Base activates its Beryl network upgrade on mainnet June 25, introducing a native token standard designed for stablecoins and real-world assets. The update aims to lower transaction costs and streamline infrastructure for institutional adoption.
The centerpiece is B20, a token standard embedded directly into node software rather than relying on conventional smart contracts. B20 maintains full ERC-20 compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with existing wallets and exchanges. It includes an audited issuer toolkit featuring minting controls, transfer restrictions, and compliance mechanisms essential for regulated finance.
Two B20 variants will launch immediately. The Asset version supports general issuance with rebasing capabilities, while the Stablecoin version offers six-decimal precision specifically for fiat-backed instruments. Base projects this native execution will eventually reduce transfer costs by 50% and double network throughput.
Beryl also reduces the standard withdrawal delay from Base to Ethereum from seven days to five. This adjustment balances security with capital efficiency for the single-proof process. Additionally, the Reth V2 implementation optimizes disk usage and state root calculations, allowing higher block gas limits without straining node infrastructure.
Node operators must update software before activation. The subsequent Cobalt upgrade is scheduled for September and is expected to introduce native account abstraction alongside unified node binaries.