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Compliance & ethics

How we work: ethics, source of funds and confidentiality

Investment-based residence and citizenship files, property purchases and company set-ups in Turkey all involve identity and source-of-funds checks by banks and public offices. This page sets out the principles we follow and what to expect when you work with us.

What we do and what we do not

Turchina Group provides citizenship, business and cross-border process consultancy. It is not an investment firm authorised by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (SPK), not a bank and not a law firm, and it does not give investment advice or legal advice. Real estate brokerage is provided by Bosphorus Brokers, the licensed brokerage of Burak Unal's registered sole proprietorship (Ministry of Trade authorisation no. 3408704); legal services are provided by independent lawyers, and any financial product by an authorised bank or other licensed institution, each under its own engagement with you.

Knowing who we work with

Before any engagement we confirm who the client is and, for companies, who ultimately owns and controls them. Turkish banks, the land registry and the migration authority run their own identity and anti-money-laundering checks under Turkish rules (supervised by MASAK); we help you prepare for them from day one. We do not accept anonymous engagements or structures whose ownership cannot be explained.

Source of funds and source of wealth

For investment-related work (citizenship by investment, property, funds, acquisitions), banks and authorities will ask where the money comes from and how it was earned. Typical evidence includes recent bank statements, tax returns, employment records, business sale agreements, inheritance documents or audited accounts. We tell you in advance what is likely to be requested, so the checks do not delay your transaction.

Politically exposed persons

We can assist politically exposed persons and their close associates when this is disclosed at the start. Such files usually face closer checks by banks and authorities and need fuller documentation. We may decline or end an engagement when disclosure is incomplete.

Tax reporting (CRS and FATCA)

Turkey takes part in the OECD Common Reporting Standard and exchanges financial-account information with many jurisdictions, including mainland China and Hong Kong. Accounts opened in Turkey for foreign residents may therefore be reported to the holder's country of tax residence. We explain this at the outset and suggest you speak to an independent tax adviser where needed. We do not assist with arrangements designed to avoid tax reporting.

Nationality rules at home

Some home jurisdictions do not accept dual nationality. Under the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, for example, a Chinese national who settles abroad and voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality, which can affect household registration, social insurance and inheritance planning. Singapore and Malaysia also restrict dual citizenship for adults. We raise this before any citizenship file starts; for advice on your own position, please consult an independent lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Confidentiality

What you share with us is kept confidential. We share client information only where Turkish law or a competent authority requires it, or with your consent, for example with an independent professional you have chosen to engage. Access within our team is limited to those working on your matter.

No commissions, no conflicts

We do not accept developer, broker, seller or referral commissions; Turchina Group's fees come only from its clients. Real estate brokerage, where you need it, is provided separately by Bosphorus Brokers, the licensed brokerage of Burak Unal's registered sole proprietorship (Ministry of Trade authorisation no. 3408704), and its commission is set out in a written brokerage agreement with you. Where a possible conflict arises, for example two clients interested in the same property, we tell you in writing and continue only with your agreement.

Sanctions

We do not work with persons, entities or transactions that are subject to United Nations, European Union or United States sanctions, and we may decline any engagement that would breach applicable sanctions rules.

Concerns or complaints

If you have a concern about how we work, an engagement, or the conduct of anyone on our team, write to compliance@turchinagroup.com. We acknowledge concerns within one business day and reply in substance within ten business days.

This page describes our general working principles. It is not a contract and does not replace the written engagement terms agreed for each matter. Turchina Group is a general advisory brand and does not provide legal advice.

Questions about how we work?

We are happy to go through any of these points before you engage us.

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