Bitwise Chainlink ETF Listed by DTCC, Signaling Imminent Market Debut
Bitwise’s proposed spot Chainlink ETF has taken a significant step toward becoming a reality, as it has now been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) platform. The appearance of the ETF on DTCC’s registry, specifically under the “active” and “pre-launch” categories with the ticker symbol CLNK, is widely interpreted as a strong signal that approval and launch could be just around the corner.
Though inclusion on the DTCC list does not equate to approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it typically precedes an official green light. Historically, ETFs that reach this stage are often nearing their final regulatory hurdle before hitting the market.
The DTCC plays a key role in post-trade processing, acting as the backbone of financial markets by clearing, settling, and recording trades across a wide range of asset classes, including equities and ETFs. The listing of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF in its system suggests that the necessary infrastructure is being prepared to support trading once regulatory clearance is obtained.
Bitwise has yet to file Form 8-A for the Chainlink ETF — a critical step that typically occurs shortly before a security is listed on an exchange. However, the firm previously submitted a Form S-1 to the SEC in August, formally registering its intent to launch the product. The ETF is designed to mirror the performance of Chainlink (LINK), the utility token fueling the Chainlink decentralized oracle network, which delivers real-world data to smart contracts on blockchain platforms.
Meanwhile, Grayscale, another major digital asset manager, is simultaneously developing its own Chainlink ETF. However, their version introduces staking features, which could subject it to additional layers of regulatory scrutiny, making Bitwise’s product potentially faster to market.
Progress on crypto ETFs has been slowed in recent weeks due to the U.S. government shutdown, which has reached over 40 days. The shutdown has limited the operational capabilities of the SEC, stalling the approval process for dozens of pending spot crypto ETF applications. Nevertheless, optimism has returned to the industry as the Senate recently passed a funding bill, expected to end the shutdown soon.
Notably, the SEC introduced new generic listing standards in mid-September, aimed at streamlining the approval process for exchange-traded crypto products. These standards eliminate the need for a case-by-case review and could fast-track the launch of several ETFs that meet basic compliance thresholds. However, the shutdown began just days after the new rules were introduced, preventing them from being fully implemented.
As the regulatory environment begins to normalize, momentum is building behind a wave of new spot crypto ETFs. Asset managers are increasingly targeting altcoins beyond the major players like Bitcoin and Ethereum, seeking to capitalize on investor interest in tokens such as Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), Aptos (APT), Avalanche (AVAX), and Hedera (HBAR).
Bitwise’s focus on Chainlink is particularly notable, given the token’s growing role in the blockchain ecosystem. As a decentralized oracle provider, Chainlink bridges the gap between blockchain networks and real-world data, serving a critical function in decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, insurance, and other sectors.
The potential approval of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF would mark a significant milestone for both the asset manager and the broader crypto ETF market. It could also catalyze further acceptance of blockchain infrastructure tokens in institutional portfolios, which have so far been dominated by Bitcoin and Ethereum-focused products.
Analysts now forecast that the SEC may begin approving a wave of crypto ETFs once normal operations resume. The presence of the Bitwise ETF on DTCC’s system suggests that the firm is positioning itself to be among the first to launch when the regulatory bottleneck clears.
Furthermore, the strategic timing of Bitwise’s filings indicates confidence in the evolving regulatory landscape. As the SEC adapts its framework to accommodate digital assets, firms like Bitwise are aligning their products to meet both investor demand and regulatory compliance.
For investors, the launch of a Chainlink ETF could offer simplified access to one of the most important utility tokens in the blockchain space without the need to manage wallets, private keys, or direct crypto custody. This could broaden the appeal of LINK to traditional financial institutions and retail investors alike.
In the broader context, the emergence of altcoin ETFs is a sign of crypto market maturity. It reflects growing recognition of blockchain ecosystems beyond simple currency functions, acknowledging the integral role of services like oracles, consensus algorithms, and interoperability layers.
As the ETF landscape evolves, competition among asset managers is intensifying. Firms are racing to gain first-mover advantage in niche crypto segments, including staking-based products, infrastructure tokens, and DeFi indexes. The next few months could be pivotal in establishing market leaders in this emerging investment category.
In conclusion, the listing of Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF on the DTCC registry is more than a procedural step — it’s a signal to the market that regulatory progress is being made. If approved, it could usher in a new era of diversified crypto investment products, offering exposure to the foundational technologies powering decentralized applications and smart contracts.