[Aster CEO: Plans to Launch Independent L1 with Verifiable Privacy Capabilities in Q1 2026] Leonard, CEO of the decentralized perpetual exchange Aster, stated during Binance Blockchain Week that the future of the perpetual contract decentralized trading market might develop into an oligopoly structure, with at most three major platforms emerging. He also mentioned that smaller centralized exchanges might shift toward building decentralized exchanges. Leonard revealed that Aster is developing a multi-chain, multi-collateral asset trading experience that supports the direct collateralization of native assets like BTC, ETH, and BNB. Additionally, they plan to launch an independent L1 with verifiable privacy capabilities, with the testnet expected to be released by the end of the year and the mainnet targeted for launch in Q1 2026. Aster is currently collaborating primarily with BNB Chain and receiving guidance from the Binance ecosystem, with potential for deeper cooperation in the future.