diff --git a/app/test_support.go b/app/test_support.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6c6c0167
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/test_support.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package app
+
+import (
+	"github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/baseapp"
+	authkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/auth/keeper"
+	bankkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/bank/keeper"
+	capabilitykeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/capability/keeper"
+	stakingkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/staking/keeper"
+	ibckeeper "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v7/modules/core/keeper"
+
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm"
+)
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetIBCKeeper() *ibckeeper.Keeper {
+	return app.IBCKeeper
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetScopedIBCKeeper() capabilitykeeper.ScopedKeeper {
+	return app.ScopedIBCKeeper
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetBaseApp() *baseapp.BaseApp {
+	return app.BaseApp
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetBankKeeper() bankkeeper.Keeper {
+	return app.BankKeeper
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetStakingKeeper() *stakingkeeper.Keeper {
+	return app.StakingKeeper
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetAccountKeeper() authkeeper.AccountKeeper {
+	return app.AccountKeeper
+}
+
+func (app *WasmApp) GetWasmKeeper() wasm.Keeper {
+	return app.WasmKeeper
+}
diff --git a/tests/e2e/gov_test.go b/tests/e2e/gov_test.go
index 5ce967da..1db5eca9 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/gov_test.go
+++ b/tests/e2e/gov_test.go
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/app"
 	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/tests/e2e"
 	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/ibctesting"
 )
@@ -41,7 +42,8 @@ func TestGovVoteByContract(t *testing.T) {
 	e2e.MustExecViaReflectContract(t, chain, contractAddr, delegateMsg)
 
 	signer := chain.SenderAccount.GetAddress().String()
-	govKeeper, accountKeeper := chain.App.GovKeeper, chain.App.AccountKeeper
+	app := chain.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	govKeeper, accountKeeper := app.GovKeeper, app.AccountKeeper
 	communityPoolBalance := chain.Balance(accountKeeper.GetModuleAccount(chain.GetContext(), distributiontypes.ModuleName).GetAddress(), sdk.DefaultBondDenom)
 	require.False(t, communityPoolBalance.IsZero())
 
diff --git a/tests/e2e/ibc_fees_test.go b/tests/e2e/ibc_fees_test.go
index 30fcb5b9..8c8ca4fa 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/ibc_fees_test.go
+++ b/tests/e2e/ibc_fees_test.go
@@ -52,7 +52,8 @@ func TestIBCFeesTransfer(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// with an ics-20 transfer channel setup between both chains
 	coord.Setup(path)
-	require.True(t, chainA.App.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainA.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID))
+	appA := chainA.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	require.True(t, appA.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainA.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID))
 	// and with a payee registered on both chains
 	_, err := chainA.SendMsgs(ibcfee.NewMsgRegisterPayee(ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID, actorChainA.String(), payee.String()))
 	require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@ func TestIBCFeesTransfer(t *testing.T) {
 	feeMsg := ibcfee.NewMsgPayPacketFee(ibcPackageFee, ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID, actorChainA.String(), nil)
 	_, err = chainA.SendMsgs(feeMsg, ibcPayloadMsg)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	pendingIncentivisedPackages := chainA.App.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
+	pendingIncentivisedPackages := appA.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
 	assert.Len(t, pendingIncentivisedPackages, 1)
 
 	// and packages relayed
@@ -91,7 +92,8 @@ func TestIBCFeesTransfer(t *testing.T) {
 	feeMsg = ibcfee.NewMsgPayPacketFee(ibcPackageFee, ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID, actorChainB.String(), nil)
 	_, err = chainB.SendMsgs(feeMsg, ibcPayloadMsg)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	pendingIncentivisedPackages = chainB.App.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID)
+	appB := chainB.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	pendingIncentivisedPackages = appB.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID)
 	assert.Len(t, pendingIncentivisedPackages, 1)
 
 	// when packages relayed
@@ -145,8 +147,10 @@ func TestIBCFeesWasm(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// with an ics-29 fee enabled channel setup between both chains
 	coord.Setup(path)
-	require.True(t, chainA.App.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID))
-	require.True(t, chainB.App.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID))
+	appA := chainA.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	appB := chainB.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	require.True(t, appA.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID))
+	require.True(t, appB.IBCFeeKeeper.IsFeeEnabled(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID))
 	// and with a payee registered for A -> B
 	_, err := chainA.SendMsgs(ibcfee.NewMsgRegisterPayee(ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID, actorChainA.String(), payee.String()))
 	require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -165,7 +169,7 @@ func TestIBCFeesWasm(t *testing.T) {
 	feeMsg := ibcfee.NewMsgPayPacketFee(ibcPackageFee, ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID, actorChainA.String(), nil)
 	_, err = chainA.SendMsgs(feeMsg, &execMsg)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	pendingIncentivisedPackages := chainA.App.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
+	pendingIncentivisedPackages := appA.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
 	assert.Len(t, pendingIncentivisedPackages, 1)
 
