Coinbase Shakes Up Crypto: In-App DEX Trading Launch Sends Base Tokens Soaring

Coinbase just flipped the script—again. The exchange giant rolled out in-app decentralized trading, and Base tokens are already feeling the love. No more hopping between wallets and platforms; users now swap directly in Coinbase’s ecosystem. Traders win, Base tokens moon, and the suits still trying to regulate DeFi? Left playing catch-up.

Why this matters: Centralized meets decentralized in one slick move. Coinbase isn’t just adapting—it’s eating the competition’s lunch. Base tokens like $BASE and $DEFI surged double-digits post-announcement. Meanwhile, Wall Street’s ‘blockchain strategists’ are still explaining what a DEX is to their bosses.

The kicker? This isn’t just convenience—it’s a power grab. Coinbase tightens its grip on retail flows while ‘innovative’ banks recycle 2017 whitepapers. Game on.

Coinbase’s DEX Features

Coinbase, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, has been exploring increased DEX integration for several months now. At its Crypto Summit 2025 in June, the platform teased these upcoming features in the coming months.

Today, CEO Brian Armstrong announced that this new feature is finally here:

We're starting the rollout of DEX trading in the U.S. (excluding NY). Our goal is to make Coinbase the simplest way to access onchain markets.

You'll be able to trade millions of @base assets in the Coinbase app.

Support for @solana is coming soon too. pic.twitter.com/YWkCxJEN9d

The Base blockchain will power Coinbase’s new DEX functionality, but solana integration is coming. This feature will streamline DEX accessibility for most of the US consumer base, enabling traders to trade tokens using an integrated self-custody wallet.

Coinbase will even cover the necessary network fees, making the process much easier.

Still, this DEX integration is blocked in New York, thanks to regulations that have repeatedly impacted Coinbase. Local residents are not happy about this setback, but it can’t be helped at the moment.

Market And Community Impact

For the most part, the community has shown significant approval. Aerodome Finance, the largest DEX on Base, surged in value after Coinbase’s announcement. Several other Base tokens saw notable gains as well.

However, this rollout isn’t perfect. For one thing, users have criticized Coinbase for permitting DEX trading of tokens it will not list directly. Coinbase’s CEX users still can’t trade VIRTUALS, but this new function will permit tokens created using this protocol.

Additionally, this update runs contrary to the entire ethos of decentralization. Coinbase isn’t really building a DEX; everything from the user interface to the underlying blockchain is deeply centralized. This integration could contribute to growing fears of “de-decentralization” in crypto, as institutional players take over increasing market space.

I think CEXs should rephrase « DEX trading » to « on-chain trading » when operating on a chain they built.

Coinbase fully operates Base’s Core infrastructure, nothing decentralized here. https://t.co/NeoRxHCrZ8

Nonetheless, this is a major milestone for Coinbase and US traders. Ease of accessibility has been a major issue for people who want to trade on DEXs. Its complexity, connecting wallets and several steps just to buy and trade coins, is a massive headache. But now it’s through one platform, the Coinbase app.