Kraken-backed xStocks launches tokenized stocks on Telegram

• xStocks launches tokenized US equities on Telegram via TON for non-US users globally.
• Telegram users trade tokenized stocks in the app using TON Wallet without broker accounts.
• Kraken backing and Telegram scale aim to expand access to onchain US equity exposure.

Kraken-backed xStocks has expanded tokenized U.S. equities into Telegram through a launch on the TON blockchain. The move brings onchain stock exposure directly into one of the world’s largest messaging platforms.

The launch allows Telegram users outside the United States to trade tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs inside the app. Users access the service through Telegram’s built-in TON Wallet. This removes the need for traditional brokerage logins or external trading platforms.

The expansion adds TON to xStocks’ existing deployments on Solana and Ethereum. Those networks already host about $180 million in tokenized stock assets. Nearly 50,000 wallets currently hold xStocks across these chains.

Bringing Tokenized Stocks Into Telegram

xStocks offers tokenized versions of U.S. equities and exchange-traded funds. Each token tracks the price of an underlying asset. The tokens do not provide direct ownership of shares. Instead, the products offer price exposure through onchain instruments. Regulated partners hold the underlying equities and ETFs. The tokens remain fully collateralized on a one-to-one basis.

Through Telegram, users can trade assets like Tesla, Nvidia, and S&P 500 ETFs. They can buy, hold, and transfer tokens without leaving chat screens. This creates a trading experience embedded within everyday messaging.

TON plays a central role in this design. The blockchain integrates tightly with Telegram’s ecosystem. It supports self-custody through TON Wallet while maintaining native app access.

Telegram reports more than 900 million global users. TON Wallet claims close to 100 million users. This gives xStocks immediate exposure to a large consumer base.

The TON Foundation described the launch as a step toward the daily use of real-world assets. Foundation president Max Crown said users can trade tokenized equities like sending a message. He emphasized that self-custody remains intact through the wallet.

For beginners, the experience differs from traditional finance platforms. Users interact through familiar chat tools. The process resembles sending funds rather than placing broker orders.

Regulatory Scope and Market Context

The service excludes U.S. users. It operates only in jurisdictions where tokenized equities remain legally permitted. xStocks relies on geographic restrictions to manage compliance. It has not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. Distribution depends on jurisdictional controls and platform enforcement. These limits shape who can access the tokens.

Tokenized equities have existed for several years. Earlier efforts struggled with liquidity, regulation, and distribution challenges. Most remained confined to niche crypto platforms.

By embedding stocks inside Telegram, xStocks targets scale through accessibility. The strategy tests whether ease of use can drive broader adoption. It also reduces friction tied to onboarding.

Related: Kraken Brings xStocks to Europe as Nasdaq Seeks Token Entry

Kraken’s backing adds institutional visibility to the product. The exchange name carries recognition among global crypto users. It contrasts with earlier tokenized stock projects run by smaller teams.

The launch follows earlier Telegram wallet experiments. Wallet in Telegram previously offered custodial access to tokenized stocks and ETFs. Those offerings saw early demand despite geographic limits.

For users, access represents the main shift. They can gain U.S. stock price exposure without local brokerage accounts. They can also store assets in self-custody wallets instead of centralized platforms.