CZ Refutes BlackRock's Alleged ASTER ETF Filing

Changpeng Zhao Debunks BlackRock ASTER ETF Rumors

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has addressed widespread rumors concerning BlackRock's alleged filing for a staked Aster (ASTER) exchange-traded fund (ETF). The claims, which quickly gained traction, were debunked by CZ, who emphasized the absence of any official registration with the SEC.

Did BlackRock File for an ASTER ETF?

A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that BlackRock submitted an S-1 registration document for an 'iShares Staked Aster Trust ETF' dated December 5, 2024. However, no such filing exists in the SEC's records. The supposed document was a forgery, closely mimicking real SEC documents but ultimately referring to the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF, a legitimate BlackRock filing.

CZ responded to the misinformation, urging caution and reminding followers that even prominent crypto figures can be misled. He stated, "Fake. Even big KOLs get fooled once in a while. Aster doesn’t need these fake photoshopped pics to grow."

ASTER Price Movement Amid Buyback Efforts

The ASTER token is under pressure despite a recent buyback initiative. On December 8, Aster announced an accelerated Stage 4 buyback program, increasing daily token purchases to approximately $4 million. Despite this, ASTER's price fell nearly 4% in the past 24 hours, with trading volume dropping by 41.80%.

As of now, ASTER is trading at $0.93, reflecting ongoing market challenges.