Zcash Price Skyrockets 1,190% on Tight Supply, Forbes Nod – Can It Last?
Zcash (ZEC) is on fire, up nearly 1,200% in a year and landing on Forbes' top crypto list. Tightening shielded supply and a recent halving are fueling the rally, but a critical bug and looming EU regulation pose serious threats.
Zcash (ZEC) has exploded, climbing a staggering 1,190% over the past year and snagging a spot on Forbes' coveted top 10 crypto list. This privacy coin is now trading near $545, up 17% in just a week, outperforming even giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum on the list. The surge isn't just hype; a significant portion of ZEC's supply is now shielded, effectively tightening liquidity. This is compounded by a November halving that slashed block rewards, slowing new issuance to a crawl. Regulatory headwinds also eased with the SEC closing a two-year investigation without enforcement actions. However, the rally isn't without its scars. A critical bug in the Orchard shielded pool, though patched, caused a 38% price drop and highlighted lingering network stress. The biggest threat looms from Europe, where MiCA regulations set to take effect in 2027 will ban privacy coins, forcing some exchanges to delist them. While Zcash's current run has stronger fundamentals than past pumps, its long-term durability hinges on whether demand for privacy can overcome the regulatory storm it inevitably invites.