Gemini Launches Self-Custody Wallet to Boost DeFi Accessibility

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Friday, Aug 15, 2025 9:01 pm ET1min read
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Aime RobotAime Summary

- Gemini launched a self-custody wallet with gas-free swaps, biometric authentication, and DeFi protocol integration to boost onchain finance accessibility.

- The wallet simplifies user experience by replacing recovery phrases with PINs/biometrics while supporting major blockchains like Arbitrum and Polygon.

- It includes an Onchain Dashboard for cross-chain swaps and yield generation, plus free ENS subdomains and gas fee coverage to drive adoption.

- This strategic move aims to differentiate Gemini from larger exchanges by enhancing DeFi integration and shifting user behavior toward decentralized ecosystems.

- By addressing adoption barriers through passkey authentication and streamlined DeFi access, Gemini seeks to expand onchain finance's role in mainstream markets.

Gemini has launched its Gemini Wallet, a self-custody smart wallet designed to enhance user access to decentralized finance (DeFi) and onchain assets. Announced on August 14, 2025, the wallet features gas-free swaps, passkey authentication, and integration with leading DeFi protocols, marking a strategic shift for the exchange toward onchain finance [1]. The wallet eliminates the complexity of traditional recovery phrases by using biometric authentication or device PINs, making it more accessible for new users while maintaining strong security [2].

The wallet supports major blockchain networks including Arbitrum, Polygon,

Optimism
, and Base, with future plans to link wallet accounts directly to exchange accounts, simplifying asset management [3]. Gemini also introduced an Onchain Dashboard, which allows users to trade tokens, access yield-generating vaults, and perform cross-chain swaps via Bungee. This dashboard integrates security tools like Blockaid to help prevent fraudulent transactions [4].

To encourage adoption, Gemini is covering gas fees and offering free

Ethereum
Name Service (ENS) subdomains to early users [5]. The wallet’s integration with Morpho and other DeFi platforms aims to streamline user participation in yield generation and cross-chain interactions [6]. The firm has also expanded into tokenized stocks and made strategic investments in the crypto infrastructure space, such as its recent acquisition of American
Bitcoin
Corp. [7].

The launch reflects Gemini’s broader strategy to position itself as a key player in the evolving onchain finance landscape. While the firm remains behind larger exchanges like

Coinbase
and Binance in terms of trading volume, it is seeking to differentiate through enhanced user experience and DeFi integration [8]. The move could drive greater engagement with onchain assets and potentially shift user behavior from centralized to decentralized ecosystems [9].

This development aligns with historical trends where similar wallet launches have led to increased adoption of self-custody tools. By reducing barriers to entry, Gemini aims to bring more users into the DeFi space and foster a more decentralized financial ecosystem [10]. The integration of passkey authentication and gas-free swaps addresses common pain points in blockchain adoption, making the experience more intuitive and accessible [11].

Gemini’s ongoing efforts to simplify onchain interactions suggest a long-term commitment to expanding the role of DeFi in mainstream finance. As regulatory frameworks evolve, the firm’s approach to securing user assets and managing compliance will be critical in shaping its success in the competitive crypto landscape [12].

Source: [1] A Simple and Secure Way To Go Onchain - Gemini. (https://www.gemini.com/blog/launching-the-gemini-wallet-a-simple-and-secure-way-to-go-onchain)

[2] Gemini Launches Smart Wallet and Onchain Trading Platform. (https://www.bitcoininsider.org/article/282993/gemini-launches-smart-wallet-and-onchain-trading-platform)