- Coinbase has created a safer way to interact with the DeFi world
- The exchange has launched Verified Pools which require users to pass through KYC verification
- Coinbase said the pools are non-custodial and ideal for both institutional and retail users
Crypto exchange Coinbase has introduced Verified Pools to make it safer for institutional and retail crypto users to interact with the DeFi world. Powered by Ethereum layer 2 Base, Verified Pools are liquidity pools that require users to go through vigorous KYC checks before being allowed access. Coinbase believes the pools promote transparency in the DeFi space, which may reduce the number of malicious actors using DeFi to launder illicit funds.
Verified Pools Promote “On-Chain Adoption”
In an announcement, the exchange described the pools as “the future of on-chain liquidity,” adding that they are part of the exchange’s commitment to promote “on-chain adoption.” According to Coinbase, the pools are powered by the latest Uniswap iteration Uniswap v4.
Verified Pools is the next step in Coinbase’s commitment to advancing the onchain ecosystem and generating the next wave of onchain adoption. And this is just the beginning, there’s more to come.
— Coinbase 🛡️ (@coinbase) March 18, 2025
Coinbase noted that Verified Pools presents a new standard that offers an intersection between compliance, efficiency, trust, and transparency. The pools are non-custodial meaning that users have control of their funds.
Explaining how the pools work, Coinbase said that users must have an on-chain wallet “with the Coinbase Verifications credential.” These credentials help authenticate a DeFi user’s identity on the blockchain preventing usage by anonymous entities.
Verified Pools Available in Six Jurisdictions
Verified Pools are currently available for DeFi users in the United States, Netherlands, Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, Singapore, and British Virgin Islands. The exchange noted that the pools provide retail and institutional DeFi users with concentrated liquidity, controlled liquidity access, and autonomy.
Coinbase’s Verified Pools come a few days after OKX was accused of allowing Bybit hackers to move stolen funds through its DEX aggregator. It also comes when DeFi platforms like Uniswap and Aave are launching new features to bring more institutions to the DeFi world.
With Coinbase launching Verified Pools, it’s to be seen whether institutions will flock to the DeFi space due to the pools’ improved compliance and transparency.
