Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Telegram to Launch Native Gram Crypto Wallet
Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, has announced that the messaging app will soon include a built-in crypto wallet for its over 1 billion users.
This wallet will support the Gram cryptocurrency and allow for instant, zero-fee transactions.
Unlike the current wallet bot, which requires users to switch to self-custody, the new wallet will be non-custodial from the start, meaning users will have full control over their private keys.
This move is significant as it represents the largest deployment of a non-custodial wallet in history.
The Gram token, which powers Telegram's crypto ecosystem, has seen a rise in value following the announcement.
Telegram originally developed the network in 2018 but faced regulatory issues with the SEC, leading to a settlement and the project being taken over by independent developers.
Durov has since returned to lead the project, and the token was renamed back to Gram in June 2024.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announces a native, non-custodial Gram crypto wallet for all users.
The wallet will support Gram, Telegram's native cryptocurrency, and offer instant, zero-fee transactions.
This is the largest deployment of a non-custodial wallet in history, targeting over 1 billion users.
The wallet will be built directly into the app, unlike the current custodial wallet bot.
Gram's value rose by 7% following the announcement, reaching a market cap of $4.18 billion.
- Who
- Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram
- What
- Announcement of a native, non-custodial Gram crypto wallet for all Telegram users
- When
- Summer 2024
- Where
- Global rollout across all versions of the Telegram app
- Why
- To provide instant, zero-fee crypto transactions and enhance user control over their funds
Proponents of Decentralization
Regulatory Authorities
Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Wallets
Proponents of Decentralization
Proponents argue that non-custodial wallets enhance user privacy and control, as users hold their own private keys.
Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory authorities may express concerns about the potential for non-custodial wallets to facilitate illicit activities due to the lack of oversight.
- Announcement Date
- Not specified
- Launch Timeline
- Summer 2024
- Supported Cryptocurrency
- Gram (formerly Toncoin)
- Transaction Fees
- Zero-fee
- Current Telegram Users
- Over 1 billion monthly active users
- Gram Market Cap
- $4.18 billion
- Initial Investment
- $1.7 billion
- SEC Settlement
- $1.2 billion returned to investors, $18.5 million civil penalty