Singapore-based digital asset infrastructure provider Safeheron has launched an open-source Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) framework designed to enhance the security and privacy of decentralized Web3 applications. The development caters to a growing demand across sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi), payment services, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), where trustless environments are fundamental to operations.
The new framework distinguishes itself as the first of its kind built using the native Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) Software Development Kit (SDK), and is developed entirely in modern C++. This object-oriented language is commonly used in the development of operating systems, advanced computational systems, and gaming platforms due to its high-performance capabilities.
Addressing Industry Transparency and Innovation Gaps
Safeheron’s decision to open-source the framework was motivated by increasing concerns in the industry over the lack of transparency in closed-source systems. Company representatives emphasized that while market competition is not a primary concern, the broader threat lies in the stalling of innovation caused by opaque and proprietary software solutions. The company believes that public access to secure technologies can foster faster innovation and more resilient infrastructure in the Web3 space.
Trusted Execution Environments are vital tools that create secure, isolated sections within a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), often referred to as enclaves. These enclaves allow code to execute in a protected environment, insulated from external threats, including potential vulnerabilities within the hardware itself.
The Web3 ecosystem has increasingly incorporated TEEs across various applications. Projects such as Oasis Network, Secret Network, and Phala Network are known for employing TEEs to ensure data privacy and secure computation. Other entities like Chainlink are believed to integrate similar technology, though without formal confirmation. Safeheron’s framework allows users to establish enclaves through any cloud service compatible with Intel SGX servers, extending its usability across both private and public cloud infrastructures.
Supporting Clients and Industry Needs
The company has already delivered services to more than 100 clients, which mainly include over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks, wallet service providers, payment platforms, and trading firms. Notable clients include MetaMask, Doo Group, and Amber Group. Safeheron has stated that it has facilitated a cumulative asset transfer volume exceeding $100 billion, underscoring its growing role in the digital finance sector.
Back in August 2022, Safeheron secured $7 million in pre-Series A funding. These funds were earmarked for research and development activities, as well as the expansion of its business operations. Around the same time, the company also brought MetaMask onboard as a client, marking a key milestone in its growth trajectory.
TEE’s Expanding Relevance in Crypto
The relevance of TEE technology extends beyond privacy and infrastructure. In April 2025, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin suggested integrating a TEE into the Ethereum ecosystem as a short-term measure to improve user privacy. The proposed implementation would help users interact with remote procedure call (RPC) nodes while ensuring better protection of their private data. Buterin also advocated for introducing more privacy-preserving features in Ethereum wallets, where TEEs could be instrumental in safeguarding users’ private keys.
Further underscoring the importance of secure computation, a study conducted by Imperial College London in August 2024 highlighted vulnerabilities in the circuit layer of Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (SNARKs), a cryptographic method widely used in blockchain. Researchers found that internal threats to these systems remain a pressing concern, and TEEs could provide a viable solution by defending against such internal attack vectors.
By open-sourcing its TEE framework, Safeheron appears to be responding to both an urgent industry need and a broader shift towards transparent, secure, and decentralized computing. The initiative could serve as a foundational step toward making high-assurance security mechanisms more accessible across the evolving Web3 landscape.
