On June 20, ONTO Wallet hosted a Twitter Space with key TON ecosystem builders to explore how our wallet and TON projects can power the TON ecosystem. Our guest speakers include:

• Sahil Massey, Ecosystem Manager at TON Foundation
• Ethan, Dev Rel Lead at STON.fi, an AMM DEX and a Request-for-Quote (RFQ) aggregator tackling liquidity fragmentation and power integrated DeFi experiences
• JT, APAC BD Lead at The Open Platform, a leading venture builder/VC in TON & Telegram, backing projects like Tonstakers and STON.fi
• Kiwi Wang, Head of Community at Tonstakers, TON’s leading liquid staking protocol
• Geoff, Head of Community at Ontology Network, a public blockchain that powers Web3 with decentralized identity, reputation, and communication.

Below is a comprehensive recap of our discussion, covering wallet UX, DeFi, gaming, staking, aggregated liquidity, cross‑chain identity, onboarding strategies, and the latest ecosystem updates. (*Transcripts have been edited for clarity and readability.)

State of the TON Ecosystem

Q1: TON’s mini-apps and games have brought in millions of users through Telegram. Which in-wallet features (e.g. gasless transactions, guest‑mode transactions, cross‑chain swaps) will best help TON mini‑apps and games onboard new mobile users?

Sahil: There’s a huge amount of development happening on the wallet side right now—and our top priority at the TON Foundation is making that experience as seamless as possible for everyday users. Although we have access to a vast user base, we don’t want to overwhelm people with the complexity typical of Web3 wallets.

Think of it like a banking app: you open it, see your balance, and stake or transfer funds in a few taps—no “25‑button” workflows. To achieve that level of simplicity, we’re focused on two key features:

• Gasless transactions

Let users send, stake, or interact with dApps without worrying about transaction fees.

• Seamless cross‑chain support

Integrate multiple chains under one roof so users never have to switch wallets or manually swap tokens.

Beyond those, our biggest long‑term goal is real‑world payments. With nearly a billion users in our distribution network, we want to enable things like paying for coffee in-store with TON. That’s a major focus—one our CEO, Max Crown, has championed—and we’re actively incentivizing and supporting any project that helps make on‑chain payments practical and frictionless.

Q2: Which verticals—DeFi, gaming, payments—look most promising on TON, and how can ONTO Wallet integrations accelerate success?

JT: DeFi protocols form the foundational infrastructure for any Web3 ecosystem—and wallets like ONTO rely on those building blocks to deliver core financial services to users. However, if we want to scale our user base, gaming is the sector to focus on. In the TON + Telegram ecosystem, lightweight H5 mini‑games routinely attract 10 million+ players—and some even top 100 million.

By integrating these mini‑games directly into wallets like ONTO, you tap into Telegram’s enormous audience and its built‑in social mechanics (friends lists, group chats, airdrop incentives, etc.). For example, OKX Wallet saw explosive early growth by being one of the first to partner with TON mini‑games.

In short, DeFi gives users essential tools—swaps, lending, staking—while gaming provides the viral user‑acquisition engine. Combining both in your wallet integration is the fastest path to mass adoption.

Sahil: I agree with JT, and I’d like to highlight payments as another emerging pillar alongside DeFi and gaming. Here’s why:

• Real‑World Payment Adoption

Although TON has millions of users, they currently lack an easy way to spend crypto in everyday life—like buying a coffee. Enabling simple, low‑fee on‑chain payments is a top priority for our ecosystem.

• Ecosystem Support

We’re actively onboarding and supporting teams worldwide to build TON‑based payment rails. If you missed yesterday’s Payments Builders Call (hosted by our payments lead, Victor), check out the recording on builders.ton.org to learn about the projects driving this vertical.

• Evolving DeFi

We’ve built the base layer—AMMs, lending, staking—and are now refining the “detail layer”: analytics, composable yield strategies, and integration with real‑world assets (RWA).

• Next‑Gen Gaming

Early mini‑games (like simple “clickers”) drove huge spikes—but also massive drop‑offs after token launches. Our focus now is mid‑core games: richer gameplay, stronger social mechanics, and tighter Web3/Web2 integration to attract and retain high‑quality users.

In summary, the three strategic areas for TON right now are DeFi, Payments, and Gaming—all supported by robust infrastructure and AI tools.

