Telegram’s Wallet Gets DeFi Boost – New “Vaults” Let Users Earn on BTC, ETH and USDT
Telegram’s native TON Wallet now offers self‑custodial “vault” products that generate yields on Bitcoin, Ether and the stablecoin USDT directly within the messaging app.
TL;DR
- Feature: “Vaults” in the TON Wallet enable users to deposit BTC, ETH or USDT and earn variable DeFi returns without leaving Telegram.
- Tech Stack: The vaults run on Morpho’s lending protocol, the TON Applications Chain (TAC) execution layer, and strategy provider Re7.
- User Experience: Funds stay self‑custodial; the interface mimics a conventional mobile wallet, eliminating the need for multiple wallets, bridges or external dApps.
- Scope: Supports wrapped versions of native BTC and ETH; USDT vaults come in several risk‑adjusted strategies.
- Market Context: Telegram reports over 150 million registered wallet users and a 65 % jump in H1 2025 revenue to $870 million, partly driven by Toncoin‑related agreements.
What’s Changing in the TON Wallet?
Telegram’s built‑in cryptocurrency wallet, known as TON Wallet, has been upgraded with a suite of DeFi “vaults.” These vaults function as on‑ramp products that allow holders of three of the most liquid digital assets—Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tether’s USDT—to allocate their balances to yield‑generating strategies without ever exiting the chat interface.
The vaults are positioned as self‑custodial, meaning users retain full control of private keys while the underlying smart contracts handle the lending and earning mechanics in the background. The design focuses on a streamlined, app‑like experience that abstracts the technical complexity typically associated with decentralized finance.
The Infrastructure Behind the Vaults
- Morpho Lending Network: Provides the core lending/borrowing market where deposited assets are matched with borrowers, generating interest revenue that is passed on to vault participants.
- TON Applications Chain (TAC): Serves as the execution layer within the TON ecosystem, processing vault transactions quickly and at low cost.
- Strategy Provider Re7: Supplies the algorithmic strategies that allocate assets across Morpho’s pools, balancing risk and return to produce the advertised variable yields.
These components operate largely invisible to the end‑user; the only interaction required is the selection of a vault and the amount to deposit.
Simplifying DeFi for the Masses
Telegram frames the launch as an effort to democratize crypto earning. Traditional DeFi workflows often require:
- Opening a separate non‑custodial wallet.
- Bridging assets across multiple blockchains.
- Interacting with decentralized applications (dApps) for each step.
By integrating vaults directly into TON Wallet, Telegram removes these frictions. Users can now:
- Deposit native Bitcoin or Ether; the assets are automatically wrapped into TON‑compatible tokens, enabling seamless transfer and participation in the vaults.
- Choose from different risk tiers for USDT vaults, which are dollar‑denominated and designed for varying risk appetites.
- Keep an eye on real‑time returns through a familiar wallet UI.
Potential Implications
For Telegram Users
- Lower Barrier to Entry: With a user base exceeding 150 million, the feature could expose a large cohort of non‑technical participants to DeFi yields.
- Self‑Custody Assurance: Retaining private key control mitigates some of the custodial risks seen in centralized exchange earn products.
For the DeFi Ecosystem
- Liquidity Influx: Morpho may see a notable boost in supplied capital, especially if Telegram’s user onboarding translates into sizeable deposits.
- Competitive Pressure: Other wallet providers (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet) may feel compelled to tighten their integration of earn tools or reduce friction further.
For Regulatory Observers
- On‑Ramp Scrutiny: As the service brings DeFi products to a mainstream messaging platform, regulators may examine compliance, AML/KYC procedures, and consumer protection safeguards.
Key Takeaways
- Telegram’s TON Wallet now hosts three DeFi “vaults” for BTC, ETH, and USDT, delivering variable yields while preserving self‑custody.
- Underlying tech combines Morpho’s lending markets, the TON Applications Chain, and strategy logic from Re7, all hidden behind a simple UI.
- User experience is streamlined: native BTC/ETH deposits are auto‑wrapped; multiple risk levels are offered for USDT, catering to a broad risk spectrum.
- Strategic fit: The move complements Telegram’s broader push into crypto services, such as the recently announced TON Pay SDK for merchants and a strong revenue uptick tied to Toncoin partnerships.
- Market impact: If adoption mirrors Telegram’s massive user base, the vaults could deliver a meaningful influx of capital to the DeFi lending space, while also raising the profile of on‑chain earning tools among mainstream audiences.
The information above reflects the latest announcement from Telegram and independent analysis. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before participating in any DeFi product.
Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-ton-wallet-vaults-earn-btc-eth-usdt?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound
