MetaMask Bridges Wallet and DeFi Trading with Hyperliquid’s Gasless Chain

MetaMask, the leading self-custodial crypto wallet with over 30 million monthly active users, is set to integrate perpetual futures trading directly into its platform through a partnership with Hyperliquid, a decentralized derivatives exchange. Code updates on MetaMask’s GitHub repository reveal the development of a dedicated “Perps” tab, enabling users to fund accounts with USDC and execute leveraged trades without leaving the wallet interface. The integration leverages Hyperliquid’s custom Layer 1 blockchain, which offers gas-free transactions, on-chain settlements, and a throughput of over 200,000 orders per second. Hyperliquid, which reported $383 billion in monthly trading volume and $106 million in August revenue, has captured an estimated 70% of the DeFi perpetuals market, outpacing both decentralized and centralized rivalsCryptonews.com^[1].

The collaboration marks a significant step in consolidating DeFi tools within a single interface. Users will deposit stablecoins, set leverage, and manage positions through MetaMask’s streamlined workflow, with settlements processed on Hyperliquid’s L1 chain. Testing phases, initiated in August, identified issues such as transaction failures and display inaccuracies, but recent updates labeled as “release candidates” suggest a imminent rollout. Industry analysts note that the integration could drive retail adoption of perpetuals by reducing friction, though actual volume will depend on risk management policies and user educationCryptonomist.ch^[2]. Hyperliquid’s gasless model and transparent order books aim to bridge the gap between centralized efficiency and decentralized security, a critical differentiator in a market dominated by centralized exchangesTheCryptoBasic.com^[3].

MetaMask’s strategic shift extends beyond trading to the long-anticipated launch of its native token, MASK. Consensys CEO Joe Lubin confirmed in September 2025 that the token could arrive “sooner than expected,” signaling a pivot toward decentralizing platform governance. The token, first teased in 2021, is expected to empower users with voting rights and reward participation, though specifics on distribution and utility remain undisclosed. This aligns with MetaMask’s broader product expansion, including a crypto debit card partnership with Mastercard and Baanx, and the launch of a stablecoin, MetaMask USD (mUSD), in August. The wallet also introduced a social login feature to mitigate seed phrase risks, further enhancing user accessibilityTheFinancialAnalyst.net^[4].

The potential impact of the MASK token is amplified by MetaMask’s vast user base and its role as a gateway to Web3. A tokenized governance model could incentivize active participation, though concerns persist about volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and the fairness of distribution. Lubin emphasized the token’s alignment with decentralization, but critics caution that speculative trading and a lack of concrete details on supply or vesting schedules could lead to market instability. The absence of an official airdrop plan or governance framework has left the community in a state of anticipation, with debates centering on how to balance user rewards with platform sustainabilityCoingabbar.com^[5].

Risks associated with the integration include the operational challenges of high-leverage trading, such as liquidation risks and smart contract vulnerabilities. While Hyperliquid’s whitepaper and infrastructure are public, the lack of third-party audits raises concerns about security. Users are advised to exercise caution with permissions, verify contract addresses, and use hardware wallets for significant holdings. Additionally, the convergence of custody, swaps, and derivatives in a single interface could introduce new attack vectors, particularly for less experienced users. Analysts stress that while the integration simplifies access, it also underscores the need for robust risk mitigation strategiesTheCryptoBasic.com^[6].

The broader implications for DeFi are profound. By embedding advanced trading tools into a mainstream wallet, MetaMask and Hyperliquid are accelerating the transition from centralized to decentralized finance. This move could pressure traditional exchanges to innovate while fostering a more integrated DeFi ecosystem. However, regulatory uncertainty and the inherent volatility of crypto markets remain hurdles. As MetaMask prepares for the token launch and Hyperliquid scales its infrastructure, the success of this initiative will hinge on user adoption, technical resilience, and the ability to navigate evolving regulatory landscapesBlockNews.com^[7].