Geoff: That’s a great point—moving beyond clicker games to richer experiences means we need to retain real user value, not just temporary airdrop spikes. I’ve been discussing this at ECC: identity and reputation are critical for sustainable gaming ecosystems.

At Ontology, we’re building tools that combine on‑chain and off‑chain gaming data. By merging blockchain interactions (like token events and TGE participation) with traditional Web2 gaming behavior, you can:

• Segment high‑quality players: Identify users with proven track records both on and off chain.
• Target incentives effectively: Reward those who genuinely engage long‑term, rather than airdrop‑farmers who exit immediately.

This unified reputation layer lets game developers and wallet providers curate robust, high‑value gaming experiences—boosting retention, not just initial downloads.

Q3: Staking is core to network security and user engagement. How does Tonstakers boost participation in the TON network? What are Tonstakers’ priorities in terms of wallet support and staking UX improvements in the TON ecosystem?

Kiwi: I appreciate the question! First, let me explain why liquid staking with Tonstakers is a game‑changer:

Most staking models lock your tokens for a set period—you have to track unlock dates, and sometimes rewards aren’t immediately claimable. Liquid staking removes all that complexity:

• Stake any amount (even 1 TON): You support network security and earn rewards immediately.
• Receive Tia’s TON tokens: These represent your staked TON plus accrued rewards.
• Unstake anytime: No lock‑up periods or waiting—your principal is always redeemable.
• Fully decentralized and secure: You remain in control throughout.

  But Tonstakers goes further: once you hold Tia’s TON, you can deploy it across external DeFi protocols—TomFi, TDust, Tradeor, Affluent, and more—directly from your wallet. This one‑stop interface means:

• If you’re new to TON via DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, Telegram gifts, or whatever trend comes next, staking is your easy entry point.
• You immediately tap into both network rewards and broader DeFi opportunities.

  In short, Tonstakers is hands‑down the simplest, most flexible way to stake TON and dive into DeFi—all without leaving your wallet.

Geoff: I’m a DeFi maximalist, and I believe staking is one of the core use cases of Web3. If you have conviction in a project, putting your tokens to work—earn­ing rewards passively—is both sensible and essential.

When Ontology launched liquid staking, it was a game‑changer. Instead of locking up your collateral indefinitely, you continue to earn network rewards and keep your assets productive across DeFi. Liquid staking becomes the building block for everything from lending to yield farming.

Users love staking because it deepens their connection to the ecosystem—it’s proof that they’re “all‑in.” And beyond community engagement, staking underpins many of the cool DeFi applications we see today. While we don’t hear about staking as much as we did five years ago, it remains a cornerstone of crypto and Web3.

Q4: With ONTO Wallet’s integration of STON.fi’s Omniston, how can users access better swap pricing and efficiency?

Ethan: Sure—let me add something from a builder’s perspective. Telegram Mini Apps are essentially web apps delivered via an iframe, so you:

• Build a responsive web app (no complex native development).
• Deploy it instantly as a Telegram Mini App or inside ONTO Wallet.
• Gain broad reach to test and iterate quickly.
  Now, about Omniston and why it’s beneficial for ONTO Wallet users:
• Omniston connects to four TON DEX aggregators plus one OTC provider.
• When you enter a swap in ONTO Wallet, Omniston sends your quote request to all these resolvers.
• It then fetches and executes the trade on the platform offering the best price.

Key advantage: ONTO Wallet only needs to integrate one unified interface (Omniston). As new DEXes or OTC providers join Omniston, ONTO Wallet automatically supports them—no additional integrations required. This ensures your users always get optimal swap rates across the entire TON marketplace.

Challenges, Opportunities, & Co-Building

Q5: How can ONTO and TON co-create a smoother experience for users moving assets and identities across chains?

Geoff: We’ve prioritized cross‑chain support in everything we do—especially for EVM chains, where ONTO Wallet already excels. Here’s how we’re taking it further:

• Decentralized Identity (ONT ID):
  Map all your wallets—Ethereum, TON, Solana, and beyond—to one human‑readable DID.
  Enjoy passwordless login and unified access across chains.
• Cross‑Chain Reputation:
  It’s not just about moving assets; it’s about carrying your history and trust with you.
  We’re building systems that merge on‑chain activity (staking, gaming, airdrops) with off‑chain behavior so you never lose your reputation when you switch chains.
• Seamless Experience:
  No more juggling addresses, passwords, or separate profiles per chain.
  One DID + one reputation score = one seamless user journey across all your chains and dApps.

