Bitwise Chainlink ETF Nears Launch After Appearing on DTCC Registry

Bitwise’s spot Chainlink exchange-traded fund (ETF) has appeared on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC) registry, signaling that the product could soon launch. Listed under the ticker CLNK, the ETF is currently categorized as “active” and “pre-launch,” a stage that often precedes official approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While DTCC listing does not guarantee approval, it has historically been a strong indicator that a fund is nearing its market debut.

The DTCC acts as a crucial post-trade market infrastructure platform that facilitates the clearing, settlement, and record-keeping of financial transactions, ensuring smooth and secure processing for assets like stocks and ETFs. Bitwise, one of the leading digital asset managers, filed its initial Form S-1 for the Chainlink ETF in August, aiming to track the price of LINK, the native token of Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data. The firm has yet to submit Form 8-A, one of the final steps before an ETF can officially trade on an exchange.

Meanwhile, Grayscale is also developing its own spot Chainlink ETF but may face additional regulatory hurdles due to its plans to include staking features. The approval process for crypto ETFs has been slowed by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 42nd day. However, optimism remains high among analysts following the SEC’s introduction of new generic listing standards that could streamline approvals for crypto investment products without requiring case-by-case reviews. Once government operations resume fully, several pending crypto ETFs — including Bitwise’s Chainlink fund — could finally move toward launch.