Cardano integrates LayerZero and prepares USDCx with an institutional focus.

• Cardano integrates LayerZero and expands blockchain interoperability.
• USDCx joins Cardano with privacy and compliance.
• Midnight reinforces institutional strategy and stablecoins.

Charles Hoskinson, CEO of Input Output, confirmed during Consensus Hong Kong that the LayerZero protocol will be integrated into the Cardano blockchain. This initiative expands network interoperability and signals a new stage in Cardano's strategy focused on cross-chain liquidity and stablecoin infrastructure.

LayerZero is one of the leading omnichain messaging protocols on Web3, connecting over 150 blockchains and enabling access to over 400 tokens, as well as holding over $80 billion in assets distributed across different networks. With this integration, Cardano will be able to connect to ecosystems like Ethereum and Solana through LayerZero endpoints.

One of the next major outcomes of the Critical Cardano Integrations workflow is now in place!

The Steering Committee representing @IOGroup @Cardano_CF @emurgo_io @midnightfdn and Intersect has approved a major interoperability integration for Cardano: bringing @LayerZero_Core... pic.twitter.com/Y1A8ywos8n

— Intersect (@IntersectMBO) February 12, 2026

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Hoskinson also revealed plans to bring USDCx to Cardano, with comprehensive wallet and exchange support. The framework will utilize zero-knowledge technology to offer greater privacy without compromising the immutability of transactions. The proposal combines privacy, regulatory security, and efficiency in the use of stablecoins within the ecosystem.

During the announcement, Hoskinson stated: “Get ready, folks. This changes everything.” The statement came amid Cardano's move towards instruments geared towards the institutional market, prioritizing blockchain integration and regulatory compliance.

LayerZero recently announced the launch of its own layer-1 blockchain, called Zero, and received investments from Citadel Securities and Ark Invest, who acquired the ZRO token. Citadel's participation drew attention due to the company's conservative history regarding the direct purchase of tokens. Bryan Pellegrino, CEO of LayerZero Labs, stated that the goal is to create permissionless systems capable of migrating the global economy to the blockchain.

Even amid weaker sentiment in the cryptocurrency market, Hoskinson assessed the moment as part of a short-term movement within a broader adoption trajectory. Wearing a McDonald's uniform in reference to bearish memes, he acknowledged the sector's mood but reinforced that institutional alliances and regulatory advancements continue to progress.

In the Cardano ecosystem, the Midnight Foundation confirmed that the Midnight mainnet will launch in March as a partner blockchain. The project takes a different approach from networks like Monero and Zcash.

Hoskinson stated: “You don’t try to bring anyone from Monero or Zcash here.” According to him, these communities have a strong ideological commitment to maximum privacy, while Midnight was designed for ordinary users, offering privacy as standard with layers of selective disclosure and regulatory compliance.

“What Monero and ZCash have been trying to convince people of is that it works like a light switch. We are private. The switch is on. Everyone else isn’t. The switch is off. That’s not how it works,” he said.