How Does Aztec Connect Work?
Aztec Connect was a privacy-preserving bridge that allowed users to interact with DeFi protocols on Ethereum while keeping their transactions private using zero-knowledge proofs. Users could access protocols like Aave and Lido while saving 80-90% on gas fees with privacy included for free. However, Aztec Connect was officially sunset in March 2023, with the sequencer (the system that processes transactions) shut down in March 2024. Any remaining funds are in deprecated smart contracts. The Aztec team has moved on to building a general-purpose privacy L2 network, with the AZTEC token launching in February 2026.
TVL
$6M
Sector
DeFi
Risk Grade
C
Value Grade
D-
Core Mechanisms
8.1.1
ZK-rollup bridge connecting privacy-shielded assets on Aztec to public DeFi protocols on Ethereum L1
Lock-and-mint style bridge using ZK proofs for privacy. Was first-of-its-kind at launch but the privacy bridge concept has been implemented by others since.
2.1.1
Batch transaction processing with 80-90% gas savings over L1, privacy included at no extra cost
Standard rollup batching economics. Gas savings came from amortizing ZK proof verification across many transactions.
5.4.1
Centralized sequencer operated by Aztec Labs (now shut down post-sunset)
Single sequencer model. After March 2024, no sequencer is running, meaning no new transactions can be processed.
8.1.3
Bridge contracts translating batch DeFi interaction requests from Aztec rollup into L1 protocol calls
Bridge contracts enabled interactions with Aave, Lido, Element, and other L1 protocols. These contracts are no longer maintained.
5.1.1
AZTEC token governance with TGE approved January 2026, Uniswap pool launched February 2026
Governance token recently launched after years of development. Governance applies to the new Aztec Network, not the deprecated Aztec Connect.
How the Pieces Interact
With no active sequencer, any remaining funds in Aztec Connect smart contracts cannot be moved through normal rollup operations. Users must use emergency withdrawal mechanisms (if available) which may be complex or undocumented.
Privacy-preserving DeFi bridges attract regulatory scrutiny. The Tornado Cash sanctions precedent means similar privacy tools face legal risk, potentially affecting user access to remaining funds.
Any undiscovered ZK circuit bugs in the deprecated codebase will never be patched. If a vulnerability is found, there is no team maintaining the code to deploy a fix.
What Could Go Wrong
- Aztec Connect was officially sunset in March 2023, with the sequencer shut down in March 2024. Any remaining TVL is in a protocol that is no longer actively maintained or secured, creating an extreme operational risk.
- The privacy features that made Aztec Connect attractive also attracted regulatory scrutiny. The shutdown was partially motivated by the need to focus on the next-generation privacy-preserving L2, but remaining funds are in deprecated infrastructure.
- ZK-proof verification bugs in the rollup circuit could theoretically allow invalid state transitions. While the protocol was audited, the sunset means no ongoing security monitoring or patching.
Stranded Funds in Deprecated Infrastructure
ElevatedTrigger: Users with remaining funds discover they cannot withdraw due to deprecated tooling or undocumented emergency procedures
- 1.User attempts to withdraw funds from Aztec Connect after sequencer shutdown — Normal withdrawal path is unavailable without active sequencer
- 2.Emergency withdrawal documentation is incomplete or outdated — Users cannot figure out how to access their funds
- 3.Smart contract interaction required for withdrawal has unforeseen issues — Funds remain locked in deprecated contracts
- 4.Aztec Labs focuses resources on new network, deprioritizing legacy support — Remaining users lose effective access to their capital indefinitely
Risk Profile at a Glance
Overall: C (43/100)
Lower score = safer