 	// and packages relayed
@@ -173,13 +177,13 @@ func TestIBCFeesWasm(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// then
 	// on chain A
-	gotCW20Balance, err := chainA.App.WasmKeeper.QuerySmart(chainA.GetContext(), cw20ContractAddr, []byte(fmt.Sprintf(`{"balance":{"address": %q}}`, actorChainA.String())))
+	gotCW20Balance, err := appA.WasmKeeper.QuerySmart(chainA.GetContext(), cw20ContractAddr, []byte(fmt.Sprintf(`{"balance":{"address": %q}}`, actorChainA.String())))
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	assert.JSONEq(t, `{"balance":"99999900"}`, string(gotCW20Balance))
 	payeeBalance := chainA.AllBalances(payee)
 	assert.Equal(t, sdk.NewCoin(sdk.DefaultBondDenom, sdk.NewInt(2)).String(), payeeBalance.String())
 	// and on chain B
-	pendingIncentivisedPackages = chainA.App.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
+	pendingIncentivisedPackages = appA.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainA.GetContext(), ibcContractPortID, path.EndpointA.ChannelID)
 	assert.Len(t, pendingIncentivisedPackages, 0)
 	expBalance := ibctransfertypes.GetTransferCoin(path.EndpointB.ChannelConfig.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID, "cw20:"+cw20ContractAddr.String(), sdk.NewInt(100))
 	gotBalance := chainB.Balance(actorChainB, expBalance.Denom)
@@ -197,7 +201,7 @@ func TestIBCFeesWasm(t *testing.T) {
 	feeMsg = ibcfee.NewMsgPayPacketFee(ibcPackageFee, ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID, actorChainB.String(), nil)
 	_, err = chainB.SendMsgs(feeMsg, ibcPayloadMsg)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	pendingIncentivisedPackages = chainB.App.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID)
+	pendingIncentivisedPackages = appB.IBCFeeKeeper.GetIdentifiedPacketFeesForChannel(chainB.GetContext(), ibctransfertypes.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID)
 	assert.Len(t, pendingIncentivisedPackages, 1)
 
 	// when packages relayed
@@ -205,7 +209,7 @@ func TestIBCFeesWasm(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// then
 	// on chain A
-	gotCW20Balance, err = chainA.App.WasmKeeper.QuerySmart(chainA.GetContext(), cw20ContractAddr, []byte(fmt.Sprintf(`{"balance":{"address": %q}}`, actorChainA.String())))
+	gotCW20Balance, err = appA.WasmKeeper.QuerySmart(chainA.GetContext(), cw20ContractAddr, []byte(fmt.Sprintf(`{"balance":{"address": %q}}`, actorChainA.String())))
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	assert.JSONEq(t, `{"balance":"100000000"}`, string(gotCW20Balance))
 	// and on chain B
diff --git a/tests/e2e/ica_test.go b/tests/e2e/ica_test.go
index 3ac2fdb8..4234b023 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/ica_test.go
+++ b/tests/e2e/ica_test.go
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/app"
+
 	sdk "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/types"
 	"github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/types/address"
 	banktypes "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/bank/types"
@@ -30,7 +32,8 @@ func TestICA(t *testing.T) {
 	coord := wasmibctesting.NewCoordinator(t, 2)
 	hostChain := coord.GetChain(ibctesting.GetChainID(1))
 	hostParams := hosttypes.NewParams(true, []string{sdk.MsgTypeURL(&banktypes.MsgSend{})})
-	hostChain.App.ICAHostKeeper.SetParams(hostChain.GetContext(), hostParams)
+	hostApp := hostChain.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	hostApp.ICAHostKeeper.SetParams(hostChain.GetContext(), hostParams)
 
 	controllerChain := coord.GetChain(ibctesting.GetChainID(2))
 
@@ -58,7 +61,8 @@ func TestICA(t *testing.T) {
 	coord.CreateChannels(path)
 
 	// assert ICA exists on controller
-	icaRsp, err := controllerChain.App.ICAControllerKeeper.InterchainAccount(sdk.WrapSDKContext(controllerChain.GetContext()), &icacontrollertypes.QueryInterchainAccountRequest{
+	contApp := controllerChain.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+	icaRsp, err := contApp.ICAControllerKeeper.InterchainAccount(sdk.WrapSDKContext(controllerChain.GetContext()), &icacontrollertypes.QueryInterchainAccountRequest{
 		Owner:        ownerAddr.String(),
 		ConnectionId: path.EndpointA.ConnectionID,
 	})
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibc_integration_test.go b/x/wasm/ibc_integration_test.go
index 9a3e383e..97030f44 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibc_integration_test.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibc_integration_test.go
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ package wasm_test
 import (
 	"testing"
 
