Decentralized exchange Aster is launching ZK-powered privacy and distinct trading modes to solve the core trade-offs between performance, cost and security.
The promise of onchain perpetuals trading has always been compelling, offering self-custody and open access to global markets. The reality for many traders, however, has been a journey of compromises.
High fees can erode profits, limited liquidity often leads to poor execution and slippage and the public nature of most blockchains exposes user strategies to front-running. These, combined with complex user interfaces, have created a steep hill to overcome, keeping decentralized derivatives from reaching their full potential.
Addressing these challenges holistically is the principle at the heart of Aster, a decentralized perpetuals exchange that aims to deliver the performance of a centralized platform with the trustless nature of decentralized finance (DeFi). Backed by venture capital institution YZi Labs, Aster is built to meet the core needs of every trader, from institutions to retail newcomers.
An exchange for every trader
Aster is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of trading styles through two distinct modes. Pro Mode is built on a centralized exchange (CEX)-like order book model, a design that provides deep liquidity and minimizes slippage, particularly for major pairs like BTC/USD.
Binance level liquidity on Aster? 👀 https://t.co/Ch6NuBLyVp
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) June 5, 2025
This is combined with low trading fees, making the platform well-suited for high-frequency and active traders. Furthermore, a new VIP program rewards high-volume users with lower fees, which can drop to 2.5 basis points for takers and zero for makers based on a 14-day rolling volume.
The experience is designed for sophisticated users, supporting high leverage and high capital efficiency through a multi-asset mode and a robust API for institutional and quantitative traders.
Strengthening its position, Aster Pro has established a strong ecosystem presence through close integrations with prominent projects like PancakeSwap and SafePal, expanding its reach and reinforcing user trust.
In contrast, Simple Mode operates on an ALP (Aster liquidity pool) model, where traders take positions against a shared liquidity pool. This structure enables a more streamlined, one-click trading experience with no deposits required.
A key feature is the option to use high leverage in what is known as “degen mode,” a term for traders engaging in high-risk strategies. When using this high-leverage option, traders benefit from zero open fees and zero slippage, making it well-suited for those looking to quickly act on trending assets like memecoins.
The platform is accessible through a mobile-friendly web interface and a dedicated mobile-native app designed for a seamless trading journey. The mobile app currently provides only the full Pro Mode experience, with Simple Mode slated for an upcoming release.
Privacy, traditionally sacrificed in decentralized exchange (DEX) environments, is restored through the recently launched Hidden Orders feature. The tool allows traders to execute orders anonymously, shielding their strategies from the public eye until the trade is complete.
Such functionality is crucial for institutions or large-volume traders who need to place significant orders without signaling their intentions to the market and risking manipulation. The platform has also drawn attention from notable industry figures, including Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, who has personally tried the platform.
Privacy and performance by design
Underpinning the platform is the Aster Chain, a high-performance layer-1 blockchain engineered specifically for private and non-custodial order book trading. It utilizes Brevis’ zero-knowledge (ZK) proof-of-proof architecture, a technology that allows for trustless onchain verification of trades without revealing sensitive data, ensuring security and confidentiality.
The platform’s roadmap includes the rollout of a stage 2 rewards program and an eventual token generation event for its native AST token, both designed to further align the protocol’s growth with its community. This will be coupled with an expansion of trading features and supported assets as Aster works toward its goal of becoming a default venue in decentralized perpetuals trading.
Throughout, the guiding ethos stays constant. As the team puts it: “Our vision is to redefine decentralized perpetual trading, ensuring it’s fast, fair, private and powerful.” Meeting that bar demands CEX-like depth without the custodial risk, DeFi transparency without the data leak and a UX fluid enough for market makers and first-time traders.
If Aster can continue aligning those pieces, the platform has the potential to bring the once-disconnected properties of speed, privacy and onchain proof into a single trading pane — and move decentralized perps from niche use to norm along the way.
Learn more about Aster
Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain in this sponsored article, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.