Grayscale submits the first privacy coin spot ETF application, Multicoin Capital reveals it has built a position in ZEC

Grayscale has submitted a Zcash spot ETF application, converting the existing Zcash trust into a spot product, becoming the first privacy coin ETF seeking to be listed in the United States. At the same time, Multicoin Capital disclosed that it has been continuously building a position in ZEC since February, with co-founder Tushar Jain linking the investment logic to the proposed wealth tax legislation in the U.S., believing that the government's expansion of monitoring private financial holdings will drive structural demand for assets that shield regulation on a mathematical level.

However, this application has also raised institutional custody challenges: approximately 30% of Zcash's supply is located in shielded address pools, the highest in history, but ETF custody must almost exclusively use transparent address pools to meet audit and balance proof requirements. Previously, the SEC concluded its long-term review of Zcash in January 2026 without taking enforcement action, significantly reducing regulatory uncertainty.