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/app"
+
 	sdk "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/types"
 
 	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/types"
@@ -54,7 +56,8 @@ func TestOnChanOpenInitVersion(t *testing.T) {
 				chainA         = coordinator.GetChain(wasmibctesting.GetChainID(1))
 				chainB         = coordinator.GetChain(wasmibctesting.GetChainID(2))
 				myContractAddr = chainA.SeedNewContractInstance()
-				contractInfo   = chainA.App.WasmKeeper.GetContractInfo(chainA.GetContext(), myContractAddr)
+				appA           = chainA.App.(*app.WasmApp)
+				contractInfo   = appA.WasmKeeper.GetContractInfo(chainA.GetContext(), myContractAddr)
 			)
 
 			path := wasmibctesting.NewPath(chainA, chainB)
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/chain.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/chain.go
index 0862de17..cfa540ce 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/chain.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/chain.go
@@ -5,6 +5,13 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/baseapp"
+	storetypes "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/store/types"
+	authkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/auth/keeper"
+	bankkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/bank/keeper"
+	stakingkeeper "github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/x/staking/keeper"
+	ibckeeper "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v7/modules/core/keeper"
+
 	errorsmod "cosmossdk.io/errors"
 
 	"github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/client"
@@ -48,6 +55,24 @@ type SenderAccount struct {
 	SenderAccount authtypes.AccountI
 }
 
+// ChainApp Abstract chain app definition used for testing
+type ChainApp interface {
+	abci.Application
+	AppCodec() codec.Codec
+	NewContext(isCheckTx bool, header tmproto.Header) sdk.Context
+	LastBlockHeight() int64
+	LastCommitID() storetypes.CommitID
+	GetBaseApp() *baseapp.BaseApp
+
+	TxConfig() client.TxConfig
+	GetScopedIBCKeeper() capabilitykeeper.ScopedKeeper
+	GetIBCKeeper() *ibckeeper.Keeper
+	GetBankKeeper() bankkeeper.Keeper
+	GetStakingKeeper() *stakingkeeper.Keeper
+	GetAccountKeeper() authkeeper.AccountKeeper
+	GetWasmKeeper() wasm.Keeper
+}
+
 // TestChain is a testing struct that wraps a simapp with the last TM Header, the current ABCI
 // header and the validators of the TestChain. It also contains a field called ChainID. This
 // is the clientID that *other* chains use to refer to this TestChain. The SenderAccount
@@ -57,7 +82,7 @@ type TestChain struct {
 	t *testing.T
 
 	Coordinator   *Coordinator
-	App           *app.WasmApp
+	App           ChainApp
 	ChainID       string
 	LastHeader    *ibctm.Header  // header for last block height committed
 	CurrentHeader tmproto.Header // header for current block height
@@ -88,9 +113,23 @@ type PacketAck struct {
 	Ack    []byte
 }
 
+// ChainAppFactory abstract factory method that usually implemented by app.SetupWithGenesisValSet
+type ChainAppFactory func(t *testing.T, valSet *tmtypes.ValidatorSet, genAccs []authtypes.GenesisAccount, chainID string, opts []wasm.Option, balances ...banktypes.Balance) ChainApp
+
+// DefaultWasmAppFactory instantiates and sets up the default wasmd app
+func DefaultWasmAppFactory(t *testing.T, valSet *tmtypes.ValidatorSet, genAccs []authtypes.GenesisAccount, chainID string, opts []wasm.Option, balances ...banktypes.Balance) ChainApp {
+	return app.SetupWithGenesisValSet(t, valSet, genAccs, chainID, opts, balances...)
+}
+
+// NewDefaultTestChain initializes a new test chain with a default of 4 validators
+// Use this function if the tests do not need custom control over the validator set
+func NewDefaultTestChain(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, opts ...wasm.Option) *TestChain {
+	return NewTestChain(t, coord, DefaultWasmAppFactory, chainID, opts...)
+}
+
 // NewTestChain initializes a new test chain with a default of 4 validators
 // Use this function if the tests do not need custom control over the validator set
-func NewTestChain(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, opts ...wasm.Option) *TestChain {
+func NewTestChain(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, appFactory ChainAppFactory, chainID string, opts ...wasm.Option) *TestChain {
 	// generate validators private/public key
 	var (
 		validatorsPerChain = 4
@@ -111,7 +150,7 @@ func NewTestChain(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, opts ...wasm
 	// or, if equal, by address lexical order
 	valSet := tmtypes.NewValidatorSet(validators)
 
-	return NewTestChainWithValSet(t, coord, chainID, valSet, signersByAddress, opts...)
+	return NewTestChainWithValSet(t, coord, appFactory, chainID, valSet, signersByAddress, opts...)
 }
 
