Zcash is a privacy-first cryptocurrency using zero-knowledge proofs to enable optional shielded transactions. Here is everything you need to know.
Zcash (ZEC) is a decentralised cryptocurrency launched in October 2016. It was created by the Electric Coin Company (formerly the Zcash Company) and is the first practical implementation of zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) in a public blockchain.
Unlike Bitcoin, where all transactions are publicly visible, Zcash offers two transaction types: transparent (visible on the public blockchain, like Bitcoin) and shielded (using the Sapling or Orchard pools, which encrypt sender, receiver, and amount).
Zcash was created by Zooko Wilcox-O'Hearn and a team of cryptographers and engineers. The Electric Coin Company (ECC) maintains the core protocol. The Zcash Foundation provides independent oversight and ecosystem support.
ZEC is listed on major exchanges including Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, and Gemini. For maximum privacy, use shielded withdrawals where available.