Key Highlights
- Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, revealed plans for an integrated, non-custodial Gram wallet launching this summer
- Over 1 billion monthly active users will gain access to instant cryptocurrency transfers without transaction fees
- Durov described this initiative as the “largest rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet in human history”
- This announcement comes after The Open Network rebranded its Toncoin token to Gram
- Specific information including exact launch timing, compatible cryptocurrencies, and security protocols remains unavailable
Telegram is gearing up to introduce an integrated cryptocurrency wallet this summer, enabling its user base to transfer digital assets instantly without incurring transaction fees. This non-custodial solution means users will maintain complete control over their funds, with no intermediary custody by Telegram or external entities.
On Wednesday, founder Pavel Durov shared this announcement through a Telegram post. However, he stopped short of revealing a specific launch timeline, identifying which digital assets would be supported, or clarifying how the platform intends to cover blockchain network fees while maintaining zero-cost transfers for users.
With Telegram surpassing 1 billion monthly active users in 2025, the Gram wallet stands to reach an unprecedented audience that dwarfs most independent cryptocurrency applications.
The wallet functionality will be seamlessly integrated into Telegram’s messaging platform. This approach eliminates the need for users to install additional software to transfer cryptocurrency among their contacts.
Telegram has remained silent on whether the wallet will debut worldwide simultaneously or through a staged regional release. Additionally, the company hasn’t outlined account recovery mechanisms, identity verification protocols, or geographical limitations.
The Gram Brand’s Complicated Legacy
The Gram designation brings with it a complex backstory. In 2018, Telegram secured $1.7 billion in funding from investors to develop an original blockchain initiative that bore the same name.
In 2019, the US Securities and Exchange Commission filed suit against Telegram, claiming the proposed token distribution constituted an unregistered securities offering. Through a 2020 settlement agreement, Telegram reimbursed investors more than $1.2 billion and paid an $18.5 million penalty.
Following this, Telegram abandoned the initiative. A community of independent developers maintained the open-source codebase, which evolved into The Open Network, commonly referred to as TON.
In subsequent years, Telegram has progressively integrated TON-related features into its platform. The network’s token can be used to purchase advertising space on Telegram, and content creators have the option to receive cryptocurrency compensation through it.
Token Rebranding Set Stage for Wallet Announcement
Several weeks prior to unveiling the wallet plans, The Open Network announced it would rebrand its native token from Toncoin to Gram. Durov positioned this move as reclaiming the project’s founding vision.
The token name transition was projected to span approximately three weeks and didn’t require existing holders to exchange their coins. Following Durov’s announcement of the change, Gram surged by up to 19%, hitting $2.21.
In April, TON unveiled an Agentic Wallets framework, enabling AI-powered bots operating within Telegram to manage user-funded wallets for specific functions such as transfers and token exchanges. The Gram wallet and Agentic Wallets fulfill distinct roles, and Telegram hasn’t indicated whether these systems will be interconnected.
In 2025, Durov disclosed that prominent venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital and Benchmark had poured over $400 million into Toncoin investments.
Technical specifications and documentation for the summer wallet launch have yet to be released by Telegram.
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