W3i Software Moves to Bring Privacy-First Stablecoins to Midnight With ShieldUSD

 

As the stablecoin market matures, a growing number of projects are focusing on what many see as the next missing piece of on-chain finance: privacy that works alongside regulation, not against it.

That is the direction W3i Software is taking with ShieldUSD, a USD-pegged stablecoin being built for the Midnight Network, a privacy-focused blockchain designed for confidential smart contracts and selective disclosure.

The project aims to deliver a digital dollar that preserves transactional privacy while remaining compatible with compliance and audit requirements, a balance that has proven difficult for most stablecoin models to strike.

 

A Stablecoin Designed for Real-World Privacy

ShieldUSD is being developed by W3i Software in collaboration with Moneta Digital and Norwegian Block Exchange (NBX), combining regulated issuance with Midnight’s privacy-native infrastructure.

Unlike most dollar-backed stablecoins, which expose transaction details publicly on chain, ShieldUSD is designed to allow users to transact confidentially by default. Sensitive information such as counterparties, amounts, or transaction logic can remain private, while still allowing selective disclosure when required for regulatory, legal, or audit purposes.

For many businesses and institutions, that distinction matters. Public blockchains have made settlement faster and more programmable, but the lack of confidentiality has limited adoption in areas like payroll, supplier payments, and enterprise finance. ShieldUSD is explicitly targeting those gaps.

 

Building on Midnight’s Privacy-Native Architecture

ShieldUSD is being built specifically for the Midnight Network, a Layer 1 blockchain developed to support privacy-preserving applications from the ground up. Midnight uses advanced cryptographic techniques to enable confidential transactions and smart contracts without sacrificing verifiability or compliance.

That design allows developers to define what data is private, what is shareable, and with whom. Rather than forcing transparency or secrecy across the board, Midnight supports selective disclosure as a native feature.

ShieldUSD fits naturally into that model. It is intended to function as a settlement asset that can move privately within applications, while still offering the assurances needed by regulators, auditors, and institutional counterparties.

 

W3i’s Experience With Regulated Stablecoins

W3i Software brings prior experience to the project through its work on USDM, a regulated fiat-backed stablecoin in the Cardano ecosystem. That background has shaped ShieldUSD’s approach, particularly around compliance, custody, and reserve transparency.

By pairing that experience with Midnight’s privacy infrastructure, the project aims to show that privacy-preserving finance does not need to exist in tension with regulation. Instead, it can be engineered to support it.

 

A Broader Shift in Stablecoin Design

ShieldUSD arrives amid a broader rethinking of how stablecoins should function as they move deeper into mainstream finance. While transparency has been a core feature of early stablecoins, it has also created unintended consequences, including transaction surveillance and data leakage that make certain use cases impractical.

As AI agents, automated trading systems, and on-chain business logic become more common, privacy is increasingly viewed as a functional requirement rather than a philosophical preference. Midnight’s architecture reflects that shift, positioning privacy as infrastructure rather than an add-on.

ShieldUSD is one of the first stablecoin projects explicitly designed around that premise.

 

Momentum Around the Midnight Ecosystem

The announcement also adds momentum to the Midnight Network more broadly, which has been steadily building toward mainnet readiness with a focus on regulated, privacy-aware applications. The presence of a native, privacy-preserving dollar stablecoin strengthens Midnight’s value proposition as a settlement layer for real-world finance.

While ShieldUSD will still need to build liquidity and adoption in a competitive stablecoin market, its design aligns closely with the needs of enterprises and institutions that have largely remained on the sidelines of public blockchains.

 

What to Expect next

Challenges remain. Privacy-preserving systems are more complex to implement, and regulatory expectations around stablecoins continue to evolve. Still, ShieldUSD represents a clear step toward a more nuanced model of on-chain money, one that treats privacy as compatible with compliance rather than something to be sacrificed.

If successful, ShieldUSD could help demonstrate how stablecoins evolve beyond transparent consumer tokens into serious financial infrastructure, and position Midnight as a network purpose-built for that next phase.

 

For a sector still searching for scalable, privacy-aware settlement tools, ShieldUSD and the Midnight Network offer a direction that many in the industry have been waiting for.

 

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You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Midnight Announces NIGHT Token Launch Set for December 8, 2025

 

A New Era of Programmable Privacy Begins

The Midnight Network is officially preparing for one of the most anticipated launches in the blockchain space. During the Midnight Summit in London, Charles Hoskinson announced the official roadmap and launch date for Midnight’s NIGHT token and its multi phase rollout. The network will go live on December 8, 2025, marking the transition from years of development into a fully functioning, privacy focused blockchain ecosystem.

