Bitwise Moves to Launch Aptos (APT) ETF, APT Surges 18%

Bitwise has officially filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the price of Aptos (APT), the native token of the Aptos blockchain.

The asset manager had previously hinted at this move by registering a Delaware trust entity for the proposed ETF. On Wednesday, Bitwise submitted an S-1 filing with the SEC, a key step toward listing a new security on a public stock exchange. Additionally, a 19b-4 filing will be required to facilitate a regulatory rule change, which sets a deadline for the SEC’s decision.

Aptos, a scalable layer 1 blockchain built using the Move programming language, has gained significant attention for its speed and security. Following the ETF filing, APT surged 18% in the past 24 hours, trading at $6.48 at press time.

Bitwise’s move signals growing institutional interest in Aptos and the broader layer 1 blockchain ecosystem. If approved, this ETF would offer investors direct exposure to APT without requiring direct ownership of the token, potentially driving further adoption.

As the crypto market evolves, ETF filings for digital assets continue to gain traction, following recent approvals of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Aptos now joins the list of blockchain projects seeking mainstream investment products.

With regulatory decisions pending, all eyes are on the SEC’s response, which could pave the way for further institutional adoption of layer 1 blockchain assets.