TLDR
- Aster DEX has postponed its ASTER token airdrop from the original date to October 20 after finding data inconsistencies in user allocations
- Some users received lower allocations than expected based on their snapshot holdings, prompting a full review of the distribution calculations
- The platform is offering a USDT refund option for affected users, which will be available 48 hours after allocation numbers are updated
- Influencer Quinten 048.eth claimed he received only 338 ASTER tokens despite generating over $100 million in referral volume and criticized the distribution as insider-focused
- Nearly 154,000 wallets qualified for the second stage of Aster Genesis, with no lock-up period planned for claimed tokens
Aster DEX has pushed back the distribution date for its ASTER token airdrop to October 20. The delay comes after the team discovered problems with how tokens were allocated to users.
Based on community feedback, we identified potential data inconsistencies affecting certain users' $ASTER allocation. For most users, allocations should not fall below the final snapshot RH% in each epoch.
We are reviewing this issue and will update allocations where needed.…
— Aster (@Aster_DEX) October 10, 2025
The decentralized exchange found that some participants received lower allocations than they should have based on their final snapshot holdings. Each user’s allocation was supposed to match their holding percentage from reward epochs. These epochs track user participation and determine token rewards.
The team announced it is now reviewing all allocation data to fix the errors. Updated allocation numbers will be published in the coming days. Users will then have 48 hours to decide if they want to request a USDT refund instead of receiving ASTER tokens.
The refund option was added after community members raised concerns about the fairness of the distribution. The exchange said it discovered these issues after receiving feedback from users. The team stated it is reviewing discrepancies and will adjust affected allocations before moving forward.
Influencer Criticizes Distribution Model
The airdrop attracted criticism from influencer Quinten 048.eth, who shared his experience on social media. He reported generating more than $100 million in referral volume and bringing in 250 signups to the platform. Despite this activity, he received only 338 ASTER tokens.
Just curious, if there anything wrong with your numbers? I have known you for a while. Trying to understand what's going on. Just finished a livestream with @notthreadguy. These on-chain ecosystem stuff is all over the place.😂
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) October 10, 2025
Quinten accused Aster and Binance of “farming their own airdrop.” He claimed that insiders received 95% of the rewards while retail users split the remaining 5%. His post caught the attention of Binance founder CZ, who asked if the numbers were accurate.
Quinten responded that his calculation appeared correct. He explained that referral-based points dominated the final allocation metrics. This left smaller amounts for participants who contributed through other methods like trading or providing liquidity.
Platform Background and Qualification Details
Aster is a decentralized trading platform with ties to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. CZ serves as an advisor to the project. His investment firm, YZi Labs, also holds a stake in the platform.
The exchange positions itself as a competitor to Hyperliquid in the decentralized perpetual trading space. Users can earn points by trading, holding specific coins, or providing liquidity. The minimum threshold for airdrop eligibility is 10,000 Rh points.
The platform clarified that users with the same point totals might receive different allocations due to various adjustments. Nearly 154,000 wallets qualified for the second stage of Aster Genesis. All eligible participants will be able to claim their rewards immediately after distribution with no lock-up period required.
