Bitwise has announced the launch of a new exchange-traded product (ETP) focused on staking Aptos tokens, marking the first of its kind globally.
Staking Model and Investor Benefits
Staking allows token holders to earn rewards by helping validate transactions on Proof of Stake (PoS) networks like Aptos. Unlike traditional dividend returns in equities, staking returns come in the form of additional tokens. Bitwise’s ETP structure allows investors to indirectly stake their holdings through a secure and regulated framework, bypassing the technical complexities typically involved in staking.
Major Milestone for Aptos Staking on a Regulated Market
The Bitwise Aptos Staking ETP (APTB) provides regulated market access to staking for both retail and institutional investors. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley highlighted the product's role in expanding access to next-generation blockchain assets. Since its launch in 2022, Aptos has gained over 8 million monthly active users and integrations with major players like Microsoft, Amazon, and Mastercard, with 250 projects and 1.7 billion transactions already completed on the platform.
Potential Shift in Staking Regulations in the U.S.
Recent regulatory developments in the U.S., such as the approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETPs, have crypto stakeholders closely watching to see if staking will become permissible for U.S.-based ETFs. Although staking-based financial products are currently prohibited in the U.S., upcoming regulatory changes may create new opportunities. For now, Europe remains at the forefront of staking-focused crypto products.
The launch of Bitwise’s first Aptos Staking ETP underscores its significance for institutional adoption, offering new prospects in financial products within this blockchain arena.
