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Bitwise Asset Management’s proposed spot Chainlink ETF has surfaced on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) registry, a pivotal step that often heralds an imminent U.S. launch. Listed under ticker CLNK in both “active” and “pre-launch” categories on November 11, 2025, the filing underscores the asset manager’s push to deliver regulated exposure to Chainlink’s (LINK) oracle network amid surging institutional demand for altcoin products.
This infrastructure setup—handling trade clearing and settlement—signals operational readiness, though SEC approval remains pending. Bitwise filed its Form S-1 in August 2025 to track LINK’s price, bypassing staking features that could complicate reviews, unlike rival Grayscale’s proposal. No Form 8-A has been submitted yet, a final hurdle before exchange trading, but analysts view the DTCC nod as bullish momentum, especially post-government shutdown delays.
Chainlink, powering over 2,000 DeFi projects with secure off-chain data feeds, stands to gain from ETF validation. “This could mirror Bitcoin and Ethereum inflows, channeling billions into oracle infrastructure and tokenized assets,” said James Park, ETF strategist at Digital Asset Research. Bitwise, managing $10B+ in crypto assets, eyes diversification beyond BTC and ETH, aligning with new SEC standards accelerating altcoin ETF reviews for Solana, XRP, and others.
Market response was muted: LINK dipped 2.6% to $15.66 on November 12, down 19% monthly amid broader crypto weakness, with $757M in 24-hour volume. Yet, trading activity spiked 15%, hinting at accumulation. On X, enthusiasts buzzed: “Institutional gates opening for the oracle powering all crypto,” posted @NekozTek, echoing sentiment for $20 targets.
The timing coincides with Chainlink’s SmartCon event and Rewards Season 1 launch, amplifying utility in RWAs and stablecoins. If approved, CLNK could capture 5% of 2025’s $50B crypto ETF inflows, per estimates, bolstering U.S. competitiveness against offshore hubs.
For investors, this DTCC breakthrough spotlights Chainlink’s evolution from DeFi enabler to mainstream infrastructure. While regulatory hurdles linger, the ETF wave promises diversified, compliant access—potentially igniting LINK’s next bull run.
