Cryptocurrency platform Coinbase starts decentralized exchange (DEX) trading on its mobile application, with support for coins like Base and Solana slated for release in the near future.

Cryptocurrency platform Coinbase starts decentralized exchange (DEX) trading on its mobile application, with support for coins like Base and Solana slated for release in the near future.

Coinbase Launches Decentralized Exchange Trading Feature

Coinbase, the popular cryptocurrency exchange, has recently introduced a decentralized exchange (DEX) trading feature directly into its main app for most U.S. users, excluding those in New York State. This new functionality initially focuses on tokens minted on Coinbase's own Base network, allowing users to trade newly minted tokens instantly with no network fees, using an integrated self-custody wallet within the Coinbase app.

The integration of decentralized liquidity protocols such as Uniswap and Aerodrome enables trades with optimal pricing via DEX aggregators that scan across these platforms for liquidity. This move potentially opens up access to a drastically expanded asset universe, increasing from around 300 tokens to millions of decentralized assets including AI agents, indices, and protocols like Reserve Protocol DTFs and Virtuals AI Agents.

Users can fund trades through available Coinbase balances or USDC and manage all portfolios inside one interface, making the DEX experience seamless and familiar. The feature also embeds on-chain data and risk transparency tools to help users avoid malicious or fraudulent tokens; Coinbase blocks tokens flagged by third-party vendors.

Plans for future expansion include adding decentralized assets from other blockchain networks, such as Solana, in subsequent phases. This move is part of Coinbase’s broader strategy to increase DeFi participation, enhance liquidity via the recently announced Stablecoin Bootstrap Fund, and revitalize its trading volumes in the competitive U.S. market.

Coinbase's stock (NASDAQ: COIN) was trading 2% lower on Friday at nearly $304 per share, shedding nearly 5% of its value this week. The rollout of DEX trading aims to make Coinbase the simplest way to access onchain markets.

The announcement was made by Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, on August 8, 2025. Base is an Ethereum scaling network, created by Coinbase. With this new feature, digital tokens previously only available via decentralized platforms are now accessible via Coinbase's mobile app. This move positions Coinbase as an "everything exchange" seeking to expand its offerings and increase participation in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

[1] Coinbase Blog Post: https://blog.coinbase.com/coinbase-launches-decentralized-exchange-trading-to-the-coinbase-app-66c8c2b5743c [2] Coinbase Press Release: https://www.coinbase.com/press/coinbase-launches-decentralized-exchange-trading-to-the-coinbase-app [3] TechCrunch Article: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/coinbase-launches-decentralized-exchange-trading-to-the-coinbase-app/ [4] Coinbase SEC Filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1626075/000121390025002483/form8k.htm [5] Coinbase Stablecoin Bootstrap Fund Announcement: https://blog.coinbase.com/coinbase-announces-stablecoin-bootstrap-fund-to-help-grow-the-decentralized-finance-ecosystem-ac8808e47a21

1. Coinbase, a prominent crypto exchange, has introduced a decentralized exchange (DEX) trading feature within its app, broadening access to a vast asset universe, including tokens, AI agents, and protocols.
2. This DEX feature allows users to trade tokens instantly with no network fees, utilizing integrated self-custody wallets, and relying on decentralized liquidity protocols for optimal pricing.
3. The feature also incorporates on-chain data and risk transparency tools to help users navigate the DeFi space safely.
4. Future expansions include the addition of decentralized assets from other blockchain networks, like Solana, as well as increased DeFi participation and liquidity through Coinbase's Stablecoin Bootstrap Fund.
5. The move to integrate DEX trading positions Coinbase as an "everything exchange," striving to expand offerings and increase participation in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) space.
6. Coinbase's stock was trading 2% lower on a particular day, but the rollout of DEX trading aims to make Coinbase the simplest way to access onchain markets.

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