Telegram Launches Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet for U.S. Users

Telegram has introduced its TON Wallet feature to users in the United States, enabling them to send, receive, and manage digital assets directly within the app. The integration, which requires no additional downloads or extensions, marks a milestone as the first self-custodial crypto wallet embedded in a major U.S. chat messaging platform. Developed by The Open Platform (TOP) and built on the TON blockchain, the wallet aims to simplify crypto transactions, making them as intuitive as sending a chat message. The rollout, which began this week, follows a year of shifting regulatory landscapes that have opened new opportunities for crypto innovation in the U.S. market.

The TON Wallet allows users to control their private keys, ensuring self-custody while offering a user-friendly experience. With support for peer-to-peer transfers, token swaps, staking, and zero-fee crypto purchases through a partnership with MoonPay, the wallet caters to both novice and experienced crypto users. By embedding these features directly into Telegram’s interface, the platform eliminates the need for complex setups or external applications, streamlining the process of managing digital assets.

A Game-Changer for Crypto Accessibility

The launch of TON Wallet in the U.S. comes after its widespread international success, with over 100 million users globally activating the wallet in 2024. Andrew Rogozov, CEO of TOP, highlighted the wallet’s role as a cornerstone of Telegram’s expanding ecosystem, which includes Mini Apps and decentralized applications. He noted that the simplified onboarding process, which uses a split-key backup system tied to a user’s Telegram account and email, removes traditional barriers like seed phrase management. This approach aligns with TOP’s mission to reduce friction in crypto transactions, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Telegram’s integration of TON-based features reflects its growing embrace of blockchain technology, despite formally distancing itself from the TON blockchain in 2020 after regulatory challenges with the SEC. Since then, the platform has supported TON-based innovations like tokenized usernames and collectibles through partnerships with entities like Fragment. The wallet’s U.S. rollout avoids offering regulated financial services directly, instead relying on licensed providers for fiat-to-crypto conversions, ensuring compliance while maintaining functionality.