 // NewTestChainWithValSet initializes a new TestChain instance with the given validator set
@@ -129,7 +168,7 @@ func NewTestChain(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, opts ...wasm
 //
 // CONTRACT: Validator array must be provided in the order expected by Tendermint.
 // i.e. sorted first by power and then lexicographically by address.
-func NewTestChainWithValSet(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, valSet *tmtypes.ValidatorSet, signers map[string]tmtypes.PrivValidator, opts ...wasm.Option) *TestChain {
+func NewTestChainWithValSet(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, appFactory ChainAppFactory, chainID string, valSet *tmtypes.ValidatorSet, signers map[string]tmtypes.PrivValidator, opts ...wasm.Option) *TestChain {
 	genAccs := []authtypes.GenesisAccount{}
 	genBals := []banktypes.Balance{}
 	senderAccs := []SenderAccount{}
@@ -158,7 +197,7 @@ func NewTestChainWithValSet(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, va
 		senderAccs = append(senderAccs, senderAcc)
 	}
 
-	wasmApp := app.SetupWithGenesisValSet(t, valSet, genAccs, chainID, opts, genBals...)
+	wasmApp := appFactory(t, valSet, genAccs, chainID, opts, genBals...)
 
 	// create current header and call begin block
 	header := tmproto.Header{
@@ -176,7 +215,7 @@ func NewTestChainWithValSet(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, va
 		ChainID:        chainID,
 		App:            wasmApp,
 		CurrentHeader:  header,
-		QueryServer:    wasmApp.IBCKeeper,
+		QueryServer:    wasmApp.GetIBCKeeper(),
 		TxConfig:       txConfig,
 		Codec:          wasmApp.AppCodec(),
 		Vals:           valSet,
@@ -194,7 +233,7 @@ func NewTestChainWithValSet(t *testing.T, coord *Coordinator, chainID string, va
 
 // GetContext returns the current context for the application.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetContext() sdk.Context {
-	return chain.App.BaseApp.NewContext(false, chain.CurrentHeader)
+	return chain.App.NewContext(false, chain.CurrentHeader)
 }
 
 // QueryProof performs an abci query with the given key and returns the proto encoded merkle proof
@@ -322,7 +361,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) SendMsgs(msgs ...sdk.Msg) (*sdk.Result, error) {
 	_, r, err := app.SignAndDeliverWithoutCommit(
 		chain.t,
 		chain.TxConfig,
-		chain.App.BaseApp,
+		chain.App.GetBaseApp(),
 		chain.GetContext().BlockHeader(),
 		msgs,
 		chain.ChainID,
@@ -351,7 +390,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) SendMsgs(msgs ...sdk.Msg) (*sdk.Result, error) {
 }
 
 func (chain *TestChain) CaptureIBCEvents(r *sdk.Result) {
-	toSend := getSendPackets(r.Events)
+	toSend := GetSendPackets(r.Events)
 	if len(toSend) > 0 {
 		// Keep a queue on the chain that we can relay in tests
 		chain.PendingSendPackets = append(chain.PendingSendPackets, toSend...)
@@ -361,7 +400,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) CaptureIBCEvents(r *sdk.Result) {
 // GetClientState retrieves the client state for the provided clientID. The client is
 // expected to exist otherwise testing will fail.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetClientState(clientID string) exported.ClientState {
-	clientState, found := chain.App.IBCKeeper.ClientKeeper.GetClientState(chain.GetContext(), clientID)
+	clientState, found := chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ClientKeeper.GetClientState(chain.GetContext(), clientID)
 	require.True(chain.t, found)
 
 	return clientState
@@ -370,13 +409,13 @@ func (chain *TestChain) GetClientState(clientID string) exported.ClientState {
 // GetConsensusState retrieves the consensus state for the provided clientID and height.
 // It will return a success boolean depending on if consensus state exists or not.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetConsensusState(clientID string, height exported.Height) (exported.ConsensusState, bool) {
-	return chain.App.IBCKeeper.ClientKeeper.GetClientConsensusState(chain.GetContext(), clientID, height)
+	return chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ClientKeeper.GetClientConsensusState(chain.GetContext(), clientID, height)
 }
 
 // GetValsAtHeight will return the validator set of the chain at a given height. It will return
 // a success boolean depending on if the validator set exists or not at that height.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetValsAtHeight(height int64) (*tmtypes.ValidatorSet, bool) {
-	histInfo, ok := chain.App.StakingKeeper.GetHistoricalInfo(chain.GetContext(), height)
+	histInfo, ok := chain.App.GetStakingKeeper().GetHistoricalInfo(chain.GetContext(), height)
 	if !ok {
 		return nil, false
 	}
@@ -393,7 +432,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) GetValsAtHeight(height int64) (*tmtypes.ValidatorSet, bo
 // GetAcknowledgement retrieves an acknowledgement for the provided packet. If the
 // acknowledgement does not exist then testing will fail.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetAcknowledgement(packet exported.PacketI) []byte {
-	ack, found := chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetPacketAcknowledgement(chain.GetContext(), packet.GetDestPort(), packet.GetDestChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
+	ack, found := chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetPacketAcknowledgement(chain.GetContext(), packet.GetDestPort(), packet.GetDestChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
 	require.True(chain.t, found)
 
 	return ack
@@ -401,7 +440,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) GetAcknowledgement(packet exported.PacketI) []byte {
 
