AmericanFortress Researchers Propose Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Crypto Wallet Privacy

Researchers at AmericanFortress have proposed a new method for proving crypto wallet ownership using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), aiming to enhance privacy without compromising security. The system, called Provenance Proofs, could enable users to demonstrate that multiple addresses or credentials share the same cryptographic origin without revealing sensitive data like private keys or wallet seeds.

Provenance Proofs: A New Approach to Wallet Privacy

AmericanFortress, a developer of privacy infrastructure, has published a research paper proposing a novel method for proving crypto wallet ownership using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). The paper, authored by researchers Vincenzo Botta, Michal Pospieszalski, Emanuele Ragnoli, and Justus Ranvier, introduces a system called Provenance Proofs.

According to The Next Web, the proposed method allows users to demonstrate that multiple addresses or credentials originate from the same cryptographic identity without revealing sensitive information such as private keys, wallet seeds, or derivation paths.

How Zero-Knowledge Proofs Enable Privacy

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) are a cryptographic technique that allows one party to prove the validity of a statement without disclosing the underlying data. This property is central to the Provenance Proofs system, as it enables users to verify wallet ownership or relationships between addresses without exposing critical details.

The paper builds on the hierarchical deterministic (HD) design used by most modern crypto wallets, which generates multiple addresses and keys from a single underlying secret. However, unlike traditional methods, Provenance Proofs aim to prove shared origins without revealing the wallet’s structure or credentials.

Configurable Linkability and Use Cases

One of the key innovations in the paper is the concept of "shared origin provenance," which allows wallet owners to configure the degree of linkability between addresses or credentials. This means users can choose how much information to share, balancing privacy and transparency based on their needs.

Potential use cases for Provenance Proofs include anti-phishing payments, regulatory compliance, and cross-chain identity verification. For example, users could prove ownership of assets across different blockchains without disclosing their entire wallet structure.

Theoretical Work with Future Potential

Despite its potential, the Provenance Proofs system remains theoretical. According to The Next Web, the authors have not yet implemented or deployed any of the proposed methods in practice. The research focuses on establishing a cryptographic framework, leaving practical applications and real-world testing for future work.

The authors argue that their approach could strike a balance between total pseudonymity and full disclosure of wallet identity and structure. If realized, this could address long-standing challenges in DeFi, identity systems, and regulatory compliance.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators in the blockchain and DeFi spaces, this research highlights a promising direction for solving one of the ecosystem’s persistent challenges: how to verify identity or ownership without compromising privacy. Zero-Knowledge Proofs are already a cornerstone of modern cryptography, but their application to wallet provenance could unlock new use cases—from fraud prevention to regulatory compliance—without forcing users to sacrifice anonymity or security.

However, the fact that this technology remains theoretical means that teams interested in leveraging it will need to invest in further R&D or partnerships to turn it into a practical tool. The emphasis on configurability is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a flexible framework that could adapt to evolving regulatory or business requirements. If implemented, this could reduce friction in DeFi, cross-chain interactions, and identity verification while maintaining user trust.

Key takeaways

• AmericanFortress’s research introduces Provenance Proofs, a method for proving crypto wallet ownership using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) without exposing sensitive data.
• The proposed system allows users to demonstrate shared cryptographic origins for multiple addresses or credentials, enhancing privacy.
• Zero-Knowledge Proofs enable verification of statements without revealing the underlying data, a critical feature for blockchain privacy.
• The technology supports configurable linkability, giving wallet owners control over how much information they share.
• Potential use cases include anti-phishing, regulatory compliance, and cross-chain identity verification, though the work is still theoretical.

FAQ

What are Provenance Proofs?

Provenance Proofs are a proposed system that uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) to allow users to prove that multiple addresses or credentials originate from the same cryptographic identity without revealing sensitive information like private keys or wallet seeds.

How do Zero-Knowledge Proofs work in this context?

Zero-Knowledge Proofs enable one party to prove the validity of a statement—such as wallet ownership—without disclosing the underlying data. In this case, they allow users to verify shared cryptographic origins without exposing private keys, wallet seeds, or derivation paths.

What are the potential use cases for Provenance Proofs?

Potential use cases include anti-phishing payments, regulatory compliance, and cross-chain identity verification. The system could also help users prove asset ownership or control without revealing sensitive information.

Is this technology currently in use?

No, the Provenance Proofs system remains theoretical. The researchers have not yet implemented or deployed it in practice, and further development is needed before it can be adopted.

How does this research address privacy concerns in blockchain?

The research proposes a way to verify wallet ownership or relationships between addresses without exposing sensitive data, offering a balance between privacy and transparency. This could reduce the risk of fraud or regulatory non-compliance while maintaining user anonymity.

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