  By combining a unified DID with cross‑chain reputation, we remove barriers—no new logins, no lost history—letting you focus on what matters: using your assets and participating in Web3.

Sahil: I’ll start with a perhaps unpopular point: many people—even within Web3—aren’t aware that Telegram already includes a built‑in wallet (Wannet). Sure, we know it exists because we use it, but most retail users don’t.

• Education & Marketing

Wallet teams—ONTO included—must actively promote these features. Tell users that Telegram has a powerful wallet and highlight your unique perks (e.g., in‑wallet swaps, staking, gasless transactions).

• Flexible Gas Payments

Retail users struggle to move funds from Binance or other CEXs into Telegram wallets. Enabling gas payments with tokens beyond TON—like USDT—removes friction. When ONTO added the ability to pay gas in USDT (with settlement on TON), we saw a significant uptick in transactions. Giving users multiple fee‑payment options drives adoption and simplifies the onboarding experience.

These two focus areas—raising awareness of the existing Telegram wallet and offering flexible gas‑fee options—can greatly improve user adoption and engagement.

Q6: JT, you’ve seen a lot of projects, which do you think is the biggest friction that still hinders adoption and what do you think projects should build more on?

JT: We’ve already seen several games with strong success potential—often because they proved themselves on other platforms (Facebook, iOS, Android, WeChat). If a team has a track record elsewhere, they’re more likely to replicate that success on Telegram.

However, Telegram’s audience is unique. Look at the top mini‑apps today:

• Gift Bots: Deposit “stars” to automatically purchase GIFTs on Telegram.
• Mini‑games: Use stars and TON to buy in‑game assets.

  The most successful apps understand Telegram users’ specific habits and continually adapt features to match those needs. For example, NFT GIFTs—tokenized animated stickers—are gaining traction and represent a great direction for new features.

Finally, tokenized incentives can dramatically lower user‑acquisition costs. Traditional Web2 game studios often rely on paid installs, which don’t translate well to Telegram. Instead, developers should craft a Telegram‑specific go‑to‑market strategy—thoughtful referral rewards, in‑app token drops, and social mechanics—to build organic growth. A mini‑game with a tailored Telegram acquisition playbook will thrive in this ecosystem.

Q7: Thank you. Moving on: you mentioned gasless transactions—so after our integration, we launched a zero‑platform‑fee trading campaign on TON assets, plus a closed‑loop incentive model. In practice, we:

• Offer zero trading fees to lower the entry barrier.
• Run regular trading contests to boost activity inside ONTO Wallet.

  These measures drive both user engagement and token attention.

With that in mind, I’d like to ask our STON.fi and Tonstakers guests: how can we leverage zero‑fee trading and closed‑loop incentives together? For example, could we co‑host play‑to‑earn trading tournaments on TON, or build social token economies? Since we’ve also integrated Ton Stakers for in‑wallet staking, what collaborative use cases do you see emerging? Let’s start with Ethan.

Ethan: Absolutely. To make GameFi and SocialFi truly functional, a robust DeFi foundation is essential—many games rely on custom token models and on‑chain utilities. TON Foundation’s current focus is ensuring that DeFi infrastructure is battle‑tested and readily available.

Building MiniApps on ONTO Wallet means developers can layer their token mechanics on top of proven DeFi rails while users enjoy seamless in‑game earning. Beyond that, coordinated marketing campaigns—trading contests, educational AMAs, and targeted ads—help raise awareness.

Another high‑impact tactic is ambassador programs. Reward community advocates who stake your token and onboard new users: they grow the ecosystem and benefit as it expands. In practice, a well‑designed ambassador initiative taps the crowd’s enthusiasm, driving both user acquisition and deeper engagement.

Kiwi: I believe enabling users to interact on‑chain without worrying about gas fees is incredibly powerful. Often, people hesitate—“Should I really try sending this transaction?”—because they fear losing money. Removing that barrier invites experimentation and adoption. (Not financial advice, but it’s definitely worth giving a gasless feature a try!)

Q8: This question is for all the guests. What do you think is the best way to boost ecosystem growth and have more Web2 users into the ecosystem?

