Yeliz Akmaca 
As of March 3, 2026, NEAR token surged 17% after the network launched its new private execution layer, Confidential Intents, continuing its weekly rise of approximately 40%, outpacing the broader privacy token sector. This move signals strong investor interest in both institutional flow and on-chain privacy.
In crypto, trading strategies being visible to bots has long acted as a “hidden tax” on investors. The main driver behind the question Why is NEAR rising? is the network’s new private execution layer, which addresses this issue directly.
Confidential Intents routes transactions through a private section connected to NEAR’s main network, allowing users to switch to confidential accounts. This significantly reduces front-running, sandwich attacks, and other forms of MEV. Market reaction indicates that even though base-layer revenues remain modest, the layer could attract institutional-scale trading.
NEAR Token Weekly Performance
After launch, NEAR token rose 17%, maintaining a ~40% weekly gain. The token had also previously launched Near.com, a crypto wallet and consumer app designed to simplify blockchain for everyday users. The wallet centralizes asset management and eases cross-chain transactions.
According to DeFiLlama, base-layer fees remain modest relative to NEAR’s $1.8 billion market cap.
Confidential Intents is live.
DeFi users, developers and institutions now unlock a wide range of privacy-first use cases without forgoing discretion.
Toggle it on and test it out at https://t.co/YBUSFVdjxE. https://t.co/RuXYTDUdXJ
— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) March 1, 2026
How Does Confidential Intents Work?
The system routes transactions through a private execution layer connected to NEAR’s main network. Users benefit from:
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Prevention of front-running,
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Protection from sandwich attacks,
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Secure cross-chain position management.
Unlike fully anonymous systems like Monero or Zcash, NEAR provides optional privacy. Only selected transfers are hidden, while auditability is preserved.
Institutional Scale and Market Reaction
NEAR specifically targets institutions reluctant to publish trading strategies on transparent ledgers. On-chain transactions are visible before settlement, allowing bots to exploit transaction size, timing, and direction. This dynamic has long enabled MEV strategies, acting as a hidden cost for investors.
Confidential Intents moves transactions into a less visible environment, keeping transfers and cross-chain positions out of the public mempool. This selective privacy framework positions the layer as a bridge, attracting compliance-conscious institutional investors.
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