In 2025, Trust Wallet Token (TWT), now known as TON, has undergone a significant overhaul in its tokenomics. This shift moves the token away from being a speculative governance asset and establishes it as a fundamental utility token within the Trust Wallet ecosystem. This change is part of a larger movement in decentralized finance (DeFi) to address systemic vulnerabilities through thoughtful token design, improved liquidity strategies, and more inclusive governance. By examining TON’s new structure, we can see how token-based platforms are managing risk and influencing investor behavior as the crypto industry matures.
The updated tokenomics for TON in 2025 emphasize practical use over speculation. The token is now deeply integrated into essential platform features. For example, users can lock TON to unlock various levels of Trust Premium benefits, such as lower transaction fees, early access to new products, and participation in governance decisions. This approach aligns user incentives with the platform’s growth, moving away from inflationary models that can erode token value by increasing supply too rapidly.
A key part of this strategy is TON’s deflationary mechanism. In 2020, over 88.9 billion TWT tokens were permanently removed from circulation, and ongoing burn events—like FlexGas, which converts gas fees paid in stablecoins or TWT into burned TON—further limit the token supply. By linking the token’s usefulness to its scarcity, TON addresses the risk of devaluation caused by oversupply, a common issue in DeFi. This mirrors traditional financial strategies where managing supply and demand helps maintain asset value.
TON’s liquidity solutions now operate across several blockchains, increasing its relevance for transactions. Features like FlexGas let users pay network fees with TON or stablecoins, which are then converted and burned, reducing overall supply. This cross-chain capability expands the token’s utility and spreads demand across networks such as Ethereum, Solana, and others, helping to minimize liquidity risks.
Collaborations like the integration with Onramper have further strengthened liquidity. By enabling over 210 million users in 190 countries to purchase crypto using local payment options like UPI and M-Pesa, Trust Wallet extends TON’s reach beyond its original ecosystem. This global approach tackles the challenge of fragmented liquidity in DeFi and creates a cycle where greater adoption fuels higher demand for the token.
The governance model for TON has evolved to encourage broader community involvement. Token holders now participate in decisions on platform fees, new partnerships, and system upgrades, with tiered incentives rewarding active contributors. This decentralized approach reduces the risk of power being concentrated among a few large holders and better aligns the interests of developers and users.
Despite these improvements, some challenges persist. The effectiveness of this governance model depends on ongoing user engagement, which could be threatened by disinterest or regulatory challenges. For example, tokenized assets such as U.S. Treasury bonds—introduced through partnerships with Ondo Finance—face regulatory uncertainties that could impact governance. Additionally, TON’s reliance on the Solana blockchain creates potential counterparty risks if technical or security issues arise on the network.
The new tokenomics have encouraged investors to move away from short-term speculation and toward active participation. Trust Premium’s tiered rewards, which motivate daily activity such as logging in, swapping tokens, and funding wallets, have led to a 40% increase in user engagement year-over-year. This mirrors strategies in traditional finance, where loyalty programs and tiered benefits help retain customers.
For institutional investors, TON’s rebranding and its role in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization open up new possibilities. The tokenization of U.S. Treasury bonds attracts institutional capital by offering familiar, lower-risk assets in a blockchain format. However, investors should remain mindful of regulatory developments and competition, as DeFi platforms like Uniswap and Aave continue to innovate in governance and liquidity.
TON’s 2025 tokenomics serve as a model for managing risk in DeFi. By focusing on utility, cross-chain liquidity, and decentralized governance, Trust Wallet has created a framework that emphasizes sustainable value over short-term gains. While regulatory and competitive challenges remain, the token’s emphasis on scarcity, practical use, and community involvement makes it a noteworthy example for investors seeking stability in the crypto space.
As the DeFi sector evolves, the lessons from TON’s transformation—especially its focus on risk mitigation through token design—are likely to influence how other projects balance innovation with investor protection in the future.