Base Unveils Cobalt Upgrade with Validity Transactions and Enhanced Token Standard

Base, an Ethereum layer-2 network, has rolled out its Cobalt upgrade on mainnet. This is the third major update for the network and focuses on giving traders more control over transactions while providing issuers with new tools for managing tokenized assets.

The centerpiece of the upgrade is Validity Transactions, which allows users to submit time-bound transactions that stay dormant until certain on-chain conditions are met. For example, a trader could submit a swap that only activates if an asset hits a certain price before a set deadline.

Cobalt also expands the B20 token standard, allowing issuers to combine existing allowlists and blocklists using OR or AND logic. This feature is called Composite Policies, and it enables funds to require buyers to pass KYC checks and appear on their own accreditation lists.