Telegram has partnered with trading platform Lighter to offer users up to 50x leveraged perpetual contracts on cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities, according to sources familiar with the matter. The integration, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, marks Telegram’s latest push into financial services following its embrace of crypto payments and blockchain projects.
The move positions Telegram, which boasts over 800 million monthly active users, as a potential competitor to trading platforms like Binance and Bybit. Analysts note that while the messaging app has gradually expanded into crypto services, offering leveraged derivatives represents a significant escalation in its financial ambitions. “This is a bold step that could attract retail traders, but it also invites scrutiny,” said a fintech analyst at a Tier 3 research firm, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Lighter, a relatively new entrant in the crypto trading space, specializes in high-leverage products. The platform’s integration with Telegram could provide it with instant access to a massive user base, though some industry observers warn that the partnership may face regulatory hurdles. “Offering 50x leverage on stocks and commodities through a messaging app is unprecedented and likely to draw attention from watchdogs,” noted a compliance officer at a major exchange.
The development comes as global regulators increase scrutiny on crypto trading platforms, particularly those offering high-leverage products. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently cracked down on several crypto firms for allegedly offering unregistered securities. While Telegram’s new trading feature may initially target international markets, analysts suggest the company could face pressure to implement strict geo-blocking for jurisdictions with stringent derivatives regulations.