TLDR
- Charles Hoskinson confirmed that LayerZero will be integrated into the Cardano blockchain, marking a major step in its institutional expansion.
- The partnership will bring the USDCx stablecoin to Cardano, offering privacy-enhanced and immutable functionality powered by zero-knowledge technology.
- Hoskinson emphasized that the launch of USDCx will include broad wallet and exchange support, signaling the blockchain’s institutional readiness.
- LayerZero’s backing from Citadel Securities further strengthens its position in the institutional market as it expands into Cardano’s ecosystem.
- Despite the ongoing market downturn, Hoskinson remained optimistic, stressing that infrastructure development in crypto continues to thrive in tough times.
Charles Hoskinson, CEO and founder of Input Output, confirmed that LayerZero will be ported to the Cardano blockchain during his keynote at Consensus Hong Kong on Thursday. This partnership aligns with Cardano’s strategy to expand its institutional presence. Hoskinson also announced the upcoming launch of USDCx on Cardano, which will enhance the blockchain’s capabilities.
LayerZero’s Institutional Expansion on Cardano
LayerZero, known for its infrastructure in institutional markets, received investment from Citadel Securities earlier this week. This backing solidifies the protocol’s commitment to building high-performance financial systems. Now, with the integration into Cardano, LayerZero will help bridge the gap between institutional-grade infrastructure and decentralized finance.
Breaking: @MidnightNtwrk mainnet launches end of March.@IOHK_Charles drops the announcement live at @consensus_hk pic.twitter.com/5iish2K4Oz
— CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) February 12, 2026
Hoskinson emphasized that the deal would bring true privacy and immutability to stablecoins via zero-knowledge technology. “We’re bringing USDCx to Cardano with a launch date set, complete with broad wallet and exchange support,” Hoskinson said. He highlighted that this move would pave the way for compliant, institution-ready stablecoin functionality within Cardano’s ecosystem.
USDCx Launch and Cardano’s Strategic Push
A key highlight of the announcement is the USDCx stablecoin integration. USDCx will be deployed on Cardano with full wallet and exchange compatibility. This strategic step will offer privacy-enhanced features powered by zero-knowledge technology, a growing demand in institutional markets.
The USDCx launch coincides with the rollout of Midnight’s mainnet, strengthening Cardano’s position in privacy-focused technologies. This launch is part of Cardano’s broader strategy to combine regulatory clarity with technical innovation, creating a more secure and efficient financial environment. The integration of LayerZero further bolsters Cardano’s institutional toolkit.
Bear Market Sentiment and Long-Term Vision
Hoskinson addressed the bear market sentiment, acknowledging that the industry faces challenges. However, he reassured that the broader crypto outlook remains positive. “The industry is not healthy. S*** is getting real,” Hoskinson joked during his speech, wearing a McDonald’s uniform as a playful nod to the ongoing market downturn.
Despite the current market conditions, Hoskinson emphasized the long-term potential of the crypto industry. He stressed that infrastructure development continues to thrive during downturns. The announcement of the LayerZero deal showcases this ongoing progress, reflecting a positive long-term outlook for both Cardano and the broader crypto ecosystem.
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