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Base is set to activate its B20 token standard on mainnet, opening a native issuance framework for stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets and other fungible tokens.
The activation registry is scheduled to open on July 8 at 6 p.m. UTC, after the standard was introduced through Base’s Beryl upgrade.
Developers Can Issue B20 Tokens Once Registry Opens
Base documentation says developers can begin creating B20 tokens once the activation registry is enabled. B20 is an ERC-20-compatible standard that runs through Base precompiles, rather than through a separate token smart contract deployed by each issuer.
Issuers can create tokens by calling Base’s B20 Factory instead of building and auditing a custom ERC-20 contract. Base says B20 tokens remain compatible with wallets, exchanges, explorers, indexers and onchain protocols that already support ERC-20 assets.
B20 Launches With Asset and Stablecoin Variants
The first version supports two token variants. The asset variant is built for general fungible assets, including tokenized real-world assets, tokenized equities and on-chain-native tokens. It allows issuers to set decimals between six and 18.
The stablecoin variant is built for fiat-backed tokens. It uses fixed six-decimal precision and requires an issuer-defined currency code, such as USD or EUR.
Standard Adds Minting and Transfer Controls
B20 includes issuer tools that regulated token projects often build into custom contracts. Those controls include role-based permissions, minting, burning, pausing, optional supply caps, transfer policies and transaction memos.
Base also says policy tools can authorize transfers by sender, receiver and executor. The standard also supports burning the balance of a policy-blocked address, giving issuers a freeze-and-seize path used by some regulated asset and stablecoin providers.
Beryl Cuts Base Withdrawal Delay to Five Days
B20 is part of Base’s wider Beryl upgrade. The upgrade also reduces the normal Base-to-Ethereum withdrawal delay from seven days to five days. It also adds Reth V2 changes intended to improve node performance and scaling capacity.
Base says users do not need to take action for the Beryl changes. Developers can begin testing or issuing B20 tokens once the registry shows the relevant asset or stablecoin variant as active.
