Ethereum News Today: ZKsync's Atlas Upgrade Enables Real-Time Enterprise Blockchain Operations

ZKsync, the Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution developed by Matter Labs, has launched the Atlas upgrade to its ZK Stack, a major enhancement aimed at accelerating onchain operations for enterprise-scale blockchain deployment. The upgrade introduces a high-speed sequencer capable of processing up to 30,000 transactions per second (TPS) and Airbender, a RISC-V-based proof system enabling sub-second finality. These advancements position ZKsync to meet growing demand for efficient, secure, and interoperable blockchain infrastructure in finance, identity, and cross-border payments .

The Atlas upgrade redefines ZKsync's operational capabilities by integrating a low-latency sequencer designed for high-volume workloads. Lab tests demonstrated 23,000 TPS for high-frequency price updates, 15,000 TPS for stablecoin transfers, and 43,000 TPS for ETH transfers, with average transaction times of 250–500 milliseconds . This throughput supports real-time processing for applications requiring global network efficiency, such as tokenized asset settlements and enterprise-grade payment systems. The sequencer's modular architecture ensures flexibility, enabling seamless integration with diverse virtual machines while maintaining Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility .

A core innovation in Atlas is the Airbender proof system, which generates cryptographic proofs in approximately one second, with Ethereum finality achieved in minutes. This reduces bottlenecks in cross-chain settlements and supports large-scale transaction volumes at a cost of roughly $0.0001 per ERC-20 transfer . By enabling near-instant verification, Airbender addresses critical use cases in finance and supply chain management where timing is essential. The system also preserves privacy and accuracy, ensuring data integrity without compromising scalability .

ZKsync's upgrade strengthens institutional adoption by bridging public blockchains with private, semi-public chains. Enterprises can now deploy compliant, interoperable chains linked to Ethereum, retaining liquidity and transparency while adhering to regulatory frameworks. The platform's code verification mechanism ensures deployed code matches onchain code, enhancing system integrity for industries requiring deterministic outcomes . This aligns with broader trends in tokenized assets and blockchain payments, with cross-border settlements projected to reach $2 trillion by 2025 .

The Atlas rollout follows ZKsync's co-leadership of a $19 million funding round for Grvt, a zero-knowledge-powered exchange leveraging Validium chains for low-cost, secure trading . This expansion underscores ZKsync's role as a foundational layer for financial infrastructure. Despite a $5 million breach in 2025, the team reinforced contract security and collaborated with external experts, reinforcing trust in the protocol's resilience .

ZKsync's strategic focus on performance and interoperability has positioned it as a leader in enterprise-grade onchain solutions. With testnets already live and mainnet deployment imminent, the upgrade invites institutions to explore hybrid blockchain networks with faster settlement and real-time verification . Analysts suggest Atlas could redefine financial infrastructure, enabling systems that prioritize speed, auditable correctness, and cryptographic trust .

Source: [1] ZKsync Rolls Out Atlas to Boost Onchain Speed and Flexibility (https://coincentral.com/zksync-rolls-out-atlas-to-boost-onchain-speed-and-flexibility/)

[2] ZKsync Introduces Atlas Upgrade with Fast 1-Second ZK Finality (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/07/zksync-introduces-atlas-upgrade-with-fast-1-second-zk-finality/)

[7] ZKsync Launches Atlas Upgrade, Achieves 15,000 (https://cryptonews.net/news/defi/31755695/)