Launched on January 30th, 2016, Protected Instant Verified Transaction (or eXchange) (PIVX) is a decentralized, MIT licensed open-source blockchain/cryptocurrency project managed, developed, governed, and stewarded by a community-driven decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). Its primary focus is to provide user Financial Data Protection, achieved through advanced cryptography protocols. While PIVX shares its fundamental codebase with Bitcoin, it has undergone significant custom developments and integrations. Operating on a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus protocol, PIVX uses its native cryptocurrency, "PIV." PIVX has been a pioneering force in the evolution of the Proof of Stake consensus algorithm, enhanced by features like the Time Protocol v2 and Cold Staking functionality. This ensures heightened security for coin owners, allowing them to secure the network and receive staking rewards even when their coins are stored offline on a hardware wallet. User financial data protection is a top priority for PIVX, achieved through a highly customized, open-source implementation of the anonymity protocol zk-SNARKs Sapling. Known as SHIELD, this protocol safeguards all user transactional activities. Moreover, PIVX ensures full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) requirements set by regulatory bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). PIVX integrates additional features through its Masternode network, providing a decentralized governance mechanism for voting. Future developments include Deterministic Masternode Lists, Long Living Masternode Quorums (LLMQs), and the incorporation of zk-SNARKs Sapling into staking and masternodes. The monetary policy of PIVX is designed to support scalable, decentralized, and resilient node infrastructure without resorting to excessive Quantitative Easing (QE) and coin devaluation. PIVX operates as an independent, application, and payment agnostic blockchain, using its native cryptocurrency (PIV) for digital currency exchange and network participation. Utilizing a decentralized network of masternodes, PIVX facilitates treasury management, community governance, and the operation of various apps and services. Masternode owners can vote on submitted proposals, making PIVX a fully functional DAO.