Client Case Study - Hinkal

zkMe

• 3 min read
Client Case Study - Hinkal

zkMe is the web3 zero-knowledge (ZK) identity layer. zkMe builds Identity Oracles that leverage the power of zero-knowledge-proofs to enable secure, self-sovereign, and private credential verifications. In this Customer Case Study series, we’ll explore how leading web3 teams use zkMe to elevate their security and regulatory compliance while simultaneously protecting their users identity.

INTRODUCTION

Hinkal is a cross-chain Shared Privacy Layer that enables users to store assets, swap, provide liquidity, stake, yield farm, and yield trade without showing their transactions on-chain or stake to provide privacy to others, in exchange for yield. It uses a combination of ZK proofs, stealth addresses, and relayers. The relayers transact on behalf of the users, making only the Hinkal smart contracts and relayers visible on-chain. Only the owner of the account has visibility and control over the funds deposited.

Hinkal is a leader in DeFi privacy, offering unmatched solutions that balance user anonymity with compliance. By using a secure dApp, upcoming SDK, and the recently launched Liquid Privacy Tokens to enhance its shielded pool, Hinkal ensures both privacy and security in the DeFi space.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

zkMe provided Hinkal with a robust on-chain KYC solution that integrates seamlessly with their privacy-focused protocol. By leveraging zkMe's zkKYC solution, Hinkal ensures compliance and security without compromising user privacy. This integration allows Hinkal to create a safe environment for private transactions while effectively blocking sanctioned individuals and organizations from accessing their platform. zkMe's solution has been crucial in enabling Hinkal's innovative "Shared Privacy" feature set, secured by anonymity staking.

HOW HINKAL USES ZKME

Hinkal’s "Shared Privacy" is an innovative solution secured by anonymity staking. Users can stake tokens, which increases the volume of the Shared Privacy Pool, enhancing the privacy effect for all users.

Hinkal utilizes zkMe as one of their verified zero knowledge KYC providers to secure their privacy pool. By implementing zkMe's on-chain attestations, Hinkal can selectively allow individuals to enter the privacy pool and benefit from invisible on-chain transactions while earning rewards.

"zkMe is an established provider in the Web3 space and we are glad to work with an industry leader who provides great user experience,” said Adam Zasada, Hinkal's Ecosystem Lead. "One of the reasons why we highly endorse zkMe is the fact that the protocol is Web3 native and does not copy the same mistakes many Web2 companies do (creation of data honeypots etc.). With on-chain attestations and mints, we are able to smoothly discover if a user has a KYC attestation and can make the process a couple steps smoother."

PROBLEMS HINKAL FACED BEFORE USING ZKME

Before implementing zkMe, Hinkal faced the challenge of balancing anonymity, compliance and security with good user experience. With the advent of sophisticated analytical tools, the pseudonymity of Ethereum users was no longer viable. Hinkal needed a solution that would allow them to provide privacy while preventing sanctioned individuals or organizations from accessing their protocol.

The challenge extended beyond just providing privacy. Hinkal needed to implement a robust system for user verification that wouldn't compromise their privacy-centric ethos. They required a solution that could help them target eligible users interested in privacy features while maintaining regulatory compliance.

"Our solution must be compliant to achieve victory over malicious actors like the North Korean Lazarus group or others," explained Adam Zasada. "This is why we decided to use zkMe's on-chain attestations to easily enable our users to log into the platform as well as to bring zkMe's existing community to our platform. Implementation of on-chain attestations from zkMe is really crucial for us in allowing legitimate, AML verified users to use our privacy protocol and keeping the unverified actors out”.

HOW ZKME HELPED HINKAL

zkMe's solution has significantly impacted Hinkal's ability to provide a secure and compliant privacy-preserving protocol. By implementing zkMe's on-chain attestations, Hinkal can easily enable users to log into the platform while ensuring that only eligible individuals can access their privacy features.

The integration of zkMe has also improved the user experience for Hinkal's customers, especially for those who have previously verified with any zkKYC service. This seamless process has made zkMe one of the more popular solutions for logging into the Hinkal platform.

Adam Zasada, Hinkal's Ecosystem Lead stated, "Users of privacy features of our protocol can rest assured that no malicious actors enter our platform, thanks to zkMe's verification. The implementation was straightforward, and it is a joy to work with the zkMe team!"

KEY RESOURCES

About zkMe Technologies

zkMe Technologies is the leading provider of zero-knowledge (ZK) identity verification solutions for Web3 developers. zkMe, the company's flagship product, is a FATF-compliant decentralized identity solution that helps developers build scalable applications that seamlessly comply with new regulatory requirements without compromising user privacy or creating data honeypot risks.

Developers can easily integrate zkMe's Compliance, Anti-Sybil, or User Profiling credentials into their dApps via an SDK or API. For more information, visit www.zk.me.