Coinbase Developer Platform Rolls Out CDP Wallets In Beta: Full Control With Zero Key Management
In Brief
Coinbase Developer Platform introduced the CDP Wallets, enabling developers to create, sign, and implement transaction rules through API integration, making it suitable for AI agents, automation, and performance-sensitive onchain systems.
Coinbase Developer Platform introduced the CDP Wallets–developer-focused wallets designed to provide operational control without requiring direct access to private keys. Leveraging Coinbase’s secure enclave infrastructure, this solution enables developers to create, sign, and implement transaction rules entirely through application programming interface (API) integration, making it suitable for use cases involving agents, automation, and performance-sensitive onchain systems.
In the past, developers working with onchain applications have had to choose between two challenging options: either retain complete custody of private keys, which introduces operational complexity, or rely on custodial services, which often limits flexibility. The introduction of CDP Wallets addresses this dilemma by offering a solution that combines comprehensive control with minimal operational overhead.
CDP Wallets enable developers to generate programmable wallets through API access without the need to interact with private keys or operate backend infrastructure. All critical wallet operations take place within a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), a secure computing framework that ensures private keys remain encrypted and inaccessible, including to Coinbase itself.
Transaction creation, signing, and management are conducted solely via scoped API calls, removing the need for multi-party computation, key sharding, or the deployment of custom infrastructure. Designed to support advanced use cases, CDP Wallets provide a foundation for automation governed by predefined policies and support agent-driven transaction models, positioning them for emerging applications in the onchain ecosystem.
The new feature introduces an alternative to conventional Externally Owned Account (EOA) and Multi-Party Computation (MPC)-based approaches by offering a solution that combines comprehensive control, enhanced security, and the elimination of operational complexity for developers.
The earlier version of the Wallet API, which utilized MPC, established a foundational layer for secure wallet interactions. However, the release of CDP Wallets v2 marks a significant architectural evolution. This new framework has been specifically designed to support automated workflows, scalable deployments, and transaction execution governed by enforceable policies, signaling a shift toward more advanced and efficient onchain development capabilities.
How CDP Wallets Work And What Developers Are Building
CDP Wallets integrate enterprise-level security with a developer-centric approach, specifically designed to enable automation, precise control, and modular functionality. The system is built on three key components: TEEs, zero key management, and a programmable policy engine.
All critical wallet operations, such as private key decryption, are conducted within an AWS Nitro Enclave—a secure and isolated computing environment where private keys are created, encrypted, and used exclusively for signing. These keys remain encrypted at all times and are never accessible in an unencrypted form, including by Coinbase.
Developers do not directly handle any key material; instead, they access the system through scoped API credentials. This eliminates the need to manage signer infrastructure, coordinate key fragments, or oversee key rotation processes, offering full operational control without added complexity.
The programmable policy engine allows for the creation of rules that govern wallet activity. These policies can restrict transfers to approved addresses, cap transaction amounts, block high-risk destinations using Coinbase’s Know Your Transaction (KYT) system, and will soon include smart contract-level restrictions. Policies are managed through APIs or SDKs and are enforced at the enclave level to maintain security even if credentials are compromised.
CDP Wallets support a broad spectrum of backend wallet functions but are particularly suited for scenarios that require both rapid execution and strong security controls. They are an effective solution for developers needing to automate transactions and implement detailed access controls at the wallet level.
Current applications of CDP Wallets include autonomous AI agents that trade or interact with smart contracts under programmable rules; acting as trusted transaction initiators in pay-per-use API models; managing automated DeFi bots and vaults for yield optimization; facilitating payment flows in fintech and stablecoin platforms with integrated KYT and permissions; and supporting enterprise treasury operations for decentralized autonomous organizations and teams by segmenting risk and automating processes.
The feature is currently available in open beta, allowing developers to quickly create secure, self-custodied wallets without the need to deploy any infrastructure, whether for stablecoin payment solutions, onchain applications, or agent-driven workflows.
Disclaimer
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About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
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Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
