Chicago-based crypto exchange Bitnomial has launched monthly futures contracts for the Layer-1 blockchain Aptos’ native token, APT, on regulated US markets. Institutional clients can access the contracts through Bitnomial’s clearing members, with retail access expected soon via the Botanical platform. The contracts feature monthly expirations and settle in either US dollars or APT.

Bitnomial’s president, Michael Dunn, emphasized that a regulated futures market is crucial for spot crypto ETF approval under the SEC’s listing standards. Institutions can now gain exposure to APT using the same derivatives infrastructure used for Bitcoin and Ether. The contracts are regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

US-regulated crypto futures markets beyond major digital assets are limited, with Bitnomial emerging as one of the few venues offering exchange-native futures tied to altcoins. Bitnomial faced challenges when filing to list XRP futures due to regulatory complexities but ultimately launched regulated XRP futures in the US. Other US exchanges have taken a more gradual approach to regulated crypto futures.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Bitnomial Launches US-Regulated Aptos Futures