1. Abstract
This proposal recommends that Amnis Finance pursue a listing for the $AMI token on a new Centralized Exchange. The goal is to expand liquidity, increase token accessibility, grow the number of $AMI holders, and attract new users to the Amnis ecosystem and the broader Aptos network. A CEX listing serves as a major growth catalyst by improving market depth, visibility, and onboarding simplicity for non-DeFi users.
2. Motivation
While Amnis Finance has established itself as the leading LSD protocol on Aptos, the growth of the $AMI token is currently limited by the liquidity and reach of decentralized exchanges alone. CEX listings have historically played a vital role in accelerating adoption for DeFi protocols that expanded from niche ecosystems into broader audiences.
Listing $AMI on a reputable CEX will:
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Increase liquidity and trading volume
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Attract new token holders outside the Aptos-native audience
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Improve market visibility and credibility for both $AMI and Amnis Finance
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Reduce friction for retail users who prefer CEX onboarding
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Strengthen Amnis’ positioning as a leading liquid staking protocol
This move aligns with our long-term strategy of expanding Amnis Finance from an Aptos-native protocol into a globally recognized liquid staking brand.
3. Specification
Proposed Actions
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Begin discussions with selected CEXs based on reputation, fee structure, onboarding requirements, and alignment with Aptos ecosystem growth.
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Allocate a budget (if required) for listing fees, market-making support, or promotional activities.
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Coordinate liquidity provision to ensure stable markets post-listing (potentially through MM partners, strategic treasury allocations, or ecosystem partners).
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Launch a co-branded marketing campaign with the partnering CEX to introduce $AMI to new users.
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Publish ongoing updates to the Amnis DAO related to negotiation progress, budget usage, and listing timelines.
Potential CEX Candidates
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Bitget
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BingX
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HTX
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KuCoin
The final choice will depend on the DAO-approved budget and partner discussions.
Timeline
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Week 1–2: Finalize CEX shortlist → initiate communication with shortlisted exchanges
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Week 3–4: CEX negotiation & approval, finalize listing terms
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Week 5: Liquidity preparation + technical integration
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Week 6: Official listing announcement & co-marketing campaign
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Week 7: Listing goes live + trading competition or liquidity incentives (optional)
4. Benefits and Risks
Benefits
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Higher Liquidity: Improved trading depth and reduced slippage for $AMI
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New User Acquisition: Exposure to millions of users who primarily use CEX platforms
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Increase in Token Holders: Easier purchasing experience encourages broader distribution
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Brand Credibility: CEX partnerships enhance protocol legitimacy
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Ecosystem Growth: Helps onboard new users to Aptos via Amnis Finance
Risks
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Listing Fees: Reputable CEXs may charge listing fees
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Market Volatility: Higher liquidity may attract speculators
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Operational Burden: Team bandwidth needed for technical coordination
Mitigation
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Prioritize cost-effective CEXs with strong user bases
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Use third-party market-making partners to maintain stable liquidity
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Transparent reporting to the DAO to ensure accountability
5. Expected Outcomes
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Increase in total $AMI holders
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Higher AMI daily trading volume and market depth
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Improved visibility for Amnis Finance in the global crypto market
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Growth of on-chain users as CEX traders migrate to try Amnis staking
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Strengthened positioning of Amnis Finance as the default LSD protocol on Aptos
6. Cost Summary
Estimated Budget (Range):
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CEX Listing Fee: 20,000–150,000 USD (varies by exchange)
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Liquidity & MM Support: 10,000–50,000 USD (optional but recommended)
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Marketing Campaign: 3,000–20,000 USD (joint promotions, events, Twitter spaces, etc.)
Total Estimated Cost:
~$30,000 – $220,000 USD depending on the selected CEX and negotiated terms.
Final amounts will be submitted to the DAO for approval once negotiations begin.