diff --git a/docker/docker-compose.regtest.yml b/docker/docker-compose.regtest.yml
index 477082e..0f9d228 100644
--- a/docker/docker-compose.regtest.yml
+++ b/docker/docker-compose.regtest.yml
@@ -96,6 +96,10 @@ services:
           echo "Waiting for bitcoind..."
           sleep 5
         done
+        # Ensure a wallet is loaded (-generate requires one)
+        bitcoin-cli -regtest -rpcconnect=bitcoind createwallet default 2>/dev/null \
+          || bitcoin-cli -regtest -rpcconnect=bitcoind loadwallet default 2>/dev/null \
+          || true
         echo "bitcoind ready, starting mining loop"
         while true; do
           bitcoin-cli -regtest -rpcconnect=bitcoind -generate 1 > /dev/null 2>&1 && echo "Mined block $(bitcoin-cli -regtest -rpcconnect=bitcoind getblockcount)"