IOST

IOST is a scalability-focused blockchain project aimed at building high TPS blockchain infrastructure to meet the security and scalability needs of a decentralized economy.^[1][2]

Overview

IOST is a blockchain project focused on high-throughput infrastructure. Its Olympus v1.0 mainnet launched on February 25, 2019, after which ERC-20 tokens were swapped for IOST mainnet tokens.^[7]

On March 15, 2025, IOST announced that its IOST 3.0 BNB Chain-based Layer 2 mainnet was operational. The project describes this as part of a strategic shift toward real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, PayFi and payments, and identity infrastructure, while retaining its original Layer 1.^[8][9]

History

IOST launched its Olympus v1.0 mainnet on February 25, 2019. The launch followed its earlier ERC-20 token issuance; ERC-20 tokens were swapped to mainnet tokens after launch.^[7]

In December 2024, IOST described a strategic transition to a BNB Chain-based Layer 2 focused on PayFi, including proposed payment, identity, and cross-chain infrastructure.^[9] On March 15, 2025, it announced that the IOST 3.0 mainnet was operational, introducing a new IOST Layer 2 and an RWA tokenization and liquidity engine. The announcement named BNB Chain support and partners DigiFT, Aspecta, and Paimon, and confirmed a token snapshot.^[8]

IOST's July 8, 2026 first-half recap described upgrades to iWallet Pro, Ivem SDK, and IOSTSCAN, one-click account creation, and the launch of betoniost, a World Cup prediction platform. IOST reported that its explorer showed more than 1.03 billion cumulative transactions, over 1.23 million mainnet accounts, a block height of 458 million, and 1,446 deployed contracts.^[10]

On October 19, 2026, IOST announced that all mainnet consensus nodes had completed a mandatory v4.0.0 upgrade. The release improved transaction-processing consistency, smart-contract execution stability, node reliability, and network rules.^[11]

On September 8, 2026, the IOST Foundation reported permanently burning 70 million IOST from its legacy ERC-20 issuance.^[12]

Consensus Algorithm

IOST uses Proof-of-Believability (PoB) consensus, which combines Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) with a non-tradeable reputation score known as Servi. IOST's current security materials describe its consensus as dynamically enhanced PoB.^[13]

There are 3 types of Nodes on the IOST blockchain :

Regular Node: Anyone running a single shard node. The role of a Regular Node is to sample and verify transactions processed by Trusted Nodes within their shards.

Full Node: Anyone running a node in all shards. Full Nodes cannot mint new blocks and do not receive Servi (Reputation Points). Full Nodes become Trusted Nodes when they receive more than 2.1 million IOST votes.

Trusted Node: Trusted Nodes are Full Nodes which receive greater than 2.1 million IOST votes. Trusted Nodes are able to receive Servi (Reputation points) for each transaction processed and are able to mint blocks. There is no limit to the number of Trusted Nodes.^[5][6][7]

Technology and Architecture

IOST describes its current consensus as dynamically enhanced Proof-of-Believability. Its security documentation also describes a modular subchain architecture. Permissioned subchains use node vetting and reputation scoring.^[13]

The IOST 3.0 transition introduced a BNB Chain-based Layer 2. IOST described a proposed payment, identity, and cross-chain architecture as part of its PayFi strategy, and announced an RWA tokenization and liquidity engine with the operational mainnet.^[9][8]

Products

IOST announced the Signet application for Android and iOS on November 6, 2025. Its announced features included device management, biometric identity features, and reward tracking.^[14]

In February 2026, IOST described expanding Signet features and launching RWA-focused products as priorities, alongside expanding its communities into new regions.^[15] IOST's July 2026 recap also reported upgrades to iWallet Pro, Ivem SDK, and IOSTSCAN, the addition of one-click account creation, and the launch of betoniost, a World Cup prediction platform.^[10]

Tokenomics

IOST's published economic model distinguishes two figures of approximately 21.32 billion tokens: approximately 21.32 billion IOST described as circulating at the L1 mainnet launch, and a separate issuance of 21.32 billion IOST specified for the BSC L2 launch. These are launch-related figures and do not establish a verified current circulating supply. The model allocates 97% of newly issued tokens for community use and lists allocation categories and vesting schedules.^[16]

Funding

In June 2025, IOST raised $21 million in a strategic round led by DWF Labs, Presto, and Rollman Management Group. CoinDesk reported that the funding was intended to expand RWA infrastructure and product development.^[17]