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Turkey: crypto & digital assets regulation

Regulated

Turkey VASP licensing under Law No. 7518; CMB dual oversight with strict segregation

Lead regulator:
Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB)
Key law:
Law No. 7518 on Regulation of Digital Assets (2024)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB) serves as the primary regulator for crypto asset service providers (CASP) under the framework of Law No. 7518. This regime mandates licensing for core activities including trading, custody, and initial sales, establishing a formalized supervised market.

Regulatory compliance requires strict operational standards, including the segregation of customer cash and crypto assets in dedicated bank accounts and transparent ownership structures for founders and shareholders. The CMB has issued specific communiqués detailing capital adequacy and operating procedures to enforce these standards.

Notable restrictions include prohibitions on receiving orders via social media and bans on certain high-risk services. The regulatory direction emphasizes investor protection through rigorous eligibility criteria and strict segregation of assets during the transition to the full implementation of Law No. 7518.

Who regulates

  • Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB)

    Primary supervisor and licensing authority for crypto asset service providers

    [1][2][3]

Core laws & rules

  • Law No. 7518 on Regulation of Digital Assets (2024)

    The core legislative framework establishing the regulatory regime for digital assets and crypto asset service providers in Turkey, mandating licensing and operational standards.

    [1]

Licensing & registration

  • Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP)

    Mandatory licensing required for activities such as trading, custody, and initial sales of crypto assets. Providers must meet strict eligibility criteria for founders and shareholders. Timeline: Transition period under Resolution no. 1484 leading to full Law No. 7518 implementation

    [2][3]

Restrictions & warnings

  • Prohibition on receiving orders via social media and bans on certain prohibited services. Strict segregation of customer cash and crypto assets in dedicated bank accounts is mandatory.

    [1][2]

Direction of travel

  • Regulatory direction emphasizes investor protection and market integrity through rigorous capital adequacy requirements and transparent ownership structures, moving towards full implementation of Law No. 7518.

    [2][3]

Sources

  1. CMB Executive Board Resolution no. i-SPK.35.B.1 (Decision no. 1484 dated 19/09/2024) · 2025-04-28
  2. Communiqué Regarding Operating Procedures and Capital Adequacy of Crypto Asset Service Providers · 2025-04-25
  3. Communiqué Regarding Principles on the Establishment and Operation of Crypto Asset Service Providers · 2025-04-25

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This guide is compiled automatically from 3 primary-source documents published by Turkey's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.