Zcash (ZEC) - Fundamental Analysis July 2026

Here's the latest on Zcash (ZEC) – a privacy-focused Layer-1 cryptocurrency with optional shielded transactions and Bitcoin-like scarcity: • Launched October 2016, Zcash pioneered zk-SNARKs for private transactions with selective disclosure via viewing keys • Fixed 21M supply with halving schedule; second halving in November 2024 reduced block reward to 1.5625 ZEC • Shielded transactions reached 59.3% of all transactions by February 2026, with ~4.8M ZEC in shielded supply • Key 2025-2026 developments include Crosslink hybrid PoW/PoS, NU7 upgrade planning, and governance decentralization via Shielded Labs • Currently ranked #15 by market cap at $395.37 USD, with moderate risk score (39.22) and strong liquidity (71.58)