Aster (cryptocurrency exchange)

Aster is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange and derivatives platform focused on perpetual futures trading. The platform supports perpetual futures trading and other digital asset trading services.

History

In March 2025, Astherus relaunched under the Aster brand following its merger with APX Finance. In September 2025, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao stated that several former Binance employees were involved in Aster. The same month, Aster launched its native ASTER token through a token generation event (TGE). In November 2025, Zhao disclosed that he had personally purchased more than two million ASTER tokens using his own funds.

Platform

The platform operates across multiple blockchain networks and offers both a simplified high-leverage trading mode and a professional trading interface based on a central-limit-order-book system. In February 2026, the platform was ranked among the largest decentralized exchanges by trading volume. The decentralized exchange later expanded its offerings to include perpetual futures contracts linked to U.S. equities.