Major DeFi sites lose access in Turkey’s new crypto rules
The enforcement could push DeFi platforms to choose between compliance or losing access to Turkey’s market.
Turkey’s Capital Markets Board blocked access to 46 crypto platforms, including PancakeSwap. The move aims to control the rapidly growing digital asset market and enforce new regulations.
Since gaining expanded authority in March 2025, the CMB requires all crypto providers in Turkey to register locally and follow strict anti-money laundering and consumer protection rules.
Key rules include ID checks for transactions above 15,000 lira, stablecoin transfer limits, and withdrawal delays for some activities.
Turkey’s approach mirrors moves by other nations such as Kazakhstan and Russia, which have taken firm steps to regulate crypto markets. While trading and holding cryptocurrencies remain legal, payment use has been banned since 2021.
The latest crackdown signals Turkey’s intent to control and formalise crypto operations, steering away from the open nature of decentralised finance towards a more regulated environment.
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