ZKsync Unveils Strategy for Building an "Uncorruptible Financial Infrastructure"

Alex Glukhovski, CEO of Matter Labs, has unveiled a new strategy for the ZKsync ecosystem, prioritizing integration into the global financial market over creating a separate cryptocurrency economy. This pivot is intended to establish what he calls an "uncorruptible financial infrastructure."

Glukhovski argues that after eight years of development, the crypto industry has recognized that mass adoption is unattainable without connecting to traditional finance, which operates under strict regulatory guidelines often overlooked by the crypto sector.

In discussions with banks, governments, and large enterprises, Matter Labs identified four essential requirements for blockchain adoption by these institutions:

1. Privacy: Financial data must remain confidential, as banks cannot disclose balances or counterparties publicly without breaching commercial confidentiality and legal obligations.
2. Control: Institutions require assurances that their operations will not be disrupted by external users in shared networks, particularly for critical functions like margin calls.
3. Risk Management: Regulators demand that banks verify the legitimacy of transactions, necessitating robust access control and selective data sharing.
4. Compatibility: For closed databases to be effective, they must integrate with global liquidity and external markets.

Glukhovski highlighted that earlier blockchain protocols fell short of meeting these demands without compromises. He believes that zero-knowledge proof technology can provide the necessary privacy while allowing for audits and connections to public blockchains.

2025 Achievements and Future Plans

In 2025, Matter Labs concentrated on building its technical foundation, launching components like Atlas, Prividium, and Airbender as part of a cohesive system.

Looking ahead to 2026, the development team has outlined three main focus areas:

• Prividium: This privacy solution will evolve into a comprehensive stack for banks, emphasizing integration into corporate processes such as access management, reporting, and auditing.
• ZK Stack: This platform will enable multiple appchains to merge into a single ecosystem, providing applications with access to shared liquidity and services without relying on external bridges.
• Airbender (zkEVM): The company aims to establish its RISC-V based virtual machine as a universal industry standard, focusing on auditing and enhancing the developer experience.

Glukhovski noted that the adoption of cryptocurrencies by businesses has been impeded by both regulatory uncertainties and the absence of a robust foundational infrastructure. With the new "uncorruptible financial infrastructure," these barriers are expected to be addressed.

In 2026, Matter Labs plans to roll out several significant systems in payments, capital markets, and trade finance, targeting tens of millions of end users through partnerships with regulated institutions.

Previously, Glukhovski emphasized the importance of privacy as a critical factor for institutional adoption.