Article author: Daniele Article translation: Block unicorn
In the early days of cryptocurrency, complexity was the norm—from storing private keys in hardware wallets to manually switching networks and bridging tokens across chains. While these workflows ushered in a new era of financial freedom, they also discouraged countless potential participants seeking simpler solutions. Fast forward to today, and decentralized finance (DeFi) is on the verge of a major turning point: the rise of DeFAI agents. This fusion of AI-powered automation and secure, user-friendly custody heralds the advent of the "super app" era for cryptocurrency—capable of attracting billions of new users through intuitive and fully abstracted experiences.
The rise of secure and abstracted wallets
From cumbersome mnemonics to facial recognition
In the past few years, the security of hot wallets has evolved to an unimaginable level. Previously, self-custody required complex mnemonics and offline devices. Today, more consumer-friendly approaches—facial recognition, passwords, multiple forms of two-factor authentication (2FA), and encrypted server-client key management—provide a strong security foundation without sacrificing accessibility. This greatly reduces the need for ordinary users to have complex old-fashioned hardware or paper backups.
Proxy + Wallet = A New Paradigm
Enter the DeFAI Agent: in effect, a smart assistant equipped with wallet access. No more switching networks, no more cumbersome cross-chain bridges, and no more fumbling with arcane contract addresses. The Agent coordinates on-chain interactions behind the scenes, adhering to strict security protocols and user-set parameters.
• Easy to get started: Credit card to token conversion is done right in the app, and the Agent automatically places the assets on the appropriate chain.
• Unified interface: Users simply issue simple commands — like “buy token X,” “stake my tokens,” or “claim these rewards,” and the Agent does the rest.
As DeFAI continues to grow, this agent-driven model will become the go-to standard for everyday crypto users, replicating the convenient experience we’ve all taken for granted in Web2 applications.
AUTOMATE: Powering the Proxy Revolution
A Framework to Support Autonomy
At Hey Anon, we launched AUTOMATE as a TypeScript framework that extends AI capabilities in DeFi protocols. The framework makes it easy for developers to integrate new protocols and create deterministic logic for any on-chain action:
Smart prompts: Users simply say “buy token X” — the agent checks balances, identifies the correct chain, bridges across chains if necessary, and completes the purchase.
This layer of automation saves users the hassle of multiple steps and reduces the potential for error - which is critical if we want to welcome billions of newcomers to crypto.
Autonomous Operations: Core Functionality
Beyond Single-Step Transactions
The big leap forward brought by the DeFAI agent is conditional, continuous operation, even without active user involvement:
1. Portfolio Rebalancing
2. Monitoring lending positions
3. Early Access and Arbitrage
4. Customized Strategies
Options trading, perpetual contracts, cross-chain arbitrage - no matter what strategy you design, the agent can execute it systematically.
Essentially, the DeFAI agent replicates what professional traders do in advanced tools, but presents it in a user-friendly way. This is exactly how we democratize crypto to a large, non-technical user base.
One-Stop “Super App”
DeFAI is not just a tool, but a user interface for a frictionless future:
1. Personalized UI and Recommendations
2. Completely Abstracted
3. Holistic Life Management
Ultimately, a super app means a new user can do everything from an initial fiat deposit to complex cross-chain tasks within a unified interface.
Accelerating mainstream adoption
The road to a billion users
Why we believe DeFAI is a key element in driving mass cryptocurrency adoption?
Users don’t need to learn chain IDs, connect multiple wallets, or worry about cross-chain bridging. Advanced encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly reduce the risk if the device is compromised, without the need for users to remember mnemonics.
The agent confirms each step according to the rules set by the user or the platform. Deterministic frameworks like AUTOMATE ensure that no improvisation or "fake" operations occur.
By automating rebalancing, yield harvesting, and timely trading, ordinary users are able to achieve more reliable results - leading to positive word-of-mouth communication, further driving adoption.
Seamless experience example
Average investor’s instruction: “Buy token X for $50 with my credit card.” The agent fetches the stablecoin, completes the cross-chain bridge, and performs the swap on the correct chain — all in seconds.
Automated project tracking: User instruction, “Whenever project Y announces a new token, immediately buy $100 worth of tokens.” The agent monitors Twitter or Telegram, executes the trade immediately, and updates the user with the results later.
Risk Management:Users set thresholds, “If ETH’s volatility index goes above X%, reduce my leverage by 25%.” The agent automatically does that 24/7.
This user flow is simple enough for newbies, yet powerful enough for advanced crypto players — a perfect fit for the gap we desperately need to reach billions of users.
Conclusion: Building a Crypto Lego Castle
We often compare the crypto ecosystem to “financial Lego,” with each protocol adding unique functionality. Hey Anon’s vision is to assemble these building blocks into super apps that any user can easily operate — powered by DeFAI agents, with zero friction and unlimited potential.
AUTOMATE is the cornerstone, ensuring every Lego piece fits perfectly and securely.
AI insights like Gemma provide personalized recommendations directly to users.
Curiously curated UI is tailored to each user’s experience level, risk appetite, and personal goals.
By unifying custody, trade automation, and smart insights, DeFAI offers a path to onboard the next billion users - not by forcing them to learn complex processes, but by abstracting everything into a simple, user-driven interface. As the technology and community flourish, the dream of the “crypto super app” has moved from hype to tangible reality.
The future is here, and it’s simpler, smarter, and more secure than ever before. We invite you to join Hey Anon in building this: one brick at a time, one agent at a time, one user at a time - until billions of people have access to this gateway into the world of open, decentralized finance.
Miyuki
Weiliang
Weatherly
Catherine
Anais
Alex