Zcash overtakes Stellar, becoming the 14th largest cryptocurrency globally. Rising shielded transactions boost investor confidence in privacy-focused ZEC. Analysts see growing demand for digital privacy driving Zcash’s surge. Zcash (ZEC) has recorded a major breakthrough in the cryptocurrency market, surpassing Stellar (XLM) to become the 14th largest digital asset by market capitalization. According to recent data, Zcash’s market value now stands at US$9.41 billion, slightly ahead of Stellar’s $8.88 billion. This marks a remarkable turnaround for a token that, until recently, remained relatively quiet within the broader crypto scene. Launched in 2016 as a fork of Bitcoin, Zcash introduced an innovative feature that allows users to conduct fully anonymous transactions using zero-knowledge proofs. Its privacy-preserving design has long distinguished it from most public blockchains. Recently, growing recognition of the importance of data confidentiality in crypto transactions has renewed investor interest in ZEC. Zcash’s price performance reflects this renewed enthusiasm. The token has surged more than 1,100 % year-to-date, climbing from under US$54 in late September to highs above $748. Over the past week alone, ZEC rose more than 40 %, outpacing broader market trends. This sharp growth has also pushed it ahead of other privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, including Monero (XMR), making it the largest asset in its category. Also Read: Peter Schiff Urges Bitcoin Holders to Sell as Price Holds Above $100,000 Rising Use, Not Just Price Analysts suggest the rally is not purely speculative. A growing portion of Zcash’s circulating supply is now held in shielded addresses, indicating that more users are opting for privacy features in real transactions. This trend highlights shifting market sentiment, where privacy is gaining legitimacy rather than being viewed as an obstacle. Besides, recent technical upgrades to Zcash’s network have streamlined shielded transactions and improved scalability. These developments have contributed to a noticeable increase in on-chain activity. Additionally, rising awareness about digital security and surveillance concerns appears to have boosted user confidence in privacy-centric assets like ZEC. Implications and What to Watch Zcash’s rapid climb past Stellar underscores a broader shift in investor priorities. Privacy tokens are regaining attention amid renewed debates over financial transparency and individual autonomy in digital finance. Regulatory uncertainty continues to hover over privacy-focused projects, and any tightening policies could slow ZEC’s growth. Moreover, sustaining momentum will depend on whether user adoption continues to expand and whether new partnerships or integrations emerge. Zcash’s rally signals a growing appetite for privacy in the crypto market and a potential redefinition of how digital assets balance transparency with confidentiality. Also Read: Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Financial Crash, Reveals Bold Targets for Gold and Bitcoin   The post Zcash Surges Past Stellar to Become Top 15 Crypto, Driven by Rising Privacy Demand appeared first on 36Crypto. Zcash overtakes Stellar, becoming the 14th largest cryptocurrency globally. Rising shielded transactions boost investor confidence in privacy-focused ZEC. Analysts see growing demand for digital privacy driving Zcash’s surge. Zcash (ZEC) has recorded a major breakthrough in the cryptocurrency market, surpassing Stellar (XLM) to become the 14th largest digital asset by market capitalization. According to recent data, Zcash’s market value now stands at US$9.41 billion, slightly ahead of Stellar’s $8.88 billion. This marks a remarkable turnaround for a token that, until recently, remained relatively quiet within the broader crypto scene. Launched in 2016 as a fork of Bitcoin, Zcash introduced an innovative feature that allows users to conduct fully anonymous transactions using zero-knowledge proofs. Its privacy-preserving design has long distinguished it from most public blockchains. Recently, growing recognition of the importance of data confidentiality in crypto transactions has renewed investor interest in ZEC. Zcash’s price performance reflects this renewed enthusiasm. The token has surged more than 1,100 % year-to-date, climbing from under US$54 in late September to highs above $748. Over the past week alone, ZEC rose more than 40 %, outpacing broader market trends. This sharp growth has also pushed it ahead of other privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, including Monero (XMR), making it the largest asset in its category. Also Read: Peter Schiff Urges Bitcoin Holders to Sell as Price Holds Above $100,000 Rising Use, Not Just Price Analysts suggest the rally is not purely speculative. A growing portion of Zcash’s circulating supply is now held in shielded addresses, indicating that more users are opting for privacy features in real transactions. This trend highlights shifting market sentiment, where privacy is gaining legitimacy rather than being viewed as an obstacle. Besides, recent technical upgrades to Zcash’s network have streamlined shielded transactions and improved scalability. These developments have contributed to a noticeable increase in on-chain activity. Additionally, rising awareness about digital security and surveillance concerns appears to have boosted user confidence in privacy-centric assets like ZEC. Implications and What to Watch Zcash’s rapid climb past Stellar underscores a broader shift in investor priorities. Privacy tokens are regaining attention amid renewed debates over financial transparency and individual autonomy in digital finance. Regulatory uncertainty continues to hover over privacy-focused projects, and any tightening policies could slow ZEC’s growth. Moreover, sustaining momentum will depend on whether user adoption continues to expand and whether new partnerships or integrations emerge. Zcash’s rally signals a growing appetite for privacy in the crypto market and a potential redefinition of how digital assets balance transparency with confidentiality. Also Read: Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Financial Crash, Reveals Bold Targets for Gold and Bitcoin   The post Zcash Surges Past Stellar to Become Top 15 Crypto, Driven by Rising Privacy Demand appeared first on 36Crypto.