Telegram to Integrate Native Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet for Billion Users
On July 21, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, revealed intentions to incorporate a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet named Gram wallet into all Telegram versions. This advancement will allow over one billion users to conduct instant cryptocurrency transfers without fees. The wallet will grant users direct control over their private keys, eliminating the reliance on a separate service. Currently, the @wallet bot provides access to a custodial model. Telegram has yet to clarify whether the new wallet will replace the bot or which cryptocurrencies will be included. This announcement aligns with Telegram's support for The Open Network (TON) ecosystem, with the native token recently rebranded to Gram (GRAM) following a community vote, leading to a 7% increase in GRAM's value.
Key facts
- Telegram plans to integrate a native non-custodial crypto wallet into every version of the app.
- The wallet will serve over one billion monthly active users with instant, zero-fee transfers.
- Announcement made by Pavel Durov on his Telegram channel on July 21.
- The wallet is called Gram wallet and will be built into the app.
- Current @wallet bot has 150 million registered accounts but is custodial by default.
- The new wallet is non-custodial by default, giving users control of private keys.
- The Open Network (TON) token rebranded from Toncoin to Gram in June after an 81% community vote.
- Telegram's blockchain project began in 2018 with $1.7 billion raised, halted by SEC in 2020.
- GRAM price rose 7% after announcement, recovering above $1.50.
- All-time high of GRAM was $8.25 in June 2024; recent peak $2.89 in May 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Pavel Durov
Institutions
- Telegram
- The Open Platform (TOP)
- The Open Network (TON)
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- CoinMarketCap
- NFT Plazas