zkSync

The ZKsync team has published the final report for the $ZK Staking Pilot Season 1, which concluded on May 11th. **Key Results:** - Total stake reached ~350M $ZK tokens - ~200M in new active delegations - Total active delegation grew to ~1.2B $ZK **Program Objectives Met:** - ✅ Increased total active voting power - ✅ Strengthened ZKsync governance system - ✅ Successfully tested staking infrastructure The pilot program aimed to test the technical infrastructure while boosting governance participation. The full report is available on the [ZKnation forum](https://forum.zknation.io/t/season-1-review-zknomics-staking-pilot-program/992). The team thanked participants for their involvement in proving the pilot's viability.

ZKsync published a detailed analysis comparing operator-attested networks with cryptographically enforced systems. The blog post, titled "The Wire That Couldn't Be Recalled," examines the fundamental differences in how these network types handle security and trust. **Key distinctions covered:** - Operator-attested networks rely on trusted parties to validate transactions - Cryptographically enforced networks use mathematical proofs for verification - Security implications for users and their assets The post builds on ZKsync's previous work on L1 interoperability and scaling Ethereum's liquidity through ZKsync Connect. [Read the full analysis](https://www.zksync.io/blog/wire-that-couldnt-be-recalled)

Alex Gluchowski, CEO of zkSync, sat down with Defiant News to discuss the future of private infrastructure and consensus mechanisms in the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem. The interview covers zkSync's approach to scaling Ethereum while maintaining decentralization and privacy. As a zkRollup solution, zkSync aims to accelerate mainstream crypto adoption by making transactions faster and more affordable. **Key topics likely include:** - Privacy-preserving infrastructure developments - Consensus mechanism innovations - zkSync's role in Ethereum's scaling roadmap [Watch the full interview](https://www.zksync.io/media/alex-gluchowski-zksync-private-infra-consensus)

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee has voted to move the CLARITY Act forward to the full Senate floor for consideration. The legislation aims to establish a clear legal framework for the digital asset industry in the United States. This advancement represents a significant step in the regulatory process for cryptocurrency legislation. The bill's progression through the Senate will be closely watched by industry participants seeking regulatory clarity.

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.