Telegram to Integrate Native Non-Custodial Gram Wallet

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, announced the integration of a native, non-custodial Gram wallet across all Telegram applications. This initiative aims to provide over one billion users with instant, zero-fee cryptocurrency transactions.

The new wallet will support Gram, Telegram's native cryptocurrency, formerly known as Toncoin. A non-custodial wallet ensures users retain full control over their funds. This differs from the existing @wallet bot within Telegram, which operates partially in a custodial mode and is managed by The Open Platform, a separate entity from Telegram. Durov indicated that this launch would represent the most extensive rollout of a non-custodial crypto wallet to date. For those seeking to explore further options, a variety of best defi wallets are available that offer similar non-custodial benefits.

The integrated wallet is designed to enable Telegram users to send crypto without requiring an exchange account, bank transfers, or intermediaries, offering small businesses and retailers a payment channel with a broad reach and no transaction fees.

Following the announcement, Gram's price increased by approximately 7%, reaching above $1.52 and achieving a market capitalization of $4.18 billion from its previous day lows near $1.36. This rise partially mitigated a 25% price decline experienced by the coin during July. However, Gram remains 88% below its May peak.

Telegram initially developed the network in 2018, raising $1.7 billion from investors for a token named Gram. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subsequently sued Telegram, alleging the tokens were unregistered securities. Telegram settled the case in 2020, returning $1.2 billion to investors and paying an $18.5 million civil penalty before exiting the project. Community developers then maintained the blockchain as Toncoin. Durov regained control in 2026. In June, the rebrand from Toncoin to Gram was activated following an 81% community vote, restoring the original name intended by Durov in 2018. The wallet announcement is considered a significant step in the “Make TON Great Again” initiative.

Gram's 200-day exponential moving average currently sits above its price, indicating a bearish trend. The coin's all-time high was $8.25 in June 2024, and reaching the $2.89 peak from May 2026 would necessitate an 88% rally from its current valuation. A specific launch date beyond “this summer” has not been provided.