Turkey introduces new crypto regulations: 72-hour crypto withdrawal delay

Turkey is introducing a fresh wave of crypto regulations, targeting service providers and transaction flows in an effort to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) framework.

In a move announced by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, platforms will now need to collect more detailed information on users and their transfers.

This includes enforcing mandatory withdrawal delays, capping stablecoin transactions, and demanding clearer reporting on the purpose of each crypto transfer.

The new rules are part of a broader push by Turkish authorities to increase transparency, limit financial crime, and bring the country’s fast-growing digital asset sector in line with international standards.

Alongside the changes, the government has warned of strict penalties for non-compliant platforms.

Withdrawal delays and transaction purpose checks now mandatory

As per the new regulation, users will no longer be able to instantly withdraw funds from digital asset platforms. A mandatory 48-hour hold will apply to all purchases, deposits, or exchanges before withdrawal is permitted.

New users will face an even longer 72-hour hold for their first withdrawal.

Platforms must also request a written explanation of at least 20 characters from users describing the purpose of each transaction.

Authorities believe this move will aid in the early detection of suspicious transfers and help prevent illicit activity such as money laundering, fraud, or unauthorised betting.

Stablecoins have been specifically flagged in the new framework. A daily transfer cap of $3,000 and a monthly limit of $50,000 have been imposed on the digital token.

However, platforms that comply fully with the Financial Action Task Force's travel rule—which mandates collecting and verifying identifiable details of both sender and recipient—will be permitted higher thresholds, with limits doubled for verified activity.

Enforcement tied to broader crypto overhaul passed in March

The Ministry stated that non-compliant platforms risk severe sanctions including financial penalties, administrative measures, and suspension or cancellation of their licences.

These steps align with Turkey’s broader legal overhaul of crypto asset regulation, formalised on March 13, 2025, via changes to Capital Markets Law No. 6362.

The revisions bring platforms under the authority of the Capital Markets Board (CMB), requiring them to operate as joint-stock companies with minimum capital thresholds, certified executives, and proper governance structures.

The two new communiqués issued under this law—III-35/B.1 and III-35/B.2—stipulate that platforms must also undergo proof-of-reserve audits, partner with custodians approved by the CMB, and maintain segregated client accounts.

They must follow strict policies on asset listing, avoid conflicts of interest, disclose risks clearly, and offer fair dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Ministry confirmed that transactions connected to market making, arbitrage, and liquidity provision will remain unrestricted. However, any activity outside of these categories that fails to meet compliance standards may trigger legal action.

Measures follow AML rule changes rolled out in early 2025

This latest clampdown builds on regulations announced in February 2025, when Turkey enforced stricter AML rules across its digital asset industry.

Those measures—based on the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework—required all crypto firms to collect ID data for transactions above 15,000 Turkish lira (about $378).

The aim was to bring Turkish crypto policy in line with global best practices, especially as the nation gains prominence in the global crypto market.

These incremental steps signal Turkey’s increasing resolve to prevent abuse of decentralised finance and ensure all activity is traceable and regulated under local and international AML laws.

Turkey’s rapid regulatory developments come amid growing use of crypto assets in the country, driven by inflation and lira depreciation.

By tightening controls while allowing compliant innovation to continue, the government appears to be carving out a stricter yet structured environment for future digital asset activity.