodians. Kesmeci discusses how this measure, intended to safeguard user assets, reflects a broader intention to avoid past exchange collapses, likening it to incidents involving FTX and Thodex. Compliance with this rule will be carefully monitored, ensuring exchanges do not breach the set limits.

In summary, Turkey’s latest crypto regulations mark a pivotal shift that aims to reinforce user protections while introducing new operational hurdles for exchanges and traders. With mandatory waiting periods and transfer limits on stablecoins, traders may face considerable challenges in a landscape increasingly defined by regulatory scrutiny. Transparency measures and custody requirements show that authorities are taking steps to enhance accountability and security in the evolving crypto market.