Aster's Token Swap Signals New Era of Decentralized Trading Innovation

Binance Alpha will facilitate the token swap of APX to ASTER, marking a significant milestone for holders of the former asset. As part of the transition, Binance will suspend APX trading from 05:00 UTC on October 1, 2025, to enable the 1:1 conversion of APX to ASTER. This swap is part of a broader rebranding and strategic transformation by Aster, formerly known as Astherus, which has repositioned itself as a decentralized perpetual exchange. The APX token, previously the governance token of APX Finance, will be retired and replaced by ASTER, the native governance token of the rebranded platform.

The token swap process will be accessible via the Binance Alpha platform and is designed to allow APX holders to exchange their tokens for ASTER at a fixed ratio. APX spot holders can initiate the swap immediately after the upgrade page becomes live on September 17, 2025. Additionally, APX DAO stakers will have the opportunity to unlock their veNFTs on September 16 without penalties before converting their tokens. Rewards from the APX DAO will cease on September 11, emphasizing the urgency for holders to claim any pending incentives before proceeding with the swap.

The conversion is structured to operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exchange ratio decreasing over time. While there are no limits on the amount that can be swapped during each cycle, users are advised to complete the process as early as possible to maximize their ASTER allocation. The exact timestamps for key events, including the veNFT unlock and APX deposit functionality, will be communicated via Aster’s official X account.

The APX to ASTER token swap is part of a broader strategic initiative by Aster to enhance its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings and position itself as a competitive player in the perpetual trading space. The platform now operates two distinct trading modes—simple mode for streamlined, MEV-resistant trading and professional mode for advanced traders with deeper liquidity access and lower fees. These features, combined with a redesigned user interface and enhanced liquidity partnerships, aim to attract both retail and institutional users.

The introduction of ASTER also sets the stage for future ecosystem developments, including a native layer-1 blockchain and a token explorer to provide greater transparency. While the ASTER token will not be listed immediately, the platform has prioritized building robust product infrastructure before launching the token. In the meantime, Aster will continue supporting popular earning products such as asBNB and USDF, which remain integral to its user base. The rebranding and token swap signal a shift toward long-term sustainability and decentralized governance, with ASTER poised to play a central role in shaping the platform’s future.