Global messaging giant Telegram has significantly expanded its cryptocurrency offerings by rolling out its native TON Wallet to users in the United States. Built on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, this integrated wallet allows users to seamlessly send, receive, and store tokens like Toncoin (TON) and USDT directly within the Telegram app, eliminating the need for external downloads or browser extensions.
The TON Wallet features a self-custodial design, ensuring users retain full control over their private keys and, consequently, their digital assets. Key functionalities include:
Telegram has also announced upcoming updates that will introduce enhanced scam protection features, such as whitelists, blacklists, and transaction previews, further bolstering user security.
Already established in Asia and parts of Europe, where it has surpassed 100 million activations, the TON Wallet now targets Telegram's substantial U.S. user base of over 87 million. This expansion represents a significant growth opportunity for both Telegram and the broader TON ecosystem, positioning Telegram as the first mainstream social app in the U.S. to offer a natively embedded, self-custodial crypto wallet.
The wallet, developed by The Open Platform (TOP), recently secured a $28.5 million Series A funding round led by prominent venture capital firms Ribbit Capital and Pantera Capital, pushing TOP's valuation to $1 billion. Telegram's overarching goal is to establish the TON Wallet as the central hub for its rapidly expanding ecosystem of Web3 applications, integrating decentralized finance and digital asset management directly into the daily messaging experience for its vast global user base.
July 2025, Cryptoniteuae