Turkish law firm challenges crypto payment ban in landmark case

A Turkish law firm, GlobalB, is set to challenge the country's ban on cryptocurrency payments in a hearing scheduled for May 28.

The ban, implemented in April 2021 by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies for payments, citing concerns over volatility and security risks.

Despite the ban, Turkish citizens are allowed to buy, hold, and trade cryptocurrencies.

However, the restriction on using them for payments has limited their practical application in everyday transactions.

GlobalB's challenge aims to demonstrate the long-term economic benefits of allowing crypto payments in Turkey.

According to Sima Baktaş, the firm's founding partner, enabling crypto payments could accelerate financial innovation, create more inclusive payment systems, and attract global investment.

Turkey has been working to become more crypto-friendly, with recent regulatory developments allowing crypto asset providers to apply for licenses.

Notable exchanges like Bitfinex, Binance TR, and OKX TR have expressed interest in obtaining these licenses.

A positive ruling could pave the way for new business models, particularly for crypto exchanges seeking licenses.

It would also signal a shift towards a more dynamic regulatory environment that supports digital assets while ensuring compliance.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact Turkey's position in the global crypto landscape.

With a growing user base and increasing interest in digital assets, Turkey is poised to become a significant player in the crypto market if it adopts a more permissive stance on crypto payments.