Hex Trust, an institutional-grade digital asset custodian, integrated the institutional arm of the popular Ethereum wallet MetaMask, MetaMask Institutional (MMI), into its platform to grant users direct access to more than 17,000 decentralized finance (DeFi) applications from their Hex Safe dashboard, according to a Dec. 19 statement shared with CryptoSlate.

Hex Trust’s integration of MMI simplifies DeFi portfolio management for its clients while assuring them of strict adherence to prevailing regulatory standards.

The MMI tool has various sophisticated features, including comprehensive portfolio management, robust transaction reporting capabilities, and meticulous monitoring of digital assets. Notably, it incorporates an institutional staking marketplace and supports efficient account bundling.

Over the past year, institutional interest in DeFi has experienced a notable surge. However, apprehensions surrounding security and regulatory compliance have significantly deterred broader institutional participation. Hex Trust aims to alleviate these concerns through its MMI integration, assuring users of top-tier security measures, streamlined DeFi accessibility, and unwavering regulatory compliance.

Moreover, the integration introduces a transaction authorization feature, empowering users to set precise rules for transaction approvals. This functionality enables users to restrict access to decentralized applications (dApps), optimize DeFi trade flows, and establish specific transaction rules for designated individuals.

Giorgia Pellizzari, the head of custody at Hex Trust, said:

“This integration will allow institutions to have compliant access to thousands of DeFi applications through a user-friendly interface that is gilded with bank-grade security. We are delighted to work with MetaMask Institutional and bridge organizations to DeFi and Web3 through a regulatory-compliant gateway.”

Meanwhile, this collaboration represents another milestone in a largely successful year for the Hong Kong-based crypto company.

During the year, Hex Trust partnered with  Celestia to provide secure custody services and staking solutions and also obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai regulators. Additionally, it actively participated in Hong Kong’s e-HKD CBDC’s pilot program.