
Arthur Hayes calls Zcash a privacy complement to Bitcoin, citing rising demand for anonymous transactions.
Author: Arushi Garg
13 April, 2026: Arthur Hayes, co-founder and former CEO of BitMEX, has said Zcash is the privacy complement to Bitcoin. In recent comments, he said Zcash’s shielded transactions offer the level of anonymity users need in an era of big tech, government, and AI surveillance, something Bitcoin’s transparent ledger cannot provide. The view carries added weight as ZEC is the second largest holding in his family office, Maelstrom, after Bitcoin.
Hayes’ endorsement carries market weight. He runs one of crypto’s most closely watched macro funds, and ZEC moved sharply after his comments circulated. The statement also revives a long-running debate: whether Bitcoin’s transparency is a feature or a flaw.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
Dustin Invests
@CoinCommoner
@therollupco $ZEC and privacy will be a key feature of the digital economy. Employee payrolls in crypto, $ZEC. Digital privacy, $ZEC. Still long $BTC, but it’s a good idea to get you some Zcash especially at these levels. NFA
Arthur Hayes made the case for Zcash as the privacy complement to Bitcoin. Andy's reaction: "I can see Zcash at $2,000-$3,000. Anybody can understand the need for private money. Zcash is going on a generational run." Rob: "I own Zcash. As Bitcoin gets institutionalized, Zcash https://t.co/Bwl2AVkvYl https://t.co/ovUlf39O4V
04:35 PM·Apr 11, 2026
Tyler Durden
@Seviay31
@therollupco @BarrySilbert Based on Arthur’s past movements, that means he’s selling his ZEC soon đź¤
Arthur Hayes made the case for Zcash as the privacy complement to Bitcoin. Andy's reaction: "I can see Zcash at $2,000-$3,000. Anybody can understand the need for private money. Zcash is going on a generational run." Rob: "I own Zcash. As Bitcoin gets institutionalized, Zcash https://t.co/Bwl2AVkvYl https://t.co/ovUlf39O4V
03:50 AM·Apr 11, 2026
Ramathorne
@Ramathorne17
@therollupco @BarrySilbert This is curious, what happens when quantum can de anonymize all of the Z cash and Montero transactions?
Arthur Hayes made the case for Zcash as the privacy complement to Bitcoin. Andy's reaction: "I can see Zcash at $2,000-$3,000. Anybody can understand the need for private money. Zcash is going on a generational run." Rob: "I own Zcash. As Bitcoin gets institutionalized, Zcash https://t.co/Bwl2AVkvYl https://t.co/ovUlf39O4V
01:37 AM·Apr 11, 2026
Steady attention without excessive speculation.
Arthur Hayes, co-founder and former CEO of BitMEX, has positioned Zcash as the leading privacy complement to Bitcoin. In recent interviews, including on The Rollup podcast, he argued that rising surveillance from big tech, governments, and AI is increasing demand for true financial privacy.
He has made ZEC the second largest liquid holding in his family office, Maelstrom, after Bitcoin. Zcash, launched in 2016, is a privacy focused cryptocurrency that uses zero knowledge proofs known as zk SNARKs to enable optional fully shielded transactions while maintaining a Bitcoin like supply schedule and mining model. Hayes views Zcash not as a competitor but as a hedge, a “true electronic cash” layer that protects user privacy where Bitcoin’s transparent ledger falls short. His endorsement has contributed to a strong recent rally in ZEC.
Loading chart...
How Arthur Hayes frames Zcash as a privacy complement to Bitcoin rather than a competitor
Arthur Hayes made the comments during a recent appearance on The Rollup podcast, where he explicitly framed Zcash not as a Bitcoin competitor but as its essential privacy layer in a world of growing financial surveillance. He cited advancing AI monitoring tools, government KYC/AML expansion, and big-tech data harvesting as reasons why shielded transactions are becoming critical rather than optional.
Zcash’s shielded pool currently represents only a small fraction of total transaction volume, yet Hayes’ endorsement has already triggered a sharp short-term rally in $ZEC. The statement also reignites the long-running debate between privacy maximalists and Bitcoin purists, with many in the community now viewing Zcash as a complementary “privacy sidecar” instead of a rival chain.
Going forward, market attention will focus on whether ZEC can sustain momentum beyond the initial reaction to Hayes’ comments or whether profit-taking resets the trend. Traders will also watch for any further statements from Hayes or updates from Maelstrom that could reinforce the narrative. On-chain data, particularly growth in shielded transactions, will be a key signal for whether this endorsement translates into real usage.
Our Crypto Talk is committed to unbiased, transparent, and true reporting to the best of our knowledge. This news article aims to provide accurate information in a timely manner. However, we advise the readers to verify facts independently and consult a professional before making any decisions based on the content since our sources could be wrong too. Check our Terms and conditions for more info.
Arthur Hayes Says $ZEC Is Privacy Complement To Bitcoin
Hyperbridge Exploit Hits Polkadot’s Ethereum Bridge
PreStocks Hits $29M All-Time High in Daily Trading Volume on Solana
Japanese Banks Showcase XRP To Be Faster And 60% Cheaper Than SWIFT
Arthur Hayes Says $ZEC Is Privacy Complement To Bitcoin
Hyperbridge Exploit Hits Polkadot’s Ethereum Bridge
PreStocks Hits $29M All-Time High in Daily Trading Volume on Solana
Japanese Banks Showcase XRP To Be Faster And 60% Cheaper Than SWIFT