This launch introduces a fourth generation blockchain designed from the ground up for real world adoption, programmable privacy, regulatory friendly architecture and multi chain interoperability. Midnight is positioning itself as a new standard for privacy, identity protection and on chain compliance, and the four phase roadmap outlines how the network will reach full decentralization.

Until this point, most privacy oriented chains have focused on anonymity or narrow use cases. Midnight aims to redefine the category entirely by blending enterprise compliance with zero knowledge cryptography, creating a system where privacy and regulation are not mutually exclusive but fully compatible.

With the launch date locked in and the phases clearly defined, the coming months will be a critical period for awareness, onboarding, builders and partnerships.

 

What Is Midnight?

Midnight is a privacy focused blockchain platform developed by Shielded Technologies in partnership with the Midnight Foundation. It is built around the concept of rational privacy, which means users, developers and enterprises can choose what is private, what is shared and what is selectively disclosed. Midnight’s design recognizes that privacy and compliance both matter, and both can coexist through advanced cryptography and modern security frameworks.

 

Key Architectural Features

• Zero knowledge proofs and selective disclosure contracts give users control over their data, while still enabling compliance when necessary.

• A dual token model: NIGHT serves as the governance and utility token, while DUST powers shielded transactions and enables predictable operating costs.

• Multi chain interoperability allows Midnight to plug into existing blockchain ecosystems rather than compete against them.

• Developer friendly tooling, including the Compact language, lowers barriers to building private decentralized applications for mainstream adoption.

Midnight’s goal is to become the trusted privacy layer for Web3, supporting individuals, enterprises, institutions and global scale applications.

 

December 8 Launch and the Four Phase Roadmap

The December 8 milestone is not just a single event. It is the beginning of Midnight’s structured rollout through four major phases, each designed to activate different elements of the ecosystem.

 

Phase 1: Hilo

Launch Date: December 8, 2025
Hilo marks the official launch of the NIGHT token. Exchange listings, liquidity provision and open trading will begin on this date. Midnight is expected to launch across major exchanges, with widespread listings anticipated on platforms such as Binance, Coinbase and others.

Phase 2: Kukolu

Launch Window: Q1 2026
Kukolu activates privacy enabled decentralized applications on the network. This phase represents the launch of the fully federated mainnet and allows builders to deploy the first wave of privacy centric DApps and enterprise tools.

Phase 3: Mohalu

Launch Window: Q2 2026
Mohalu begins the process of decentralizing the network. Stake pool operators and nodes come online, and the DUST Capacity Exchange is activated. The phase starts fully federated and transitions toward community driven block production. Rare Network has already been running a Midnight node in preparation and is offering ADA staking rewards now, with NIGHT rewards expected to go live upon Mohalu’s rollout.

Phase 4: Hua

Launch Window: Q3 2026
Hua completes Midnight’s decentralization pathway. Stake pool operators become responsible for all block production. The bridging infrastructure goes live and full interoperability with other blockchains is enabled. This is the stage where Midnight matures into a fully decentralized, multi chain privacy network.

This four phase structure reflects Midnight’s commitment to stability, security and participation rather than rushing to mainnet. Each phase activates critical components in sequence to ensure the ecosystem can scale successfully.

 

Why Midnight Matters

Privacy Built for Real Adoption

Most privacy blockchains struggle because they favor anonymity over usability. Midnight’s programmable privacy model solves this by giving developers and enterprises control over what must remain private and what must be disclosed. This is essential for global adoption in regulated industries.

Major Institutional and Enterprise Partnerships

Midnight has already announced partnerships with well known organizations including Google, Webisoft, Fireblocks and others. These collaborations validate the network’s approach to privacy and hint at significant enterprise adoption on the horizon.

Interoperability and Ecosystem Flexibility

By integrating with existing chains and avoiding isolation, Midnight aligns itself with the growing multi chain reality of Web3. Developers from other ecosystems can build on Midnight and bring privacy to their applications without abandoning their existing infrastructure.

Strong Tokenomics and Predictability

The NIGHT and DUST model aligns incentives across users, developers and enterprises. NIGHT holders earn DUST, and DUST fuels the network’s privacy transactions. This gives projects predictable costs, which is especially valuable for long term enterprise adoption.

 

Final Thoughts

December 8, 2025 represents far more than a token launch. It marks the start of a major new chapter in blockchain privacy and infrastructure. Midnight has laid out a thoughtful roadmap, established key partnerships, prepared institutional tooling and positioned itself to deliver what many blockchains promise but rarely achieve.

Privacy, compliance, scale and adoption are difficult to combine, yet Midnight aims to deliver them all.

