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ECONOMY03.09.2026

Turkey’s Capital Markets Board Permits Remote Account Opening for Foreigners

Turkey' s Capital Markets Board (SPK), the country' s top regulatory body for capital markets, has recently introduced a significant change that will simplify access to Turkish financial markets for foreign investors.

The new regulation now makes it possible for non-Turkish citizens, specifically private individuals, to open accounts with selected financial institutions remotely.

This measure is expected to strengthen Turkey' s position as an attractive investment destination.

To utilise this remote account-opening facility, foreign individuals must possess a passport equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

This technological requirement ensures secure and digital identity verification.

The scheme applies to account openings with a variety of financial players, including brokerage firms, portfolio management companies, and cryptocurrency service providers in Turkey. The introduction of remote account opening is a significant step towards reducing bureaucratic barriers and making it easier for international investors to participate in the Turkish financial market.

Previously, such processes often required physical presence or more cumbersome documentation requirements.

The new regulation underlines a willingness from the Turkish authorities to modernise and digitalise financial services with the aim of attracting foreign capital.

This change is particularly relevant for Turkish companies in brokerage, portfolio management, and cryptocurrency, as it significantly expands their potential client base.

By lowering the threshold for foreign clients, these companies can expect increased activity and investment.

It also helps align Turkey' s financial infrastructure with international standards for digital onboarding, which is crucial in today' s global economy. From a broader economic perspective, the new regulation could help strengthen Turkey' s investment climate.

Increased accessibility for foreign investors could lead to an inflow of capital, which is beneficial for economic growth and development.

This is particularly applicable to sectors that rely on foreign investment and could also have a positive impact on the Turkish lira by increasing demand for it in financial transactions.

The measure reflects a strategic effort to make Turkey more competitive in the global financial sector.

By embracing digital solutions for customer onboarding, the SPK signals a progressive approach to regulation.

This may contribute to improving Turkey' s reputation among international investors and promote a more dynamic and inclusive financial market structure for the future.

Source: Haberglobal

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