Dusk (DUSK) is a Layer 1, privacy-focused blockchain purpose-built for the compliant, on-chain issuance, trading, and settlement of Real-World Assets (RWAs). Launched in January 2025 following years of development, it aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) by providing a regulatory-compliant, high-throughput infrastructure that serves as a "privacy layer" for institutional assets.
Technology and Compliance
Dusk stands out by offering "privacy by default, auditability when required," allowing institutions to trade assets such as bonds, stocks, and real estate without exposing sensitive, confidential transaction details. The network utilizes Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK-proofs) via its unique "Phoenix" transaction model to ensure privacy. To comply with European regulations like MiFID II, MiCA, and the DLT Pilot Regime, Dusk uses the Confidential Security Contract (XSC) standard.
The network runs on a proprietary consensus mechanism known as the Segregated Byzantine Agreement (SBA), which is designed to be more efficient than traditional Proof-of-Stake by utilizing "cryptographic sortition" to select validators. Following the launch of the DuskEVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) in early 2026, the network offers compatibility with Solidity-based decentralized applications.
DUSK Token Utility
DUSK is the native utility token of the network, serving several core functions:
Staking: Holders can stake DUSK to participate in consensus (Hyperstaking) and secure the network, earning around 12% APY.
Gas Fees: All network transactions, including the trading of tokenized assets, require DUSK for gas.
Asset Issuance: Developers and institutions use DUSK to pay for deploying smart contracts and issuing XSC assets.
Governance: DUSK is used for voting on protocol upgrades and managing treasury allocations.
Institutional Adoption and Growth
A key differentiator for Dusk is its focus on real-world adoption, highlighted by partnerships such as the one with NPEX, a Dutch regulated exchange, which focuses on tokenizing over €300 million in securities. The network is designed to enable instant finality, making it suitable for financial services requiring immediate settlement.
Supply and Future
As of February 2026, the circulating supply is around 500 million tokens, with a total supply capped to manage inflation. The tokenomics follow a long-term emission model with halving events, similar to Bitcoin, designed for sustainability.
Dusk aims to position itself as the infrastructure of choice for the emerging RWA market, particularly in Europe, by offering a compliant, secure, and private environment.
Would you like to know more about the specific staking mechanism (Hyperstaking) or perhaps compare its compliance features with other RWA platforms?
Is Dusk a Good Investment? DUSK Buying Guide 2026 - RocketX Exchange
19 Jan 2026 — Introduction. Dusk (DUSK) is a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain designed for regulated financial markets and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.