Aster Expands WLFI Collaboration, Launches USD1-Denominated Perpetual Markets

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-18Last updated on 2026-03-18

Abstract

Aster, backed by YZi Labs, has expanded its partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLFI) to introduce USD1-denominated perpetual markets. The collaboration includes launching perpetual contracts for pairs like BTC, ETH, and SOL using USD1, with plans to add more pairs. Key features include zero maker fees, reduced taker fees (0.5 bps), and USD1 as collateral with a ratio matching USDT. Traders can earn rewards from a monthly distribution of up to 2.5 million WLFI tokens and participate in holding incentive programs. The initiative aims to enhance USD1 liquidity and build a strong foundation for the upcoming Aster Chain, a new Layer 1 blockchain, by diversifying stablecoin use and improving capital efficiency.

George Town, British Virgin Islands, March 18th, 2026, Chainwire

Aster, a trading ecosystem backed by YZi Labs, today announced a major expansion of its collaboration with World Liberty Financial (WLFI).

The collaboration introduces USD1-denominated perpetual contracts and new trading incentives, including WLFI token rewards and reduced fees on USD1 pairs, while also allowing users to earn additional rewards on their holdings.

The integration is intended to support USD1 liquidity on the platform, laying the groundwork for Aster Chain, the project’s newly-launched Layer 1 blockchain.

Building a Diverse Foundation for Aster Chain

Adding USD1 as collateral and USD1-denominated perpetual markets reduce Aster’s reliance on any single stablecoin, giving users greater flexibility as the Aster Chain launches.

WLFI’s global community helps support Aster’s efforts to expand access to USD1 markets within DeFi.

“Aster Chain’s success depends on the depth of its underlying liquidity,” said Leonard, CEO at Aster. “By bringing USD1 into our core trading engine during this phase, we’re building the trading foundation for the Aster Chain launch. Our 0-bps maker fees are designed to encourage participation in USD1 markets on Aster as the mainnet launch.”

“Perpetual markets are where a significant portion of trading volume lives. Aster listing USD1 perps pairs and matching USDT collateral ratios means traders can use USD1 in a manner similar to any major stablecoin. That’s the bar we set: functional parity, rather than positioning USD1 a secondary option.” said Zak Folkman, Co-founder & COO of World Liberty Financial.

Establishing the USD1 Trading Hub

Aster supports USD1-denominated perpetual contracts, launching with BTC, ETH, and SOL pairs, with an additional 10+ pairs planned in the coming weeks.

To encourage market participation, Aster is offering zero-bps maker fees and a competitive 0.5-bps taker fee. USD1 is also supported as a core margin asset and collateral, with a collateral ratio on par with USDT – allowing traders to maximize capital efficiency.

Rewards for Early Adopters

This partnership introduces several incentives as part of Aster Chain’s mainnet launch:

  • USD1 Perp Trading Rewards: Up to 2.5 million WLFI tokens distributed monthly through the USD1 perpetual trading incentive program based on trading activity, with rewards distributed weekly. WLFI reserves all rights regarding program interpretation and distribution.
  • USD1 Holding Incentives: Users holding USD1 on Aster may be eligible to participate in platform incentive programs.
  • Reduced Trading Fees: Zero maker fees and 0.5-bps taker fees on all USD1 pairs, a significant reduction compared to USDT pairs.*

Aster will also launch tracking tools including integrated Points Program entry points across web and mobile, allowing users to monitor their progress and participation in early Aster Chain market activity.

*Aster’s standard taker fee on USDT pairs is 4 bps. USD1 taker fee is 0.5 bps, representing an approximate 87.5% reduction. Maker fees on USD1 pairs are 0 bps. All fees are set by Aster and subject to change. See Aster’s fee schedule at Aster fee page for current rates.

About Aster

Aster is a privacy-first onchain trading platform backed by YZi Labs, featuring innovations like Hidden Orders to shield user trading activity. It offers perpetual contracts across crypto, stocks and commodities, as well as crypto spot trading, and is powered by Aster Chain, a Layer 1 blockchain built to power the future of decentralized finance.

Users can learn more about Aster on the official website or follow Aster on X.

About World Liberty Financial (WLFI)

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) operates at the intersection of traditional financial infrastructure with blockchain innovation, creating accessible, transparent, and scalable solutions for a new era of digital finance. This documentation is intended for developers, integrators, researchers, and community members seeking to understand the World Liberty Financial ecosystem.

Contact

PR & Content Manager
Lola Chen
Aster
lola.chen@asterdex.com

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Related Questions

QWhat is the main announcement made in the article regarding Aster and WLFI?

AAster announced a major expansion of its collaboration with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), introducing USD1-denominated perpetual contracts and new trading incentives.

QWhat are the three main incentives or rewards introduced for users as part of this partnership?

AThe three main incentives are: 1) USD1 Perp Trading Rewards of up to 2.5 million WLFI tokens monthly, 2) USD1 Holding Incentives for users holding USD1 on the platform, and 3) Reduced Trading Fees with zero maker fees and 0.5-bps taker fees on all USD1 pairs.

QAccording to the CEO of Aster, why is integrating USD1 into their trading engine at this phase important?

ALeonard, CEO of Aster, stated that integrating USD1 into their core trading engine during this phase is important to build the trading foundation for the Aster Chain launch, as its success depends on the depth of its underlying liquidity.

QWhich major cryptocurrency pairs are launching with the new USD1-denominated perpetual contracts?

AThe USD1-denominated perpetual contracts are launching with BTC, ETH, and SOL pairs, with over 10 additional pairs planned in the coming weeks.

QWhat key advantage does using USD1 as collateral provide to traders on Aster, as mentioned by WLFI's Co-founder?

AZak Folkman, Co-founder & COO of WLFI, stated that matching USDT collateral ratios for USD1 means traders can use it in a manner similar to any major stablecoin, achieving functional parity rather than being a secondary option, thus maximizing capital efficiency.

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