Foreign Exchange and Cryptocurrency Consulting

Understanding Turkey's foreign exchange and crypto rules, not trading on your behalf

Turkey has specific, and at times distinctive, rules for currency exchange and digital assets. FTurkey is a consulting and coordination company, not an authorised foreign exchange dealer, a licensed crypto asset service provider, or an investment firm, and does not execute FX or crypto trades, hold your funds or digital assets, or provide trading signals or price predictions. Within an agreed written scope, FTurkey can help you understand the regulatory landscape and coordinate contact with the licensed institutions that actually carry out these transactions.

Foreign exchange: authorised institutions and everyday practicalities

Currency exchange in Turkey is carried out through banks and authorised exchange offices (yetkili müesseseler) licensed under Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) regulation, and identity documentation is generally required for exchange transactions above certain thresholds under anti-money-laundering rules enforced by MASAK, Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board. FTurkey can help you understand how these transactions typically work, how the lira's exchange-rate volatility has historically affected timing decisions many people consider, and how to compare exchange offices or bank rates for a given transaction. FTurkey does not set exchange rates, does not act as a currency dealer, and does not advise on when to convert funds for financial gain.

Cryptocurrency: a distinct and evolving regulatory position

Turkey has a specific regulatory stance on cryptocurrency that differs from many other jurisdictions: since 2021, Central Bank regulation has prohibited using crypto assets directly as a means of payment for goods and services, while owning, buying and selling crypto assets through licensed platforms remains legal. A 2024 amendment to capital markets law brought crypto asset service providers (exchanges and custodians operating in Turkey) under the licensing and oversight of the Capital Markets Board (SPK), with related anti-money-laundering obligations under MASAK. FTurkey can help you understand this framework, including what it means for a foreign national to open an account on a Turkish-licensed platform, but does not recommend specific coins, platforms or trading strategies, and cannot predict returns or price movements.

Coordinating with licensed providers, not replacing them

Where useful, FTurkey can help you prepare the documentation an authorised exchange office or a licensed crypto platform typically requests, explain the AML/KYC checks you should expect, and coordinate communication if language support is needed. The decision to open an account, approve a transaction, or apply a given exchange rate or trading fee rests entirely with the licensed institution, which sets and can change its own policies without notice.

What this service does not include

FTurkey does not provide investment advice, does not manage a trading account or wallet on your behalf, and makes no promises about currency movements, crypto asset value or investment returns. Tax treatment of FX gains or crypto transactions is a separate matter for your accountant or tax advisor and is not covered by this consulting scope.

Understand the cost and request a proposal

The support needed depends on whether your interest is in routine currency exchange, understanding the crypto regulatory landscape, or coordinating account opening with a licensed provider. Request a quote describing what you need help understanding or coordinating, and FTurkey can propose a written scope covering the explanation and coordination support available for your case.