For developers, this is a rare opportunity to build on a technically advanced network that supports identity protection, private DeFi, secure data sharing and tokenized real world assets.

For users and token holders, the countdown to December 8 is more than hype. It is the beginning of a new standard for privacy in Web3 and a powerful new direction for the entire blockchain industry.

 

If Midnight executes on this roadmap, it may very well set the template for how privacy and regulation coexist in the next era of digital infrastructure.

 

Stay Connected

You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Zcash Skyrockets 380%: Is Privacy Back as The Big Crypto Narrative?

 

A Sudden Surge in the Shadows

Zcash (ZEC), one of the original privacy coins, has exploded back onto the scene with a price rally that few saw coming. The coin surged more than 380 percent in October, pushing its market cap past 5 billion dollars and marking its strongest performance in years. The move shocked traders, revived the privacy narrative, and left the market asking one question: is private finance about to make a comeback?

 

The Perfect Storm Behind Zcash’s Rally

1. Privacy Takes Center Stage Again

Zcash was built around one idea: financial privacy is a right. As regulators worldwide push for tighter tracking of crypto transactions, that idea is suddenly relevant again. Zcash’s unique use of zero-knowledge proofs, which allow transactions to be verified without revealing details, is drawing renewed attention from both investors and privacy advocates. The result has been a wave of buying fueled by ideology, curiosity, and speculation.

2. Easier Access and New Liquidity Channels

Trading access has improved dramatically for ZEC. Institutional products like trusts and new integrations with cross-chain liquidity networks have made the token easier to buy, trade, and move. Retail traders can now access Zcash through more exchanges and DeFi routes than at any time since 2021. That wider availability helped accelerate demand once momentum started building.

3. Technology That Still Leads the Pack

Zcash continues to innovate behind the scenes. Its “Halo” upgrade eliminates the need for a trusted setup in zero-knowledge proofs, improving both security and scalability. Developers have also focused on better performance for shielded transactions and unified addresses, simplifying wallet experience and broadening user appeal. Those updates show that Zcash isn’t a relic of the past but a continually evolving technology.

4. The Privacy Coin Rotation

The broader market is seeing a rotation toward privacy-focused assets. Traders who have grown bored with mainstream crypto narratives are seeking new stories with real use cases. In that environment, Zcash’s long-standing reputation and strong cryptographic foundation make it a natural leader.

 

Myths and Misconceptions

Some traders attributed the rally to an upcoming “halving” event, but that was a misconception. The last Zcash halving occurred in 2024, and the next one is not expected until 2028. While scarcity always matters in crypto, this rally was driven by fundamentals, sentiment, and liquidity, not an impending supply shock.

 

Why the Rally Accelerated So Fast

Zcash trades on thinner liquidity compared to large-cap coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which makes its price more sensitive to sudden demand. Once ZEC broke through key resistance levels around 260 dollars, momentum traders piled in, pushing prices higher and feeding a cycle of hype. Online searches and social media mentions of Zcash surged, amplifying the frenzy.

 

The Double-Edged Sword of Regulation

Privacy coins remain controversial. Some regulators view them as tools for financial anonymity that could complicate compliance efforts. Others, however, see privacy features as a critical innovation for personal and corporate financial security. This divide has fueled volatility, as each new policy headline can spark either optimism or panic. For Zcash, that tension keeps the narrative alive and the spotlight on.

 

What Sets Zcash Apart

Unlike some privacy coins that hide all transactions by default, Zcash allows users to choose between transparent and shielded transfers. This flexibility has made it easier to discuss compliance while still protecting privacy-conscious users. The technology behind ZEC is also considered among the most advanced in cryptography, with applications that reach beyond currency and into identity, proof, and authentication.

 

The Bigger Picture

Zcash’s resurgence appears to be the result of multiple forces converging: a renewed interest in financial privacy, better market access, credible technological development, and the growing desire for something different in a crowded crypto market. As mainstream investors rediscover privacy coins, ZEC is benefiting from being the most recognized name in the category.

Still, volatility remains a constant risk. Zcash’s rapid ascent could correct just as quickly if sentiment fades or if exchanges tighten their listing policies. For now, though, the rally underscores a powerful message: privacy is back in the conversation, and the market is finally paying attention.

 

The Bottom Line

Zcash’s 380 percent surge is more than a lucky break. It signals that the crypto market is once again open to experimentation and ideology. In an industry that often cycles through narratives, privacy has returned as a potent theme, and Zcash stands as its flagship. Whether this becomes a sustained movement or another short-lived spike will depend on how well developers, users, and regulators navigate the balance between transparency and freedom.

