Quick Breakdown
- •ZEC surged 30 times since mid-2024, driving the privacy-coin market’s comeback.
- •Privacy assets are evolving from niche tokens to core crypto infrastructure.
- •Compliant privacy solutions align with regulatory trends and the growth of CBDCs.
A new report from HTX Global highlights a major resurgence in the privacy-coin sector, with Zcash (ZEC) emerging as the market leader. According to the report, privacy technology is shifting from niche applications to core infrastructure amid rising on-chain surveillance, stricter data regulations, and the growth of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
ZEC Sparks Privacy-Tech Revival
HTX Global notes that Zcash rose from under $20 in mid-2024 to between $600 and $700 by late 2025, establishing it as a leading name in the privacy space. This growth has been driven by factors such as supply tightening following ZEC’s halving, major protocol upgrades like Halo 2 and NU5, and the increasing focus on “compliant privacy,” which aims to attract institutional investors. Unlike Bitcoin, which is pseudonymous, privacy coins such as ZEC and Monero (XMR) shield transaction data to protect against corporate espionage, mass surveillance, and behavioural profiling.
The total privacy-coin market capitalization now ranges between $24 billion and $28 billion, led by ZEC and XMR, according to HTX Global. Other contributors include MimbleWimble chains. The sector, previously constrained by regulatory pressure and exchange delistings, is now evolving into a privacy infrastructure compatible with compliance, making these assets increasingly vital for both individuals and corporations.
From Niche Tokens to Strategic Crypto Assets
HTX Global expects privacy assets to start working more closely with Layer-2 networks, DeFi platforms, and traditional finance systems. ZEC’s use of optional view keys strikes a balance between privacy and transparency, which makes it more appealing to institutions. The report suggests that investors view privacy coins as part of a broader strategy, rather than something to bet the farm on, due to their volatility and the associated regulatory risks.
As digital financial activity becomes more traceable, HTX Global emphasizes that privacy coins are no longer niche assets but critical components of the evolving crypto ecosystem. ZEC’s rise signals a broader trend: privacy infrastructure is transitioning from experimental technology to an essential element of crypto functionality.
Building on its insights, HTX also suggests that stablecoins, alongside Real-World Assets (RWA), could be pivotal in connecting traditional and decentralized finance. This evolving coordination is expected to transform DeFi by introducing real-world collateral, lowering risk, and expanding its practical applications.