Japan's First DeFi Gateway Takes Shape with SMBC Nikko and Nethermind

SMBC Nikko Securities and Nethermind have joined forces to develop Japan's first DeFi Gateway, a platform that will allow Japanese investors to access decentralized finance markets in a controlled and secure manner. The project aims to be completed by mid-2027.

The gateway will use Uniswap v4 hooks to add anti-money laundering (AML), counterterrorism financing (CTF) and investor protection mechanisms around pool activity. This will provide Japanese investors with a safe and compliant way to participate in DeFi markets.

SMBC Nikko will lead regulatory discussions, while Nethermind is responsible for technical design and delivery across engineering, AI integration and smart-contract security. Uniswap Labs will provide expertise in protocol integration and liquidity-deployment strategies.