As 2026 begins, the conversation around blockchain is shifting from speculation to utility. Dusk Network is positioning itself at the forefront of this change by building infrastructure that enables real-world, regulated financial activity on-chain—without compromising privacy, speed, or compliance.
This month, DuskEVM launches on mainnet, giving developers the ability to deploy standard Solidity smart contracts on Dusk’s Layer 1 via an EVM-compatible application layer. For teams transitioning from Ethereum or other EVM chains, this is a major simplification. Existing codebases can move to a privacy-focused blockchain with minimal friction, while institutions gain a platform designed for secure, compliant operations.
Privacy is central to DUSK’s vision. Hedger, one of the project’s key innovations, provides EVM-compatible privacy using zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption. This allows transactions to remain confidential while remaining auditable for regulatory purposes. It’s a solution designed for regulated finance: institutions can execute trades and investments on-chain while fulfilling KYC and AML obligations without exposing sensitive data publicly.
The first major real-world application is DuskTrade, set for 2026. Built with NPEX—a licensed Dutch exchange with MTF, Broker, and ECSP credentials DuskTrade will enable €300 million in on-chain tokenized securities activity. The platform bridges traditional financial assets like bonds and stocks with blockchain execution, letting investors participate in tokenized markets while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The combined stack of DuskEVM, Hedger, and DuskTrade reflects a holistic approach: developers can experiment with DeFi and real-asset applications, privacy is guaranteed by design, and institutional-grade compliance is baked in. This is infrastructure designed for practical adoption, not hype.
In short, DUSK is demonstrating that privacy, regulation, and on-chain execution are not mutually exclusive. By offering a bridge between TradFi and blockchain, it provides a framework for institutions to operate on-chain safely and legally. For developers, investors, and regulators alike, the next chapter of crypto may very well be written on Dusk’s Layer 1.
