Coinbase Launches Verified Pools for Secure DeFi Trading

Coinbase has introduced a new liquidity solution called Verified Pools, aimed at enhancing security and transparency in decentralized finance (DeFi) trading. Announced on March 18, 2025, this feature is designed to mitigate counterparty risks within decentralized systems by requiring liquidity providers to verify their identities. This move addresses the longstanding challenge of anonymity in DeFi, which has posed significant security risks to liquidity providers.

To participate in Verified Pools, users must link their coinbase Wallet, Prime Onchain Wallet, or third-party wallets with Coinbase Verifications credentials. This verification process ensures that all stakeholders are vetted, adding an extra layer of confidence to the system. By doing so, Coinbase aims to create a more secure environment for both institutional and retail traders.

Verified Pools are designed to attract a diverse range of traders by offering non-custodial liquidity pools that prioritize security. Institutions can benefit from concentrated liquidity and controlled access, while retail traders can execute direct trades without intermediaries. This dual focus on security and accessibility is a key aspect of Coinbase's strategy to expand on-chain adoption while maintaining strict compliance and security standards.

The transactions within Verified Pools operate on Base, Coinbase’s layer-2 blockchain, which is designed to enhance transaction speed and lower costs. The platform also integrates sanctions screening and KYC verification, ensuring a safer trading environment for institutional participants. This integration of advanced technologies and compliance measures positions Coinbase as a leader in the DeFi space, offering a trusted way to seamlessly trade onchain.

Technologically, Verified Pools are based on the Uniswap v4 protocol, utilizing “hooks” to enable advanced smart contract functionalities. These hooks allow for customizable trading features that enhance liquidity management. Additionally, Coinbase has partnered with Gauntlet, a risk management firm, to optimize the health and efficiency of the liquidity pools. This collaboration ensures that the pools function well and provide a safe environment for all users.

The feature is currently available in several regions, including the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands, and the British Virgin Islands. Coinbase intends to expand its coverage, add support for more trading pairs, and interact with even more decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregators in the future. This expansion will allow more traders to benefit from transparent onchain liquidity, further solidifying Coinbase's position as a leading platform in the DeFi space.

The launch of Verified Pools comes at a time of increased interest in Coinbase. The industry has been encouraged by recent pro-crypto initiatives, which have created a favorable regulatory environment for the platform. As Coinbase continues to expand its on-chain services, it is establishing itself as an institutionally friendly and secure platform for DeFi trading. This move is part of Coinbase's broader strategy to reinvent security approaches in the DeFi space, ensuring that users can trade with greater confidence and peace of mind.