BNB Mainnet Fourier Hardfork Update
We are sharing an update with the Venus community regarding the upcoming BNB Mainnet Fourier Hardfork, which is expected to reduce the block interval from 0.75 seconds to 0.45 seconds.
The Fourier Hardfork is scheduled to be activated on Jan-14-2026 at 02:30:00 AM (UTC).
Reference: Release v1.6.4 · bnb-chain/bsc · GitHub
This hardfork is part of the BNB Chain roadmap and includes protocol upgrades aimed at improving block production speed and network stability. This post outlines the scope of protocol parameters that are expected to be affected by the block interval change and the corresponding updates Venus plans to make, subject to approval via a VIP.
1. Background
Block interval is a fundamental network parameter that affects how time-based values are calculated on-chain. Many protocol mechanics within Venus rely on assumptions about how frequently blocks are produced.
When the block interval changes, parameters that are calculated on a per-block basis must be adjusted to ensure that their real-world time behaviour remains consistent.
With the Fourier Hardfork reducing BNB Chain’s block interval from 0.75 seconds to 0.45 seconds, Venus plans to review and update affected parameters accordingly.
2. Hardfork Overview
The BNB Mainnet Fourier Hardfork is included in BSC release v1.6.4 and introduces two BEPs focused on block production and consensus stability:
-
BEP-619: Short Block Interval Phase Three (0.45 seconds)
Further reduces block time to improve throughput and responsiveness.
-
BEP-590: Extended Voting Rules for Fast Finality Stability
Introduces adjustments to voting rules to support network stability under faster block production.
These changes collectively alter block timing assumptions used by on-chain applications.
3. Parameters Affected
Similar to previous BNB Chain hardforks, several Venus protocol parameters that rely on block-based calculations are expected to be affected by this upgrade.
3.1 Reward Distribution Parameters
Parameters responsible for distributing rewards on a per-block basis will be updated to account for the increased number of blocks produced over the same period of time.
Examples include:
setRewardAmountPerBlockOrSecond
The objective is to maintain the same reward distribution rate over real time, despite the change in block interval.
3.2 Interest Rate–Related Parameters
Interest rate calculations that depend on block-based assumptions may require updates to preserve existing supply and borrow behaviour over time.
These adjustments are intended to maintain continuity in the protocol’s economic model rather than introduce changes to interest rate dynamics.
3.3 Other Time-Dependent Parameters
Any additional parameters that rely on block frequency for accrual, timing, or accounting purposes will be reviewed and updated where necessary to remain consistent with the new block interval.
4. Execution Plan
Venus plans to apply the relevant parameter updates BEFORE the Fourier Hardfork, once the corresponding VIP is approved.
These updates are expected to be mechanical in nature, reflecting the block interval change, without modifying the underlying incentive or risk framework of the protocol.
5. Summary
- BNB Mainnet Fourier Hardfork reduces block interval from 0.75s to 0.45s, Scheduled for Jan-14-2026 at 02:30:00 AM (UTC).
- Certain per-block and time-based parameters will be reviewed and updated.
- Updates are intended to preserve existing real-time behavior. Final execution is subject to VIP approval.
This post outlines the proposed scope for updating parameters affected by the BNB Chain Fourier Hardfork on Venus.
We welcome community feedback on this approach ahead of proposing it formally through a VIP vote.