Uzbekistan, the Central Asian country, is rapidly emerging as a developing crypto market. The country is preparing to make stablecoins legal tender under its 2026 regulatory framework.
The shift comes as more Uzbek banks signal growing interest in crypto trading and blockchain-based services. It becomes even more evident as Wallet in Telegram, the crypto wallet product embedded inside the Telegram messaging app, announced its move to enter the market.
It has officially launched its custodial crypto service in Uzbekistan after securing a license from the country’s National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP).
The move marks the platform’s latest international expansion, following the rollout of its self-custodial TON Wallet in the United States earlier this year.
Wallet in Telegram Enters Uzbekistan Market
In a Linkedin post greeting users with “Salom, Oʻzbekiston! 🇺🇿,” Irina Chuchkina, the company’s Chief Growth Officer said called the approval an “amazing milestone”. She confirmed that the wallet is now available to Uzbek Telegram users.
Wallet in Telegram will hold assets on behalf of users under the terms of its NAPP license. Uzbekistan’s NAPP license allows the company to legally operate as a custodial service provider in Uzbekistan
Interestingly, the newly launched product in Uzbekistan is the custodial Crypto Wallet, not the self-custodial TON Wallet. Under this model, Wallet-in-Telegram holds private keys on behalf of users. It offers an exchange-like crypto experience inside Telegram without requiring seed phrase management.
With regulatory approval in place, users can now buy, send, receive, trade, and store a range of digital assets. This includes Toncoin (TON), Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT) and more than 200 other cryptocurrencies – all directly from the Telegram app.
The company highlighted Uzbekistan’s strong affinity for Telegram as a key reason for the market choice.
“With 27 million people here, Telegram is the first app they open in the morning and the last one they check before bed,” CGO Chuchkina said. She argued that high daily engagement makes Uzbekistan an ideal market for simplifying access to digital finance.
Interestingly, local on- and off-ramps have been built into the product through a partnership with Asterium, a locally licensed payments provider. Users in Uzbekistan can top up and cash out via Humo, Visa and Mastercard cards through Asterium’s infrastructure.
The launch follows the company’s recent introduction of tokenized stock trading within the wallet, further expanding its offerings.
Thus, the entry is going to provide the country’s users a viable option to trade in crypto.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.
With over four years of experience in covering and tracking the financial markets, Sneha Agrawal is a dedicated Crypto Journalist and Editor with passion for researching and writing the crypto pieces. She is currently leading the Block of Fame, here at CoinGape. She likes to keep track of political, legal and financial happenings all around the world - without which she deems her day incomplete. Apart from her Journalistic endeavours, she is a solo traveler, museum goer, and a keen reader of books.
CoinGape is a burgeoning blockchain and crypto media company. It was recently awarded as the Best Crypto Media Company 2024 at Global Blockchain Show, Dubai. Our goal is to keep industry professionals up to date on the most recent news and developments. We are a team of experts who take great pride in offering unbiased and well researched information to help our readers make informed decisions. Read our Editorial Policy
Share