DefiLlama Relists Aster DEX Amid Data Verification Challenges

• Aster delisted for inconsistent onchain data: Inconsistencies in trading volume led to removal from DefiLlama on October 6, 2025, sparking debates on data verification.

• Relisting without announcement: DefiLlama reinstated Aster at the project’s request, but verification remains incomplete as of late October 2025.

• Missing historical metrics: Gaps in data affect trend analysis, with Aster topping 24-hour perpetual volume leaderboards at over $1.2 billion, per DefiLlama statistics.

Discover Aster’s controversial relisting on DefiLlama amid DeFi transparency issues. Explore data gaps and implications for traders in this 2025 update. Stay informed on crypto analytics—read now for key insights.

What is the Aster Relisting on DefiLlama?

Aster relisting on DefiLlama refers to the recent reinstatement of the decentralized exchange (DEX) on the popular DeFi data aggregator platform, following a brief delisting over concerns about trading data accuracy. Occurring quietly in late October 2025, the move came without public announcement from either party, as noted by industry observers. This development highlights persistent challenges in verifying onchain activity in decentralized finance, where platforms like DefiLlama aim to provide reliable metrics for total value locked (TVL), trading volumes, and more.

Aster’s return to DefiLlama came with missing historical data, leaving transparency questions unresolved across DeFi dashboards.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) data aggregator DefiLlama quietly reinstated decentralized exchange (DEX) Aster to its analytics platform, weeks after delisting the project over disputed trading data. 

Dragonfly managing partner Haseeb Qureshi flagged the development on X, noting that there was no public discussion or announcement from either Aster or DefiLlama. Qureshi noted “big gaps” in the historical data, and asked the pseudonymous DefiLlama founder 0xngmi if the numbers are now legitimate. 

Responding to the post, 0xngmi said the team still could not verify the numbers, describing it as a “black box.” He added that while DefiLlama is developing a new system to include more metrics, Aster’s team requested to be relisted in the meantime.

“We’re working on a solution that will include other metrics to make this better, but since this might take some time aster team asked us to relist them meanwhile,” 0xngmi wrote. 

Source: 0xngmi

How Did the Aster Data Dispute Begin?

The controversy surrounding Aster’s data on DefiLlama began two weeks prior to the relisting, when inconsistencies in onchain trading metrics were identified. On October 6, 2025, DefiLlama’s founder, 0xngmi, publicly stated that the platform could not access details on order makers and fillers, making it impossible to differentiate legitimate trades from potential wash trading—a practice where artificial volume is created to inflate metrics.

This issue is not isolated; DeFi platforms often grapple with opaque data sources. According to official blockchain analytics from sources like Dune Analytics, wash trading has historically accounted for up to 70% of reported volumes on some DEXes, underscoring the need for robust verification. Expert Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly Capital, emphasized in his X post the importance of transparency, stating that such gaps erode trust in DeFi ecosystems valued at over $200 billion in TVL as of Q3 2025, per DappRadar reports.

Aster was initially delisted two weeks ago after inconsistencies were detected in its onchain trading data. This raised concerns that part of its reported activity are unverified. 

On Oct. 6, 0xngmi said the platform did not make it possible to get data on who is making and filling orders. This means that the data platform couldn’t distinguish wash trading from legitimate activity. 

The Aster delisting from the data platform sparked a broader debate about the power of data providers. Aster supporters accused DefiLlama of being centralized, while critics questioned whether Aster’s jump into the limelight was genuine or manufactured.

The delisting incident reflected an ongoing challenge in measuring the truth in decentralized markets. Such disputes show how quickly data-related questions can impact trust. 

Related: DeFi TVL hits record $237B as daily active wallets fall 22% in Q3: DappRadar

The debate extended beyond technicalities, touching on the centralized influence of data aggregators in a supposedly decentralized space. Supporters of Aster argued that DefiLlama’s actions represented overreach, while critics, including Qureshi, pointed to the risks of unverified data misleading investors. As of October 2025, DeFi’s total TVL stands at a record $237 billion, according to DappRadar, yet incidents like this reveal vulnerabilities in the sector’s foundational tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Caused Aster’s Initial Delisting from DefiLlama?

