ZEC Surges 701.51% This Year as Grayscale Files for Zcash ETF and Institutional Demand Increases

Zcash (ZEC) Market Update and Institutional Developments

As of November 29, 2025, Zcash (ZEC) experienced a slight decline of 0.21% over the past 24 hours, settling at $455.76. Over the last week, the cryptocurrency dropped by 13.26%, but it has climbed 11.46% in the previous month and soared an impressive 701.51% over the past year.

Grayscale’s ETF Filing Highlights Institutional Interest

Institutional attention toward Zcash is on the rise, particularly after Grayscale, a leading crypto asset manager, submitted a registration to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to transform its Zcash Trust into the nation’s first spot ETF dedicated to this privacy-centric digital currency. This initiative signals growing acknowledgment of Zcash’s practical applications and privacy-enhancing technology.

Grayscale’s S-3 registration, filed on November 26, 2025, follows a year of exceptional growth for Zcash, which has outperformed both bitcoin and ether with gains exceeding 1,000% in 2025. Experts believe that the proposed ETF could make ZEC more accessible to institutional investors, mirroring the structure of Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust, which transitioned to an ETF in 2024 following regulatory approval.

Rising Adoption of Zcash’s Privacy Features

The adoption of Zcash’s privacy tools, especially shielded transactions, has grown significantly. Currently, about 30% of all ZEC transactions utilize shielded pools, and between 20% and 25% of the total supply is stored in encrypted addresses. This trend points to a rising demand for digital assets that prioritize privacy and anonymity in transactions.

Industry Trends and Market Resilience

The move by Grayscale reflects a broader shift in the cryptocurrency sector toward products tailored for institutional investors, as privacy coins gain traction among those seeking alternatives to mainstream digital assets. Despite ongoing volatility in the wider crypto market, ZEC has demonstrated notable resilience compared to larger cryptocurrencies.

Although Zcash has faced a 13.26% decrease over the past week, its 11.46% monthly gain underscores its strong performance amid fluctuating market conditions. The combination of institutional interest and Zcash’s unique privacy focus could support further price growth in the future.

Looking Ahead: ETF Approval and Market Impact

The SEC has yet to approve Grayscale’s Zcash ETF, but the filing itself marks a significant milestone for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. If approved, the ETF could boost liquidity and make ZEC more accessible to a wider range of investors, potentially shaping the future landscape of privacy coins.