Bitwise’s Aptos ETF Filing Triggers 15% APT Surge to $6.26—Is This the Next Big Altcoin Investment?

Based on the official Aptos X account’s announcement, Bitwise has filed S-1 papers for the APTOS ETF. Bitwise Asset Management has submitted an S-1 registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take to market an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that aims to target Aptos (APT). The move is to provide investors with regulated exposure to the investment opportunities afforded by the Aptos cryptocurrency. The APT price increased by approximately 15.82%, to $6.26, upon the announcement.

Bitwise’s Strategic Move into Altcoin ETFs

Bitwise’s Aptos ETF filing is a big step toward diversifying investment options away from the more established cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin. To attract investors seeking diversified crypto holdings, Bitwise is aiming for the Layer-1 scalable and efficient blockchain, Aptos. The proposed Aptos ETF will invest in APT tokens and calculate its net asset value (NAV) based on the CF Aptos–Dollar Settlement Price provided by CF Benchmarks Ltd. The move is part of Bitwise’s broader strategy to launch ETFs for other altcoins, following recent submissions for a Dogecoin and XRP ETF.

1/ @BitwiseInvest has filed an S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to register a potential Aptos ETF.

This filing is the initial step toward offering an ETF linked to Aptos in the U.S. market. pic.twitter.com/cYTViiIW5p

— Aptos (@Aptos) March 5, 2025

The S-1 filing is the first part of the regulatory process. As a follow-up step, Bitwise must also submit a 19b-4 filing, a proposed rule change with the exchange on which the ETF will be listed. The dual-filing process gives assurance that the ETF will be SEC-compliant and comply with the rules for listing on the exchange. The timeline for approval is uncertain, with the SEC reviewing the filing thoroughly.

Aptos: Emerging Cryptocurrency

Aptos has proven to be an emerging player within the crypto market, seeking to improve the scalability of the blockchain and the user experience. On 5th March 2025, APT was around $6.47, representing a 17.88% rise in the last 24 hours. The token’s market capitalization stands at around $3.82 billion, ranking it within the top 30 cryptocurrencies. The price of APT has ranged from a high of $18.14 to a low of $4.99 within the last year, reflecting the highest volatility.

The recent price spike following the filing by Bitwise for an ETF is an indication of the market’s sensitivity to institutional interest. Institutional investors perceive ETF approvals as the gateway to the crypto market, unlike traditional finance, which can lead to higher usage and liquidity. However, the volatility of the crypto market means that the best one can hope for is guarded optimism.

Implications for the Broader Cryptocurrency Market

Bitwise’s entry to offer an Aptos ETF is part of an overarching trend where institutional investors are looking for investment products for altcoins. The action has the possibility to open opportunities for other comparable ETFs that offer diversified exposure to the cryptocurrency sector. The SEC’s stance on such uses will be important in defining the future evolution of cryptocurrency investment.

The launch of altcoin ETFs will also establish the tone for regulatory regimes for digital assets. As more asset managers are increasingly approved to launch cryptocurrency ETFs to the market, regulators will be increasingly likely to release more specific guidelines to balance safeguarding investors and providing an environment to innovate. The equilibrium will be essential to determine the rate and extent of crypto integration within mainstream markets.

What’s Next? A Step Towards Mainstream Adoption

Bitwise’s Aptos ETF filing is an important move toward mainstreaming cryptocurrencies in the traditional finance system. By providing regulated investment products for altcoins like Aptos, asset managers are adopting the changed interest of investors and the potential of the future of different types of blockchain technology.