- Binance introduces zk-SNARKs into Proof of Reserves to prove changes to user asset balances with greater anonymity.
- The exchange is also adding SHIB, DOT, CHZ, and SOL to the assets covered in future reports.
- Crypto VC Nic Carter suggests the zk-SNARKs add significant privacy value to Proof of Reserves reports, but reports must be backed by other regulations related to an exchange’s fidcuiary duties.
Binance announced that it would introduce zero-knowledge proofs to improve the quality of its Proof of Reserves report.
Zk-SNARKs will allow Binance users to securely and privately confirm nonnegative balances and changes of balances using information from its proof of reserves Merkle tree.
Binance Makes Progress in PoR Roadmap, But Auditors Are Missing
As part of the announcement, Binance said it added SHIB, DOT, CHZ, and SOL to the assets covered by its proof of reserves report. Additionally, the exchange will open-source the zk-SNARKs code to improve transparency and to help other exchanges improve their reporting. Binance has yet to reveal the frequency of forthcoming reports.
Zk-SNARKs, an abbreviation of zero-knowledge succinct on-interactive arguments of knowledge, confirms a statement’s truth without revealing any information about the statement.
The zk-SNARK will verify that each user’s asset balance set is part of a global state of user funds Binance maintains. Additionally, it will anonymously ensure that the user’s net balance is not negative by including collateral posted for margin trading. Customers can use zk-SNARKs to verify that the Merkle root hash in Binance’s Merkle tree reflects asset balance changes. The Merkle root hash is essentially a cryptographic summary of all user balances. Changes to a user’s asset balances will prompt an update of the Merkle root hash, which the zk-SNARK will confirm.
Crypto VC Says Zero-Knowledge Proofs Only One Part of the Puzzle
While the technical implementations of PoRs vary, crypto VC Nic Carter expects zero-knowledge methods to supersede the technical limitations of traditional Merkle tree reports.
However, while zk-SNARKs represent an important step in the right direction for the world’s largest exchange, it is still only one part of a broader toolkit that can prevent collapses like FTX. Blockchain expert Anndy Lian agreed, saying that while not perfect, zk-SNARKs provide a “big enhancement.”
According to Carter, exchanges need additional rules to segregate corporate and user assets and protect customer assets from bankruptcy. Additionally, U.S. lawmakers must create a viable market for accounting firms to invest in tools to oversee PoR attestations. Doing so would also encourage offshore exchanges to conduct PoR reports.
Because audits are expensive and done quarterly, Carter suggests that they accompany, rather than replace, more frequent PoR reports, which provide updated customer reassurances.
Source: https://beincrypto.com/binance-adds-zk-snarks-proof-of-reserves-report/
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.