Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) surprised the crypto community this weekend after revealing that he had personally purchased Aster (ASTER) tokens using his own funds.

His post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), immediately triggered a strong market reaction, sending the token’s price sharply higher within minutes.

CZ’s Personal Bet on Aster

In his announcement, Zhao clarified that the transaction was not part of any corporate strategy or market promotion but rather a personal investment decision. “I bought some ASTER on Binance today with my own money,” he wrote. “I’m not a trader; I bought it and I’ll hold it.”

That short statement was enough to send social media into a frenzy. Within moments, ASTER’s trading volume spiked across Binance and other platforms, with users posting screenshots of the rapid price surge.

CZ followed up with a lighthearted remark, saying he had initially hoped to purchase more tokens at a lower price but was caught off guard by how quickly the market reacted. “I actually wanted to buy more when the price was low,” he joked.

Full disclosure. I just bought some Aster today, using my own money, on @Binance.

I am not a trader. I buy and hold. pic.twitter.com/wvmBwaXbKD

— CZ ? BNB (@cz_binance) November 2, 2025

Market Impact and Investor Reaction

The disclosure came as ASTER was already showing gradual momentum amid rising on-chain activity. However, CZ’s public support gave the token an immediate boost, sparking a wave of speculative interest. Within hours, Aster was trending on X, and discussions about the project’s fundamentals began to circulate widely.

According to Zhao, he currently holds 2,090,598.14 ASTER tokens, acquired at an average price of around $0.913. When asked by followers to confirm the entry point, he replied, “I’m not entirely sure,” hinting that the purchase was spontaneous rather than a planned accumulation.

Market analysts noted that the quick reaction to his post reflected the continued influence of CZ’s market presence, even after stepping back from day-to-day leadership at Binance. His personal trades, especially when disclosed publicly, often carry significant weight among retail traders.

A Long-Term Approach

Zhao compared his recent Aster purchase to his early accumulation of BNB, Binance’s native token. He noted that, aside from small sales for personal expenses, he has held onto his BNB holdings since its inception — suggesting a long-term conviction approach to Aster as well.

“I’m not a short-term trader,” Zhao reiterated. “I hold what I believe in.”

The Broader Context

Aster’s sudden surge is the latest example of how influential figures can impact token prices with a single statement. Crypto markets, still highly sentiment-driven, often respond dramatically to signals from major industry leaders.

While the Binance founder did not elaborate on why he chose Aster in particular, his move has prompted a wave of curiosity about the project’s fundamentals and long-term roadmap. Some traders interpret the purchase as an endorsement of Aster’s technology and growth potential, while others caution that short-term volatility could follow the hype.

For now, CZ’s post has once again demonstrated how personal credibility and transparency from top figures in the crypto industry can ripple through the market — often faster than any formal announcement.