Turkey's New Anti-Money Laundering Strategy: MASAK Roadmap 2026-2030

The Strategy Document for Enhancing Effectiveness in Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and Freezing Assets (2026-2030) in Turkey aims to strengthen legal and administrative processes against financial crimes, improve compliance, and implement preventive measures. According to the Ministry of Justice, criminal investigations initiated under cash control will prioritize money laundering cases. MASAK will analyze suspicious transaction reports and expedite responses to legal requests. Additionally, discrepancies between Trade Registry and Beneficial Ownership Registry will be reported to MASAK and the Presidential Inspection Board.

Strategic Priorities

■Preventive measures: Risk assessments targeting money laundering and terrorist financing.

■Data integration: Enhanced controls on trade registries using public system data.

■Electronic shareholder records: Mandatory digitalization of shareholder books and legacy records.

■Periodic collaboration: Joint efforts by Ministry of Trade and Revenue Administration every six months.

Institutional Coordination and Operational Approach

■Multidisciplinary working groups: Comprising MASAK, Ministry of Justice, HSK, Interior Ministry, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Ministry of Environment, and Central Bank representatives.

■Case tracking and legislative updates: Legal frameworks tightened via Case Working Groups and Sub-Legislative Committees.

■Strategic reporting: Results and objectives reported quarterly to the Presidency.

Market-wise, this strategy could drive short-term cost increases in anti-money laundering investments. However, Central Bank regulatory support may enhance Turkey's financial integration appeal. Long-term transparency gains could boost stock market attractiveness and foreign investor confidence.