Since launching development in 2018, @Dusk has focused on creating a Layer 1 blockchain that natively integrates privacy, compliance, and scalability for institutional financial applications.
With the mainnet activation in early January 2026, Dusk now delivers a production-ready platform combining confidential smart contracts, auditable transactions, and regulatory alignment under frameworks like MiCA, MiFID II, and the DLT Pilot Regime.
At the core is Dusk's three-layer modular architecture:
DuskDS - the settlement and data availability layer using Succinct Attestation PoS consensus for instant finality (~2-second block times) and efficient data propagation via the Kadcast P2P protocol.
DuskEVM - the EVM-compatible execution environment (live post-January rollout) that supports standard Solidity contracts and Ethereum tooling while settling state on DuskDS.
DuskVM - the forthcoming high-privacy layer (Rust/WASM-based) for advanced zero-knowledge applications.
A trustless native bridge connects DuskDS and DuskEVM, enabling direct, non-custodial value transfers without wrapped assets or external custodians. This design allows developers to build familiar EVM dApps while inheriting Dusk's privacy and compliance primitives. Key protocol-level features include:
Dual transaction models: Phoenix for fully shielded, zero-knowledge transfers (confidential amounts and recipients) and Moonlight for transparent, auditable operations with built-in compliance hooks.
Hedger - zero-knowledge proofs + homomorphic encryption for confidential yet fully auditable EVM transactions. Supports selective disclosure (prove AML/KYC compliance without revealing data), obfuscated order books, and institutional-grade privacy. Hedger Alpha remains open for public testing.
Protocol-level licensing - issuers register licenses directly on-chain, ensuring MiCA-compliant issuance and trading of tokenized securities without off-chain legal wrappers.
Dusk Vault - native institutional custody with secure storage, audit trails, and selective disclosure integration.
Selective disclosure - cryptographic mechanism to reveal only necessary compliance information while keeping private data hidden.
Ecosystem highlights include:
DuskTrade - flagship RWA application (launching 2026) in partnership with NPEX (regulated Dutch exchange with MTF/Broker/ECSP licenses). It will facilitate compliant on-chain trading and settlement of over €300M in tokenized securities. Waitlist is open for early access and updates.
Chainlink integration - CCIP for cross-chain tokenized asset transfers, DataLink as exclusive oracle for verified NPEX market data, CCT for native $DUSK cross-chain movement, and Data Streams for low-latency pricing.
Developer support — comprehensive SDKs (Solidity/JS for DuskEVM, Rust/WASM for DuskVM), grants program, and Dusk Improvement Proposals (DIPs) for community-driven upgrades.
Dusk's architecture embeds regulatory requirements at the protocol level while preserving user privacy , a rare combination that positions it as foundational infrastructure for Europe's regulated on-chain finance ecosystem.
