Telegram’s crypto wallet will soon enable users to trade tokenized shares of major U.S. companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the platform announced. The new “Stocks & ETFs” section, powered by partnerships with Kraken and Backed, offers fractional digital forms of equities including Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, and S&P 500 exposure.
Collaboration Details: Kraken and Backed Provide Infrastructure
Kraken will handle trade execution and liquidity, while Backed manages the issuance and compliance of tokenized assets. Backed, a firm specializing in tokenizing traditional assets, issues fully collateralized tokenized shares. This integration allows users to buy and sell these assets directly within Telegram without leaving the chat interface.
Trading Features: 24/5 and Dividend Payouts
Trading operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, independent of U.S. market hours. Users can execute trades even when stock exchanges are closed. Eligible stocks also support tokenized dividend payouts, automatically distributed to user wallets based on holdings. This significantly enhances flexibility and accessibility for traditional stock investments.
Rollout Timeline and Regions
The feature will gradually roll out in selected regions starting at the end of October. The Telegram wallet team plans to expand coverage based on user feedback and regulatory requirements. With over 900 million monthly active users, Telegram’s move is seen as a major step toward merging crypto with traditional finance.
Market Impact and Outlook
The tokenized stock market has been growing, with multiple firms bringing traditional securities onto blockchains. Telegram’s entry could further drive mass adoption. However, regulatory uncertainties remain, especially regarding cross-border trades and investor protection. Both Backed and Kraken emphasize their compliance frameworks to ensure offerings adhere to applicable laws.