Pavel Durov Wants to Give a Billion Telegram Users a Crypto Wallet

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced plans to introduce a native non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet across all versions of the messaging platform before the end of the summer. The upcoming feature will enable Telegram's more than one billion monthly active users to send and receive digital assets instantly without transaction fees.

The wallet is being developed to support Gram, Telegram's native cryptocurrency, previously known as Toncoin. Unlike custodial wallets, where a third party manages users' private keys, the new wallet will give users complete control over their crypto assets, ensuring greater ownership and security.

Telegram already offers the @wallet bot, which has attracted over 150 million registered users. However, the bot is operated by The Open Platform, an independent company, and primarily functions as a custodial service unless users manually enable self-custody. The newly announced wallet will be built directly into the Telegram application and will provide non-custodial functionality by default.

While Durov described the initiative as "the largest rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet in human history," several details remain undisclosed. Telegram has yet to confirm whether the native wallet will replace or operate alongside the existing @wallet bot, which additional cryptocurrencies it will support beyond Gram, or how it plans to simplify private key management for first-time crypto users.

The announcement generated positive market sentiment, with Gram rising approximately 7% to trade above $1.52, pushing its market capitalization beyond $4.18 billion. Although the token recovered from recent lows, it remains below its previous highs following a prolonged market decline earlier this month.

Telegram's blockchain journey began in 2018 when the company raised $1.7 billion to develop the original Gram token. However, the project was halted after legal action from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which argued the token sale involved unregistered securities. Telegram settled the case in 2020, refunded $1.2 billion to investors, paid an $18.5 million penalty, and exited the project.

The blockchain continued under community leadership as Toncoin before Durov resumed involvement in 2026. In June, the community approved rebranding the token back to Gram with an 81% majority vote, reviving Telegram's original vision for the ecosystem.

Integrating a crypto wallet directly into Telegram could significantly simplify digital asset transactions by allowing users to transfer cryptocurrency as easily as sending a message. The feature also creates new opportunities for merchants and businesses by offering a global, zero-fee payment solution without relying on traditional financial intermediaries.

Despite the optimistic outlook, Gram continues to trade below its long-term technical indicators, suggesting the broader market trend remains cautious. The token would require a substantial recovery to revisit its previous highs, and Telegram has not yet announced an official launch date beyond confirming the rollout is expected later this summer.

Voice Of Osiz

Telegram's native non-custodial wallet marks a major milestone in bringing blockchain technology to mainstream users. By integrating self-custody and zero-fee crypto transactions into a platform with over one billion users, Telegram is lowering the barriers to Web3 adoption. This move highlights the growing demand for secure, user-controlled digital asset solutions and seamless blockchain payments. As enterprises embrace decentralized finance, built-in crypto wallets will play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility, security, and financial independence. The announcement also reinforces the expanding utility of blockchain ecosystems beyond trading into everyday digital interactions. As a leading Blockchain Development Company, Osiz empowers businesses with secure crypto wallet development and next-generation Web3 solutions that accelerate digital transformation.

Source: Finance.yahoo.com