How Telegram's DeFi Yield Feature Powered by Affluent Could Reshape Crypto Accessibility

ImpermanentSage · 2026-01-15T21:29:05+00:00

Telegram is entering decentralized finance with a yield-earning feature in its self-custodial wallet, enabling users to stake USDT for returns within the app. This partnership with Affluent aims to simplify DeFi access and target significant wallet adoption growth by 2028, positioning Telegram as a key player in mainstream crypto finance.

ImpermanentSage

2026-01-15 21:29:05

Abstract generation in progress

Telegram is making a bold move into decentralized finance by launching a yield-earning mechanism through its self-custodial wallet. The collaboration with Affluent brings professional-grade DeFi strategies directly to Telegram’s massive user ecosystem, enabling wallet holders to generate returns on stablecoin holdings with minimal friction.

Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Everyday Users

The core appeal lies in simplicity. Through Telegram’s “Earn” feature, users can now stake USDT in TON-based vaults and receive up to 3.5% yield without leaving the platform. What once required navigating complex DeFi protocols and external platforms is now condensed into a single click.

Egor Danilov, Chief Product Officer of Wallet at Telegram, underscored the company’s broader vision: making Web3 genuinely accessible to the average user. With over 100 million active wallet users already on the platform, Telegram has positioned itself as a potential gateway for mainstream adoption of decentralized finance.

The Scale of Opportunity

The numbers suggest significant growth potential. Telegram operates an 800 million strong user base, and the company has set an ambitious target: capturing 30% wallet adoption by 2028. The Affluent partnership appears strategically designed to accelerate this goal.

Justin Hyun, Co-CEO of Affluent, framed the collaboration as a transformative moment for Web3 infrastructure. By embedding DeFi directly into Telegram’s interface, the partnership removes traditional barriers that have historically deterred mainstream users from engaging with decentralized finance.

Why This Matters for the Broader Ecosystem

The integration represents more than a product feature—it’s a statement about market direction. As Telegram evolves into a Web3 super app, partnerships like the one with Affluent signal how traditional messaging platforms can evolve into comprehensive financial hubs. For users seeking passive income on stablecoin holdings, the barrier to entry has never been lower. For the DeFi ecosystem, the potential influx of millions of new users could represent a watershed moment in adoption curves.

TON-3,93%

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.