- Turkey’s regulatory body, SPK, has blocked access to the MEXC exchange website, citing non-compliance with local cryptocurrency rules.
- MEXC claims the access issues are technical, but full restoration likely requires meeting Turkey’s operational licensing requirements.
Turkey’s efforts to bring order to its cryptocurrency sector have led to significant regulatory measures this year. Among these is the requirement for exchanges to comply with strict licensing protocols set by the Capital Markets Board (SPK).
The regulatory framework aims to safeguard investors and establish clearer operational guidelines for digital asset platforms. However, these changes have placed substantial pressure on non-compliant exchanges like MEXC, which now faces an access block across the country.
MEXC Faces Regulatory Access Restrictions
On December 11, the SPK issued a directive that resulted in the blocking of MEXC’s website within Turkey. While some users have managed to bypass the restriction using alternative internet service providers or VPNs, the scope of the ban is expected to expand to all operators.
Notably, residents in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have reported uninterrupted access to the exchange, suggesting that the block primarily targets Turkey’s jurisdiction.
The SPK’s official list of approved cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Turkey excludes MEXC. Licensed exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have obtained the necessary approvals and set up local representation to comply with Article 11 of the Capital Markets Law.
This regulatory clause mandates operational licenses and adherence to stringent consumer protection rules, effectively filtering out non-compliant platforms.
MEXC’s absence from the SPK’s approved list appears to be the primary reason for its access restriction. Other companies, such as QNB Digital Assets Inc., have also ceased operations under the same regulatory requirements.
MEXC’s Official Response
In response to the growing concern among its users, MEXC’s Turkish account issued a statement describing the access issue as a temporary technical glitch. The announcement reassured users that their assets and transactions remain secure and encouraged them to use the MEXC mobile app for uninterrupted services.
“Dear MEXC Users,
Due to technical reasons, mexc.com is temporarily inaccessible in Turkey.
You can continue your transactions via the MEXC App. Your assets and transactions are secure. Thank you for your understanding and support!”
— The MEXC Team.
Despite this public reassurance, MEXC has yet to outline specific measures to align with Turkey’s regulatory requirements. Restoring access will likely necessitate compliance with local laws, including securing an operational license from the SPK.
As Turkey continues to refine its cryptocurrency regulations, exchanges operating in the region must adapt swiftly to avoid similar disruptions. The case of MEXC underscores the growing importance of regulatory alignment in the rapidly evolving global crypto landscape.