Japanese Megabank Joint Venture Aims to Launch Regulatory-Compliant DeFi Gateway

A joint effort between SMBC Nikko Securities and blockchain development firm Nethermind aims to create a DeFi platform for Japanese investors. The project, which targets mid-2027 completion, involves collaboration with Uniswap Labs, Base, and Nyx Foundation.

The initiative seeks to develop an environment where Japanese investors can utilize decentralized finance (DeFi) in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. A key component of this effort is the creation of a liquidity provision protocol called 'DeFi Gateway.'

The platform will feature AI-powered agent-based vaults, which support investment decisions or execute decisions on behalf of investors. These systems are designed to allow the verification and reproduction of the AI's decision-making process.

Liquidity pools will utilize Uniswap v4's 'hook' functionality, incorporating anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures and investor protection mechanisms. The project also includes formulating operational strategies to expand liquidity provision for digital assets, including stablecoins and real-world assets.