Dusk Network stands as a leading Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for regulated decentralized finance, delivering true privacy and full compliance without compromises. Founded in 2018, Dusk combines zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and homomorphic encryption to enable confidential smart contracts that remain auditable for regulators – ideal for institutional-grade applications like tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), compliant DeFi, and secure financial infrastructure.
The real-world momentum is undeniable: Through its partnership with NPEX – a fully licensed Dutch stock exchange (MTF, Broker, ECSP) supervised by the AFM – Dusk has tokenized over €300 million+ in securities and assets under management. This brings traditional financial products on-chain with instant settlement, self-custody, and reduced costs, proving Dusk's ability to bridge TradFi and Web3 effectively.
2026 is set to be transformative! The highly anticipated DuskEVM mainnet launch (second week of January 2026) introduces full EVM compatibility, allowing developers to deploy standard Solidity smart contracts that settle on Dusk's privacy-focused Layer 1. This removes integration barriers and unlocks scalable compliant DeFi and RWA innovations.
Complementing this, Hedger (Alpha already live) adds compliant privacy to EVM transactions using ZKPs and homomorphic encryption – perfect for regulated environments where confidentiality meets auditability. The STOX platform (phased rollout in 2026) will expand tokenized securities trading, while Chainlink CCIP integration enables secure cross-chain composability of regulated assets across ecosystems.
At the ecosystem's core is the $DUSK token – essential for gas fees, staking (earn rewards while securing the network), governance, and powering utilities in compliant applications. With MiCA alignment and licensed partnerships, Dusk is positioned as the go-to chain for institutions seeking privacy, compliance, and real adoption.
This isn't just another blockchain – it's the foundation for the next generation of on-chain finance: private, regulated, and ready for mass institutional use. The launches ahead make 2026 an exciting year!
Which Dusk feature excites you most – DuskEVM for developers, Hedger privacy, or the massive tokenized RWAs via NPEX? Share your thoughts! 🌟
