Bitwise's Chainlink ETF Nears Launch Following DTCC Listing

Bitwise Asset Management's proposed spot Chainlink exchange-traded fund (ETF) has been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) registry under the ticker symbol CLNK, indicating a significant step toward its potential launch. This development suggests that the ETF is technically prepared for trading, pending approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The DTCC, a key entity in the clearing and settlement of securities transactions, has categorized the Bitwise Chainlink ETF as "active" and "pre-launch." While inclusion in the DTCC registry does not guarantee SEC approval, it often signals that a financial product is nearing its market debut. Bitwise initially filed its Form S-1 registration for the Chainlink ETF in August 2025, aiming to offer investors exposure to Chainlink (LINK), the native token of the decentralized oracle network that facilitates real-world data integration into blockchain smart contracts. The ETF is designed to track the performance of LINK, with Coinbase Custody Trust Company serving as the custodian for the underlying assets. The fund's Net Asset Value (NAV) will be calculated based on the CME CF Chainlink-Dollar Reference Rate, maintained by CF Benchmarks. As of now, Bitwise has yet to file Form 8-A, a necessary step before the ETF can be listed on an exchange. The listing of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF on the DTCC registry comes amid a broader trend of increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency-based investment products. Recently, 21Shares launched two U.S.-listed crypto index ETFs, and Bitwise introduced a Solana Staking ETF, reflecting a growing appetite for diversified crypto investment vehicles. These developments indicate a maturing market and a shift towards more regulated and accessible crypto investment options for institutional and retail investors alike. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the potential approval and launch of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF could provide investors with a new avenue to gain exposure to Chainlink's innovative technology and its role in bridging blockchain networks with real-world data.