Telegram is preparing a major expansion of its cryptocurrency ecosystem. Founder and CEO Pavel Durov announced that the messaging platform will introduce a non-custodial crypto wallet this summer, allowing users to retain full control of their digital assets. With a planned rollout to nearly 1 billion users, the initiative is expected to become one of the largest mass adoption efforts in crypto history.
As part of the new strategy, the ecosystem's native asset, Toncoin, will be rebranded as GRAM. Telegram will also assume the leading role previously held by the TON Foundation, becoming the ecosystem's primary operator and largest validator. The company also plans to enable instant, zero-fee cryptocurrency transfers within the platform.
Telegram's existing wallet service already has around 150 million registered users. Through the new integration, the company aims to expand that figure to approximately 1 billion users. After the original TON project was halted in 2018 following legal action by the U.S. SEC, Telegram is now reclaiming its blockchain ecosystem and seeking to accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets.
