What Is ZKsync?

ZKsync is an EVM-compatible Layer 2 zero-knowledge rollup that scales Ethereum by executing transactions off-chain and posting succinct validity proofs back to mainnet. Unlike optimistic rollups, ZK rollups do not rely on a multi-day fraud-proof window because each batch is mathematically proven correct before it lands on Ethereum. ZKsync is built by Matter Labs, and the ZK token is the network's governance asset, used to vote on protocol upgrades, treasury usage, and the broader direction of the ZKsync ecosystem.

Overview - Table of Contents
What Is ZKsync?
Getting Started With ZKsync
How To Get A ZKsync Wallet?
ZKsync Resources
How To Buy ZKsync?
Latest ZKsync News

Matter Labs was founded in 2018 by Alex Gluchowski and Alexandr Vlasov, with the goal of building production-grade zero-knowledge infrastructure for Ethereum. The first ZKsync product, retroactively known as ZKsync Lite, launched on Ethereum mainnet in 2020 as a payment-focused zk-rollup. It supported transfers, swaps, and NFTs, but not general smart contracts. ZKsync Era, the EVM-compatible general-purpose rollup that the project now centers on, launched on mainnet in March 2023.

ZKsync Era uses a custom zkEVM that executes a slightly modified instruction set for efficient proving while preserving close compatibility with Solidity and Vyper development workflows. Tooling such as Hardhat, Foundry, and Ethers can target ZKsync Era with minor adjustments. The network also features native account abstraction, meaning every account is a smart contract that can use multisigs, paymaster-funded gas, and custom signature schemes without bolting on EIP-4337.

In 2023 Matter Labs introduced the ZK Stack, an open-source framework that lets anyone deploy their own ZK chain using the same prover, sequencer, and L1 contracts as ZKsync Era. ZK chains share liquidity, accounts, and messaging through what is now branded as the Elastic Network (originally Hyperchains). Notable ZK chains include GRVT, Sophon, Cronos zkEVM, Lens Chain, and Treasure Chain, alongside ZKsync Era itself as the flagship chain. In 2024 the project rebranded the umbrella product from "zkSync" to "ZKsync" with the capitalization standardized across communications.

The ZK token launched in June 2024 via a large airdrop to historical users, developers, and partner ecosystems. It has a maximum supply of 21 billion ZK and is used for governance over the ZKsync protocol via the ZK Nation governance system, which is split between a token-weighted assembly and elected committees. ZK is currently not used to pay gas on ZKsync Era (transactions pay in ETH), but it plays a central role in protocol decision-making and validator economics as the network decentralizes its sequencer.

The ZKsync ecosystem hosts a wide range of DeFi protocols, including Aave (via a ZKsync deployment), SyncSwap, Maverick, Velocore, Holdstation, and many others. Consumer apps span on-chain games, social applications, and account-abstraction-native wallets that take advantage of paymasters and sponsored gas.

Getting Started With ZKsync

The simplest way to use ZKsync is to bridge funds from Ethereum and try an app:

Step 1: Install an Ethereum-compatible wallet such as MetaMask, Rabby, or a ZKsync-specific AA wallet like Clave.
Step 2: Bridge ETH or USDC from Ethereum mainnet to ZKsync Era using the official ZKsync Bridge or a third-party bridge such as Orbiter or LayerSwap.
Step 3: Connect to apps in the ZKsync ecosystem (DEXs, lending markets, games) and transact with significantly lower fees than mainnet.
Step 4: Acquire ZK to participate in ZK Nation governance, delegate voting power, and vote on protocol proposals.

How to Get a ZKsync Wallet?

ZK is an ERC-20 on Ethereum and on ZKsync Era. ZKsync Era accounts are smart contracts thanks to native account abstraction, but standard EVM wallets work transparently:

MetaMask

MetaMask is the most widely used wallet for ZKsync Era. Add the ZKsync Era RPC to start interacting with apps. Account abstraction features are exposed by individual dApps and AA wallets, but MetaMask covers most everyday needs.

Rabby

Rabby is a popular alternative wallet with strong transaction simulation and multi-chain support. It works smoothly with ZKsync Era and other ZK chains in the Elastic Network.

Clave

Clave is a ZKsync-native account abstraction wallet that uses passkeys and on-device biometrics for signing. It is a good showcase of what AA on ZKsync enables.

Hardware Wallets

Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets work with ZKsync Era via MetaMask or Rabby, keeping keys offline for larger balances while still allowing interaction with the rollup.

ZKsync Resources

How to Buy ZKsync?

ZK is widely listed across centralized and decentralized venues:

Centralized Exchanges

ZK is available on Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, OKX, KuCoin, Bitget, Gate, MEXC, and others. Common pairs include ZK/USDT, ZK/USDC, and ZK/BTC. Many exchanges support direct ZKsync Era network deposits and withdrawals.

Decentralized Exchanges

On ZKsync Era, ZK trades against ETH and stablecoins on SyncSwap, Maverick, PancakeSwap, and other DEXs. ZK is also available on Ethereum mainnet DEXs such as Uniswap.

After buying, ZK can be held to vote in ZK Nation, delegated to a representative, or bridged across the Elastic Network as more ZK chains adopt the token in their economies.

Latest ZKsync News

The most consequential recent developments for ZKsync were the June 2024 ZK token launch and airdrop, the rebrand from zkSync to ZKsync, and the rollout of the Elastic Network. The Elastic Network unifies ZKsync Era and other ZK Stack chains under a shared liquidity, messaging, and proving layer, positioning ZKsync as a hub for a network of EVM-compatible ZK rollups.

Protocol upgrades have continued to focus on prover performance, sequencer decentralization, and developer tooling parity with mainnet Ethereum. Following the ZKsync blog, ZK Nation forum, and Matter Labs engineering posts is the best way to track upgrades and governance decisions.