 // GetPrefix returns the prefix for used by a chain in connection creation
 func (chain *TestChain) GetPrefix() commitmenttypes.MerklePrefix {
-	return commitmenttypes.NewMerklePrefix(chain.App.IBCKeeper.ConnectionKeeper.GetCommitmentPrefix().Bytes())
+	return commitmenttypes.NewMerklePrefix(chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ConnectionKeeper.GetCommitmentPrefix().Bytes())
 }
 
 // ConstructUpdateTMClientHeader will construct a valid 07-tendermint Header to update the
@@ -547,10 +586,10 @@ func MakeBlockID(hash []byte, partSetSize uint32, partSetHash []byte) tmtypes.Bl
 // Other applications must bind to the port in InitGenesis or modify this code.
 func (chain *TestChain) CreatePortCapability(scopedKeeper capabilitykeeper.ScopedKeeper, portID string) {
 	// check if the portId is already binded, if not bind it
-	_, ok := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
+	_, ok := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
 	if !ok {
 		// create capability using the IBC capability keeper
-		portCap, err := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.NewCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
+		portCap, err := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().NewCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
 		require.NoError(chain.t, err)
 
 		// claim capability using the scopedKeeper
@@ -564,7 +603,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) CreatePortCapability(scopedKeeper capabilitykeeper.Scope
 // GetPortCapability returns the port capability for the given portID. The capability must
 // exist, otherwise testing will fail.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetPortCapability(portID string) *capabilitytypes.Capability {
-	portCap, ok := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
+	portCap, ok := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.PortPath(portID))
 	require.True(chain.t, ok)
 
 	return portCap
@@ -576,9 +615,9 @@ func (chain *TestChain) GetPortCapability(portID string) *capabilitytypes.Capabi
 func (chain *TestChain) CreateChannelCapability(scopedKeeper capabilitykeeper.ScopedKeeper, portID, channelID string) {
 	capName := host.ChannelCapabilityPath(portID, channelID)
 	// check if the portId is already binded, if not bind it
-	_, ok := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), capName)
+	_, ok := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), capName)
 	if !ok {
-		portCap, err := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.NewCapability(chain.GetContext(), capName)
+		portCap, err := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().NewCapability(chain.GetContext(), capName)
 		require.NoError(chain.t, err)
 		err = scopedKeeper.ClaimCapability(chain.GetContext(), portCap, capName)
 		require.NoError(chain.t, err)
@@ -590,7 +629,7 @@ func (chain *TestChain) CreateChannelCapability(scopedKeeper capabilitykeeper.Sc
 // GetChannelCapability returns the channel capability for the given portID and channelID.
 // The capability must exist, otherwise testing will fail.
 func (chain *TestChain) GetChannelCapability(portID, channelID string) *capabilitytypes.Capability {
-	chanCap, ok := chain.App.ScopedIBCKeeper.GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.ChannelCapabilityPath(portID, channelID))
+	chanCap, ok := chain.App.GetScopedIBCKeeper().GetCapability(chain.GetContext(), host.ChannelCapabilityPath(portID, channelID))
 	require.True(chain.t, ok)
 
 	return chanCap
@@ -603,9 +642,9 @@ func (chain *TestChain) GetTimeoutHeight() clienttypes.Height {
 }
 
 func (chain *TestChain) Balance(acc sdk.AccAddress, denom string) sdk.Coin {
-	return chain.App.BankKeeper.GetBalance(chain.GetContext(), acc, denom)
+	return chain.App.GetBankKeeper().GetBalance(chain.GetContext(), acc, denom)
 }
 
 func (chain *TestChain) AllBalances(acc sdk.AccAddress) sdk.Coins {
-	return chain.App.BankKeeper.GetAllBalances(chain.GetContext(), acc)
+	return chain.App.GetBankKeeper().GetAllBalances(chain.GetContext(), acc)
 }
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/coordinator.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/coordinator.go
index 557db830..056bb8c9 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/coordinator.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/coordinator.go
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ func NewCoordinator(t *testing.T, n int, opts ...[]wasmkeeper.Option) *Coordinat
 		if len(opts) > (i - 1) {
 			x = opts[i-1]
 		}
-		chains[chainID] = NewTestChain(t, coord, chainID, x...)
+		chains[chainID] = NewDefaultTestChain(t, coord, chainID, x...)
 	}
 	coord.Chains = chains
 
