Privacy coins
Firo
Firo (formerly Zcoin) is the original Sigma / Lelantus / Spark protocol implementation.
- Website
- firo.org
- KYC
- no KYC — Cryptocurrency protocol; supports Lelantus Spark privacy transactions in addition to transparent transactions.
- Status
- active
- Fiat on-ramp
- no
- Payment
- crypto
- Jurisdiction
- protocol — independent open source
- Founded
- 2016
- Open source
- yes
- Custodial
- no
- Last verified
- Sources
- 2
Overview
What Firo is#
A cryptocurrency whose privacy layer is Lelantus Spark, a no-trusted-setup zero-knowledge protocol.
Threat-model fit#
Niche privacy coin; pick based on protocol preference, not as a Monero/Zcash replacement.
Strengths
- Lelantus Spark provides zero-knowledge privacy without a trusted setup.
- Independent research lineage (Lelantus, Spark) is well-published.
Caveats
- Smaller user base than XMR or ZEC.
- Privacy is opt-in; anonymity set scales with shielded usage.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).
Verdict
Firo (formerly Zcoin) is the original Sigma / Lelantus / Spark protocol implementation. The cryptography is independently interesting; the anonymity set is the practical limit. A niche choice for users specifically interested in the Spark protocol.
FAQ
- Does Firo require KYC?
- As of Jan 1, 2026, Firo does not require KYC for normal use. Cryptocurrency protocol; supports Lelantus Spark privacy transactions in addition to transparent transactions.
- What payment methods does Firo accept?
- Firo accepts: crypto.
- Where is Firo based?
- Operating jurisdiction listed as protocol — independent open source. This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.
Sources
- Firo about · accessed
- Firo docs · accessed
Alternatives to Firo
- Decred none kyc · protocol
- Monero none kyc · protocol
- Pirate Chain none kyc · protocol
- Zcash none kyc · protocol
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