Coinbase Integrates DEX Trading in Main App to Expand Crypto Offerings

Coinbase has launched decentralized exchange (DEX) trading directly within its main application, offering U.S. users—excluding those in New York State—access to on-chain trading via protocols like 0x and 1inch. The feature allows users to trade tokens from platforms such as Uniswap and Aerodrome Finance without having to transfer funds off the Coinbase platform, according to Max Branzburg, Vice President of Product at Coinbase [1]. The initial rollout focuses on tokens native to Coinbase’s Base network, with future plans to extend the feature to Solana-based tokens [2].

This integration marks a strategic shift for Coinbase, aiming to position itself as a more comprehensive crypto service provider. By embedding DEX trading into its main app, the platform is offering users direct access to liquidity pools and newly launched tokens, bypassing the need for traditional listing processes [2]. This approach is expected to benefit both retail investors and developers, enabling the latter to distribute tokens directly to a broad user base [1]. Aerodrome Finance, a DEX built on the Base network, has already seen a notable increase in liquidity and market share following the integration [4].

The move aligns with broader industry trends toward decentralized finance, where peer-to-peer trading and reduced reliance on centralized intermediaries are becoming more common. The feature also supports Coinbase’s long-term vision of evolving into an "everything exchange," potentially expanding beyond crypto to other asset classes [2]. CEO Brian Armstrong has previously expressed ambitions for the platform to become a one-stop shop for digital assets, including tokenized equities, subject to regulatory approvals [2].

While the feature is not yet available to New York users, the company has not disclosed a timeline for when this restriction might be lifted [1]. Additionally, Coinbase has not released specific metrics on user adoption or trading volume from the new DEX feature. However, the company has confirmed that the integration will be expanded to support additional blockchain networks in the coming months [2].

The launch highlights a growing trend among major crypto platforms to incorporate DEX capabilities into their primary applications, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized finance. By bringing decentralized trading into its main app, Coinbase is reinforcing its role as a key player in the evolving crypto ecosystem and enhancing its utility for a wider range of users.

Source: [1] Coinbase Rolls Out DEX Trading on Its App Starting With ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-rolls-dex-trading-app-180150058.html)

[2] Coinbase (COIN) Adds DEX Trading to U.S. App in Push ... (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/08/coinbase-adds-dex-trading-to-u-s-app-in-push-toward-becoming-an-everything-app)

[4] Coinbase App Now Supports DEX Trading, AERO Crypto ... (https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/coinbase-app-now-supports-dex-trading-aero-crypto-surges/)