Regarding Crypto Asset Withdrawal Waiting Periods

Published on Oct 3, 20253 min read

Pursuant to the General Communiqué of the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) No. 29, published in the Official Gazette No. 32940 dated June 28, 2025, new compliance obligations have been introduced for crypto asset service providers under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.

In line with this regulation, the following waiting periods apply to crypto asset withdrawals on our platform:

For new users:

  • In order to withdraw crypto assets for the first time, at least 72 hours must have passed since the first purchase, deposit, or swap transaction.

For all subsequent withdrawals after the first transaction:

  • After each purchase, deposit, or swap transaction, a minimum waiting period of 48 hours applies.

(For example: 100 USDT deposited on July 10 can be withdrawn on July 12, while another 100 USDT deposited on July 11 can be withdrawn on July 13.)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Waiting Period

I am a new user. Why do I have to wait 72 hours?
Under MASAK General Communiqué No. 29, new users are required to wait at least 72 hours before withdrawing crypto assets for the first time. This period begins after the first purchase, deposit, or swap transaction. The purpose is to ensure proper user verification and prevent illicit money flows.

Do I have to wait separately for each transaction?
Yes. Each purchase, deposit, or swap transaction independently initiates a new waiting period.
(Example: 100 USDT deposited on July 10 can be withdrawn on July 12, while another 100 USDT deposited on July 11 can only be withdrawn on July 13.)

If my identity is fully verified, can the waiting period be waived?
Yes, in certain cases, the waiting period may be waived.
According to Article 24/A of the Regulation on Measures for the Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime and Financing of Terrorism, the 48-hour (or 72-hour for new users) waiting period for outgoing crypto transfers may be lifted if the following information is fully and verifiably included in the transfer message:

  • Sender’s full name (or company name)

  • Crypto wallet address or transaction reference number

  • At least one additional piece of information such as verified address, date of birth, customer number, or Turkish ID number

If these conditions are met and the platform’s risk assessment is positive, the waiting period may not apply. However, this is an exception and may not apply to every transaction. In particular, liquidity providers, market makers, or arbitrage traders between markets may be exempted from the waiting period if they provide the required documentation and obtain approval from the Board of Directors.

Does the waiting period apply when sending to non-Travel Rule compliant platforms?
Yes. If the counterparty (e.g., a foreign exchange) is not compliant with the Travel Rule and does not share recipient information, additional documents and explanations may be requested, and in some cases, a 48-hour waiting period may apply.

Does this apply to TRY transactions as well?
No. The 48/72-hour waiting period only applies to crypto asset withdrawals; it does not apply to TRY transactions.

For more detailed information on MASAK regulations, please refer to this article.