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How we developed Aurea, the first Italian app that combines a bank account, multi-chain cryptocurrency wallet, and browser wallet for DeFi operations.
Aurea was born from a vision to make decentralized finance accessible to everyone, without sacrificing the ease of use of traditional banking services. The team had the ambitious goal of creating the first Italian mobile app that integrated a real bank account with a multi-chain cryptocurrency wallet.
We developed this project on behalf of Digital Forest, an agency that handled the client relationship and overall coordination. We personally handled all technical development: from architecture design, to blockchain integration, to store launch and beta tester management. A complex project that required the use of modern enterprise-level technologies, cross-functional skills in mobile, backend, blockchain, and security.
The project presented three main challenges that required special attention. First, blockchain integration: we needed to support transactions on Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, manage non-custodial wallets securely, and ensure a smooth user experience even during network congestion.
The second challenge was regulatory compliance. Operating in the fintech sector means complying with strict regulations: KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to verify user identity, anti-money laundering (AML) systems, GDPR compliance for data protection, and integration with regulated banking systems. A single error could have compromised the entire project.
The third challenge was user experience for non-crypto users: our target included people with no blockchain experience. We had to make complex concepts like private keys, gas fees, and on-chain transactions understandable and accessible to everyone, without oversimplifying and losing security.
Finally, the DeFi wallet browser integration required allowing users to interact with decentralized protocols like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, and other DEXs directly from the app. We had to ensure on-chain transaction security, manage connections to various protocols, and maintain a smooth experience even for those who had never used DeFi applications before.
We designed a cross-platform mobile architecture that allowed us to develop a single codebase for iOS and Android while maintaining native performance. The app communicates with a robust, type-safe backend, ensuring code maintainability and financial transaction reliability.
The infrastructure is built on enterprise-grade cloud technologies, with an optimized relational database to ensure ACID compliance for financial transactions and reliable scalability.
Blockchain integration was implemented using industry-leading decentralized authentication solutions for secure wallet management, and standard blockchain libraries for on-chain operations on Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks. This abstracted the blockchain complexity, offering users an experience similar to logging in with Google or Facebook.
Beyond wallet and bank account functionality, we integrated a complete wallet browser that allows users to access major DeFi protocols like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Curve, and other decentralized exchanges directly. This integration transforms Aurea into a true hub for decentralized finance, enabling swap, liquidity providing, and yield farming operations without ever leaving the app.
The wallet browser uses the same non-custodial architecture as the main wallet, ensuring users always maintain complete control of their funds even during interactions with third-party smart contracts. We implemented a transaction review system that clearly shows users what they are approving, what permissions they are granting, and what the potential risks are.
Security was the absolute priority at every stage of development. Instead of creating custom solutions, we chose to rely on European-certified providers to ensure the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance.
For fiat-crypto transaction management, we integrated regulated providers compliant with European regulations. For identity verification (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) screening processes, we selected European leaders in compliance automation, ensuring certified verifications and full GDPR compliance.
User wallets use a non-custodial architecture with encrypted backups, ensuring only users have access to their funds. Private keys are never sent to our servers, always remaining on the user's device or in encrypted cloud storage.
We coordinated the beta testing phase, working closely with a selected group of early adopters. Their feedback was essential for refining the UX and identifying edge cases that hadn't emerged during development.
During the store publishing process, we managed the preparation of all materials required by Apple and Google, including screenshots, descriptions, privacy policies, and regulatory compliance documentation. Apple's review was particularly rigorous given the financial nature of the app.
Aurea's launch in May 2025 exceeded all expectations, proving successful both technically and commercially. The architecture's solidity, execution quality, and product-market fit achieved attracted investor attention, enabling the client to successfully close their first funding round.
The app also attracted Italian market attention, receiving a mention in Forbes Italia, which highlighted the innovation in the national fintech landscape.
The user community particularly appreciated the ability to manage both fiat and cryptocurrencies in a single app, without having to learn complex technical terms. Many users highlighted how Aurea was their first positive experience with the crypto world.
The app continues to evolve with new features in the roadmap: support for new blockchains, integration with DeFi protocols, and advanced financial services combining the best of traditional and decentralized finance.
Aurea demonstrates that it's possible to create innovative fintech products that combine traditional finance and Web3, keeping ease of use and security at the center of the user experience. The key to success was combining cross-functional technical skills with a deep understanding of user needs.
This project required 8 months of intense development, from initial design to store launch, through beta testing and optimizations. But the real success goes beyond the numbers: the quality of the technical solution and the product-market fit achieved allowed our client to attract investors and close a 150k EUR funding round. This is the result that matters: not just a quality product, but a sustainable and growing business.
If you want to develop an innovative mobile app that's not just technically excellent, but also a real driver of commercial growth, integrate blockchain into your platform, or create a fintech solution that combines the best of both worlds, contact us. We have the experience and skills to transform your vision into a successful and profitable product.
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