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/endpoint.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/endpoint.go
index 4eb47baf..726aca22 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/endpoint.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/endpoint.go
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) UpgradeChain() error {
 	}
 
 	// update chain
-	baseapp.SetChainID(newChainID)(endpoint.Chain.App.BaseApp)
+	baseapp.SetChainID(newChainID)(endpoint.Chain.App.GetBaseApp())
 	endpoint.Chain.ChainID = newChainID
 	endpoint.Chain.CurrentHeader.ChainID = newChainID
 	endpoint.Chain.NextBlock() // commit changes
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) SendPacket(
 	channelCap := endpoint.Chain.GetChannelCapability(endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
 
 	// no need to send message, acting as a module
-	sequence, err := endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.SendPacket(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), channelCap, endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, timeoutHeight, timeoutTimestamp, data)
+	sequence, err := endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.SendPacket(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), channelCap, endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, timeoutHeight, timeoutTimestamp, data)
 	if err != nil {
 		return 0, err
 	}
@@ -501,7 +501,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) WriteAcknowledgement(ack exported.Acknowledgement, pac
 	channelCap := endpoint.Chain.GetChannelCapability(packet.GetDestPort(), packet.GetDestChannel())
 
 	// no need to send message, acting as a handler
-	err := endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.WriteAcknowledgement(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), channelCap, packet, ack)
+	err := endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.WriteAcknowledgement(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), channelCap, packet, ack)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -538,7 +538,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) TimeoutPacket(packet channeltypes.Packet) error {
 	}
 
 	proof, proofHeight := endpoint.Counterparty.QueryProof(packetKey)
-	nextSeqRecv, found := endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetNextSequenceRecv(endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
+	nextSeqRecv, found := endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetNextSequenceRecv(endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
 	require.True(endpoint.Chain.t, found)
 
 	timeoutMsg := channeltypes.NewMsgTimeout(
@@ -568,7 +568,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) TimeoutOnClose(packet channeltypes.Packet) error {
 	channelKey := host.ChannelKey(packet.GetDestPort(), packet.GetDestChannel())
 	proofClosed, _ := endpoint.Counterparty.QueryProof(channelKey)
 
-	nextSeqRecv, found := endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetNextSequenceRecv(endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
+	nextSeqRecv, found := endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetNextSequenceRecv(endpoint.Counterparty.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
 	require.True(endpoint.Chain.t, found)
 
 	timeoutOnCloseMsg := channeltypes.NewMsgTimeoutOnClose(
@@ -584,7 +584,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) SetChannelClosed() error {
 	channel := endpoint.GetChannel()
 
 	channel.State = channeltypes.CLOSED
-	endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.SetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, channel)
+	endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.SetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, channel)
 
 	endpoint.Chain.Coordinator.CommitBlock(endpoint.Chain)
 
@@ -599,7 +599,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetClientState() exported.ClientState {
 
 // SetClientState sets the client state for this endpoint.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) SetClientState(clientState exported.ClientState) {
-	endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ClientKeeper.SetClientState(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ClientID, clientState)
+	endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ClientKeeper.SetClientState(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ClientID, clientState)
 }
 
 // GetConsensusState retrieves the Consensus State for this endpoint at the provided height.
@@ -613,13 +613,13 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetConsensusState(height exported.Height) exported.Con
 
 // SetConsensusState sets the consensus state for this endpoint.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) SetConsensusState(consensusState exported.ConsensusState, height exported.Height) {
-	endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ClientKeeper.SetClientConsensusState(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ClientID, height, consensusState)
+	endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ClientKeeper.SetClientConsensusState(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ClientID, height, consensusState)
 }
 
 // GetConnection retrieves an IBC Connection for the endpoint. The
 // connection is expected to exist otherwise testing will fail.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetConnection() connectiontypes.ConnectionEnd {
-	connection, found := endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ConnectionKeeper.GetConnection(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ConnectionID)
+	connection, found := endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ConnectionKeeper.GetConnection(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ConnectionID)
 	require.True(endpoint.Chain.t, found)
 
 	return connection
@@ -627,13 +627,13 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetConnection() connectiontypes.ConnectionEnd {
 
 // SetConnection sets the connection for this endpoint.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) SetConnection(connection connectiontypes.ConnectionEnd) {
-	endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ConnectionKeeper.SetConnection(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ConnectionID, connection)
+	endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ConnectionKeeper.SetConnection(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ConnectionID, connection)
 }
 
 // GetChannel retrieves an IBC Channel for the endpoint. The channel
 // is expected to exist otherwise testing will fail.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetChannel() channeltypes.Channel {
-	channel, found := endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
+	channel, found := endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID)
 	require.True(endpoint.Chain.t, found)
 
 	return channel
@@ -641,7 +641,7 @@ func (endpoint *Endpoint) GetChannel() channeltypes.Channel {
 
