Building the Future: What's Next for Zano?

2024 was a breakout year for Zano, surpassing all expectations. The Zarcanum hard fork set the stage for explosive ecosystem growth. But what comes next? Is there still enough reason to be excited? Here’s a breakdown of what’s ahead and why the future of Zano is brighter than ever.

Our Vision: The Go-To Privacy Ecosystem

Zano is more than just a cryptocurrency—it's an entire layer-1 ecosystem that is open-source and has enterprise-grade privacy, security, and scalability. Our blockchain forms a robust platform for building confidential assets and decentralized applications.

While we’ve achieved major milestones, we still have a long way to go to create the perfect privacy-first platform. With core components such as confidential assets and Zarcanum's Proof of Stake with hidden amounts now in place, we shift focus to improving the overall user experience, attracting people to build on top of Zano, and creating a wide set of tools so that Zano becomes the most convenient privacy platform to build upon.

Consensus Upgrade: Stronger, Faster, Better

Our lead developer, Andrey Sabelnikov (Crypto_Zoidberg), has been working on a consensus improvement proposal.

Enhancing the consensus mechanism addresses the challenge of PoS power multiplication relative to the PoW hashrate and further strengthens our network's security by raising the cost of potential attacks.

As a result, after hardfork 6, we will be able to do one of the following things:

• Lowering the number of confirmations on PoS blocks that are needed before you can respend your assets: Further enhancing the user experience of the Zano blockchain.

Or:

• Lower the block rewards: This gets our yearly inflation rate down to a bare minimum.

We'll include the community in this decision-making.

Dynamic Fee System

Currently, Zano has a flat flee implementation for all network transactions, which is 0.01 $ZANO. Since the value of $ZANO has risen from $2 to $18 in a matter of months, the costs for a single transaction have gone up from $0,02 to $0,18 at the latest peak. We want to keep our network accessible and usable for everyone. Therefore, we'll make an effort to bring down transaction costs again.

We plan to implement a dynamic fee system that adjusts automatically based on market conditions to optimize users' transaction costs. Transaction costs will rise when the network is busy, and when it is quieter, they will go down again. This also protects the Zano blockchain from spam attacks.

Community Governance: Giving You a Voice

We’re empowering the Zano community through on-chain voting, where staking power determines voting influence. This feature will likely debut alongside the Zano Grants Program, allowing the community to directly shape grant allocations and other key decisions, decentralizing on-chain decision-making.

Alias Auction Platform: Trade Exclusive Aliases

The alias auction platform will serve as a dedicated website for the bidding & trading of all Zano Aliases, including <5 character Premium Aliases, which you can't register at the moment. This platform will enhance user engagement and the market dynamics around the Zano aliases. Furthermore, the funds raised by auctioning the Premium Aliases will be spent on marketing for Zano, creating a win-win for the ecosystem.

You can consider the alias auction similar to any other domain platform like GoDaddy or Google Domains. You can create a domain, in our case an Alias, that has not been taken yet and use it for yourself or sell it, just like you can with a website domain!

Since Ethereum Name Service (ENS) launched on Ethereum in 2021, over 2.82 million different Ethereum domains have been created. The prices of some domains with high demand have proven they can skyrocket, with "paradigm.eth" being sold for a whopping 420 $ETH (~$2 million) back in 2021! Compared to Zano, with only ~5,800 aliases created so far, there’s huge untapped potential here.

Escrow Contracts Rebrands to Escrow Trades

The feature called “Escrow Contracts” has been part of Zano since the very beginning and was envisioned as an important component for peer-to-peer business. The idea behind this technology was that users would jointly lock a certain amount of funds in a multi-sig setup so that both parties had a vested interest in successfully completing the deal—in other words, an over-collateralized P2P transaction.

However, the complicated user experience associated with using escrow hindered the widespread adoption of this functionality. After Zarcanum was implemented and deployed, we decided to improve the concept of multisig-based trades and spin it off as a separate product. Additionally, because the previous name “Escrow Contracts” could be misleading due to the word “Contract,” we decided to rename this product to “Escrow Trades.” This will be implemented as a dApp that works through an extension or through the built-in browser in the mobile application.

Essentially, it will be a similar protocol running on top of multi-sig but with an improved user experience and with the business logic moved out of the wallet and into the web/dApp. It will have at least the same functionality as before, but it will be easier to develop, and more people will be able to build their services or projects on top of this technology.

Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform on Zano Trade

Another exciting feature that will be part of Zano Trade is the peer-to-peer trading platform. On this platform, you'll be able to trade any currency, even fiat, with other Zano Trade users, similar to how Localbitcoins used to work. The key difference is that disputes between traders aren't settled by a third-party moderator. The trades will be secured by Zano's Escrow Trades feature, where both parties must deposit more in a temporary contract than the amount involved in the P2P trade. After the trade, both parties must confirm that the trade happened as initially agreed upon. If one side doesn't approve, the deposits will stay locked forever, forcing the parties to settle the dispute together. This deposit removes the financial incentive of scamming the counterparty.

This platform is another step forward in making the Zano ecosystem completely independent from exchanges and fiat on/off ramps.

Wallet Redesigns: Sleek and User-Friendly

Although our current wallets work fine, we acknowledge that they don't provide the best user experience. This is why, during the second half of the year, we plan to release redesigned wallet applications featuring an intuitive and user-friendly interface built from the ground up to enhance the user experience. These wallets should be up to standard and able to match the quality of other big layer-1 cryptocurrency ecosystems.

Full Chain Membership Proofs (FCMPs): a Giant Leap in Privacy

FCMPs are most likely the most exciting development the privacy space has seen in a very long time, thanks to Luke Parker. While adapting this to Zano’s codebase will be challenging due to Zarcanum and our Confidential Assets cryptography schemes, we hope to bring this innovation to our ecosystem following Monero’s implementation. Our lead researcher, Sowle, is actively working on this.

Bug Fixes & Improvements to Existing Apps

Despite being a small but effective team, the Zano developers achieved significant milestones in 2024, rolling out various apps and features. However, our small team size meant that some front-end bugs slipped through the cracks. In 2025, we are prioritizing a comprehensive polish of our ecosystem—streamlining our website, enhancing documentation, and optimizing wallets and applications like Zano Trade. We aim to deliver a seamless, intuitive, and user-centric experience across the board.

Bug Bounty Program on Immunefi

We’re excited to take the next step in strengthening Zano’s security with a bug bounty program on Immunefi—the leading Web3 security platform. With over $110M paid out and $186M+ in active bounties, Immunefi attracts top security researchers worldwide.

By launching this program, we’re inviting ethical hackers to help us identify potential vulnerabilities and make Zano even more resilient. This proactive approach boosts trust, security, and credibility, ensuring our blockchain remains rock solid.

Zano Grants Program: Fund Your Ideas

We plan to allocate a significant portion of the dev fund to the upcoming grants program. This would attract developers to start building dApps and releasing assets on top of Zano's ecosystem, hopefully marking the start of our ecosystem's true expansion. This would go hand-in-hand with the Zano Governance system to give our community the final say in which proposals receive funding.

Another exciting platform that would come with this is a crowdfunding website, which we might name the "Zano Genesis Platform" or ''Zano Community Initiative Platform''. This forum-style website will allow community members and developers to post their proposals and raise and track funding via Zano's Auditable Wallets feature. People could use this platform to bring new ideas to life and as an alternative to websites like GoFundMe. Essentially, this would serve as Zano's agora.

Projects Building On Zano: Our Emerging Privacy Ecosystem

Although we haven't even launched the Zano Grants Program yet, which will kickstart the growth of the Zano ecosystem, we've already managed to attract quite a few projects to build on or with Zano's blockchain, namely:

• Confidential Layer: Decentralized, non-custodial bridging solution between transparent and private blockchains.
• Kaurma: Gold-backed privacy stablecoin built on Zano.
• Obscura: Create, manage, and trade Obscuras (NFTs) privately.
• Bandit City: A privacy memecoin built on Zano with various utilities.

We'll now dive into these exciting projects below.

Confidential Layer: The Future of Blockchain Interoperability

Confidential Layer is built on the robust Bridgeless L1 blockchain, designed for fully decentralized, non-custodial, and seamless bridging. It enables the creation of solutions in blockchain interoperability, addressing one of the most significant challenges in the crypto space: bridging assets between programmable blockchains like EVM, Solana, and Cosmos, as well as non-programmable blockchains like Bitcoin and privacy-focused blockchains. Confidential Layer allows users to bridge from Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and EVM blockchains like Ethereum and Base to privacy blockchains like Zano.

