Ethereum and Base Split on Account Abstraction Standards

Published: 2026-09-15 14:18:39 |

Ethereum and Base have abandoned efforts to create a shared Account Abstraction (AA) standard, according to Ethlabs researcher and EIP-8141 co-author Derek Chiang. Ethereum is advancing EIP-8141, known as Frame Transactions, as a priority for the Hegotá upgrade. Base is developing EIP-8130, or Keystore, which is already running on a devnet. The split reflects different network priorities. Ethereum, as a Layer 1, is focusing on security, censorship resistance, decentralisation and privacy. Base, as a Layer 2, is placing greater emphasis on scalability and user experience. Separate Account Abstraction standards could accelerate innovation, but may also fragment wallet infrastructure. Wallet developers may need to support different transaction formats to provide seamless access across Ethereum and Base. Compatibility issues could grow if Arbitrum and Optimism adopt separate approaches. Support from major wallets, including MetaMask, Rainbow and WalletConnect, will be important. Ethereum’s Hegotá upgrade is expected to follow Glamsterdam, with implementation potentially beginning in the second half of 2026. For ETH traders, the Account Abstraction split is primarily a long-term infrastructure and interoperability issue, rather than an immediate market catalyst. Traders should monitor Layer 2 adoption, wallet compatibility and market sentiment around competing AA standards.

Neutral

The expected direct price impact on ETH is neutral. The split between Ethereum’s EIP-8141 and Base’s EIP-8130 does not immediately change transaction demand, network security or token economics. As a result, short-term ETH trading is more likely to be driven by broader market conditions, upgrade expectations and liquidity than by this announcement. Over the longer term, separate Account Abstraction standards could create wallet fragmentation and increase development costs. That may slow cross-chain adoption and weigh on user sentiment if compatibility problems emerge. Conversely, competition could improve account abstraction, wallet usability and Layer 2 growth. Strong support from major wallets and rising adoption could eventually benefit Ethereum’s ecosystem and ETH sentiment. Historical reactions to infrastructure announcements suggest limited immediate price movement, with market impact developing only when implementation milestones, adoption data or major integration decisions become visible.