LayerZero Unveils ‘Zero’ Layer-1 Blockchain With Backing From Citadel and ARK Invest

LayerZero Labs has announced plans to launch a new layer-1 blockchain called “Zero,” with support from major financial players including ARK Invest and Citadel Securities. The network is scheduled to go live in fall 2026 and is designed to serve institutional financial markets.

The company, best known for its cross-chain messaging protocol, said Zero aims to dramatically increase blockchain scalability by leveraging zero-knowledge proofs and a zero-knowledge virtual machine known as Jolt.

Zero Chain Targets 2 Million Transactions Per Second

According to LayerZero Labs, the Zero blockchain could scale to as many as two million transactions per second. The firm claims this architecture removes the replication constraints that typically limit blockchains to fewer than 10,000 transactions per second.

Zero will launch with three permissionless environments, referred to as “zones,” governed by the underlying network. The system will use LayerZero’s native token, ZRO, for interoperability between zones and across more than 165 connected blockchains.

The company said the infrastructure is built to support global-scale financial activity, positioning Zero as a backbone for tokenized assets, trading, and settlement systems.

Institutional Backing and Strategic Partnerships

ARK Invest has taken an equity stake in LayerZero Labs and invested in ZRO tokens, with CEO Cathie Wood joining Zero’s advisory board. Citadel Securities has also made a strategic investment in the project.

Additional interest has come from financial infrastructure firms exploring Zero for 24/7 trading, clearing systems, and tokenized collateral solutions, signaling growing institutional momentum behind next-generation blockchain networks.

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.