Bitwise Seeks Approval for First U.S. Spot Chainlink ETF

Bitwise files to bring Chainlink to U.S. investors via the country’s first regulated spot ETF for LINK.

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Bitwise Asset Management has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch what could become the first U.S. spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Chainlink (LINK)

According to the filing, the proposed ETF would track LINK’s daily price via a Chainlink-to-dollar benchmark. 

Source: SEC

The ETF is set to mirror the daily price of Chainlink’s LINK token through a Chainlink-to-dollar benchmark. Coinbase Custody Trust Company would hold the underlying tokens, and ETF shares would be available for trading on a national exchange.

Designed as a passively managed fund, the ETF would not employ any active trading strategies. Its sole purpose would be to track LINK’s market performance closely.

News of the filing sparked immediate market reaction. LINK’s price surged nearly 8% to $24.6 on Wednesday before slightly retracing to $24.3 at the time of writing. On-chain data also showed increased activity among major holders, highlighting heightened investor interest.

Source: TradingView

Chainlink (LINK), a key player in blockchain infrastructure, provides decentralized oracle services that feed real-world data into smart contracts, supporting applications across DeFi, insurance, and cross-chain operations. 

Its partnerships with major companies like SBI Group, Mastercard, and Franklin Templeton have demonstrated Chainlink’s growing influence in bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional financial institutions.

Before Bitwise’s filing, the U.S. had never seen an ETF tracking Chainlink. The proposed fund would give American investors their first regulated way to access LINK, while European investors can already do so through products like VanEck’s Chainlink ETN.

After submitting its S-1 filing, Bitwise will move next to submit a 19b-4 and seek exchange approval, a process that could take several months. 

Why This Matters

The Bitwise filing reflects increasing interest from institutional investors in crypto assets with clear use cases. If approved by the SEC, the ETF would provide both institutional and retail investors with a regulated avenue to gain exposure to LINK. 

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People Also Ask:

What is a Chainlink ETF?

A Chainlink ETF is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the price of LINK, allowing investors to gain exposure without holding tokens directly.

Why is the Bitwise Chainlink ETF important?

It would be the first U.S.-listed ETF for Chainlink, providing a regulated, familiar investment vehicle for both retail and institutional investors.

How would the ETF work?

The fund would mirror LINK’s daily price through a Chainlink-to-dollar benchmark, with tokens held by Coinbase Custody and shares traded on a national exchange.

When could the ETF launch?

After submitting the S-1 filing, Bitwise must file a 19b-4 and secure exchange approval, a process that may take several months.

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This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Author
Alex Costa

Alex Costa is a crypto writer and investor specializing in researching, analyzing and reporting on promising small-cap projects that are gaining traction in the industry. He has been in crypto since 2018, when he began looking for hidden gems in crypto. Today, he is dedicated to finding the next top performing NFTs and tokens.

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