PIVX (Private Instant Verified Transaction) is a decentralized, open-source Proof of Stake cryptocurrency emphasizing optional transactional privacy through its SHIELD protocol (custom zk-SNARKs-based Sapling implementation), community governance via masternodes, cold/hot staking, and sustainable economics. It supports fast, low-cost transactions with features like decentralized treasury funding for proposals, advanced network optimizations, and user-controlled privacy without mandatory obfuscation—positioning it as privacy-centric digital cash with strong security and participation incentives.