 // SetChannel sets the channel for this endpoint.
 func (endpoint *Endpoint) SetChannel(channel channeltypes.Channel) {
-	endpoint.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.SetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, channel)
+	endpoint.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.SetChannel(endpoint.Chain.GetContext(), endpoint.ChannelConfig.PortID, endpoint.ChannelID, channel)
 }
 
 // QueryClientStateProof performs and abci query for a client stat associated
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/event_utils.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/event_utils.go
index a3769014..3ca72f8b 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/event_utils.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/event_utils.go
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ import (
 	channeltypes "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v7/modules/core/04-channel/types"
 )
 
-func getSendPackets(evts []abci.Event) []channeltypes.Packet {
+func GetSendPackets(evts []abci.Event) []channeltypes.Packet {
 	var res []channeltypes.Packet
 	for _, evt := range evts {
 		if evt.Type == channeltypes.EventTypeSendPacket {
-			packet := parsePacketFromEvent(evt)
+			packet := ParsePacketFromEvent(evt)
 			res = append(res, packet)
 		}
 	}
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ func getSendPackets(evts []abci.Event) []channeltypes.Packet {
 //	}
 //}
 
-func parsePacketFromEvent(evt abci.Event) channeltypes.Packet {
+func ParsePacketFromEvent(evt abci.Event) channeltypes.Packet {
 	return channeltypes.Packet{
 		Sequence:           getUintField(evt, channeltypes.AttributeKeySequence),
 		SourcePort:         getField(evt, channeltypes.AttributeKeySrcPort),
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/faucet.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/faucet.go
index 4de2c4e0..19b9a947 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/faucet.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/faucet.go
@@ -28,12 +28,12 @@ func (chain *TestChain) SendNonDefaultSenderMsgs(senderPrivKey cryptotypes.PrivK
 	chain.Coordinator.UpdateTimeForChain(chain)
 
 	addr := sdk.AccAddress(senderPrivKey.PubKey().Address().Bytes())
-	account := chain.App.AccountKeeper.GetAccount(chain.GetContext(), addr)
+	account := chain.App.GetAccountKeeper().GetAccount(chain.GetContext(), addr)
 	require.NotNil(chain.t, account)
 	_, r, err := app.SignAndDeliverWithoutCommit(
 		chain.t,
 		chain.TxConfig,
-		chain.App.BaseApp,
+		chain.App.GetBaseApp(),
 		chain.GetContext().BlockHeader(),
 		msgs,
 		chain.ChainID,
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/path.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/path.go
index c7f1af8f..5c39e361 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/path.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/path.go
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ func (path *Path) SetChannelOrdered() {
 // if EndpointA does not contain a packet commitment for that packet. An error is returned
 // if a relay step fails or the packet commitment does not exist on either endpoint.
 func (path *Path) RelayPacket(packet channeltypes.Packet, _ []byte) error {
-	pc := path.EndpointA.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetPacketCommitment(path.EndpointA.Chain.GetContext(), packet.GetSourcePort(), packet.GetSourceChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
+	pc := path.EndpointA.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetPacketCommitment(path.EndpointA.Chain.GetContext(), packet.GetSourcePort(), packet.GetSourceChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
 	if bytes.Equal(pc, channeltypes.CommitPacket(path.EndpointA.Chain.App.AppCodec(), packet)) {
 
 		// packet found, relay from A to B
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func (path *Path) RelayPacket(packet channeltypes.Packet, _ []byte) error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	pc = path.EndpointB.Chain.App.IBCKeeper.ChannelKeeper.GetPacketCommitment(path.EndpointB.Chain.GetContext(), packet.GetSourcePort(), packet.GetSourceChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
+	pc = path.EndpointB.Chain.App.GetIBCKeeper().ChannelKeeper.GetPacketCommitment(path.EndpointB.Chain.GetContext(), packet.GetSourcePort(), packet.GetSourceChannel(), packet.GetSequence())
 	if bytes.Equal(pc, channeltypes.CommitPacket(path.EndpointB.Chain.App.AppCodec(), packet)) {
 
 		// packet found, relay B to A
diff --git a/x/wasm/ibctesting/wasm.go b/x/wasm/ibctesting/wasm.go
index 53bd7dc5..1e6a300d 100644
--- a/x/wasm/ibctesting/wasm.go
+++ b/x/wasm/ibctesting/wasm.go
@@ -125,5 +125,5 @@ func (chain *TestChain) SmartQuery(contractAddr string, queryMsg interface{}, re
 
