Cake Wallet integrates Zcash with default shielded transfers, strengthening privacy standards and simplifying secure transactions.
Cake Wallet has strengthened onchain privacy by integrating Zcash with shielded transfers enabled by default. By doing so, users are provided automatic protection without any changes in settings or complexities of options. The move signals growing demand for privacy-oriented wallets.
Cake Wallet Makes Shielded Zcash the Default Experience
Cake Wallet, which is highly linked to the use of Monero, made an announcement for integrating Zcash via its official X account. Importantly, shielded transfers are now used by default in all ZEC transactions. Therefore, transaction amounts, senders, and receivers are concealed unless users deliberately disable privacy features.
1/ ✨ Zcash has officially joined the Cake family. 🍰
Here’s what’s new 👇
🛡️ Zcash support — autoshielding, rotating t-addresses, background sync, passphrase wallets, and more
🔄 NEAR Intents DEX — swap cross-chain privately, cheaply, quicklyLet’s take a closer look 🧵 pic.twitter.com/eTsA79rnEb
— Cake Wallet (@cakewallet) January 15, 2026
Zcash has transparent and shielded transactions throughout its network. Transparent addresses are still traceable as are most blockchains today. However, shielded addresses make use of zero-knowledge proofs to encrypt all sensitive transaction details safely.
Related Reading: Zcash News: SEC Closes Zcash Foundation Probe With No Enforcement Action | Live Bitcoin News
Cake Wallet has implemented Zcash in a privacy-first manner without optional settings complexity. Funds are always from shielded sources, even when sent to transparent addresses. As such, users are not exposed accidentally, and the privacy of the transaction is preserved at all times.
Moreover, receiving addresses turn automatically in the wallet interface. Funds coming into transparent addresses are then shielded as soon as they arrive at the destination. As a result, spending activity is private and safe from the risks of blockchain surveillance.
Cake Wallet also focused on usability enhancements in addition to privacy enhancements. Background synchronization is used to keep wallets up-to-date without having to execute a manual refresh action. Additionally, built-in passphrase support adds more security for advanced users who manage higher-value holdings.
Beyond Zcash, Cake Wallet added further functionality by adding NEAR Intents swap support. This system is used for a user to declare desired swap outcomes. Then, decentralized networks compete to offer the optimum pricing and execution efficiency.
NEAR Intents are used for efficient cross-chain swaps between assets such as Bitcoin and Zcash. Notably, NEAR offers native support of shielded Zcash transactions. Therefore, swaps happen without sensitive transaction data being leaked to the public.
Market Reaction and ZEC Performance Remain in Focus
Meanwhile, the market performance of Zcash demonstrated volatility in tandem with the announcement of the integration of privacy. As of Jan. 16, 2026, ZEC traded near $414.28. During the previous 24 hours, prices had an all-time high of $448.21.
However, ZEC has been down about 7.41% in the past 24 hours. Despite short-term weakness, long term performance is notable. During the last year, the price of ZEC rose more than 600%.
Market observers attribute growing interest to increased privacy narratives. Regulatory oversight and growth in blockchain analytics led to the increased demand for private transactions. Therefore, wallet-level privacy defaults became strategically important throughout crypto markets.
Cake Wallet’s integration is part of broader moves within the industry to embed privacy solutions. Instead of optional features, privacy by design is more and more of a priority for developers. With this, the risks of user error are reduced while adoption barriers are lowered.
The announcement stressed on open source development and free access without a waiting list. Users get the benefit of modern wallet functionality without being complicated in the onboarding process. This is an approach to reflect escalating competition between privacy-focused wallet providers.
Even further, shielded Zcash swaps make decentralized finance more accessible. Cross-chain activity often publicizes transaction histories. However, this integration reduces exposure during the movement of the assets.
Cake Wallet made the update via Explorers on its official X account. The company stressed on long term commitment to user privacy. Consequently, Zcash finds new importance in changing blockchain environments.
Overall, default shielded transfers represent an important step towards default privacy normalization. As the use of blockchains is expanding, privacy-preserving infrastructure is becoming increasingly important on a global scale.