ZKsync

ZK is the governance token of ZKsync, an Ethereum layer-2 network built by Matter Labs that proves transactions with zero-knowledge proofs.

ZKsync Era is a layer-2 network for Ethereum. It processes transactions off Ethereum and sends a mathematical proof of their validity back to Ethereum, which secures the funds. L2BEAT rated it Stage 0 and showed about $284 million of value secured on 2 October 2026, half of it the ZK token itself. The same technology runs other "ZK Chains" and private institutional chains called Prividium.

ZK is a governance token. Holders delegate votes in the Token Assembly, which decides on protocol upgrades and token programmes. Fees on the network are paid in ETH, and ZK has no native staking. A Security Council and a group of Guardians can freeze contracts and, together with the ZKsync Foundation, upgrade the network instantly in an emergency; five such security patches were made in 2026.

Supply is capped at 21 billion ZK, though governance can raise the cap. 17.5% was airdropped in June 2024, investors hold 19.78% and the Matter Labs team 13.55%, unlocking monthly until June 2028; 29.27% is unallocated and can only be minted through approved token programmes. About 10.8 billion ZK were circulating in October 2026.