Coinbase has expanded its Layer-2 network Base with two new wrapped assets, cbHYPE and cbZEC, giving users direct on-chain access to Hyperliquid’s HYPE token and Zcash’s ZEC token. The move, announced on September 1, 2026, builds on Base’s growing role as a hub for decentralized finance and Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible activity.
cbHYPE is a representation of HYPE, the native token of the Hyperliquid derivatives exchange, wrapped for use on Base. cbZEC is a bridged version of Zcash, the privacy-focused cryptocurrency that has been part of the market since 2016. By listing these tokens, Coinbase aims to bridge liquidity from their native networks into Base, reducing the need for users to manually bridge assets and potentially lowering entry barriers for privacy-coin and derivatives traders.
Base has become one of the most active Layer-2 networks since its launch in 2023, largely because of low fees and EVM compatibility. The announcement indicates that AerodromeFi will utilize HYPE and ZEC for decentralized trading, further embedding the tokens into Base’s DeFi ecosystem. For Zcash, the integration may increase accessibility through faster and cheaper transactions on Base. Hyperliquid may also benefit from exposure to Base’s user base and liquidity environment.
The listings reflect a broader exchange trend toward supporting multi-chain ecosystems and integrating more assets into Layer-2 solutions. While the long-term market impact remains uncertain, the development is expected to attract attention from traders interested in new liquidity and cross-chain use cases.
