Zcash Launches Zakura Node Aiming for Visa-Scale Transaction Privacy

Zcash Introduces New Node Aiming for Visa-Scale Privacy

Zcash has launched a new full node, named Zakura, designed to enhance transaction processing capabilities to match those of major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. This new software client was officially released as version 1.0.0 on July 19, 2026, and signifies a significant milestone in Zcash’s evolution.

Key Features of the Zakura Node

The Zakura client is a pruned, fast-syncing fork of the existing Zebra node software and is developed independently from the Zcash Foundation. It is led by notable figures in the field such as Sean Bowe, a founding member of Zcash’s zero-knowledge cryptography, and Dev Ojha, co-founder of Osmosis. Both leaders have stated that their objective is to support and facilitate global payments at scales exceeding 50,000 transactions per second, which is referred to as their operational baseline.

Enhancements in Speed and Efficiency

To achieve these ambitious throughput targets, Zakura uses innovative technologies, including a method for pruning old blockchain data, which significantly decreases the storage space required. Users can quickly download a ready-made, all-inclusive version of the blockchain, minimizing setup time to under two minutes – referred to as being “680 times faster” than previous methods.

Addressing Current Limitations

The development team acknowledges that the continuing growth of private transactions presents significant challenges. Consequently, Bowe’s ongoing Project Tachyon explores a solution with recursive proofs. This technique allows a single proof to validate multiple transactions, thus lowering the data requirements to achieve consensus from 100 megabytes per second to a more feasible 500 megabytes.

Challenges in Wallet Functionality

The privacy of Zcash transactions complicates wallet operations significantly. Currently, wallets can only process about one transaction per second due to limitations when querying server data without compromising user anonymity. To address this, Valar Group is working on methods that enable wallets to retrieve their information without revealing which transactions are being requested.

Fast Block Propagation Capabilities

The Zakura node also includes an innovative system for fast block propagation, enabling rapid transmission of newly mined blocks across the network. With this capability, the node should be able to handle high volumes of transaction traffic effectively.

Future Developments and Security Enhancements

Looking ahead, Zcash’s upcoming Ironwood update, scheduled for activation on July 28, 2026, will bring enhanced features and performance improvements. This update also addresses security concerns that arose following the discovery of a vulnerability in the shielded pools of the Zcash network.

As Zcash progresses toward these advancements, the community and developers remain optimistic about the future capabilities of this cryptocurrency, reinforcing its commitment to privacy and efficiency in the digital payment ecosystem.