The integration of Confidential Layer has exciting benefits for the Zano ecosystem:

• Boosted Total Value Locked (TVL): More assets flowing into Zano, improving liquidity and reflecting the level of trust in the ecosystem.
• Increased Exposure: Confidential Layer’s community gets introduced to the Zano ecosystem.
• Higher Transaction Count: More daily transactions mean more $ZANO burns.
• Improved Interoperability: Moving assets in and out of Zano has never been easier.
• Unique Privacy Offering: Zano will be the first and only privacy blockchain integrated at their launch.
• New Use Cases: Projects creating Confidential Assets on Zano can tap into CL’s bridge via a robust API.

Kaurma: Stable, Private Money for the World

Kaurma is a gold-backed privacy stablecoin designed to deliver the stability of gold and the privacy of a modern digital currency. It’s sound, decentralized money for a world seeking freedom, security, and trust. Join the movement to build a future where money works for you—not against you.

This project, led by Aaron Day, is still in its early stages. You can apply for priority updates and early access via their website.

Obscura: Privacy-Focused Non-Fungible Digital Assets on the Zano Blockchain

This new platform lets you create, manage, and trade Obscuras (NFTs) privately. This exciting development opens a whole new class of NFTs in crypto for artists and collectors.

Bandit City: Enhanced Trading Tools for Zano

Although this project looks like just another meme project, it really isn't. As one of the first meme projects built on a privacy-by-default blockchain, it also has its own token, ''$BANDIT,'' which brings some great utilities and tools to Zano's ecosystem.

• Airdrop Tools: The Bandit Airdrop Tools streamline the process of distributing tokens to Zano alias holders, making it easy to launch community-driven distributions, marketing campaigns, and token reward programs. Whether you're sending Bandit coins or custom assets, this tool ensures fast, private, and efficient airdrops.
• Trading Tools for Zano Trade: The Bandit Trading Tools UI is a sleek and intuitive interface designed to simplify automated trading on the Zano DEX. It allows users to set trading parameters, monitor activity, and execute orders directly from their own wallet—without ever sending their coins anywhere.
• Telegram Bot & Wallet: The Bandit Telegram Wallet is on the horizon, bringing private and seamless crypto management directly into the Telegram app. Designed for privacy-first users, this wallet will allow you to send, receive, and trade Bandit-supported coins and Zano with ease—right from your favorite chat platform.
• Shared Staking Pool: The Bandit Shared Staking Pool is a hassle-free way for Zano holders, especially mobile users and those with smaller balances, to participate in staking and earn rewards without the need for running a full node.

Want to find out more? Navigate to the Bandit Schemes: https://schemes.bandit.city/

Software Wallet Integrations: Improving Our Availability

Availability on multiple wallets makes it easier for a wider audience to access and use $ZANO. Users often prefer to store their assets in wallets they are familiar with or find convenient, so supporting many wallets ensures broader adoption.

Cake Wallet: This privacy-focused wallet has doubled its user base in a year. With features like instant swaps and gift card purchases, Cake Wallet is user-friendly and versatile. Zano integration is currently in public beta testing, and we’re excited for it to become the first multi-asset wallet to support Zano. Join the Cake Wallet testing here.

Bitcoin.com Wallet: With 50M+ registered self-custody wallets and 1M+ monthly users, Roger Ver's Bitcoin.com is a household name in crypto. Its alignment with Zano’s privacy and security values makes this partnership a natural fit. The latest update we've received from their team is that they have finished the Android part and are now actively working on the iOS side. Users can expect Zano to be integrated into the Bitcoin.com app later in 2025.

NoOnes P2P App & Wallet: Ray Youssef has announced that Zano will be integrated into the NoOnes app. NoOnes is not only a wallet but also a P2P trading service; it has a gift card service, built-in swaps, and a spot trading exchange. With over 2 million registered users, this versatile app will undoubtedly be a great addition to the apps that support the Zano ecosystem.

We’re also exploring additional integrations with popular wallets like Edge Wallet and Stack Wallet to provide our community with even more options.

