Grayscale Launches Zcash ETF, Pledging Fee Revenue to Network Growth

The launch marks a significant shift for the asset, which allows users to conduct shielded transactions via zero-knowledge proofs. By moving from the OTCQX market to a formal ETF structure, the fund introduces an arbitrage mechanism where authorized participants create and redeem shares to keep the trading price aligned with the net asset value of the underlying ZEC. Before this conversion, the trust held over $313.5 million in assets under management.

Grayscale Head of Index Steve Vanourny frames the product as a response to the rise of artificial intelligence, suggesting that as automated monitoring of financial activity grows, demand for privacy-focused assets will follow. This move comes after a period of technical stabilization for the network, which recently patched a critical vulnerability in its Orchard shielded pool through the Ironwood upgrade. The firm has committed to directing revenue from the 2.5% fee back into the Zcash ecosystem to support development and marketing, aiming to bolster the asset's long-term viability in the traditional securities market.