BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has prompt that Zcash (ZEC) might ultimately attain 10% of Bitcoin’s market capitalization, a long-term bullish thesis on privateness cash fairly than a near-term worth forecast. Based mostly on ZEC’s circulating provide of round 16 million tokens, that situation would indicate a worth within the excessive four-figure vary, roughly $8,000–$10,000, relying on Bitcoin’s valuation.
A Chart Sample Value Watching
On the technical facet, merchants level to a potential cup-and-handle sample, however it is a subjective chart formation with no assure of final result. Resistance is usually cited round $625–$650, with some speculative projections suggesting a transfer towards $1,000, although this relies closely on broader market circumstances and isn’t a confirmed goal.
The goal additionally traces up with ZEC’s 1.618 Fibonacci extension, drawn from a $745 swing excessive all the way down to a $185 swing low.
Privateness Cash Pull Forward
ZEC isn’t shifting alone. Monero and Sprint, each privacy-focused tokens, have additionally posted positive aspects over the previous month. However Zcash leads the pack. Studies point out the coin climbed greater than 80% in 30 days whereas the entire crypto market cap barely moved — up simply 0.2% over the identical stretch.
$ZEC replace
This factor is working its personal bull market rn… gg
I closed my brief. Particularly with $BTC sitting on help round $76k
Even a small pump in Bitcoin makes ZEC go completely silly proper now https://t.co/xLs6ficv7l pic.twitter.com/obAhbnXqfp
— SnorlaX お金 (@SnorlaxOnChain) May 18, 2026
Prior to now three days alone, ZEC added 18% because the broader market slipped 3%. That break up has prompted some merchants to say Zcash is working its personal bull market. Rising demand for monetary privateness seems to be the primary pressure behind the transfer, pulling contemporary curiosity right into a coin that had been largely neglected for years.
Institutional Curiosity Provides Gasoline
Earlier in Could, hedge fund Multicoin Capital disclosed it holds a place in ZEC. Across the identical time, Robinhood added the token to its platform, opening it as much as a wider pool of retail traders.
Each developments landed at a time when the privateness narrative was already constructing. Hayes’s remark added one other layer. His estimate was speculative — based mostly on a market cap comparability to Bitcoin — nevertheless it drew consideration and, in keeping with knowledge, ZEC’s worth in Bitcoin phrases has risen about 20.5% since he made the comment.
Whether or not the cup-and-handle performs out or not, the coin has already confirmed it could transfer by itself phrases.
Featured picture from Quicknode, chart from TradingView
