Prof. Dr. Fatma Özkul has been appointed to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey’s (TCMB) Monetary Policy Committee, a significant development for the country, which is home to one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency communities. With at least 5 million unique crypto investors, many of whom are actively trading, and the rise of Turkish crypto companies, Özkul’s appointment brings excitement and expertise to the sector.
Born in 1978 in Elazığ, Turkey, Özkul completed her undergraduate studies at Marmara University’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences in 2002 and received her doctorate in Accounting and Finance from the same university in 2006. She became an Associate Professor in 2012 and a full Professor in 2018, with a career in academia that includes a long stint at Bahçeşehir University from 2007 to 2021.
Currently, Özkul continues her academic career at Marmara University, focusing on accounting and finance. She has published various national and international works in the fields of auditing and accounting and has authored three books, including one on the accounting of crypto assets, which was awarded the Best Finance and Economy Book of the Year in 2023.
Özkul’s expertise is not limited to academia; she is well-versed in blockchain technology and crypto assets, teaching these subjects in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Her appointment to the TCMB comes at a critical time as Turkey prepares to introduce new cryptocurrency regulations, potentially shielding investors from ineffective rules and unnecessary restrictions.
She has been a speaker at various events focused on the future of digital currencies, regulations of crypto assets, and the transformation of businesses and money in the digital age. Her talks have covered a range of topics, including blockchain technology, the open data economy, opportunities and threats in the crypto market for the banking sector, and the taxation of cryptocurrencies.
Prof. Dr. Fatma Özkul’s involvement in numerous events, many of which center on cryptocurrency, positions her as a key figure in shaping Turkey’s approach to crypto regulation and the future of digital finance in the country.