Sahil: We’re in a great position as Telegram’s strategic partner—one of the world’s largest messaging platforms—so our priority isn’t teaching users “blockchain 101.” It’s delivering invisible Web3 experiences.

• Zero learning curve: Users shouldn’t need 25 clicks to sign a transaction. They shouldn’t even realize they’re using a blockchain.
• Seamless integration: Every feature—staking, swapping, NFTs—should feel as familiar as scrolling a chat.

  Compare it to the internet: you don’t learn TCP/IP before browsing—you just click links. Web3 must move the same way. ONTO Wallet already offers many of these features, but the industry’s biggest hurdle remains friction and complexity.

If yield farming for DeFi can be condensed into a few taps—with clear risk disclosures—most people will choose ease over manual education. Reducing barriers to entry with streamlined UX is our foundation’s core focus and the key to mass adoption.

Geoff: Simplicity is essential—but not easy. Smart contracts are inherently complex and often signed without full understanding, which can be dangerous. Teaching everyone to read contracts isn’t realistic (I’ve been in crypto for years and still don’t feel confident doing that). So we need a solution that combines:

• User‑friendly UX
  Wallets and dApps should hide blockchain complexity. Users shouldn’t feel like they’re “going on‑chain.”
• Built‑in Security
  Simplification can’t compromise safety. We need seamless abstractions backed by secure defaults.

  One approach I advocate is “halfway houses”—semi‑custodial or hybrid solutions where new users enjoy some protection and ease of use before gradually transitioning to full self‑custody. This path reduces fear (“Will I lose my keys?”) and encourages experimentation.

Another undervalued resource is ambassador programs. Trained community advocates guide newcomers, answer questions, and demystify the process. Our ambassadors do incredible work—onboarding new users and making the ecosystem more welcoming. A strong community not only educates but also makes itself stickier, helping everyone integrate more smoothly.

JT: We built the Telegram wallet to make Web3 as easy as a single tap inside Telegram. Everything we do is designed to help users onboard with minimal friction:

• One‑Click Wallet Access
  No downloads or extensions—users open Telegram and instantly access their Web3 wallet.
• Zero‑Fee Fiat On‑Ramp
  Buy USDT with fiat at 0% fees, removing the complexity and cost of CEX transfers.
• In‑Wallet Yield Products
  We recently added USDE (a yield‑bearing stablecoin) so users can earn attractive returns directly in their wallet.
  Our portfolio partner Ton Stakers is also integrated, offering seamless staking without leaving Telegram.
• Viral Growth Mechanics
  Telegram’s social features (groups, channels, DMs) power referral campaigns and airdrops.
  For example, a mini‑game called “Hamster Combat” used two‑sided referral rewards to reach 239 million users. Rewarding both inviters and invitees drives explosive, organic growth.
• Strategic Partnerships
  We partner with leading projects across DeFi, GameFi, and SocialFi—and promote them through Telegram’s in‑app tools—to continuously attract new users.

  By combining one‑tap access, zero‑fee on‑ramps, integrated yield/staking, viral referrals, and strong partnerships, we make it effortless for anyone to discover and use Web3 right inside Telegram.

Ethan: Sure. ONTO Wallet is heading in the right direction—it’s what I’d call a smart wallet.

What ONTO is doing well: users can check their tokens, stake via Tonstakers, and swap via STON.fi without leaving the app. This creates a smooth, integrated experience that improves usability and retention.

One caution though: offering too many options at once can overwhelm new users. A simplified interface for first-time users could help ease onboarding and improve engagement.

Another growth opportunity is through infrastructure partnerships. Many new DeFi protocols are built on infra providers that bundle essential tools. At STON.fi, we’re working to integrate Omniston into these stacks to expand reach. ONTO could benefit from similar collaborations to tap into emerging ecosystems.

Kiwi: The Open Network thrives on connection and creation. Effective communication is paramount, as is the seamless onboarding and educational process for new users, both from a protocol and project perspective.

A crucial aspect for boosting the ecosystem is the convergence of DeFi, CeFi, GameFi, and SocialFi. This integration will create a singular, powerful experience.

It’s still very early days for The Open Network. We believe it has the potential to connect millions, even billions, of people globally, fostering unique opportunities. You are still early! We encourage you to join, explore, and be among the first to get on-chain.

Looking Ahead: Roadmap & Collaboration

Q9: What updates should we be looking forward to in the TON ecosystem?