 

If Zcash continues improving its technology and broadening access, the rally could mark the start of a new era for privacy coins. If not, it will still be remembered as the moment the market remembered what crypto was built for.

 

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You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The Scavenger Mine: Midnight’s Next Big Leap in the Glacier Drop  

Phase Two begins October 29, unlocking a new era of participation for the Midnight community  

The Midnight Network is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of The Scavenger Mine, the second phase of its ambitious Glacier Drop initiative. This phase, beginning October 29, invites the global community to actively participate in earning NIGHT tokens while helping build the foundation of Midnight’s privacy-first ecosystem.

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The Glacier Drop: Setting the Stage

The Glacier Drop was created as a fair and inclusive way to distribute NIGHT, Midnight’s native token. Instead of relying on early access or venture funding, Midnight has focused on rewarding community members across multiple blockchain ecosystems: Cardano, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and others.

Phase One of the Glacier Drop successfully introduced NIGHT to the world, with thousands of participants claiming tokens based on their wallet holdings and community engagement. This initial phase not only spread awareness of Midnight’s vision but also demonstrated the team’s commitment to equitable token distribution and transparency.

With the first phase complete, Midnight is now turning up the excitement with a more interactive experience that brings everyone into the fold, whether you claimed in Phase One or not.

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Introducing the Scavenger Mine

The Scavenger Mine is the next evolution of the Glacier Drop. It transforms the process from a simple token claim into a gamified, hands-on experience. Participants can join from anywhere, complete unique on-chain tasks, and earn NIGHT tokens through engagement, discovery, and contribution.

This phase is not about mining with expensive hardware or competing with massive operations. It is designed for accessibility and creativity. Midnight wants to empower anyone, from crypto veterans to newcomers, to take part in building its ecosystem.

Each day, new opportunities will open to explore, learn, and earn. The Scavenger Mine takes the remaining unclaimed NIGHT from the first phase and redistributes it over 30 days, rewarding active participation and community involvement.

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How It Works

1. Get Ready: The Scavenger Mine begins October 29. Head to midnight.gd to check for updates and instructions.

2. Join the Hunt: Once the phase starts, participants can complete daily challenges, puzzles, and tasks related to Midnight’s ecosystem.

3. Earn NIGHT: Rewards are distributed daily across participants who complete the activities, the network reserve, and the ecosystem treasury.

4. Thaw Schedule: Just like Phase One, claimed NIGHT tokens unlock gradually over time, aligning rewards with long-term commitment to the network.

This model ensures fairness, keeps the community engaged, and creates a sustainable way to grow the Midnight ecosystem organically.

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Why the Scavenger Mine Matters

The Scavenger Mine is more than a distribution event. It represents the core of Midnight’s philosophy: empowering participation, protecting privacy, and building technology that serves people, not gatekeepers.

• Inclusivity: Anyone can join. You don’t need to be an early holder or have advanced technical skills.

• Engagement: Midnight is rewarding curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, not just capital.

• Network Growth: Each task helps test, strengthen, and expand the network, making participants a real part of its evolution.

• Fairness: The Scavenger Mine redistributes unclaimed NIGHT in a transparent, community-driven way.

Midnight is proving that blockchain innovation can be both accessible and meaningful. It is not about speculation; it is about participation and purpose.

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What to Expect

Once the Scavenger Mine launches, you can expect:

• Daily opportunities to claim NIGHT through new tasks and challenges.

• Community interaction across social platforms as participants share progress, insights, and tips.

• Network engagement as Midnight continues to test features and integrations leading up to its mainnet milestones.

• Continued updates from the Midnight team about upcoming ecosystem expansions and partnerships.

The event will run for approximately 30 days, making late October through November a pivotal period for the Midnight community.

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Looking Ahead

Midnight is redefining how blockchain participation feels. Instead of passive airdrops or token giveaways, the project is introducing meaningful, interactive engagement that aligns with its privacy-first mission.

The Scavenger Mine is a celebration of what makes Web3 exciting: collaboration, discovery, and innovation driven by community energy.

If you missed the first phase of the Glacier Drop, this is your moment to get involved. Prepare your wallets, follow official updates, and join thousands of others ready to dig into the Scavenger Mine.

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Final Thoughts

The launch of the Scavenger Mine marks a turning point for the Midnight Network. It blends gamified participation with real utility, ensuring that those who help build the ecosystem share in its growth.

With the event beginning October 29, Midnight is proving that blockchain development can be both secure and inclusive, a movement that rewards exploration and empowers every participant to be part of something bigger.

 

The glacier has started to move, and now it is time to dig deeper. The Scavenger Mine is waiting.

 

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Stay Connected

You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.