Pudgy World to Launch Alpha in Q1 2024 with the Help of zkSync

**Prividium** is positioning itself as Ethereum's banking layer, combining privacy features with regulatory compliance. **Key Features:** - Privacy-first architecture for sensitive financial operations - Built-in compliance mechanisms for regulatory requirements - Connected infrastructure leveraging Ethereum's ecosystem - zkRollup Layer 2 technology for scalability The platform aims to bridge the gap between traditional banking privacy expectations and blockchain transparency. By implementing selective privacy controls, Prividium allows users to maintain confidentiality where needed while remaining connected to Ethereum's broader network. The "bank stack" approach suggests a comprehensive suite of financial primitives designed for institutional and retail users who require privacy without sacrificing compliance. This positions Prividium as infrastructure for the next wave of crypto adoption, particularly for users transitioning from traditional finance.

**The shift to instant settlement is reshaping finance.** Stablecoins have already begun transforming payment systems, and tokenized deposits are positioned to be the next major development. **Key developments:** - Tokenized deposits will allow institutions to issue regulated digital money - These digital assets can move in real time across markets and international borders - Industry experts predict tokenized deposits could become the fastest growing onchain asset class **Why this matters for banks:** Tokenized deposits offer financial institutions a way to remain competitive in the evolving digital assets economy. Unlike stablecoins, which operate outside traditional banking systems, tokenized deposits enable banks to issue their own regulated digital currency while maintaining compliance frameworks. **The broader context:** This development follows the success of stablecoins as onchain settlement tokens. The technology represents a move toward more efficient, integrated financial infrastructure that can operate 24/7 without the delays of traditional settlement systems. Institutions are beginning to recognize that real-time settlement capabilities will be essential for competing in digital finance.

**Major Staking Milestone Achieved** The ZK token staking program has reached a significant milestone with **200 million $ZK tokens now staked** on the network. This represents substantial growth from the 170M $ZK staked just one week earlier during the Staking Pilot Week 2 update. The rapid increase demonstrates strong community participation and confidence in the network's governance model. The staking program continues to show positive momentum as the Ethereum Layer 2 solution expands its decentralized infrastructure.

**ADI Chain has chosen ZKsync's ZK Stack** as its blockchain infrastructure after evaluating multiple architectures. The decision centers on connecting regulated financial institutions to Ethereum through a secure, sovereign gateway. ADI Chain's selection highlights ZKsync's capabilities in: - Providing institutional-grade security through zero-knowledge proofs - Enabling sovereign yet interconnected blockchain architecture - Meeting regulatory requirements for traditional finance The case study details the technical evaluation process and explains why ZKsync's Layer 2 solution stood out among competing blockchain architectures for institutional adoption. [Read the full case study](https://www.zksync.io/case-studies/adi-chain)

**ADIChain is building on ZKsync with an ambitious goal**: onboard 1 billion users to blockchain by 2030. **Target markets**: Middle East, Asia, and Africa - regions currently underserved by blockchain infrastructure. **Major ecosystem partners include**: - [Mastercard](https://www.mastercard.com) - [M-PESA Foundation](https://www.mpesa.foundation) - [BlackRock](https://www.blackrock.com) - FTI **The project centers on a Dirham-backed stablecoin** developed by First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADQ, and IHC, regulated by the UAE Central Bank. By leveraging ZKsync's Layer 2 infrastructure, ADIChain aims to provide blockchain access and real-world benefits to citizens in emerging markets.