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UTB Exclusive: An Interview With Miguel Avila, Business Development Manager For Asian Markets At Telegram Wallet

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6 mins
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Author

Rickie Sanchez

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Editor's Choice

Reading time

6 mins
Last update


Telegram Wallet

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Telegram is not just a messaging app anymore; it is evolving into a platform where finance meets communication, combining social media with payments through a decentralized structure. Enter Telegram Wallet, powered by The Open Network (TON).

With over 950 million monthly active users on Telegram, the messaging platform is set to revolutionize how we interact with digital currencies, eventually onboarding all these users faster than any other blockchain!

That said, we got the chance to interview Miguel Avila, the Business Development Manager for Asian Markets at Telegram Wallet, during the recent Cebu Blockchain Conference 2025 in Cebu City, Philippines. This groundbreaking event is Cebu City’s first-ever crypto and blockchain conference in partnership with Web3 Cebu and WAV3.

What Is Wallet By Telegram?

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Wallet by Telegram is a crypto wallet integrated directly into the Telegram messaging app, allowing users to manage, send, and receive various digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Toncoin (TON), and Notcoin (NOT) within the Telegram ecosystem.

“Telegram is a seamless platform that brings the power of Web3 to the platform,” Miguel Avila, the Business Development Manager for Asian Markets at Telegram Wallet, told UseTheBitcoin during the recent Cebu Blockchain Conference 2025.

Notably, it leverages the Telegram interface to offer a user-friendly onboarding process that focuses on simplicity. The wallet also supports instant transfers and payments, and it is designed to be as straightforward as sending a message, making it an attractive option for those new to the crypto space.

”Our mission is to onboard billions of users to the crypto space with simplicity and accessibility,” Avila added.

Also Read: Top 7 TON-Based Wallets In 2025

How Does Telegram Wallet Differentiate Itself To Other Crypto Wallets?

Telegram Wallet differentiates itself from other crypto wallets primarily through its integration with the Telegram messaging app, offering a unique set of features and user experiences:

Seamless Integration With Telegram

Telegram Wallet distinguishes itself primarily through its integration with one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, Telegram. This feature allows users to manage their cryptocurrencies directly within the app, making it particularly accessible to Telegram’s vast user base. Users can buy, sell, exchange, and send Toncoin (TON) without leaving the chat interface, providing a seamless crypto experience. This integration has been particularly appealing for onboarding new users to the Web3 space, leveraging the familiarity and convenience of a popular communication tool.

User-Friendly Interface And Accessibility

The wallet is built for simplicity, utilizing Telegram’s user-friendly chat interface. Users can easily initiate transactions, check balances, and access other crypto features by entering simple commands in a chat-like environment. This design makes it easier for newcomers in the crypto space, streamlining digital asset management to the ease of sending a message.

As Avila highlighted:

“Wallet stands out because of its native integration with Telegram which boosts a massive global user base of up to 950 million plus users globally. It combines user-friendliness with robust features, including instant peer-to-peer transfers or transactions and buying crypto via credit or debit card through direct integration with authorized on-ramps, as well as simple token swaps and a unique focus on Web3 education.”

No Gas Fees For Transactions

One of the standout features of Telegram Wallet is the absence of gas fees for direct transfers to your Telegram contacts. The developers cover these costs, which means users can interact with the TON blockchain without unexpected charges, making transactions more predictable and user-friendly. This is particularly advantageous in an ecosystem where transaction fees can deter small or frequent transactions.

Custodial And Non-Custodial Options

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It is worth noting that Telegram Wallet is a custodial wallet, which makes it convenient for users who prefer not to handle private keys. On the other hand, TON Space introduces a non-custodial alternative, catering to those who want more control over their assets.

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With TON Space, users can manage TON, Jettons, NFTs, and interact with decentralized apps (dApps) directly within Telegram. This dual option allows users to choose the level of control they want—whether it is the simplicity of custodial storage or the security of self-custody.

Community And Engagement

Telegram Wallet also benefits from the active crypto community within Telegram itself. The platform has become a hub for crypto discussions, trading, and even games that leverage blockchain technology. This community aspect fosters cryptocurrency adoption and provides an environment where users can learn, trade, and engage with crypto in a social context, something not as prevalent in other standalone wallet services.

Telegram Wallet’s Long-Term Goals

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According to Avila, one of the primary long-term goals for Telegram Wallet is to achieve widespread adoption by integrating crypto functionalities seamlessly into everyday communication. By doing this, they aim to turn 30% of Telegram’s user base into crypto users by 2028, which is about three years from the time of writing this article:

“The overall vision is to put Web3 in the pockets of billions over the next three to five years, aiming to onboard at least 30% of Telegram’s active users onto the blockchain. We will also continue enhancing user experience, expanding globally, and introducing more features to make crypto accessible to all.”

Telegram Wallet To Introduce New Features In The Future

Telegram Wallet is set to see several enhancements in the near future, as part of its ongoing commitment to improve user experience and expand its utility within the Telegram ecosystem. Among the planned expansions is a geographical outreach, aiming to bring the wallet’s functionalities to more regions, thus broadening its user base and overcoming regulatory challenges.

Another focal point is the enhancement of TON Space, Telegram’s non-custodial wallet, which will improve asset management capabilities. This development will allow users to handle their assets more effectively and integrate with a more significant number of Telegram mini-apps, enhancing the interaction between the wallet and other services within the app.

Furthermore, the roadmap includes a simplification of the fiat-to-crypto infrastructure. This initiative aims to make converting traditional currencies into digital assets more user-friendly directly within Telegram, thus lowering the entry barriers for those new to cryptocurrencies.

Collaboration with on-ramps is also on the roadmap to streamline the onboarding process. This would mean working closely with services facilitating the conversion from fiat to crypto, making it easier for users to start their crypto journey within the Telegram environment.

“Some features on the roadmap include expanding to more regions, enhancing TON Space for asset management and integration with more Telegram mini-apps, simplifying fiat-to-crypto infrastructure, and collaboration with on-ramps for easier onboarding.”

Official Social Media Channels

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For further information on Wallet by Telegram and to stay updated on their announcements, please visit their website and follow their official social media channels provided below:

👉 Website: https://wallet.tg/

👉 Twitter/X: https://x.com/wallet_tg

👉 Telegram Mini-App: https://t.me/wallet

👉 Wallet News: https://t.me/wallet_news

👉 Wallet Support Team: https://t.me/wallet_supportbot

👉 Miguel Avila’s Twitter: https://x.com/mgsmnl89

👉 Miguel Avila’s Telegram: https://t.me/mgsntz93

Also, don’t miss Miguel on “Level Up: The 2025 Crypto Forecast,” organized by Museigen.io on January 25th, 2025, at the W Global Center 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila.

Rickie Sanchez

About the Author

Rickie is a seasoned blockchain and cryptocurrency enthusiast with extensive experience dating back to late 2017. His crypto journey has taken him across the globe, where he has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds. Notable collaborations include ghostwriting for a media startup, contributing to a blockchain blog based in Zurich, managing a weekly newsletter for a client in Japan, and serving as a token review writer for a crypto blog headquartered in the Netherlands. He will not rest until every individual is empowered with the knowledge and insights needed to thrive in the crypto landscape.