Arthur Hayes' Crypto Portfolio
Arthur Hayes, the co-founder and former CEO of BitMEX, has revealed that Zcash (ZEC) is his second-largest crypto holding, right after Bitcoin (BTC). Known for his bold takes and market insights, Hayes’ statement is drawing fresh attention to ZEC — a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that’s been under the radar in recent years.
While Bitcoin remains his top asset, Hayes’ endorsement of ZEC suggests he sees potential in privacy coins, especially in a future where digital privacy could become increasingly valuable. With growing global surveillance and tightening regulations, Zcash’s focus on protecting user data might be a key reason behind his confidence.
- •Arthur Hayes holds ZEC as his second-largest crypto asset.
- •He ranks ZEC just behind Bitcoin in his portfolio.
- •His support may spark renewed interest in privacy coins.
Why Zcash: The Privacy Edge
Zcash is a decentralized blockchain that enables shielded transactions using zero-knowledge proofs. This means users can choose to keep transaction amounts and recipient addresses private — a feature not found in Bitcoin’s transparent ledger.
Hayes’ interest in ZEC likely stems from the belief that financial privacy will be a growing concern in the years to come. As more countries roll out central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and track financial transactions, privacy-preserving cryptos like ZEC could offer a valuable alternative.
Moreover, Zcash has a limited supply of 21 million coins — just like Bitcoin — making it a potentially scarce and valuable asset in the long run.
INSIGHT: Arthur Hayes says $ZEC is his second-largest holding after $BTC. pic.twitter.com/2otQByxYCf
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 8, 2025
Could Hayes Spark a Privacy Coin Revival?
Arthur Hayes is known for being ahead of market trends. His influence in the crypto space means that his portfolio moves often make headlines. By putting ZEC in the spotlight, he may help revive interest in privacy coins — a sector that has seen declining attention due to regulatory pressure.
With institutional investors beginning to explore more diverse crypto portfolios, ZEC could see renewed adoption if more influencers and funds begin to see it the way Hayes does.
His revelation doesn’t just hint at a personal bet — it may also signal the start of a broader conversation around the importance of privacy in the next phase of crypto evolution.