In a subdued crypto market, Sui’s native token $SUI has stolen the spotlight, rocketing over 15% in the past 24 hours while Bitcoin and Ether barely budged with gains under 2%. Traders are betting big on the Layer-1 blockchain’s potential to roll out advanced privacy features, fueled by fresh research from its core developer, Mysten Labs.
The rally kicked off following the release of an updated academic paper co-authored by Mysten Labs researchers, alongside experts from George Mason University and Yale. This comprehensive study systematizes privacy tools for blockchains, exploring ways to hide transaction details like amounts, senders, and receivers using zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption—without fully mimicking older privacy coins like Zcash or Monero.
Why Privacy Matters Now
Privacy has re-emerged as a hot theme in crypto, especially after coins like Zcash outperformed in 2025 amid growing demands for “digital cash” that balances confidentiality with speed and compliance. Sui’s account-based model, similar to Ethereum and Solana, positions it well for integrating these features natively. Mysten Labs co-founder Adeniyi Abiodun has teased programmable privacy and private stablecoin transfers coming in 2026, hinting at protocol-level upgrades that could make hidden transactions default and user-friendly.
Community Hype on X
On X the excitement is palpable. Mysten Labs’ chief cryptographer Kostas Kryptos highlighted the paper’s two years of peer-reviewed research, declaring “2026 will be massive for private crypto solutions” and noting Sui’s lead with top ZK experts. Community voices echoed this, with users praising Sui’s stack—including tools like zkLogin and DeepBook—for enabling real-world privacy without sacrifices. One post called it “pure research and great leadership,” while others speculated on explosive TVL growth as privacy draws in institutions and everyday users.
Looking Ahead
No immediate product launch was announced, but the research signals serious intent. As regulatory pressures mount and users demand better financial privacy, Sui’s focus on scalable, compliant solutions could propel it further. With $SUI trading around $1.95 amid broader market caution, this token-specific surge underscores how innovation narratives can drive outsized gains—even in quiet times.