Key Highlights
- BNB Chain plans to double BSC throughput again after reaching 5,200 TPS in H1 2026.
- A next-generation Layer 1 targeting 100,000+ TPS and sub-50ms pre-confirmation is scheduled for testnet by late 2026.
- Native privacy, account abstraction, AI-powered security, and post-quantum cryptography are central to the roadmap.
BNB Chain has unveiled its H2 2026 technical roadmap, outlining plans to evolve the network into infrastructure designed to support artificial intelligence, stablecoins, tokenized assets, and next-generation financial applications.
According to the roadmap released on Wednesday, the plans build on the performance improvements delivered during the first half of 2026 and come as blockchain networks increasingly compete to attract banks, payment providers, and real-world asset (RWA) issuers.
Rather than focusing solely on transaction speed, BNB Chain’s next phase centers on building infrastructure for what it describes as the next stage of blockchain adoption.
What changed in H1
BNB Chain said a series of protocol upgrades implemented during the first half of 2026 significantly improved network performance and stability. Compared with January 2026, block intervals were reduced from 750 milliseconds to 450 milliseconds, while memory finality fell from 1,125 milliseconds to 650 milliseconds. Benchmark throughput also increased from around 2,800 transactions per second (TPS) to approximately 5,200 TPS.
The network added that the Osaka/Mendel hard fork reduced blockchain reorganizations on BNB Smart Chain, contributing to improved network stability. According to BNB Chain, these gains were driven by several protocol enhancements, including Block-Level Access Lists (BAL), Incremental Snapshots, EVM SuperInstruction optimization, and extended voting rules designed to accelerate finality.
The network also noted that its Rust client now supports Reth v2.0, delivering roughly double the previous execution performance.
What’s coming next
After nearly doubling throughput during the first half of 2026, BNB Chain is targeting another major performance boost in H2. The network said its primary goal is to double mainnet throughput once again, while advancing toward a long-term objective of achieving a 10x improvement across the broader BNB Chain ecosystem.
To support that effort, developers are preparing to implement BEP-675 alongside additional execution optimizations aimed at increasing block processing capacity.
The roadmap also includes dedicated execution lanes that isolate applications from one another, helping prevent congestion caused by individual protocols. In addition, developers are testing FOCIL-inspired transaction inclusion and BAL-based parallel execution to further reduce latency during periods of high network demand.
Beyond performance upgrades, BNB Chain plans to introduce industry-specific gas pricing tailored for enterprise and institutional applications instead of applying lower fees across the entire network.
Native stablecoin infrastructure becomes a priority
Beyond scaling performance, the roadmap places new emphasis on regulated financial infrastructure. BNB Chain said it is actively developing new token standards to simplify stablecoin issuance while also researching institutional-grade privacy frameworks capable of meeting compliance requirements.
The initiative builds on BNB Chain’s growing focus on digital payments. Earlier this year, the network urged users to prioritize self-custody as Europe’s MiCA framework tightened exchange regulations, arguing that direct asset ownership remains fundamental as crypto regulation evolves.
The latest roadmap expands that strategy by positioning stablecoins as a core component of future enterprise adoption.
Building a new layer 1
Alongside improvements to BNB Smart Chain, developers are building an entirely new Layer 1 blockchain expected to enter testnet later this year.
The proposed architecture targets:
- 100,000+ TPS
- Sub-50 millisecond transaction pre-confirmation
- Less than one-second finality
- No public mempool through TxStream
- Native confidential transactions
- Priority execution lanes for oracles, bridges, and liquidations
- Comprehensive account abstraction with gas sponsorship and passkey authentication
The network aims to support one million TPS over its lifetime. Testnet deployment is planned for late 2026, with mainnet expected during early 2027.
AI security and post-quantum cryptography
Another major focus is preparing blockchain infrastructure for emerging technologies. BNB Chain plans to integrate AI-powered security systems capable of detecting threats while also expanding technical support for projects building tokenized assets, DeFi protocols, and stablecoin infrastructure.
At the same time, developers are researching post-quantum cryptography, warning that quantum computing could eventually threaten today’s encryption standards. Rather than replacing existing cryptography immediately, BNB Chain is testing hybrid security models that combine today’s cryptographic techniques with quantum-resistant algorithms.
Developers also said account abstraction could allow users to upgrade to quantum-safe wallets without changing blockchain addresses or disrupting existing applications.
Broader strategy reflects institutional shift
The roadmap continues a broader strategy that has become increasingly visible throughout 2026. BNB Chain has steadily expanded beyond retail DeFi by promoting self-custody, investing in regulated payment infrastructure, and positioning itself as a blockchain capable of supporting institutional finance.
The approach also mirrors wider industry trends. Earlier this year, World Liberty Financial launched its USD1 stablecoin natively on the Stripe-backed Tempo Layer 1, highlighting how blockchain networks are increasingly competing to become the settlement layer for regulated digital payments.
Meanwhile, Algorand recently called for industry-wide collaboration on post-quantum security standards, arguing that blockchain ecosystems should develop interoperable quantum-resistant wallet frameworks rather than isolated solutions.
BNB Chain’s latest roadmap places it among networks focusing on performance upgrades, stablecoin infrastructure, AI integration, privacy, and quantum-resistant security as competition for institutional blockchain adoption continues to grow.
Also read: Vitalik Buterin Unveils Lean Ethereum Roadmap for Next Era
