AI Agents Get Secure Access to Crypto Portfolios through Base MCP

Base has launched a new gateway called MCP (Model Context Protocol) that allows AI agents to connect directly with users' smart wallets, enabling them to perform on-chain actions like token swaps, portfolio tracking, and DeFi interactions. This innovation is made possible through the use of OAuth 2.1 authentication, which ensures that the MCP server never accesses users' private keys.

The system uses a non-custodial design, meaning that every transaction requires explicit user approval through the Base Account interface. This adds an extra layer of security and reduces phishing risks by localizing agent call construction within the MCP framework itself.

Base has partnered with several major DeFi protocols to provide 'skill plugins' that can be invoked by AI agents. These plugins standardize how AI agents interact with different DeFi protocols, making it easier for users to access a wide range of financial services.