LD Capital's Yi Li Hua Exits Aster, Citing Missing Founder

LD Capital’s Yi Li Hua has exited Aster, a move attributed to the absence of a key founder. The exit has drawn attention amid ongoing volatility in the crypto sector and regulatory scrutiny of market participants. The firm has not provided further details on the departure according to financial reports.

The broader crypto market continues to experience significant shifts. Ethereum-based stablecoin transfers reached $8 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a new record and highlighting the network’s growing role in global payments.

Regulatory concerns remain a focal point. Alt5 Sigma, a Nasdaq-listed firm, faces intensified scrutiny following the appointment of an unlicensed auditor. The auditor’s license had expired, raising compliance and governance questions for the company.

Why the Move Happened

Yi Li Hua’s exit reflects broader uncertainty in the crypto industry. The absence of a key founder or strategic leader can disrupt a firm’s operational continuity, particularly in a sector marked by rapid change and regulatory shifts.

Market participants are also watching for signs of regulatory alignment. South Korea, for example, is set to introduce a revised stablecoin bill in January, addressing long-standing concerns around oversight and market structure.

How Markets Responded

Ethereum’s record stablecoin transfer volume has drawn positive commentary from analysts, who see it as evidence of growing institutional adoption. The network's daily transactions hit an all-time high of 2.23 million in late December 2025, reflecting increased usage across global markets.

In contrast, Alt5 Sigma’s stock price has fallen more than 77% since the start of 2025. The firm now faces potential delisting from Nasdaq after missing multiple filing deadlines. Its governance challenges, including the resignation of key board members, have further exacerbated investor concerns.

What Analysts Are Watching

Regulatory developments remain a critical factor. South Korea’s revised stablecoin bill is expected to clarify the role of banks in issuing won-backed stablecoins, a topic that stalled regulatory discussions in late 2025 according to market analysis.

Ethereum’s technical advancements are also drawing attention. Vitalik Buterin highlighted the network’s ability to address the blockchain trilemma through zero-knowledge EVMs and PeerDAS technology, a development that could reshape decentralized finance according to analysis.

Investors are also keeping a close eye on stablecoin dynamics. Ethereum's dominance in the stablecoin market—over 57% as of late 2025—suggests continued institutional confidence in the network as a settlement layer.