Turkey is set to implement stricter rules governing cryptocurrency dealings in an effort to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. This development comes from information provided by Anadolu Agency (AA), the country’s official news source.

The planned regulations will require crypto platforms to gather comprehensive details about each transaction’s origin and intended use. AA reported on Tuesday that users must include a description of at least 20 characters for every transfer they make.

In addition to these transaction descriptions, the new rules will impose holding periods on crypto withdrawals in situations where the “Travel Rule” isn’t applicable. Most withdrawals will face a 48-hour delay, while the first withdrawal from any account will be held for 72 hours.

These regulations are part of a broader initiative by the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance, which is increasing its scrutiny of businesses that offer crypto asset services (CASPs).

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Limits on Stablecoin Transfers Daily and Monthly

The ministry also intends to introduce daily and monthly limits on stablecoin transfers. This measure is designed to prevent the quick movement of illegally obtained funds, particularly those stemming from illegal gambling and scams. Users will be restricted to $3,000 per day and $50,000 each month.

However, crypto platforms that fully adhere to Travel Rule requirements, which includes collecting complete identifying information about both the sender and recipient, will be allowed to apply double those limits.

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek stated to AA that the objective is to minimize criminal abuse without hindering legitimate crypto activity. He affirmed that “Adequate space for legitimate cryptocurrency activities will be preserved.”

Şimşek further explained that “Platforms failing to comply with the updated regulations may face administrative actions, legal and financial repercussions, potentially including license denial or revocation.”

Importantly, transfers for liquidity provision, market making, and arbitrage (where users can verify the origin of the funds) will be exempt from these limitations, provided they are appropriately supervised by the platform in question.

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Turkey Aims to Align Crypto Rules with Global Standards

The newly proposed regulations mark a significant step by Turkey to bring its cryptocurrency rules in line with international norms, encompassing frameworks like the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

In March, Turkey’s Capital Markets Board (CMB) unveiled licensing and operational guidelines for CASPs. This framework empowers the CMB with complete oversight of crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and custodians, harmonizing domestic regulation with global regulatory benchmarks.

Turkey’s new rules target crypto exchanges. Source: Cointelegraph

The regulations establish strict criteria for establishing CASPs in Turkey, including prerequisites for executive experience, ownership structures, and minimum capital requirements. Crypto exchanges are required to maintain at least $4.1 million in capital, while custodians must possess $13.7 million.

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