Bitnomial launches CFTC-regulated Aptos (APT) monthly futures
Chicago-based crypto exchange Bitnomial has introduced monthly futures contracts linked to Aptos’ native token (APT), broadening access to APT derivatives on CFTC-regulated U.S. markets.
The contracts are initially available to institutional clients via Bitnomial’s clearing members, with retail access expected in the coming weeks through the company’s Botanical platform.
According to the company, the contracts have monthly expirations and settle in either U.S. dollars or in APT, depending on the position. Monthly futures are standardized instruments that provide price exposure over a set period without requiring ownership of the underlying asset.
Michael Dunn, president of Bitnomial, said that a regulated futures market is a prerequisite for spot crypto ETF approval under the SEC’s generic listing standards. He added that the new contracts allow institutions to gain APT exposure using the same derivatives infrastructure they use for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), including portfolio margining across positions.
The company stated the contracts are regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
U.S.-regulated crypto futures expand beyond major assets
U.S.-regulated crypto futures outside the largest digital assets remain limited, with Bitnomial among the few venues offering exchange-native futures tied to altcoins. Bringing such products to market has required navigating an evolving regulatory framework.
In August 2024, Bitnomial filed to list XRP (XRP) futures through a CFTC self-certification, but the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) challenged the move, arguing the contracts would require Bitnomial to register as a securities exchange. After filing a lawsuit against the SEC in October 2025, Bitnomial dropped the case in March and subsequently launched regulated XRP futures for U.S. users later that month, citing “the SEC’s evolving policies on crypto.”
Other U.S. exchanges have moved more gradually. Coinbase Derivatives Exchange launched CFTC-regulated institutional futures for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) in June 2023 and expanded access to retail-sized contracts in May 2025.
In July 2025, Kraken introduced a U.S. derivatives platform providing domestic traders access to cryptocurrency futures listed on CME Group. Kraken also offers an APT perpetual futures contract on its global platform.
In March 2025, Kraken announced plans to acquire NinjaTrader for about $1.5 billion, aiming to enhance its derivatives capabilities through NinjaTrader’s CFTC-registered infrastructure.
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