Zcash fell 6.6% to about $1,329 on October 1, 2026, extending its weekly decline to 8% after a 1,077% 12-month gain. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency lets users conceal transaction participants and amounts through a shielded pool (encrypted network area) and zero-knowledge proofs (cryptographic validity checks without disclosure). Wallets linked to the $387.5 million Bitget heist moved about 2,746 ZEC, worth roughly $3.9 million, into Zcash’s Ironwood shielded pool on September 30. The transfer has increased concern that regulatory scrutiny, including possible exchange delistings or withdrawal restrictions, could become a greater risk than profit-taking. ZEC recovered to $1,382 on October 2, while Grayscale’s Zcash ETF has raised $306 million since August and large investors continue to support the privacy technology.