Aptos ecosystem guide: top Aptos projects and protocols to watch

As the first Layer-1 blockchain built on the Move programming language, Aptos has emerged as a promising contender in the crypto landscape. Its focus on scalability, security, and developer experience has attracted significant attention from both investors and developers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the Aptos ecosystem, exploring some of the top projects and DApps that are making waves on this innovative platform.

TL;DR

• Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain leveraging the Move programming language. It's focused on scalability, security, and developer experience to attract users and developers.

• Aptos incorporates advanced scalability through AptosBFT, robust security measures, and a developer-friendly environment with comprehensive resources.

• The Aptos ecosystem is expanding rapidly, featuring notable projects like Amnis Finance, Thala, Aries Markets, Cellana, and more, contributing to Total Value Locked (TVL) on the network.

• Users can engage with the Aptos ecosystem by acquiring the APT token, interacting with various Aptos DApps, and contributing to development or governance.

What is Aptos?

Before diving into the Aptos ecosystem, it's key to first understand what Aptos is in the grand scheme of things. Aptos is a public Layer-1 blockchain designed to provide a secure, scalable, and developer-friendly platform for building DApps. It was founded by former Facebook engineers who were instrumental in developing Libra, a project that eventually evolved into Diem.

The unique thing about Aptos is that it leverages Block-STM for transaction execution. It's essentially a parallel execution engine for smart contracts that's built around the principles of Software Transactional Memory. This combined with the Move smart contract language helps Aptos stand out from the sea of competing Layer-1s.

Key features of Aptos

In order to build and sustain a powerful ecosystem, Aptos leans on the following three feature pillars.

Scalability

Aptos addresses scalability through a combination of advanced architecture and innovative technologies. At the core of its scalability is the Aptos Byzantine Fault Tolerant (AptosBFT) consensus mechanism, which is designed to achieve rapid transaction finality while maintaining a high level of fault tolerance. Unlike traditional blockchain models that may slow down under heavy load, AptosBFT allows for multiple validators to work in parallel, drastically increasing throughput.

Aptos' scalability is further underpinned by its parallel execution model and dynamic sharding. Unlike traditional blockchains that process transactions sequentially, Aptos employs Block-STM, allowing compatible transactions to be executed in parallel, significantly increasing throughput. Dynamic sharding also enhances scalability by distributing workloads across multiple nodes, ensuring consistent performance even during peak traffic. This combination makes Aptos well-suited for high-demand applications while maintaining security and decentralization.

Security

Aptos' commitment to security is evident in its multifaceted approach. For starters, the aforementioned use of AptosBFT ensures resilience against targeted attacks. Formal verification through the use of Move Prover and the actual Move programming language itself also help to minimize smart contract vulnerabilities. To stay up to date with the latest security threats, robust cryptographic techniques safeguard user data and transactions as continuous updates and audits of the protocol help identify and neutralize any threats. Lastly, to keep things shipshape, regular updates and audits further enhance Aptos' security, making it a reliable platform for decentralized applications.

Beyond these core security measures, Aptos benefits from a strong community of developers and security experts who actively contribute to identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities. This community-driven approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and helps maintain the network's security over time.

Developer-friendliness

The phrase "if you build it, they will come" resonates in the blockchain developer community, and Aptos is dedicated to fostering an inclusive ecosystem for developers of all skill levels. Central to this effort is the Move programming language, designed for safety and clarity. Its strong typing and resource-oriented model enable developers to create secure smart contracts, minimizing common vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks.

Aptos enhances the developer experience with comprehensive documentation covering basic to advanced concepts. It offers a wealth of resources, including tutorials and API references, to help developers get started quickly. To support application development, Aptos provides various tools like test networks to allow risk-free experimentation before deployment. This integration of devnet and testnet environments facilitates thorough testing, leading to robust applications.

Lastly, Aptos emphasizes interoperability, enabling easy connections to other platforms and supporting cross-chain interactions. This broadens the possibilities for decentralized applications, enhancing their functionality and reach while accelerating innovation within the Aptos ecosystem.

By prioritizing scalability, security, and developer-friendliness, Aptos aims to empower a diverse range of DApps while fostering a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.

Top Aptos ecosystem projects and protocols

The Aptos ecosystem is rapidly growing, with a wide range of projects being built on the platform. Here are some of the top Aptos projects to keep an eye on.

Franklin Templeton

Global asset management giant Franklin Templeton recently announced the launch of its onchain money market fund, FOBXX, on Aptos. Represented by the BENJI token on Aptos, Franklin Templeton’s FOBXX has surged past $20 million in subscriptions — signaling a rise in institutional blockchain adoption. The collaboration with the Aptos Foundation aims to increase the interoperability of real-world assets (RWAs) and treasury-backed assets across non-EVM blockchain environments, such as those using Move.

Amnis Finance

Amnis Finance is pioneering liquidity staking on Aptos. As a foundational component of the Aptos ecosystem, Amnis Finance introduces a secure, user-friendly, and innovative liquid staking protocol that empowers users to earn rewards on their APT tokens while unlocking their liquidity. The protocol consistently ranks among the top five contributors to Aptos TVL, which sits at $650 million at the time of writing.

In September 2024, Amnis Finance closed its first round of funding, co-led by OKX Ventures, which will further integrate Amnis’ innovative liquid staking solution across the Aptos DeFi ecosystem while expanding its reach through strategic partnerships. Amnis also teamed up with The Aptos Foundation and OKX Ventures to launch the Aptos Movementum Accelerator — an initiative aimed at empowering Web3 innovators across the Asia-Pacific region by providing startups with financial support, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and more to foster growth and drive innovation on the Aptos blockchain.

