zkSync

**ZKsync has been listed as one of the first protocols on Blockworks' newly launched Transparency Alliance.** The Token Transparency Framework provides a standardized way for protocols to communicate essential information to the market. ZKsync was previously recognized as the first Layer 2 solution featured in this framework. **Key points:** - ZKsync among initial protocols joining the Transparency Alliance - Framework establishes standardized disclosure of critical protocol information - Initiative aims to bring greater transparency to the crypto market The Transparency Alliance represents an industry effort to create consistent standards for protocol disclosures and token information.

**Blockchain infrastructure is becoming accessible to traditional institutions.** Institutions are beginning to launch their own blockchain networks to participate in the digital assets economy. The emerging view is that operating a blockchain will become as straightforward as managing a website. **Key developments:** - Major financial institutions are building proprietary crypto rails - Bank of New York launched tokenized deposit products on a private blockchain for institutional investors - Blockchain is being adopted as settlement infrastructure to replace legacy systems that take days **Why this matters:** Traditional banks are moving core financial operations onto blockchain for faster settlement and reduced intermediaries. Tokenized deposits enable immutable records and programmable assets, making real-world assets easier to manage and transfer at scale. This shift signals growing institutional confidence in blockchain as fundamental financial infrastructure rather than experimental technology.

zkSync has released **Airbender**, a new prover designed specifically for institutional adoption requirements. The project continues pushing performance boundaries for zero-knowledge proofs on Ethereum. Recent benchmarks show ongoing improvements in Airbender's capabilities. **Key developments:** - New prover technology targeting institutional use cases - Performance metrics available at [ethproofs.org/blocks](https://ethproofs.org/blocks) - Part of zkSync's broader effort to advance ZK technology for Ethereum Full details: [zksync.io/airbender](https://www.zksync.io/airbender)

Across Protocol has become one of the first three teams to join OpenZeppelin's Continuous Security Program, alongside Uniswap and zkSync. **Key Points:** - The program provides AI-powered security with always-on coverage - Moves beyond traditional point-in-time audits to continuous monitoring - Aims to build trust with enterprise customers through proven security standards - Reflects DeFi's evolution toward institutional-grade security practices The initiative addresses a critical need as DeFi protocols seek broader adoption by demonstrating commitment to security as an ongoing process rather than periodic checkpoints.

ZKsync's first staking pilot season has ended, marking a significant milestone for the Layer 2 network. **Key Metrics:** - Total $ZK staked: ~350 million - New active delegation: ~200 million - Total active delegation: ~1.2 billion - Rewards distributed: 5 million $ZK - Target rate: 10.0% APR The pilot program tested staking mechanics and community participation on the zkRollup network. A comprehensive Season 1 Summary and Key Takeaways Report will be published to the forums soon, detailing performance data and lessons learned. The results will inform the design of future staking seasons as ZKsync continues building its proof-of-stake infrastructure.

**Transaction Submission Paused** ZKsync has halted transaction submissions as the Security Council verifies the final state root before launching the claim contract. **Key Timeline** - Verification process expected to take approximately **203 days** (4,872 hours) - Withdrawals will be enabled only after verification completes - Claims will go live following successful verification **Important Reminders** - Funds not withdrawn before May 4 are **not lost** - All funds remain fully claimable through upcoming tools - Read-only API will stay online for at least one year - Funds remain protected under governance The team will provide updates once claiming becomes available. This follows the previously announced ZKsync Lite deprecation plan.

**Cari Network is building the first tokenized deposits network in the United States**, developed alongside five regional banks: Huntington Bank, First Horizon, M&T Bank, KeyBank, and Old National. Together representing $600B in deposits, these institutions are leveraging ZKsync's Prividium technology to bring bank-issued digital deposits onchain. **Key differences from stablecoins:** - Tokenized deposits are direct bank liabilities, not synthetic assets - Integrated with core banking systems - Eligible for FDIC insurance - Operate within existing regulatory frameworks **What Prividium enables:** - Private, enterprise-controlled blockchain infrastructure - Real-time settlement while maintaining compliance - Security anchored to Ethereum - 24/7 programmable money within banking regulations The network aims to modernize deposit infrastructure for the $8.3T held by regional banks, allowing them to compete in the digital assets economy while preserving privacy and regulatory safeguards. [Read the full case study](https://www.zksync.io/case-studies/cari-network)

**ZKsync representative @gluk64 will speak at the Digital Chamber's DC Blockchain Summit on March 18.** - **Topic**: The role of tokenized deposits in next-generation financial markets - **Focus**: Bridging policy and banking infrastructure - **Time**: 1:35 PM - **Location**: Washington, D.C. The presentation addresses privacy, compliance, and institutional adoption in the evolving landscape of digital 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.

**Institutional-Grade Security Through Zero-Knowledge Technology** Financial institutions are demanding protocol-level security that protects against invalid transactions, according to Ozhar, VP of Business Development, speaking on a recent panel. **Key Requirements:** - Banks require rigorous security verification at the protocol level - ZK technology provides both privacy and execution integrity - Institutions prioritize math, audits, and track records over narratives **Compliance-First Approach:** The latest ZK implementations include verification hooks that enable: - Private transactions with maintained audit trails - Protection of trade strategies and prevention of front-running - Compliance department approval through transparent verification This cryptography-first approach has been battle-tested at scale, offering privacy without compromising security—addressing the core concerns of institutional capital entering the crypto space.