Zcash is set to roll out quantum-recoverable wallets within the next 30 days and achieve full post-quantum security within 12 to 18 months, according to a roadmap presented at Consensus Miami. Josh Swihart, founder and CEO of Zcash Open Development Lab, revealed the timeline in a session moderated by Helius founder Mert Mumtaz, while Electric Coin Company CEO Zooko Wilcox further detailed the plans. The intermediate quantum-recoverable wallets will allow users to protect their assets before protocol-level post-quantum algorithms replace ECDSA signatures, enabling safe migration if a sudden 'quantum leap' renders existing cryptography vulnerable.
Beyond quantum resistance, Zcash is targeting MasterCard- and Visa-scale throughput via a separate scaling track, signaling its ambition to become a private global settlement layer. The network also aims to cut block time from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, with bridges to Solana and Hyperliquid already live. Token-holder voting through the Zashi wallet is planned as an opinion layer for the project's rough-consensus governance.
The announcements coincide with a strong ZEC rally – the token is up more than 110% over the past 30 days, driven by Multicoin Capital's disclosure of a sizable investment and growing demand for privacy-focused infrastructure. The shielded pool now holds roughly 30% of circulating ZEC, an all-time high, and roughly $600 million to $700 million has flowed through the Near Intents integration since its October launch, which enables cross-chain swaps from assets like BTC, SOL, and USDC directly into shielded ZEC.
