Türkiye’s Capital Markets Have Been Fully Digitalized for 20 Years with Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu
Since 28 November 2005, Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu (MKK) has successfully carried out the task of safekeeping securities in our capital markets in digital form and ensuring that all related processes are operated end-to-end with full security. With its advanced financial infrastructure services, MKK today plays a pioneering role on a global scale.
MKK was officially established on 21 September 2001. After the relevant legislation was prepared, MKK developed its technological infrastructure in-house as fully domestic software, and on 28 November 2005, it processed the equities of publicly traded companies in digital form for the first time. Following this milestone, all securities issuance processes in our capital markets began to be carried out digitally with the infrastructure provided by MKK.
MKK continues to enhance its role as the central securities depository by expanding the range of services it offers. Issuer and investor data are securely stored on a high-technology platform developed by expert staff at MKK’s Research & Development (R&D) Center.
Today, beyond depository services, MKK continues to provide a wide range of products and services under data services, corporate governance services, and investor services, delivering its products and platforms to international markets. Playing a central role in the digitalization of all these processes, MKK also operates the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), acts as the central registry for electronic warehouse receipts in agricultural markets, and provides companies with legally valid online and hybrid participation infrastructures for general assembly and board of directors meetings. With its products and platforms that make investors’ lives easier, MKK has recently developed the Crypto Asset Central Registry System (KVMKS), which enables the monitoring and reporting of data in crypto asset markets. In its capacity as a Trade Repository, MKK also provides the Capital Markets Risk Center Infrastructure and shares data with regulatory and supervisory authorities, public institutions, and relevant organizations.
Furthermore, MKK exports technology abroad and has taken on a leading role in the global central securities depository ecosystem through the high-level international responsibilities it has assumed and the inclusive steps it has taken. Through all these activities, MKK continues to successfully fulfill its critical role at the heart of the digital transformation of our capital markets.
Commenting on the matter, MKK CEO & Board Member Dr. Ekrem ARIKAN stated that:
“In 2021, the 20th anniversary of our official establishment, we published our book titled ‘Kâğıttan Kayda Türkiye’de Sermaye Piyasalarının Dijitalleşme Yolculuğu Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu.’ We have now updated this book for the 20th anniversary of the launch of digital book-entry registration, and reissued it with a foreword by our Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mr. Mehmet ŞİMŞEK, and introductory messages by the Chairman of the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB), Mr. İbrahim Ömer GÖNÜL. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our institution’s commencement of services for the safekeeping of securities in electronic form and the secure end-to-end operation of all related processes, I would like to extend my congratulations to all our colleagues and executives who have contributed to bringing us to where we are today. The establishment of MKK and the start of its operations—by building and putting into service an infrastructure that enables the secure safekeeping in digital form of all data belonging to companies and investors—has been an important turning point for our markets. Our institution makes critical contributions to strengthening trust in our markets, enhancing transparency and the investment environment, and improving the level of corporate governance of companies. For 20 years, we have successfully ensured the secure and fully digital operation of our markets, processes, and instruments.”
Highlighting that MKK has now become a benchmark institution, particularly for international financial market infrastructures, Dr. ARIKAN continued: “By expanding our international cooperation, we are working to support the development of the central securities depository ecosystem not only in our country but across the globe. In addition to the Chairmanship of the Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD) that we hold, the role of Chair of the Board of the World Forum of CSDs, which I assumed this year, is further strengthening our bridge function and leadership among peer institutions worldwide. Alongside this strategic position, we are working to help make our country an important hub in international financial markets through the global events we organize. We are progressing on this path with our highly qualified human capital.”
Regarding the updated and republished book, Dr. ARIKAN said: “We are delighted to reintroduce our 20th anniversary book, the first in the MKK Publications series prepared as part of our financial literacy efforts. We will continue our work with determination and dedication in line with the Türkiye Century vision and the Istanbul Financial Center goals. I extend my gratitude to our Minister of Treasury and Finance Mr. Mehmet ŞİMŞEK and CMB Chairman Mr. İbrahim Ömer GÖNÜL for the interest they have shown in our book.”
NOTE:
You can access the digital version of the book ‘Kâğıttan Kayda Türkiye’de Sermaye Piyasalarının Dijitalleşme Yolculuğu Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu’ via the link below.
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