Crypto News
BNB Chain is developing a new Layer 1 alongside BNB Smart Chain, while ASTER has launched a separate trading-focused network backed by YZi Labs. The proposed BNB network targets 200-millisecond blocks, 20-millisecond transaction pre-confirmations and sub-second finality, with a testnet planned for late 2026 and mainnet targeted for early 2027. ASTER Chain launched on March 17, 2026, with a stated throughput target above 100,000 transactions per second and median block times of 50 milliseconds.
Why it matters
The two networks show how CZ's ecosystem strategy is moving toward specialized infrastructure rather than a single chain serving every use case. The proposed BNB Layer 1 is designed for latency-sensitive applications including high-frequency trading, on-chain order books and real-time payments. ASTER is more narrowly focused on on-chain trading, with encrypted order flow and privacy features intended to limit public visibility into traders' positions and orders.
BNB is expected to remain the native asset for fees and staking on the proposed network. CZ described the direction in an X post as "Multiple chains, one coins," pointing to a model in which additional networks expand BNB utility instead of introducing a new native asset for each chain. YZi Labs' backing of ASTER adds another connected but distinct layer to the ecosystem, without implying direct control of the project by CZ.
Market impact
A shared BNB asset could make it easier for users and applications to move across specialized networks without adopting a separate token for every chain. If the new L1 attracts trading, payments and privacy-related applications, that could broaden the range of activity linked to BNB Chain.
The trade-off is fragmentation. Multiple chains can divide liquidity, developers and users when their applications overlap, and a common token does not guarantee that activity on a new network will create additional BNB demand. The late-2026 testnet and early-2027 mainnet targets will provide the next concrete milestones for the proposal, while ASTER's live network offers an earlier test of specialized trading infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
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Why is BNB Chain developing another Layer 1 alongside BNB Smart Chain?
The proposed network is designed for latency-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading, on-chain order books and real-time payments. It is intended to operate alongside BNB Smart Chain rather than replace it.
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What performance targets does the proposed BNB Layer 1 have?
The network targets 200-millisecond blocks, 20-millisecond transaction pre-confirmations and sub-second finality. Its public testnet is planned for late 2026.
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How does ASTER Chain differ from the proposed BNB network?
ASTER Chain is already live and focuses more narrowly on on-chain trading, encrypted order flow and privacy. The proposed BNB network is intended to support trading, payments and other latency-sensitive applications.
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What role would BNB play across the new network?
BNB is expected to serve as the native asset for transaction fees and staking. The model would extend BNB utility across multiple networks instead of introducing a separate native asset for each one.
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What is the main risk of expanding the BNB ecosystem across multiple chains?
Multiple networks can divide liquidity, developer attention and user activity when their applications overlap. A shared BNB token alone does not guarantee that new-chain activity will increase BNB demand.
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