Aster News Today: Growth vs. Integrity: Aster's Delisting Warns DeFi Projects

DeFi analytics platform DeFiLlama has delisted perpetual futures volume data for the Aster decentralized exchange (DEX) due to concerns over data integrity and potential wash trading, according to pseudonymous co-founder 0xngmiCointelegraph, [DeFiLlama Delisting Aster Perpetual Futures Volume Data]^[1]. The decision follows an investigation revealing that Aster's trading volumes have become nearly identical to Binance's perpetual futures volumes, with a correlation ratio of 1. This pattern, observed across pairs like XRP/USDT and ETH/USDT, raises questions about the organic nature of Aster's activityBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. 0xngmi emphasized that Aster's inability to provide granular data-such as order-maker identities-prevents verification of whether the volumes are artificially inflated, leading to the delistingCointelegraph, [DeFiLlama Delisting Aster Perpetual Futures Volume Data]^[1].

The delisting has sparked mixed reactions within the crypto community. While some users urged DeFiLlama to retain the data with a transparency warning, 0xngmi clarified that such a move would distort total perpetual volume metrics for API usersBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. Meanwhile, a Twitter user known as TechLead argued that the controversy could be bullish if Aster successfully integrated Binance liquidity into DeFiBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. The announcement coincided with a 10% drop in the ASTER token price, which fell to $1.86 from its recent high of $2.30BeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. Analysts attribute the decline to both the delisting and Aster's Genesis Stage 2 airdrop policy, which allows immediate token sales without a lockup period, exacerbating selling pressureBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2].

Aster's airdrop strategy has further fueled skepticism. With 4% of the total supply unlocked on October 14, traders and analysts warn of significant liquidity risks. Duo Nine, a crypto analyst, predicted the token could drop to $1, a 46% decline from current levels, as sellers capitalize on the unlocked supplyBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. Aster defended the policy as a move toward fairness and flexibility, promising improved reward mechanics in Stage 3BeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2]. However, critics argue that the lack of token retention mechanisms undermines confidence in the project's long-term value propositionBeInCrypto, [ASTER Price Falls Over 10% After 2 Bombshell Updates]^[2].

The delisting also highlights broader challenges in decentralized finance. DeFiLlama's strict adherence to data integrity standards underscores the industry's growing emphasis on transparency. As 0xngmi noted, platforms must provide verifiable metrics to maintain credibility in a market prone to manipulationCointelegraph, [DeFiLlama Delisting Aster Perpetual Futures Volume Data]^[1]. This incident aligns with recent trends of analytics platforms scrutinizing volume authenticity, particularly for projects with ties to major exchanges like BinanceBlockchain.News, [DeFiLlama delists Aster perpetuals over fake volume claims]^[3]. Aster's association with Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance's co-founder, has drawn additional scrutiny, with some analysts questioning whether its rapid growth is organic or leveraged off Binance's network effectsBeInCrypto, [Hyperliquid vs Aster: Why Analysts Still Call Hyperliquid the ‘Most Investible’]^[4].

Despite the setbacks, Aster remains a significant player in the perpetual DEX market. In September 2025, it surpassed Hyperliquid, a leading competitor, in trading volume, with daily activity peaking at $60 billionCointelegraph, [DeFiLlama Delisting Aster Perpetual Futures Volume Data]^[1]. However, Hyperliquid's fundamentals-such as a 62% open interest share and a 12.6x revenue multiple-have led analysts to argue that it remains the more investible platformThe Currency Analytics, [Hyperliquid vs Aster: Why Analysts Still Call Hyperliquid the ‘Most Investible’]^[5]. Patrick Scott, a DeFi analyst, emphasized Hyperliquid's sustainable revenue model and ecosystem growth through HyperEVM, which hosts over 100 protocols and $2 billion in TVLThe Currency Analytics, [Hyperliquid vs Aster: Why Analysts Still Call Hyperliquid the ‘Most Investible’]^[5].

The delisting of Aster's volume data serves as a cautionary tale for DeFi projects relying on rapid growth metrics without robust transparency. As the market matures, platforms must prioritize data integrity to retain user trust. For Aster, the path forward hinges on addressing these concerns and demonstrating that its volumes reflect genuine demand rather than algorithmic manipulation.