Privacy leaks have become the norm, and regulatory oversight is tightening at every level. But is it possible to protect privacy while satisfying regulatory requirements? Dusk provides an answer — this is not just theoretical speculation, but real product implementation.

Founded in 2018, Dusk positions itself as a Layer 1 chain with a very unique core focus: privacy-first compliant finance. Simply put, it uses blockchain to bring traditional securities, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other real-world assets (RWA) onto the chain, rather than just slapping a shell on them.

How does the tech stack work? The Hedger engine is key — it combines homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), enabling the DuskEVM layer, compatible with EVM, to support confidential transactions. Your asset transfers remain private and untraceable, yet each transaction can be audited at any time, making market manipulation virtually impossible to hide. The underlying DuskDS layer uses Succinct Attestation consensus to guarantee instant finality, and the P2P network Kadcast reduces bandwidth usage by 50% — what does this mean? It means this is not just a patchwork of cutting-edge tech, but a system truly designed for institutional users.

Dusk has also invested heavily in ecosystem development. Its partnership with the Dutch NPEX exchange is not just simple integration but embedding regulatory licenses directly at the protocol level — NPEX comes with MTF, Broker, and ECSP licenses, helping Dusk bypass many administrative cycles. The DuskTrade platform, scheduled to launch in 2026, plans to tokenize over 300 million euros worth of securities in phases, making it Europe’s first fully on-chain compliant marketplace. Chainlink provides cross-chain data security, while 21X and Quantoz handle stablecoins and asset custody. The platform already hosts Pieswap DEX and Sozu liquid staking, with a TVL exceeding $20 million and an APR close to 30%.

The design of the DUSK token is also noteworthy. With a total supply cap of 1 billion, an initial release of 500 million, and a gradual emission over the next 36 years, inflation is strictly controlled. Currently, about 500 million tokens are in circulation, priced around $0.051, with a market cap of $25 million, tradable on multiple exchanges. The token’s uses include paying for gas, staking, and deploying dApps.

Even more ambitious is Dusk’s long-term plan: by 2026, it aims to launch Dusk Pay, a payment network, and Hyperstaking mechanisms, continuing to introduce RWA products like ETFs. From technological breakthroughs to ecosystem expansion and global outreach — this privacy financial revolution is radiating from Europe outward. Dusk is not a follower but is truly defining a new track.