Common Launches Privacy-First DeFi Platform, Accelerating Crypto Adoption

Common, a new privacy-first DeFi platform built on Aleph Zero’s infrastructure, has launched its Web App, marking a significant milestone in the crypto space. The platform, developed in collaboration with Common Labs Inc., offers users a simple, easy-to-use interface to shield their transaction history and trade privately across multiple blockchains in a fraction of a second. The mobile version of the app is set to be released at the end of May, making it the world’s first privacy-preserving mobile app in the crypto space that combines speed with ease of use. This launch is expected to accelerate the mass adoption of crypto by making privacy a seamless and intuitive experience.

The platform initially supports Arbitrum and Aleph Zero’s EVM, with plans to expand to additional chains, including Base and Ethereum, in the coming months. Common serves as the intuitive interface for Aleph Zero’s Shielder Network, a system of smart contracts, relayers, and zero-knowledge cryptography that enables private transactions across multiple chains. This infrastructure allows users to protect their onchain activity without relying on centralized exchanges, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the transaction process.

At the core of the experience is “Shielding,” the process of depositing tokens into a shielded pool to break the link between public wallet activity and future transactions. Users can later unshield by withdrawing to a fresh public address, maintaining privacy throughout. With subsecond proving times performed directly on the device, Common delivers seamless privacy without the usual waiting periods or technical barriers. Unlike other privacy solutions, Common does not commingle funds, preserving full provenance for compliance or auditing if needed.

“Privacy shouldn’t be a luxury in crypto. It should be the default,” said Adam Gagol, Co-Founder of Aleph Zero and Co-Creator of Common Labs Inc. “We’ve spent years building the technical foundation to make that possible, and with Common, we’re finally delivering it in a way that anyone can use, without plugins, without compromises, and without needing to trust a third party. Privacy becomes something you tap, not something you configure. This launch is just the beginning of building a truly private, multichain financial layer for web3.”

The Common Web App works with many popular wallets, such as MetaMask, Ledger (via Metamask), or Rabby, requiring no migration and allowing users to begin transacting immediately. The Mobile App will offer the same privacy benefits in a mobile-native experience, including fiat on-ramp support via Banxa and seamless dApp connectivity. As a non-custodial and completely decentralized platform, Common adheres to core DeFi principles. The entire platform is built on open-source, audited smart contracts, allowing users to verify rather than trust the system.

This launch marks the first step in a larger rollout of Common’s ecosystem. Future features will allow users to shield their assets, earn private yield, and transact securely across multiple blockchains. The platform aims to extend privacy support to key EVM chains and emerging Layer-2 networks, enabling private asset transfers between supported blockchains and simplifying multi-chain management. Additionally, Common plans to streamline access to/from TradFi via off-ramps, IBAN support, and crypto payment cards for everyday use.

For more information about Common and to apply for early access, users can visit https://common.fi/ .