Bitnomial Aptos Futures exchange to make Aptos ETF a reality
A Chicago based derivatives cryptocurrency exchange, Bitnomial has churned out first Aptos Futures exchange that is fully US-regulated. It has first opened its doors for the institutional traders and then to the regular retail users in the coming weeks.
The contracts will be settled in US dollars or APT token, the native token of Aptos blockchain. The choice will be given to the user. For instance, many Solana based exchanges like Jupiter allow users to settle contract in USDC or SOL token, native token on Solana blockchain.
Bitnomial will allow margin trading in cryptocurrency or dollars using their own clearinghouse. APT Perpetual futures and options are also in the tunnel.
This new contract provides institutional and individual traders with a regulated venue for APT price discovery & risk management.
— Aptos (@Aptos) January 14, 2026
Today's listing satisfies the last major substantive SEC requirement for the approval of an Aptos ETF, which could be approved in as few as 6 months.
The exchange went live to the institutional traders on January 14th 2026. This exchange will also tick one of the requirements of SEC for approving Aptos ETF, which will allow fund managers to buy Aptos like a stock for their clients. This is how real adoption starts. Regulated futures today, ETF tomorrow. Aptos keeps building the right way. We believe Aptos ETF will go live within 6 months from now.
Regulated APT futures are a major milestone. Aptos just moved one step closer to institutional adoption and a potential U.S. spot ETF.