Coinbase has recently announced the integration of DEX trading directly into its app through Base, which will provide users with access to a wide range of tokens compared to the current 300 listed assets. This move expands user access to millions of tokens and marks a significant shift for the exchange, merging the speed and breadth of decentralized finance (DeFi) markets with the usability of a centralized trading platform.
The integration allows select US customers, excluding those in New York State, to trade newly created Base-native assets within moments of their launch using Coinbase’s existing interface. According to DefiLlama data, Base recorded the fourth-largest spot monthly volume in July, exceeding $41 billion.
At launch, users can explore and trade tokens from projects such as Virtuals, SoSo Value Indices, Auki Labs, and Super Champs. Trades are facilitated through top protocols like Aerodrome and Uniswap, with aggregators scanning available liquidity to ensure the best pricing. Coinbase’s system simplifies decentralized trading by incorporating a built-in self-custody wallet, covering all network fees, and enabling customers to fund transactions from their Coinbase balance or USDC.
Furthermore, Coinbase is rolling out DEX asset support in batches to guarantee performance and reliability, with plans to index more Base assets daily and expand to other networks like Solana soon. The company is also gearing up to extend DEX access beyond the US. While Coinbase does not list or review DEX assets, it will block tokens identified as malicious or fraudulent by trusted third-party vendors and provide on-chain data for greater transparency to traders.
Issuers who launch on Base can reach millions of traders through the DEX interface within approximately an hour of their token being indexed, even without a centralized exchange listing. Jesse Pollak, the creator of the Base network, expressed that this move levels the playing field for Base builders and emphasized the importance of hard work in earning attention within the platform.
By embedding DEX functionality into its consumer app, Coinbase is enhancing asset accessibility and demonstrating a deeper commitment to supporting the rapidly growing on-chain economy. This integration opens up new possibilities for traders and signals a progressive approach towards embracing decentralized finance within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.