BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has suggested that Zcash (ZEC) could eventually reach 10% of Bitcoin’s market capitalization. This is a long-term bullish view on privacy coins, not a short-term price prediction. Based on ZEC’s circulating supply of about 16 million tokens, that scenario would put the price in the high four-figure range—roughly $8,000 to $10,000, depending on Bitcoin’s value.
A Chart Pattern Worth Watching
On the technical side, traders are pointing to a possible cup-and-handle pattern, but this is a subjective chart formation with no guaranteed outcome. Resistance is often noted around $625–$650, and some speculative projections suggest a move toward $1,000. However, this depends heavily on broader market conditions and is not a confirmed target. The target also aligns with ZEC’s 1.618 Fibonacci extension, drawn from a swing high of $745 down to a swing low of $185.
Privacy Coins Pull Ahead
ZEC isn’t moving alone. Monero and Dash, both privacy-focused tokens, have also seen gains over the past month. But Zcash is leading the pack. Reports show the coin climbed more than 80% in 30 days, while the total crypto market cap barely moved—up just 0.2% over the same period.
$ZEC update
This thing is running its own bull market right now… gg I closed my short.
Especially with $BTC sitting on support around $76k
Even a small pump in Bitcoin makes ZEC go absolutely stupid right now
https://t.co/xLs6ficv7l pic.twitter.com/obAhbnXqfp
— SnorlaX お金 (@SnorlaxOnChain) May 18, 2026
In the past three days alone, ZEC added 18% while the broader market slipped 3%. That divergence has led some traders to say Zcash is running its own bull market. Growing demand for financial privacy appears to be the main driver, drawing fresh interest into a coin that had been largely overlooked for years.
Related Reading: XRP Will Go ‘Higher, Much Higher,’ Analyst Says, Betting On Explosive Breakout
Institutional Interest Adds Fuel
Earlier in May, hedge fund Multicoin Capital disclosed it holds a position in ZEC. Around the same time, Robinhood added the token to its platform, opening it up to a wider pool of retail investors. Both developments came as the privacy narrative was already building. Hayes’s comment added another layer. His estimate was speculative—based on a market cap comparison to Bitcoin—but it drew attention. According to data, ZEC’s value in Bitcoin terms has risen about 20.5% since he made the remark.
Whether the cup-and-handle pattern plays out or not, the coin has already shown it can move on its own terms.
Featured image from Quicknode, chart from TradingView
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Zcashs recent price surge and its potential in this crypto cycle
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Why did Zcash jump 88 in the last 30 days
A The rally is mostly due to a mix of strong market momentum positive sentiment around privacy coins and speculation that regulatory changes are making investors look for the next big opportunity in crypto
Q What is Zcash in simple terms
A Zcash is a cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin but with a key difference it can hide the sender receiver and amount of a transaction Think of it as private Bitcoin
Q Is Zcash a good investment right now
A No one can predict the future but the 88 jump shows strong interest However its a volatile asset Only invest what you can afford to lose and do your own research on the technology and team
Q How is Zcash different from Bitcoin
A Bitcoin transactions are public for everyone to see Zcash gives you the option to make transactions completely private using a technology called zkSNARKs Otherwise they share a similar supply cap and mining model
Q Can I buy Zcash on a regular exchange like Coinbase
A Yes Zcash is listed on major exchanges like Coinbase Binance and Kraken You can buy it with fiat currency or trade it for other cryptocurrencies
Intermediate Advanced Questions
Q What makes Zcash the quiet winner of this crypto cycle
A The argument is that while everyone is focused on Bitcoin and memecoins Zcash is solving a real problem financial privacy If regulations force more transparency on other coins Zcashs builtin privacy could become highly valuable but its flying under the radar for now
Q Is Zcash actually private Arent privacy coins being banned
A Zcash offers optional privacy You can send public or private transactions While some exchanges have delisted privacy coins due to regulation Zcashs optional privacy makes it more compliant than fully anonymous coins like Monero