Thala

Thala Finance is a pivotal player in the Aptos ecosystem, primarily known for its innovative decentralized stablecoin, the Move Dollar (MOD). This stablecoin is over-collateralized, which aims at reducing the risks often associated with crypto's price volatility. The introduction of Move Dollar aims not only to provide a more stable medium of exchange but also to empower users to engage in over-collateralized borrowing, further enhancing liquidity and financial options within the ecosystem. Additionally, Thala operates a capital-efficient Automated Market Maker (AMM) that aims to offer deep liquidity and effective market rebalancing. This design helps to make sure that traders and liquidity providers can benefit from optimal capital efficiency, making it easier to engage in decentralized trading activities.

Thala’s dual capabilities as both a lending platform and a liquidity provider are essential for developing a robust financial layer within the Aptos ecosystem. As the DeFi landscape continues to evolve, Thala’s stablecoin and liquidity management tools could prove vital for scaling Aptos. Moreover, the recent partnership between the Aptos Foundation and Thala Labs, which includes a $1 million Thala Foundry grant fund, indicates strong support for further DeFi innovations on the platform.

PancakeSwap (Aptos integration)

As one of the original DEXs that grabbed attention during the previous crypto bull run, PancakeSwap has made a significant move by integrating with the Aptos blockchain, further expanding its reach as one of the leading decentralized exchanges by trading volume on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). Known for its user-friendly interface and deep liquidity pools, PancakeSwap offers a diverse range of trading pairs that cater to both novice and experienced traders. This integration not only brings its established user base to the Aptos ecosystem but also enhances liquidity, making the platform an attractive option for traders looking for reliable decentralized trading solutions.

With PancakeSwap now available on Aptos, users can benefit from seamless access to its trading features, which support smoother transactions and lower slippage thanks to enhanced liquidity. This collaboration strengthens the overall DeFi landscape within Aptos, creating a more efficient and user-friendly environment for decentralized finance applications. The presence of a trusted platform like PancakeSwap on Aptos is likely to attract new users and foster greater engagement within the ecosystem, helping Aptos to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving DeFi sector. As a result, PancakeSwap's integration significantly enriches the Aptos experience, promoting a robust market environment for decentralized trading.

LiquidSwap (Pontem Network)

LiquidSwap is positioned as the first AMM DEX on the Aptos blockchain that's developed by Pontem Network. It offers a unique dual functionality that includes both constant-product pools designed for volatile assets and stable swap pools for stablecoins or closely correlated assets. This versatility is designed to offer traders and liquidity providers the necessary tools to effectively manage many different assets. With an emphasis on reliability and efficiency, LiquidSwap aims to support efficient liquidity management and trading activities, which are crucial as the demand for decentralized financial services continues to grow.

Alongside trading, LiquidSwap also provides liquidity provisioning, allowing users to earn rewards by participating in liquidity pools. By bridging these two functionalities, LiquidSwap could significantly contribute to the development and robustness of the Aptos blockchain.

Aries Markets

Aries Markets is one of the leading DeFi protocols within the Aptos ecosystem and specializes in lending, borrowing, and on-chain leveraged trading. This platform allows users to leverage their crypto assets while retaining full custody — a crucial feature for ensuring user security and autonomy in the DeFi space. A standout aspect of Aries Markets is its provision for onchain leveraged trading, which attracts both retail and institutional traders seeking to maximize gains. By enabling users to borrow against their assets, Aries Markets enables the efficient use of capital without compromising asset control.

In addition to trading, Aries offers a robust lending and borrowing framework, allowing users to earn interest on their holdings or access liquidity through collateralized loans. This combination of features enhances the overall financial tools available in the Aptos ecosystem, contributing to its goal of becoming a prominent DeFi hub. Overall, Aries Markets plays a pivotal role in expanding the capabilities of Aptos by providing advanced financial products and liquidity solutions that meet the needs of diverse users, ultimately strengthening Aptos’ position in the DeFi landscape.

How to get involved in the Aptos ecosystem

If you're interested in getting involved in the Aptos ecosystem, here are some steps you can take to start.

Acquiring APT

• Exchanges: APT is available on various cryptocurrency exchanges. From trading spot Aptos to swinging APT perps, there are all kinds of ways for you to gain exposure to APT with us.

• Staking: You can also earn APT by staking your coins on the Aptos network or taking part in OKX onchain earn. Staking ultimately helps to secure the network and provides rewards to participants.

Interacting with Aptos DApps

• Wallets: To interact with Aptos DApps, you'll need a compatible wallet. Popular options include OKX Wallet and Petra.

• Using DApps: Once you have a wallet set up, you can explore and use various Aptos DApps. Many DApps have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to interact with their features.

Contributing to the Aptos Community

• Development: If you're a developer, you can contribute to the Aptos ecosystem by building new DApps or improving existing ones.

• Governance: Aptos may implement a governance mechanism that allows token holders to participate in decision-making processes. You can contribute to governance by voting on proposals and providing feedback.

Final words and next steps

The Aptos ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with a growing number of exciting projects and DApps being developed. As a trader, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and opportunities within the ecosystem. By understanding the key features of Aptos, exploring top projects, and actively participating in the community, you can position yourself to benefit from the growth and success of this innovative blockchain platform.

For more on Aptos, read up on our Aptos guide that covers everything you need to know about the Move-powered Layer-1 network. Curious as to why Aptos is being compared to Solana? Find out why Aptos is labeled as a Solana killer by educating yourself about Solana.