 // ContractInfo is a helper function to returns the ContractInfo for the given contract address
 func (chain *TestChain) ContractInfo(contractAddr sdk.AccAddress) *types.ContractInfo {
-	return chain.App.WasmKeeper.GetContractInfo(chain.GetContext(), contractAddr)
+	return chain.App.GetWasmKeeper().GetContractInfo(chain.GetContext(), contractAddr)
 }
diff --git a/x/wasm/relay_pingpong_test.go b/x/wasm/relay_pingpong_test.go
index ff52de3d..4ae022b1 100644
--- a/x/wasm/relay_pingpong_test.go
+++ b/x/wasm/relay_pingpong_test.go
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"testing"
 
+	app2 "github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/app"
+
 	ibctransfertypes "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v7/modules/apps/transfer/types"
 	ibctesting "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v7/testing"
 
@@ -306,7 +308,8 @@ func (p player) incrementCounter(key []byte, store wasmvm.KVStore) uint64 {
 }
 
 func (p player) QueryState(key []byte) uint64 {
-	raw := p.chain.App.WasmKeeper.QueryRaw(p.chain.GetContext(), p.contractAddr, key)
+	app := p.chain.App.(*app2.WasmApp)
+	raw := app.WasmKeeper.QueryRaw(p.chain.GetContext(), p.contractAddr, key)
 	return sdk.BigEndianToUint64(raw)
 }
 
diff --git a/x/wasm/relay_test.go b/x/wasm/relay_test.go
index 1017522d..81698f5a 100644
--- a/x/wasm/relay_test.go
+++ b/x/wasm/relay_test.go
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/app"
+
 	errorsmod "cosmossdk.io/errors"
 	"cosmossdk.io/math"
 	wasmvm "github.com/CosmWasm/wasmvm"
@@ -20,7 +22,7 @@ import (
 
 	wasmibctesting "github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/ibctesting"
 	wasmkeeper "github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/keeper"
-	wasmtesting "github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/keeper/wasmtesting"
+	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/keeper/wasmtesting"
 	"github.com/CosmWasm/wasmd/x/wasm/types"
 )
 
@@ -210,7 +212,7 @@ func TestContractCanInitiateIBCTransferMsg(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, 0, len(chainB.PendingSendPackets))
 
 	// and dest chain balance contains voucher
-	bankKeeperB := chainB.App.BankKeeper
+	bankKeeperB := chainB.App.(*app.WasmApp).BankKeeper
 	expBalance := ibctransfertypes.GetTransferCoin(path.EndpointB.ChannelConfig.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID, coinToSendToB.Denom, coinToSendToB.Amount)
 	gotBalance := chainB.Balance(chainB.SenderAccount.GetAddress(), expBalance.Denom)
 	assert.Equal(t, expBalance, gotBalance, "got total balance: %s", bankKeeperB.GetAllBalances(chainB.GetContext(), chainB.SenderAccount.GetAddress()))
@@ -285,7 +287,7 @@ func TestContractCanEmulateIBCTransferMessage(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, 0, len(chainB.PendingSendPackets))
 
 	// and dest chain balance contains voucher
-	bankKeeperB := chainB.App.BankKeeper
+	bankKeeperB := chainB.App.(*app.WasmApp).BankKeeper
 	expBalance := ibctransfertypes.GetTransferCoin(path.EndpointB.ChannelConfig.PortID, path.EndpointB.ChannelID, coinToSendToB.Denom, coinToSendToB.Amount)
 	gotBalance := chainB.Balance(chainB.SenderAccount.GetAddress(), expBalance.Denom)
 	assert.Equal(t, expBalance, gotBalance, "got total balance: %s", bankKeeperB.GetAllBalances(chainB.GetContext(), chainB.SenderAccount.GetAddress()))
@@ -712,7 +714,7 @@ func (c *ackReceiverContract) IBCPacketReceive(_ wasmvm.Checksum, _ wasmvmtypes.
 	// call original ibctransfer keeper to not copy all code into this
 	ibcPacket := toIBCPacket(packet)
 	ctx := c.chain.GetContext() // HACK: please note that this is not reverted after checkTX
-	err := c.chain.App.TransferKeeper.OnRecvPacket(ctx, ibcPacket, src)
+	err := c.chain.App.(*app.WasmApp).TransferKeeper.OnRecvPacket(ctx, ibcPacket, src)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, 0, errorsmod.Wrap(err, "within our smart contract")
 	}
@@ -737,7 +739,7 @@ func (c *ackReceiverContract) IBCPacketAck(_ wasmvm.Checksum, _ wasmvmtypes.Env,
 	// call original ibctransfer keeper to not copy all code into this
 	ctx := c.chain.GetContext() // HACK: please note that this is not reverted after checkTX
 	ibcPacket := toIBCPacket(msg.OriginalPacket)
-	err := c.chain.App.TransferKeeper.OnAcknowledgementPacket(ctx, ibcPacket, data, ack)
+	err := c.chain.App.(*app.WasmApp).TransferKeeper.OnAcknowledgementPacket(ctx, ibcPacket, data, ack)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, 0, errorsmod.Wrap(err, "within our smart contract")
 	}