The privacy-focused cryptocurrency Zcash soared to new highs following a bullish forecast by BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, reigniting investor enthusiasm around privacy tokens.
The privacy coin Zcash (ZEC) jumped more than 30% within 24 hours, climbing from $272 to $355, after crypto entrepreneur Arthur Hayes predicted the token could eventually reach $10,000. The sharp move pushed Zcash’s market capitalization above $5 billion for the first time, marking one of the strongest rallies among major cryptocurrencies in recent weeks.
Hayes’ Influence Sparks Market Frenzy
Arthur Hayes, known for his outspoken views and accurate market calls, shared a brief “vibe check” post on X hinting at his ultra-bullish outlook for Zcash. Traders quickly reacted, triggering what one analyst called “a full month’s FOMO market frenzy compressed into a single day.”
Crypto trader AB Kuai Dong suggested that Hayes’ status as a “legendary Silicon Valley investor” led traders to pile into ZEC without hesitation. Another trader, known as Clemente, admitted joining the rally, saying they felt “so much FOMO I couldn’t stay sidelined.”
Hayes’ influence has been seen before — earlier this year, his bullish remarks on Hyperliquid’s HYPE token briefly sent its price up by 4% after he predicted a potential 126x increase in three years.
Privacy Coins Regain Momentum
Analysts also link Zcash’s rally to renewed interest in privacy-based cryptocurrencies, as regulators worldwide intensify scrutiny on encryption and anonymous transactions. Trader JonnyJpegs noted that many investors are turning to privacy tokens as “a hedge against growing surveillance in digital finance.”
Zcash, launched in 2016, employs zero-knowledge proofs to secure transactions, allowing users to keep senders, receivers, and amounts fully private. The project’s hybrid model also enables transparent transactions for regulatory compliance when needed.
Meanwhile, Monero (XMR) — another major privacy coin — gained 3.6%, trading around $346, though it remains restricted on major exchanges like Binance and OKX due to tightening global regulations.
Zcash’s 490% surge over the past month underscores a major comeback for privacy-focused tokens, long overshadowed by DeFi and meme coins. While Arthur Hayes’ $10K prediction may sound ambitious, his influence and the growing debate around digital privacy could continue to fuel the token’s momentum in the weeks ahead.
As investor interest shifts toward privacy and decentralization, Zcash’s resurgence may signal a broader market trend — one powered by both technology and ideology.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.