Base has rolled out Cobalt on mainnet, marking the third major upgrade for the Coinbase-incubated Ethereum Layer 2 network. The release focuses on two areas: giving users more control over when transactions can be processed and adding new administrative and compliance tools for token issuers using Base’s B20 standard.
The update introduces a transaction format called Validity Transactions and expands the network’s token-management features with policy composition, scheduled display changes, and a balance reassignment function that records an onchain explanation.
Conditional transactions go live on Base
The central trading-related addition in Cobalt is Validity Transactions, which are designed to let users submit transactions that only become eligible for inclusion when predefined conditions are satisfied. Base said the user sets those conditions and signs the transaction in advance.
The feature is intended to support more customized execution. In the example described by Base, a trader could prepare a swap that stays inactive until an asset reaches a chosen price, while also attaching an expiry time so the transaction becomes invalid after a certain deadline. Base also said these submissions can remain private until they are included onchain.
B20 token standard gains new issuer tools
Cobalt also updates B20, Base’s native token standard for asset issuers. One of the new features, Composite Policies, allows issuers to combine different compliance requirements using logical conditions. Base said those requirements can include know-your-customer allowlists, accreditation rules, and sanctions blocklists.
According to Base, that structure could help tokenized financial products rely on multiple compliance providers without forcing issuers to maintain duplicate lists. The upgrade also adds the ability to schedule changes to a token’s display multiplier, which Base said could be used for corporate actions such as stock splits while leaving underlying balances unchanged.
Another new function, called seizeWithMemo, allows authorized administrators of supported tokens to reassign balances and attach an onchain explanation for the transfer.
Part of a broader infrastructure push
The Cobalt release aligns with Base’s wider effort to present the network as infrastructure for more than crypto trading and payments. The new B20 controls are aimed at companies managing tokenized assets, while the transaction changes are geared toward users who want more precise execution rules.
Base was launched by Coinbase in 2023 and initially built on the Optimism technology stack used by other Ethereum Layer 2 networks. In February 2026, Coinbase said it planned to move the network to its own bespoke technology, and Cobalt adds another round of changes to the network in its current form.
What comes next
Base said further upgrades are planned over the coming months. Those plans include reducing block times from two seconds to 200 milliseconds, adding protocol-level smart account functionality, and introducing additional Ethereum Virtual Machine improvements.
Separately, Coinbase said last year that it is considering launching a native token for Base. No further details were provided in the source article on timing or whether that plan has changed.
Source: news.bitcoin.com