Sahil: We’ve made substantial organizational changes, including welcoming a new president and appointing Max Brown, co-founder and former CEO of MoonPay, as the new CEO of TON Foundation. These changes have enabled us to streamline our support mechanisms for projects building on TON.

Previously, providing consistent and efficient support to hundreds of projects was challenging. However, after two months of dedicated effort, we’ve established robust structures and processes.

Now, any project building on TON can access a wide range of support by visiting builders.ton.org. This streamlined process offers various forms of assistance, from marketing and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) support to VC connections, audits, and grants. Existing support initiatives have been improved and integrated into this new system.

If you’re a project building on TON, we highly recommend exploring builders.ton.org. Our support team has worked tirelessly to implement these improvements, and we encourage you to utilize these resources. This represents one of the most significant updates from our ecosystem support side.

JT: We’ve got some exciting developments on the horizon for The Open Network (TON) ecosystem!

We’re particularly interested in bolstering our DeFi sector. We’ll be collaborating with Ethan from Ston.fi to determine the best support for other DeFi protocols. Another major update is the recent mainnet launch of TON-based EVM on Tact. We’re eager to see how this will facilitate the import of Ethereum liquidity to the TON mainnet, significantly expanding our DeFi capabilities.

The Telegram Gift trading volume continues to climb, with more users engaging with this feature and utilizing Stars and the gift bot to purchase various TON-based gift NFTs. We’re also seeing a rapid increase in users on NFT secondary marketplaces, with some achieving a million monthly active users in a very short period. This is a very promising sector for us.

For those familiar with the TON ecosystem, you’ll know our portfolio company, Getgems, an NFT marketplace. You can always trade your NFTs on Getgems, and they’ll keep you updated on the latest trends in Telegram, Telegram games, and Telegram NFTs.

Given the rise of the NFT market, we anticipate new games emerging, likely incorporating more features based on the current Telegram Gift functionalities.

Overall, we’re very excited for the next quarter. You can expect to see a lot of new and innovative developments across the DeFi, NFT, and gaming sectors within the TON and Telegram ecosystems!

Ethan: We have some exciting updates for you! Right now, we’re running an active campaign with Ethena. You can check it out at ethena.ston.fi. If you’re not familiar with Ethena, it’s a yield-bearing token for USD. You can stake it directly on the user interface to earn a good APR and Ethena points. It’s a great conservative way to hold stablecoins during market fluctuations.

We’re also developing limit order options for STON.fi. This will be a fantastic feature, allowing you to set a price to sell your assets even while you’re offline.

For the second half of the year, our biggest focus is building our cross-chain solution called Omniston. This will be a request-for-quote system that utilizes arbitrage resolvers. These arbitrage mechanisms will enable seamless cross-chain swaps.

This approach is fundamentally different from traditional bridges, which are often centralized and carry higher risks. By using an arbitrage mechanism, we’re creating a decentralized, on-chain method for direct swapping. We’re incredibly excited to bring this technology to the TON ecosystem.

Geoff: It’s our seventh anniversary of the mainnet launch – a significant milestone in Web3! We’re celebrating with a month-long event packed with trading competitions, staking rewards, and AI art competitions. Check out all the details on our website, ont.io, or on Telegram. There are many ways to win prizes and get involved, so don’t miss out!

Beyond the celebrations, we have exciting updates for ONT ID, including new features for chat, AI, and naming services. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming launch of ZKTLS. Simply put, ZKTLS allows you to prove information or reputation from external platforms like Twitter or Steam without revealing sensitive data. This is a powerful feature for privacy and verifiable credentials.

And remember, our trading competition is happening in ONTO Wallet, so be sure to participate! There’s a lot going on right now, and we encourage you to join in the festivities and new developments.

About ONTO

ONTO Wallet is a decentralized multi-chain identity wallet that combines DID (decentralized identity) with secure asset management. Supporting cross-chain interactions, DID-based authentication, and data privacy, ONTO now integrates AI-driven insights, enhanced security, and ONT IM for encrypted communication, empowering users to explore Web3 with greater intelligence, safety, and efficiency.

Users worldwide can download ONTO Wallet now via onto.app or their mobile app store. Desktop users can also install ONTO Web Wallet for web browsers.

For further details, questions, or comments, follow us on Twitter, join our Telegram or contact us.