BNB Chain launches BEP-640: a new tool to balance performance and stability

The blockchain has always faced a classic dilemma: speed versus security. BNB Chain has just introduced a pragmatic response through BEP-640, a proposal that introduces an optional and configurable gas limit for transactions on BSC (BNB Smart Chain).

What problem does BEP-640 solve?

With 58 million active monthly wallet addresses as of September 2025, BNB Chain has surpassed Solana in adoption, but this scale also puts pressure on the infrastructure. Transactions that consume too much gas can slow down block production and increase reorganization rates, affecting the user experience.

Instead of imposing rigid rules, BEP-640 allows each validator and node operator to choose their own gas consumption threshold. This flexibility means that those with high-performance infrastructure can maintain generous limits, while others prioritize stability with stricter controls.

Impact on the ecosystem and node operators

BEP-640’s decentralized approach contrasts with the strategy of other networks. Ethereum implemented EIP-7825 with strict protocol-level limits, preparing for parallel execution. BNB Chain, on the other hand, opts for voluntary adoption, allowing operators to control their own capacities.

This tactic is especially relevant considering that BSC maintains transaction fees between $0.05 and $0.20, significantly lower than Ethereum’s average of $0.44(. The cost advantage is now combined with better resource management.

The BNB Chain ecosystem continues to expand: Total Value Locked has reached $17.1 billion across platforms like PancakeSwap, with activity in DeFi, Gaming, and AI. BEP-640 is part of a series of optimizations including the Fermi Hard Fork scheduled for January 14, 2026, which promises faster blocks and improved EVM performance.

The way forward

The success of BEP-640 will depend on how many validators voluntarily adopt this measure and the measurable impact on performance metrics. What is clear is that BNB Chain is building a more resilient infrastructure without sacrificing its decentralized nature.

In a market where blockchains fiercely compete for efficiency and scalability, initiatives like BEP-640 demonstrate that technical innovation remains the key differentiator. BNB Chain not only aims to maintain its position as one of the leading Layer 1 networks but also to strengthen the foundations on which its future growth rests.