BNB Chain has announced a new initiative: it is developing an entirely new Layer 1, internally codenamed New L1, which will run alongside the existing BSC.
◆ What is the new chain?
In short, this is a high-performance, EVM-compatible public blockchain built for low-latency use cases. Its key features include sub-second finality, native account abstraction, transaction pre-confirmations, reserved capacity across multiple lanes, and an on-chain privacy pool. Its target use cases are clear: high-frequency trading, payments, and automated applications—all things BSC currently struggles to handle.
◆ Key point: No new token
The new chain will not issue its own token. Transaction fees, staking, and governance will all continue to use BNB. The two chains will be connected by a native cross-chain bridge. CZ put it simply: "Multiple chains, one coin."
◆ Why do this?
Two reasons. First, BSC has its limits, no matter how capable it is. Its throughput and latency can’t handle high-frequency payment use cases, while Solana and Ethereum L2s are all competing on performance. BNB Chain can’t rely solely on the existing DEX activity. Second, this sets an ambitious tone for the H2 roadmap: double mainnet throughput again, with a 10x target in sight. The new L1 is the key vehicle for that ambition.
◆ Timeline
According to the official plan, the new L1 testnet will launch by the end of 2026, with the mainnet following in early 2027. BSC also has the Jenner hard fork activating in late October, adding Payment Lane and millisecond-level timestamps—a way to lay the groundwork for the new architecture.
◆ My take
The strategic intent is clear: use “one coin, multiple chains” to concentrate more value capture in BNB. If one chain isn’t enough, build more—but route each layer’s gas fees, staking, and governance back to BNB. Not issuing a new token means no dilution. It’s a smarter design than simply launching another chain.
In the short term, this is positive for sentiment and gives BNB a new story to tell. In the medium term, it comes down to whether the new L1 can actually support payments and high-frequency use cases, and whether the BSC ecosystem expands along with it. In the long term, execution matters more than the slide deck. Getting the testnet online on schedule is the first test.
In a nutshell: CZ isn’t launching a new token this time—he wants to make BNB the universal fuel for the multichain era. We’ll see how compelling the story is when the mainnet launches next year.
What do you think—can BNB’s “one coin, multiple chains” approach outperform Solana and Ethereum L2s? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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