Hardware Wallet Integrations: Strengthening Security Options

In addition to the software wallet options, hardware wallets are equally as important as software wallets for any growing cryptocurrency. Therefore, we are researching multiple hardware wallet providers and have begun talks with a few to see if we can come to an agreement for them to support $ZANO in their wallets.

Payment Processors: Driving Everyday Usage

Our community has recently expressed a strong demand for solid payment processors. Payment processors allow businesses to accept cryptocurrencies for their e-commerce websites. The demand mainly comes from the libertarian corner, thanks to the efforts of Roger Ver and Aaron Day. Having solid payment processors available allows the $ZANO cryptocurrency to be used for daily payments, boosting our usage and, therefore, our liquidity and volume.

In 2024, we made a great first step by integrating into CoinRemitter. In 2025, we plan to expand to more payment processors. Exolix is working on its own system, and we are still on NOWPayments' list for integration into their system.

Exchanges

Although not everyone in our community is a fan of centralized exchanges (CEXes), they play a critical role in the availability of Zano, serving as essential infrastructure that facilitates the growth and adoption of our ecosystem. Throughout the year, we'll list on various new exchanges in an effort to ramp up our daily volumes to get listed on one of the remaining privacy-friendly tier-1 exchanges.

In addition, we are looking into decentralized exchanges (DEXes), such as Serai DEX and BasicSwapDEX, as these align perfectly with our project's ethos. Long story short, we want $ZANO to be widely available on many exchanges so that our community can decide for themselves what platforms they want to use.

Marketing: Fueling Zano's Growth

At Zano, we know that even projects with good tech need a great marketing strategy to shine. While some highly technical projects overlook the power of marketing, we embrace it as the key to growing our community and introducing Zano to a wider audience.

We plan various co-marketing campaigns throughout 2025 to promote the upcoming releases and integrations. We will maximize our exposure to the communities of projects, exchanges, wallets, and apps we have partnered with.

We’re also doubling down on what’s already ongoing:

• Educational Content: From in-depth articles to podcasts and engaging video series, we’ll continue spreading knowledge about Zano.
• Community Gamification: Monthly contests and rewards will keep our zAnons engaged and rewarded for their participation.
• Events and Conferences: We’re attending and sponsoring top-tier events and conferences, sharing Zano’s vision with the crypto world.
• Improved Online Presence: Enhanced SEO, impactful social media campaigns, and a polished web presence will help us connect with new audiences.

New Website

Our website is getting a complete makeover! Expect a sleek, intuitive design that makes it easier than ever to navigate and explore everything Zano has to offer, both for technical people and people entirely new to crypto. A convenient AI agent bot that'll be plugged into our documentation will be available for everyone to ask questions about Zano.

Updated Documentation

We’re also refreshing our documentation. A lot has changed since the Zarcanum hard fork, and it’s time to bring our guides and resources up to date. This includes fixing broken links and creating detailed, step-by-step instructions for all our features, apps, and technologies. A few months ago, we made a great step by implementing an auto-documentation mechanism that updates the RPC documentation automatically whenever we have a new functionality, pulling it straight from the codebase.

Building Brand Recognition

Brand recognition in cryptocurrencies enhances trust, adoption, and competitiveness. It acts as a bridge between technology and our users, making it easier for people and businesses to engage with and invest in Zano. Strong branding is a key factor in driving long-term success and global acceptance.

Because we understand the importance of brand recognition, we have started by sponsoring various crypto events and Zano-branded crypto meet-ups. We will continue to attend a series of conferences ourselves to present our ideas and latest developments. Zano will be present at ETHDam, Porcfest, and MoneroTopia. Throughout the rest of the year, more events will most likely be added to this list.

In addition, we will continue to expand our presence on crypto media websites such as CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph, and Bitcoincom. Recently, Zano was added to the CryptoNote Wikipedia page. We are also actively working on our own Zano Wikipedia page which should be coming soon.

2025: The Year of Zano

With groundbreaking tech upgrades and rapid ecosystem growth, Zano is poised to become the go-to platform for individuals and businesses that value privacy. While we've already achieved so much, the journey ahead is full of exciting opportunities to refine and elevate the Zano ecosystem to new heights. Your input and support are important to us. If you have ideas or want to contribute, don’t hesitate to connect with us.

Join us in shaping the future—because 2025 is just the beginning. Together, we can make Zano unstoppable. Let’s build this vision, zAnons!