Bitwise files for Aptos ETF registration in Delaware

Bitwise has filed a registration for an Aptos (APT) exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the Delaware Department of State, potentially paving the way for a U.S. launch. The filing, visible on the official registration portal, signifies Bitwise's expansion into Aptos-related crypto offerings. This move suggests the firm is preparing an official S-1 application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

If approved, this ETF would mark a significant first: Bitwise could become the first firm in the U.S. to offer an ETF directly holding APT tokens, the native currency of the Aptos Layer 1 blockchain, developed by Aptos Labs.

This filing follows the recent launch of several Aptos exchange-traded products (ETPs) in Europe, including Bitwise Aptos Staking ETP and 21Shares Aptos Staking ETP.

News of the filing spurred a 10% increase in APT's value, pushing the token to $6.18 (according to crypto.news data). This represents a recovery from a recent slump: APT experienced a 6.5% decrease over the past week, nearly 20% over the past month, and almost 40% over the past year.

Despite these fluctuations, Aptos boasts a market capitalization of $3.6 billion and a fully diluted valuation of $7 billion. In the last 24 hours, APT's trading volume reached $371 million—a 44% increase from the previous day.

Bitwise previously launched its Aptos Staking ETP on six Swiss exchanges in November 2024. That same month, 21Shares launched its own Aptos Staking ETP on Euronext Amsterdam and Paris.

Last month, Bitwise submitted an S-1 filing for a Dogecoin ETF (also initially registered in Delaware). The firm also received preliminary SEC approval (19b-4 filing) for a Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, currently awaiting a final S-1 registration decision before market launch.