Aster, the BNB Chain-native decentralized exchange (DEX) powered by YZi Labs, has launched the genesis phase of its privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain, Aster Chain. The new Layer 1 blockchain features "account privacy" by default, employing zero-knowledge proof (ZK) encryption and stealth addresses to encrypt transactions. It boasts a 50ms block time, transaction speeds of up to 100,000 TPS, and zero gas fees. The protocol is currently the second-largest decentralized exchange by trading volume, with a 24-hour turnover of $3.36 billion. Aster Chain also announced a phased rollout plan, including public staking and ecosystem expansion. Following the announcement, its token, ASTER, rose 7% to approximately $0.76.