Base Rolls Out B20 Standard to Simplify Native Asset Issuance

The B20 standard, which went live at 6:00 pm UTC following the Beryl network upgrade, offers two distinct token formats. The stablecoin version utilizes a fixed six-decimal structure linked to fiat denominations like the US dollar or euro, while the general asset version provides flexibility between six and 18 decimal places. Crucially, the framework integrates built-in issuer controls, including minting, burning, and transfer restrictions, alongside compliance features such as seizure and freeze capabilities for regulated entities.

Despite the shift to native infrastructure, Base confirmed that B20 remains fully compatible with the ERC-20 specification and supports ERC-2612 permit functionality. This ensures that current ecosystem tools, including indexers and exchanges, require no modifications to support the new assets. The launch arrives on the heels of the Beryl upgrade, which also reduced withdrawal times to Ethereum from seven to five days and implemented Reth V2 to optimize node storage. These developments follow a volatile period for the network, which endured consecutive sequencer outages in late June that temporarily halted block production, prompting creator Jesse Pollak to address the instability of the infrastructure.