Coinbase launches US DEX trading, enabling users to swap millions of assets instantly.

Coinbase launches US DEX trading, enabling users to swap millions of assets instantly.

Coinbase has rolled out decentralized exchange (DEX) trading directly in its main app, initially offering access to tokens built on its Base blockchain to select US customers, except those in New York State [1]. This new feature allows users to trade newly created tokens immediately after launch through an integrated self-custody wallet, with Coinbase covering all network fees. Customers can fund trades using their Coinbase balance or USDC while managing portfolios within the same interface.

At launch, users can access Base-native projects such as Virtuals AI Agents, Reserve Protocol DTFs, SoSo Value Indices, Auki Labs, and Super Champs, with more assets to be added incrementally to maintain trading stability. The platform will route orders through DEX aggregators that scan liquidity on platforms like Aerodrome and Uniswap to find optimal pricing. Coinbase plans to expand the feature to additional markets and networks, including Solana, in the coming months [1].

This development comes at a time when decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are experiencing significant growth. According to CryptoSlate, DEXs reached $1 trillion in monthly trading volume for the first time in July, with perpetual futures’ monthly volume increasing to a new all-time high of $487 billion [2]. BNB Chain dominated spot trading volumes, growing 15.3% to total $196.3 billion in July, representing 38.2% of the monthly total. Uniswap registered the second-largest spot volume among DEXs in July, with $96.4 billion [2].

Coinbase's integration of DEX functionality within its mobile app is a significant step towards merging centralized and decentralized finance (CeFi and DeFi). By linking DeFi capabilities with familiar features such as portfolio balancing, real-time tracking, and customer support, Coinbase is accelerating the adoption of DeFi by retail and institutional clients alike [3]. This move could drive a dramatic uptick in daily active users on Base DEXs, boost adoption of stablecoins like USDC, and make advanced trading techniques more broadly available.

References:
[1] https://cryptobriefing.com/coinbase-dex-trading-base-tokens/
[2] https://cryptoslate.com/dex-trading-volume-tops-1t-for-the-first-time-in-july-hyperliquid-leads-record-perp-surge/
[3] https://blockchainmagazine.net/coinbase-announces-full-ethereum-base-dex-integration-in-mobile-app/