Summary
- BNB Chain intends to introduce a new layer-1 blockchain focusing on high-frequency trading and AI-powered transactions.
- The developers aim for the network to achieve over 100,000 transactions per second, with sub-second finality and a testnet launch expected by late 2026.
- Future enhancements will incorporate AI agent functionalities, privacy enhancements, and research into quantum-resistant security measures.
While AI agents may soon be capable of trading cryptocurrencies, BNB Chain asserts that current blockchains are not adequately equipped for this shift.
On Wednesday, BNB Chain revealed its plans to develop a new layer-1 blockchain designed to facilitate high-frequency trading, automated transactions, and AI-driven operations at speeds comparable to those in traditional financial markets. According to the developers, this new network will coexist with the existing BNB Chain rather than replace it.
Outlined in its H2 2026 technical roadmap, the testnet for the new platform is anticipated to launch by late 2026, with a mainnet rollout expected in early 2027.
“Six months prior, BNB Chain identified three key objectives for BSC: speed, throughput, and protocol stability,” the developers stated. “This roadmap opens with the receipts and closes with what comes next—a second half focused on doubling performance again, and an architecture designed for the decade ahead.”
BNB Chain has announced that the new network is designed to eventually process over 100,000 transactions per second by enabling multiple transactions to be processed simultaneously and enhancing data storage and verification methods. The developers aim to confirm transactions in under 50 milliseconds and finalize blocks in less than one second.
A significant feature of this new layer-one blockchain is TxStream, which eliminates the public mempool where pending transactions are typically visible, directing transactions straight to block leaders to minimize latency and reduce front-running risks.
BNB Chain reported that enhancements to BNB Smart Chain in the first half of 2026 reduced block intervals from 750 milliseconds to 450 milliseconds and increased throughput from about 2,800 transactions per second to 5,200. The focus of the next phase will be to further boost throughput and alleviate congestion among applications.
In addition to speed enhancements, BNB Chain is exploring quantum-resistant security measures as a proactive approach to future threats posed by quantum computing.
The developers are investigating methods to implement quantum-safe protections through account abstraction, enabling users to upgrade their security without needing to change wallet addresses. This initiative is still in the research phase.
BNB Chain's research on quantum security is centered on safeguarding against potential future threats from advanced quantum computers that could decrypt data collected today. The developers are testing hybrid security measures and methods for users to adopt quantum-safe protections without altering their wallet addresses.
“There's no finish line here. Quantum computing will continue to evolve, and so will our testing and research,” they noted. “The goal is that when it matures, BNB Chain's infrastructure will already be prepared.”
BNB Chain has not yet responded to a request for comments from Decrypt.
This announcement coincides with a trend among crypto and tech firms working on infrastructure for AI agents capable of executing transactions and managing funds autonomously.
In March, Tempo, backed by Stripe, launched its payments-oriented layer-1 blockchain alongside the Machine Payments Protocol, an open standard for transactions between AI agents and online services.
That same month, MoonPay introduced the Open Wallet Standard, a framework developed with input from contributors such as PayPal, Ethereum Foundation, Solana Foundation, Ripple, and others to allow AI agents to manage funds and conduct transactions across multiple blockchains.
In May, Amazon Web Services collaborated with Coinbase and Stripe to launch Amazon Bedrock AgentCore Payments, enabling AI agents to use USDC stablecoins for payments related to APIs, data feeds, and online services. In June, Coinbase unveiled Coinbase for Agents, a tool allowing AI agents to trade cryptocurrencies, make payments, and manage portfolios within user-defined parameters.