Aster DEX has temporarily paused its ASTER token airdrop following mounting user complaints about inconsistent allocation results.
The team said an internal review uncovered irregularities in distribution data that caused some users to receive smaller rewards than expected.
The decentralized exchange clarified that the suspension is temporary and part of a broader effort to verify snapshot calculations tied to user activity. According to the project, allocations should not fall below the final percentage recorded for each epoch. Adjustments are now underway, and users will be allowed to request refunds in USDT once the review concludes.
Refund Option Introduced Amid Transparency Push
Aster stated that a refund window will open shortly after the revised allocations are confirmed, giving participants up to 48 hours to decide whether to keep their tokens or opt for reimbursement. The move aims to ensure fairness and maintain investor confidence after the project’s recent momentum, boosted by ASTER’s strong market debut on Binance.
In a post on X, the team reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, saying it had already started rechecking data and would publish updated figures soon. The airdrop is now expected to proceed by October 20, pending the completion of the verification process.
Community Frustration Over Alleged Insider Advantage
The decision to halt the distribution follows growing frustration among traders who say allocations didn’t match their engagement levels. Influencer Quinten 048.eth, who claims to have referred over $100 million in trading volume and 250 new users, reported receiving only 338 ASTER tokens.
He accused Aster and Binance of “farming their own airdrop,” alleging that insiders captured as much as 95% of the total rewards. Binance founder CZ responded publicly, asking for clarification on the figures. Quinten maintained that while the math checked out, the referral-based point system had heavily skewed results toward a small number of participants.
Aster Vows to Restore Trust
While the exact source of the inconsistencies remains undisclosed, Aster said the discrepancies stem from how user rewards were calculated across epochs — periods that track engagement and liquidity contributions.
Before the suspension, Aster DEX had been among the top performers in perpetual trading volumes. The team now says it is prioritizing accuracy and fairness over speed, promising to take “every necessary step” to restore user trust once the corrected allocations are finalized.
