Corporate Governance Services in Türkiye: 2026 Essential Tips

In an increasingly regulated and investor-driven business environment, corporate governance in Türkiye has evolved from a compliance obligation into a strategic management tool. Turkish companies—particularly those with foreign shareholders, group structures, or growth ambitions—must align their governance frameworks with the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), Capital Markets Law, and international best practices.

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we have been at the forefront of the Istanbul legal landscape since 2017. Our team of Turkish company formation lawyers provides comprehensive guidance to ensure your business remains compliant, transparent, and competitive.

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As a full-service firm based in Istanbul, we provide end-to-end governance solutions designed to ensure compliance, operational transparency, and long-term sustainability. Our company formation lawyers team outlines the scope, importance, and practical implementation of corporate governance services in Türkiye as of 2026.

Navigating the Evolving Legal Landscape in Türkiye

The Turkish regulatory environment is dynamic. Whether you are managing a local startup or a multinational subsidiary, staying ahead of legislative changes is the first step in governance. The TCC dictates specific fiduciary duties for board members, emphasizing “duty of care” and “duty of loyalty.”

In 2026, we anticipate stricter digital transparency requirements. Companies must ensure their articles of association are not only compliant with current laws but also flexible enough to accommodate future digital transformation mandates.

1. What Is Corporate Governance Under Turkish Law?

Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. In Türkiye, governance principles are primarily regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102, supplemented by Capital Markets Board (CMB) regulations for public companies.

Key governance principles include:

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Fairness
• Responsibility

Proper governance structures are essential for both joint stock and limited liability companies, whether established through company formation in Türkiye or acquired via share transfers.

2. Why Corporate Governance Matters for Companies in Türkiye

Effective corporate governance delivers measurable benefits:

• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Risk mitigation and dispute prevention
• Improved access to financing and investment
• Enhanced credibility with banks and stakeholders
• Sustainable growth and succession planning

Foreign-owned companies, subsidiaries, and family businesses in particular face governance challenges that require tailored legal and operational solutions provided by experienced Turkish company formation lawyers.

3. Governance Structures for Turkish Companies

Corporate governance frameworks vary depending on company type and size.

Joint Stock Companies (A.Ş.)

Joint stock companies are subject to stricter governance rules, including:

• Board of directors’ structure and authority
• Shareholder meeting procedures
• Capital maintenance and disclosure obligations

Governance is especially critical during and after joint stock company formation, when articles of association and internal regulations are drafted.

Limited Liability Companies (LTD. ŞTİ.)

While more flexible, limited liability companies still require:

• Proper management appointment
• Shareholder resolutions
• Compliance with statutory reporting

Professional governance planning during limited liability company formation prevents operational deadlocks and shareholder disputes.

4. Board of Directors and Management Advisory Services

A core element of corporate governance services in Türkiye is board and management advisory. Akkas CPA supports companies with:

• Drafting board charters and internal directives
• Defining authority matrices and signature circulars
• Advising on fiduciary duties and liability risks
• Structuring committees and executive management

Our approach ensures alignment between corporate strategy and legal compliance under Turkish law.

5. Shareholder Relations and Corporate Secretarial Services

Shareholder transparency and documentation are fundamental governance requirements. Our services include:

• Organizing general assembly meetings
• Drafting resolutions and meeting minutes
• Maintaining statutory corporate books
• Managing share transfers and capital changes

We also advise on governance best practices in line with international corporate governance standards.

6. Regulatory Compliance and Annual Reporting

Failure to meet ongoing compliance obligations can result in administrative fines, director liability, or reputational damage.

We assist clients with:

• Statutory compliance monitoring
• Preparation and filing of annual report filing obligations
• Trade registry notifications
• Digital compliance under e-Government platforms

Our proactive compliance model ensures companies remain fully aligned with evolving Turkish regulations.

7. Contractual Governance and Internal Documentation

Contracts play a critical role in corporate governance by defining rights, obligations, and risk allocation.

Our governance-related contractual services include:

• Shareholders’ agreements
• Joint venture agreements
• Board and management contracts
• Policies and internal regulations

All documentation is prepared or reviewed under our contract drafting & review practice to ensure enforceability under Turkish law.

8. Financial Governance: Banking and Accounting Oversight

Sound financial governance underpins corporate stability and transparency.

We provide integrated support for:

• Corporate bank account opening procedures
• Compliance with Turkish banking and AML rules
• Coordination with financial institutions
• Ongoing accounting & bookkeeping supervision

This holistic approach ensures that financial reporting, tax compliance, and governance controls operate in harmony.

9. Corporate Governance for Foreign Investors and Group Companies

Foreign investors operating in Türkiye face additional governance complexities, including:

• Parent-subsidiary control mechanisms
• Cross-border reporting and approvals
• Minority shareholder protections
• Exit and succession planning

Akkas CPA delivers multilingual, cross-border governance solutions tailored to international business structures and investor expectations.

Why Choose Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm?

With over three years of experience, Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm is recognized as a trusted advisor in Turkish company formation and governance. Our corporate governance services are:

• Legally robust and commercially practical
• Tailored to each client’s industry and structure
• Fully compliant with Turkish and international standards

We act as long-term legal partners, not just compliance providers.

Contact us for Corporate Governance Services in Türkiye

At Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm, we combine over 9 years of experience with a forward-looking approach to Turkish law. Our multilingual team is dedicated to providing the high-level legal support your business needs to succeed in Istanbul and throughout Türkiye. Whether you are seeking a consultation on joint stock company formation or need expert Turkish company formation lawyers to overhaul your governance structure, we are here to help.

If you are seeking reliable, strategic, and compliant corporate governance services in Türkiye, we invite you to contact Akkas CPA & Turkish Accounting Firm. Our Istanbul-based team is ready to support your business with comprehensive governance solutions that protect your interests and enable sustainable growth.