Changpeng Zhao Invests $2.5M in Aster, Token Surges 30%
The former Binance CEO has once again shaken the crypto market — this time not with an exchange announcement, but with a personal investment. Changpeng Zhao (CZ) confirmed he purchased $2.5 million worth of Aster tokens, triggering a sharp 30% rally in the project’s price within hours.
CZ reveals personal wallet on X
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, CZ shared a screenshot of his personal wallet, showing over 2 million Aster tokens. “Bought some Aster today using my own funds on Binance,” he wrote, adding: “I’m not a trader. I buy and hold.”
The message instantly went viral, sparking waves of interest among both retail and institutional investors. Within minutes, Aster’s price jumped from $0.91 to $1.26, according to CoinGecko data, before stabilizing around $1.22 at press time.
Market reaction: “CZ effect” in action
This is not the first time Changpeng Zhao’s words have moved the market. The so-called “CZ effect” has long been observed — whenever the Binance founder mentions or supports a project, its token price tends to soar.
Aster, a decentralized exchange protocol focused on scalability and interoperability, saw its 24-hour trading volume skyrocket by more than 270% following CZ’s post. Analysts note that such direct endorsements from prominent crypto figures can create short-term volatility, but also attract long-term investor attention to underappreciated projects.
Aster’s fundamentals and long-term potential
Founded in 2021, Aster aims to bridge decentralized exchanges across multiple blockchains, providing seamless cross-chain liquidity. The project’s roadmap includes upcoming integrations with Ethereum Layer 2 networks and AI-driven market-making tools, which could boost its visibility among professional traders.
While Aster’s fundamentals remain relatively stable, the sudden spotlight from one of the industry’s most influential figures has catapulted it into the mainstream conversation. Analysts from Messari commented that “CZ’s backing could accelerate institutional interest in multi-chain DEX infrastructures.”
Community and investor reactions
The crypto community responded with mixed emotions. Supporters see CZ’s purchase as a strong signal of confidence in Aster’s long-term potential. Critics, however, caution that celebrity-driven surges often lead to speculative bubbles.
On social media, “#Aster” trended within hours, with users posting memes comparing the event to early Binance Coin (BNB) rallies. Some traders reported doubling their portfolios overnight, while others warned of likely corrections once speculative enthusiasm cools.
Conclusion
Changpeng Zhao’s $2.5 million move into Aster once again demonstrates the powerful influence of personal branding in crypto markets. While the token’s 30% rally highlights renewed optimism, sustainability will depend on whether Aster can deliver on its cross-chain vision beyond the initial hype.
For now, the “CZ effect” continues to prove that one tweet can still move markets — even in the age of algorithmic trading and institutional dominance.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab