Regulatory AlertsTurkey: crypto & digital assets regulation
RegulatedTurkey mandates CMB licensing for crypto services under Law 7518; strict segregation rules apply
- Lead regulator
- Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK)
- Also involved
- Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) for fiat flows; Capital Markets Board (SPK) for crypto assets
- Core law
- Law No. 7518 on Regulation of Activities Related to Digital Assets (2024)
- Entry capital
- —
- Approval timeline
- —
- Customer assets
- Strict segregation in dedicated bank accounts required
- Data protection
- KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law) · KVK Authority
- Sandbox
- No
Turkey has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets under Law No. 7518, with the Capital Markets Board (SPK) as the primary supervisor. The regime requires licensing for core crypto asset services, mandates strict segregation of customer assets, and imposes eligibility criteria on founders. The transition period for existing providers is governed by SPK Resolution no. 1484.
Which licence do you need?
| Your activity | Requirement | Capital | Timeline | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange / trading platform | LicenceCrypto Asset Service Provider License Trading services require SPK license under Law 7518 | — | — | Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK) |
| Custody of client assets | LicenceCrypto Asset Service Provider License[1] Custody services require SPK license; strict segregation mandated | — | — | Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK) |
| Token issuance / public offering | LicenceCrypto Asset Service Provider License Initial sales require SPK license | — | — | Capital Markets Board of Turkey (SPK) |
| Broker-dealer / OTC desk | Uncertainverify with regulator OTC desk activities not explicitly detailed in provided texts | — | — | — |
| Stablecoin issuance | Uncertainverify with regulator Stablecoin issuance not explicitly detailed in provided texts | — | — | — |
| Crypto payments acceptance | Uncertainverify with regulator Crypto payments acceptance not explicitly detailed in provided texts | — | — | — |
| Mining / staking services | Uncertainverify with regulator Mining/staking services not explicitly detailed in provided texts | — | — | — |
| Advisory / portfolio management | Uncertainverify with regulator Advisory services not explicitly detailed in provided texts | — | — | — |
New — what changed recently
- 2024-09-19SPK Resolution no. 1484 — Mandated strict segregation of customer cash and crypto assets in dedicated bank accounts during transition to Law 7518.[1]
- 2024-10-01Law No. 7518 — Established the comprehensive legal framework for digital asset activities, replacing previous fragmented regulations.[1]
Market-entry checklist
- 1Secure SPK LicenseApply for Crypto Asset Service Provider License from the Capital Markets Board under Law 7518.
- 2Segregate Customer AssetsEstablish dedicated bank accounts for strict segregation of customer cash and crypto assets as per Resolution 1484.
- 3Verify Founder EligibilityEnsure founders and shareholders meet transparent ownership and eligibility criteria set by the SPK.
- 4Implement Operational ProceduresAdhere to operating procedures and capital adequacy requirements outlined in the SPK Communiqué.