Aster launches Shield Mode: private BTC/ETH perpetuals with up to 1001x leverage
Aster has launched Shield Mode, a private execution layer for BTC and ETH perpetual futures that hides trades from public order books to reduce frontrunning and MEV. Shield Mode supports up to 1001x leverage on BTC and ETH pairs, offers one-tap long/short execution with zero slippage, and uses isolated margin to limit position-specific risk. As a promotional incentive, Aster has waived gas and opening/closing fees through Dec. 31; trades executed in Shield Mode are excluded from the platform’s ongoing airdrop calculations and daily buybacks continue. After the promo, Aster plans a Flexible Fee Model offering either a fixed-percentage commission or a PnL-based fee where traders pay only when profitable. Shield Mode builds on Aster’s earlier Hidden Orders privacy features and ties into its longer-term Aster Chain roadmap. The feature launch follows a recent token unlock and ongoing Genesis airdrop claims; Aster currently ranks near the top of perpetual DEX volume charts, reporting higher 24‑hour and 30‑day perpetual volumes than some rivals. For traders, Shield Mode reduces execution risk from front‑running and slippage for large or high‑leverage positions, but trades in this private mode won’t count toward promotional airdrop rewards during the fee-free window.
Bullish
Shield Mode directly reduces execution risk for BTC and ETH perpetual traders by hiding orders from public books, cutting slippage and MEV/frontrunning exposure—factors that often deter large or high‑leverage traders. Lower execution risk and zero-slippage promotions can increase user activity and leverage usage on Aster, supporting higher trading volume and liquidity for BTC and ETH perpetuals in the short term. The fee waiver through Dec. 31 is likely to attract additional order flow; even though Shield Mode trades are excluded from the airdrop during the promo, the immediate net effect should be increased demand for BTC and ETH perpetuals on Aster. Over the longer term, privacy features that reliably reduce MEV may draw institutional or large traders back to decentralized venues, improving sustained volume and market depth. Risks that could temper bullishness include the temporary exclusion from airdrop rewards (which may dissuade some users), potential regulatory scrutiny of private execution, and whether the Flexible Fee Model after the promo remains competitive. Overall, the net impact on BTC and ETH prices is expected to be positive but moderate: increased trading demand and liquidity on Aster supports short‑term bullish pressure, while long‑term effects depend on adoption and fee economics.