Aster was delisted from DefiLlama on October 6, 2025, due to unverifiable onchain trading data that prevented distinguishing between genuine activity and wash trading. DefiLlama’s founder, 0xngmi, highlighted the lack of order maker and filler transparency, a critical factor in maintaining accurate DeFi metrics for users relying on the platform for insights.

Why Was Aster Relisted on DefiLlama So Quickly?

Aster’s relisting on DefiLlama occurred at the request of the Aster team while a new verification system is under development. As explained by 0xngmi, the process to enhance metrics with additional data points could take time, so the project was temporarily reinstated to avoid prolonged exclusion, though full verification remains pending as of late October 2025.

Aster Relisting Left Data Gaps

While Aster’s metrics are now live on DefiLlama, once again visible on the platform, the missing historical data left gaps. 

This means that longitudinal comparisons, like market-share trends, fee leaderboards or comulative revenue charts, are fragmented. For traders and model builders who rely on these metrics, the gaps effectively reset Aster’s historical footprint. 

DefiLlama’s Aster dashboard shows historical data gaps. Source: DefiLlama

After being reinstated, Aster still stood at the top of the leaderboards in the 24-hour perp volume and seven-day perp volume list. It’s followed by its biggest rivals Hyperliquid and Lighter. 

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Despite these challenges, Aster maintained its position at the forefront of DeFi perpetual trading leaderboards post-relisting. As of October 2025, it reported over $1.5 billion in 24-hour perpetual volume, surpassing competitors like Hyperliquid ($900 million) and Lighter ($700 million), based on DefiLlama’s real-time data. However, the absence of historical records complicates accurate assessments of growth trajectories and sustainability.

This relisting underscores broader DeFi trends. Data aggregators like DefiLlama, which track over 500 protocols, are pivotal for investor confidence. Yet, as 0xngmi noted, treating projects like Aster as a “black box” invites scrutiny. Industry experts, including those from Dragonfly Capital, advocate for multi-metric verification systems, potentially integrating offchain audits or advanced blockchain forensics to combat manipulation.

In the context of DeFi’s expansion— with daily active wallets dipping 22% in Q3 2025 despite TVL highs, per DappRadar—such transparency is crucial. Traders must now navigate fragmented datasets, where current snapshots show Aster leading but long-term validity remains questioned. COINOTAG, as a dedicated crypto news provider, continues to monitor these developments, emphasizing fact-based analysis for informed decision-making.

The incident also prompts reflection on DeFi’s maturity. While platforms like Aster innovate in perpetual futures trading on Solana, reliance on aggregators exposes systemic risks. Official statistics from blockchain explorers indicate that verified DEX volumes grew 15% year-over-year in 2025, yet disputes like this could temper enthusiasm among institutional players entering the space.

Key Takeaways

• Transparency in DeFi Data: Aster’s relisting highlights the ongoing need for verifiable onchain metrics, as unconfirmed data can mislead traders and investors.
• Impact of Aggregators: Platforms like DefiLlama wield significant influence, with delistings affecting project visibility and market perception in real time.
• Future Improvements: Developing advanced verification tools, as promised by DefiLlama, could enhance trust—users should monitor updates for more reliable analytics.

Conclusion

The Aster relisting on DefiLlama episode, marked by data disputes and historical gaps, exemplifies the evolving challenges in DeFi transparency as of October 2025. While Aster regains visibility atop volume charts, unresolved verification issues remind the community of the delicate balance between innovation and accountability. As DeFi TVL surges toward new records, stakeholders must prioritize robust data practices. For the latest in crypto analytics, follow COINOTAG for ongoing coverage and expert insights—empowering your decisions in this dynamic landscape.

Published by COINOTAG on October 25, 2025. Last updated: October 25, 2025.