Telegram is taking another step forward by transforming its app into a true gateway to the financial markets. Thanks to a strategic partnership with the xStocks platform and the support of Kraken, users will soon be able to buy and trade tokenised stocks and ETFs directly from their integrated wallet.
The goal is clear: to make investing in the stock market as simple and accessible as sending a message.
How does tokenised stock trading work on Telegram?
The integration will begin with around thirty securities, including US corporate stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The offering is expected to rapidly expand to more than sixty instruments by the end of the year.
Each asset will be backed 1:1 by the actual stock, ensuring transparency and security. A new “Stocks and ETFs” section will be integrated directly into the Telegram wallet, before a planned expansion to TON Wallet, the TON network’s standalone wallet.
Please note: Bitcoin ETFs will not be included in this first phase, but users will still be able to buy and hold Bitcoin as a traditional cryptocurrency.
A priority given to emerging markets
This innovation primarily targets emerging markets, where access to financial services remains limited. By integrating the stock market into a messaging app used by hundreds of millions of people, Telegram and its partners aim to democratise investing.
This is a direct response to the needs of underbanked populations, who will now be able to access international financial products from their smartphones, without complex intermediaries.
Benefits for users
- Accessibility: ability to invest without opening an account with a traditional stock exchange.
- Simplicity: the user experience is seamless, integrated into Telegram.
- Transparency: each token represents a real asset held in reserve.
- Reduced cost: trading will be commission-free until the end of 2025, encouraging mass adoption.
Challenges and limitations to overcome
- Regulation: legislation on asset tokenisation varies from country to country, which could restrict access to certain geographic areas.
- Reliable reserves: proof that each token is properly backed by its real asset will be essential to maintaining trust.
- Gradual adoption: full integration, particularly via TON Wallet, will require time and user adaptation.
- Limited options at launch: the lack of a Bitcoin ETF from the outset may discourage some investors interested in cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion: Finance at your fingertips
With the integration of tokenised stocks and ETFs, Telegram is transforming its app into a hybrid platform combining communication and investment. This innovation paves the way for more accessible and universal finance, where buying stocks becomes as intuitive as exchanging messages.
If the regulatory and technical challenges are met, this initiative could mark a major turning point in the democratisation of digital investing.
