Japan's SMBC Nikko Unveils Plans for DeFi Gateway with Uniswap and Base

SMBC Nikko Securities and Nethermind have partnered with Uniswap Labs, Base, and Nyx Foundation to develop a Japan-focused DeFi Gateway. The project, aimed for completion by mid-2027, will provide Japanese investors with a controlled route into decentralized finance. The DeFi Gateway will feature liquidity-provisioning protocols and custom pools, utilizing Uniswap v4 hooks for AML/CFT and investor protection.

The project expands on earlier research by SMBC Nikko and Nethermind, which explored connecting Japanese investors with automated market makers while testing risk controls, user safeguards, and AI tools. The new partnership brings Uniswap Labs' expertise in protocol integration and liquidity-deployment strategies, along with Base's support for deployment in its Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem.

The DeFi Gateway will include stablecoins and real-world assets in its proposed liquidity work, with the partners developing asset-deployment strategies for these digital assets. However, no specific tokens, customer eligibility requirements, fees, or minimum investment amounts have been disclosed.

SMBC Nikko will lead regulatory discussions, while Nethermind will be responsible for technical design and delivery. Uniswap Labs will provide expertise in protocol integration, and Nyx Foundation will advise on market-making strategies and hook structures.