Wallet in Telegram Launches Crypto Stocks Pilot for 27 Million Users in Uzbekistan

A new digital investment service allowing users to trade tokenized U.S. stocks directly within Telegram has been launched in Uzbekistan as part of a pilot program overseen by the country’s National Agency for Prospective Projects. On March 5, a new “Crypto Stocks” section was introduced within the Wallet feature in Telegram, giving users access to more than 60 tokenized shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The one-month pilot program began in March 2026 and is being implemented with support from Asterium, described as Uzbekistan’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The service allows users to buy, sell, store, and transfer tokenized versions of shares in major U.S. companies such as Apple, Tesla, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as ETFs tracking the broader U.S. market, including funds linked to the S&P 500 index. These assets can be sent directly to other Telegram users within the app without requiring them to open accounts on traditional brokerage platforms. According to the developers, the system is designed to make global investment tools easier to access for everyday users. Investments can start from as little as $1, allowing users to purchase fractional shares rather than full stocks. According to Global Findex 2025 data cited in the release, more than 60% of Uzbekistan’s population now has an account with a bank or other financial institution. However, barriers such as limited funds, the distance to bank branches, and the cost of financial services continue to prevent many people from accessing traditional financial products. Andrew Rogozov, founder and CEO of The Open Platform and Wallet in Telegram, said the new service aims to make global financial markets accessible through familiar digital platforms. “By bringing tokenized equities into Telegram, we’re giving millions of people their first opportunity to participate in global financial markets directly where they communicate and use digital services,” he said. Diyorbek Mukhammedov, Wallet’s regional director in Uzbekistan, said the initiative responds to growing interest in investing while addressing the complexity that often discourages new investors. Integrating the service into Telegram, he said, helps make financial tools more understandable and accessible. The system operates through integration with the xStocks platform and a partnership with the Kraken cryptocurrency exchange. Tokenized assets are issued by Backed and are designed to maintain one-to-one backing with underlying U.S. stocks and ETFs. Trading on the platform is available 24 hours a day on weekdays. Wallet in Telegram, backed by The Open Platform, reports more than 150 million registered users globally. The service became available in Uzbekistan in December 2025 after receiving a license from the National Agency for Prospective Projects.

Kazakhstan to Establish National Register of Crypto Wallets Linked to Criminal Activity

Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) will create a national register of cryptocurrency wallets linked to criminal proceeds, according to Rashid Orazbek, Head of the agency’s operational analysis department. The announcement was made during a Senate session. Orazbek stated that the FMA is being granted new powers to maintain a centralized database of crypto wallets involved in illicit transactions and money laundering schemes. The system will enable authorities to apply advanced blockchain analytics, accelerate transaction risk assessments, and prioritize oversight of crypto-related activities. He added that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recommended Kazakhstan implement licensing for cryptocurrency service providers. In response, new anti-money laundering (AML) regulations are being developed, and supervisory powers are being expanded to ensure compliance. A key requirement under the proposed framework is adherence to the “travel rule,” which mandates that crypto service providers identify both parties to a transaction and retain counterparty information. This data must be stored and made available to authorities upon request. Transactions lacking this information will be suspended, and failure to meet deadlines for disclosure will result in cancellation. The FMA expects these measures to substantially curb the criminal use of digital assets. Miras Zakiev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Digital Assets and Breakthrough Technologies, highlighted plans to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday financial operations. He said the "CryptoCity" initiative aims to create an ecosystem in which Kazakhstani citizens can pay for goods and services using cryptocurrency via bank terminals. According to Zakiev, the National Bank’s regulatory “sandbox” is currently testing the integration of crypto exchange tools and mechanisms developed by the Astana International Financial Centre into Kazakhstan’s banking infrastructure. At the same time, second-tier banks are upgrading their terminals to support crypto transactions. Zakiev also clarified Kazakhstan's mining regulations, noting that two categories of mining activities require licenses: data center owners and individuals or firms operating equipment housed in leased facilities. All miners must work through accredited domestic mining pools and are subject to corporate income tax, as well as capital gains tax for individuals. The digital asset sector has already generated significant fiscal returns. According to the State Revenue Committee, the industry contributed $14.8 million to the national budget in the first half of 2025. Zakiev said these figures reflect sustained positive momentum in the sector. Separately, Deputy Chairman of the National Bank Berik Sholpankulov told reporters that the government is exploring a potential investment of approximately $300 million in crypto assets. He described these instruments as comparable to securities and derivatives traded on global financial markets. If deemed profitable and viable, they may be included in Kazakhstan’s broader investment portfolio. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported that the country is also considering converting part of the National Fund’s assets, as well as gold and foreign exchange reserves, into cryptocurrency.