Dash integrates Zcash's 'Orchard' shielded pool into Evolution chain

Dash, a layer-1 blockchain protocol with privacy-preserving features, announced it has integrated Zcash's 'Orchard' shielded pool into the Dash Evolution chain, a secondary layer on the L1 network that supports smart contract functionality. The integration will go live following the completion of cybersecurity audits and is expected to launch in March.

Initially it will support basic transfers of Zcash (ZEC) between parties on the Evolution chain, with later upgrades adding Orchard's privacy features for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Dash's native token DASH jumped more than 125% in January, briefly reaching about $96 on the Binance exchange before pulling back.

Price charts show two large spikes in 2025 and 2026, which the report links to growing interest in privacy technology. Onchain privacy protocols gained momentum in 2025 and early 2026 as proponents framed them as a response to increased financial surveillance.

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