Who Are Regulations Applicable To?

Trader Guide

4 min read time

|Updated: 2026-03-06

As the crypto asset market grows, regulations become more visible with the aim of protecting users, the market, and the financial structure. So, who exactly are these regulations applicable to? In Türkiye, regulatory responsibilities and obligations vary for both users and platforms.

As of today, the regulatory framework in the crypto space in Türkiye is shaped by MASAK obligations. These obligations directly affect both the exchange side and, in certain cases, the user side. In the near future, a more comprehensive regulatory structure that includes the Capital Markets Board (SPK) is expected to be implemented; however, the currently applicable rules form a framework primarily aimed at preventing financial crimes.

This content explains whom the regulations cover, which rules apply in which situations, and why users play an important role in these processes.

Crypto Exchanges (Platforms)

The most direct implementers of regulations are crypto platforms. All exchanges operating in Türkiye must comply with the obligations set by MASAK. The primary purpose of these obligations is to ensure internal platform security and prevent illegal fund movements.

Some of the core responsibilities applicable to exchanges include:

Mandatory implementation of KYC (Know Your Customer) processes
Establishing transaction monitoring systems
Reporting suspicious transactions
Reporting transactions above specified thresholds
Storing customer information, transaction records, and fund flow data for a legally required period

Therefore, all users in Türkiye directly experience the regulatory components that are implemented by exchanges.

Crypto Users

A significant part of regulations also concerns users themselves. MASAK obligations are imposed on exchanges, but the outcomes of these rules directly affect individual users.

Areas where regulations apply to users include:

Mandatory identity verification

KYC is required to make transactions, deposit or withdraw money, and benefit from all platform features.

Additional information for high-value transactions

Depending on legal limits, the platform may request additional explanations or documents from the user. This is entirely regulatory.

Explaining the source of funds

Under MASAK rules, platforms may verify the legitimacy of the source of funds. This is a procedure applied to prevent money laundering activities.

Delays or review processes in transfers

Users may sometimes ask, “Why is my transaction pending?” Most of these processes are regulation-based: AML checks, Travel Rule policies, automated filters, etc.

Therefore, regulation does not only apply to exchanges but ensures that every user transaction proceeds safely and in accordance with the law.

Corporate Users and Legal Entities

For businesses or legal entities benefiting from crypto assets, regulations offer a broader scope. Exchanges apply more detailed identity verification processes for corporate accounts.

Areas applicable to corporate accounts include:

Verification of company documents and operating permissions
Verification of authorized personnel information
More detailed review of income sources and fund explanations
Additional checks if the transaction volume is high

Corporate account obligations are more comprehensive than those of individual users because financial risk and volume are higher.

Crypto Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

This category includes all actors providing services within the crypto ecosystem:

Crypto exchanges
Custody service providers
Wallet services
Crypto payment solutions

According to international standards, these institutions must comply with AML/KYC standards, fall under supervision, and meet security protocol requirements. When a comprehensive licensing structure is established under SPK in Türkiye, clear regulatory boundaries will officially be applied to this category.

Are There Users or Areas Not Covered by Regulations?

Some areas in the crypto world may fall outside the scope of regulation. For example:

User identity verification is not required on decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Web3 wallets (such as Metamask) can be used without identity verification.
P2P transfers can occur without central authority.

However, it is important to remember the following:

These areas may fall outside the scope of regulation, but the risk belongs entirely to the user. In cases of mistaken transactions, wrong addresses, fraud, or fund loss, there is no mechanism through which an authority can intervene.

For this reason, the safest transaction environment in Türkiye is central platforms that comply with MASAK rules and will be subject to SPK licensing in the future.

Conclusion

Regulations cover not only exchanges but the entire crypto ecosystem: individual users, corporate investors, service providers, and platforms. Many procedures users encounter from KYC processes to transaction monitoring are designed to protect them and safeguard the market. While MASAK obligations form the core regulatory framework in Türkiye today, more comprehensive rules expected from SPK will make the market safer and more predictable.

Knowing who regulations apply to helps users transact more consciously and understand why certain procedures are implemented.

2026-03-06

Legal Notice

The information, comments, and evaluations contained in this content do not constitute investment advice. This content is not intended to be prescriptive in any way and is intended to provide general information. It does not constitute investment advice. CoinTR cannot be held responsible for any transactions made based on this information or any losses that may arise.

Why Should I Give You My Information? (KYC)Why Are Regulations Important? prevIcon

Recommended