Overview
- Foundry, operator of the largest Bitcoin pool by hashrate, confirmed a Zcash pool launch next month built on the SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 framework used for Foundry USA.
- The service will require identity verification with KYC/AML, run U.S.-based operations, pay to transparent Zcash addresses, and use a PPLNS payout model with auditable reporting and 24/7 support.
- CEO Mike Colyer said the move addresses a lack of institutional-grade Zcash infrastructure rather than reacting to Bitcoin mining margin pressure.
- Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox said Foundry’s entry could broaden the network’s hashpower distribution, where ViaBTC currently leads and F2Pool is another major operator.
- The launch comes as ZEC trades near $210 after a steep pullback from late‑2025 highs, alongside tighter restrictions on privacy coins in markets such as India and Dubai and upcoming EU AML rules, with Zcash development reshaped by the new ZODL team’s $25 million funding.