Bitwise’s proposed Chainlink ETF has taken a significant step forward as it now appears on the DTCC registry under the ticker CLNK.
TLDR:
- Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF is now listed on the DTCC website under ticker CLNK
- DTCC listing is a procedural milestone, but not a regulatory approval
- LINK token dropped over 7 percent following the listing news
- The ETF launch remains subject to SEC approval, which is delayed by the US government shutdown
What Happened?
Bitwise Asset Management’s plan to launch a spot Chainlink ETF is inching closer to reality. The fund recently appeared on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) registry, listed under the ticker CLNK. While this listing does not mean the product is approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it is widely interpreted as a sign that the ETF is being prepared for a potential launch.
Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF Reaches Key Listing Milestone
Bitwise’s proposed Chainlink ETF has been added to both the “active” and “pre-launch” categories on the DTCC website. This is a routine step in the clearing and settlement pipeline that indicates the ETF is technically ready for trading once the SEC gives the green light.
For those unfamiliar, DTCC is the main US clearinghouse responsible for handling the post-trade processing of securities like ETFs. When a fund appears in its system, it suggests all backend infrastructure is in place, awaiting only regulatory clearance to move forward.
Bitwise had already filed its Form S-1 with the SEC back in August. However, it has yet to file Form 8-A, which is one of the final regulatory steps before an ETF can be listed on an exchange.
🚨 NOW: Bitwise Chainlink ETF is now listed on the DTCC platform. pic.twitter.com/I49cQQfQga
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 12, 2025
Regulatory Delays and Market Impact
Although the DTCC listing marks clear progress, the ETF’s official launch still depends on SEC approval. That process has been slowed significantly due to the ongoing US government shutdown, now entering its 42nd day. The shutdown has left the SEC operating with limited resources, stalling dozens of crypto ETF proposals in the pipeline.
Some spot crypto ETFs like those for Solana, HBAR, and Litecoin have recently become auto-effective due to these delays. In the absence of active review by the SEC, certain filings automatically become effective after a 20-day window, provided there’s no intervention.
Chainlink Price Drops Despite ETF Buzz
Despite the promising development, the news was not met with enthusiasm in the market. Chainlink’s LINK token fell more than 7 percent, hitting an intraday low of $15.20. As of the latest data, it is trading around $15.36, with 24-hour highs and lows ranging between $16.66 and $15.23.
Market indicators suggest weakened momentum:
- LINK is trading below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages
- Futures open interest dropped over 8 percent, with notable declines across major platforms like Binance, OKX, and Bybit
- Trading volume has declined by over 20 percent in 24 hours, showing reduced investor appetite
Growing Interest from Institutional Players
Bitwise is not alone in pursuing a Chainlink-based ETF. Grayscale has also filed for a similar fund and is exploring a version that includes staking, though that proposal may face more regulatory hurdles.
The interest in Chainlink ETFs signals a broader institutional appetite for altcoin exposure, extending beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Other proposed ETFs are targeting a diverse set of assets, including Dogecoin, Avalanche, Hedera, and Aptos.
SEC May Open Doors with New Standards
One of the more optimistic signals came earlier in September when the SEC announced new generic listing standards for crypto investment products. These guidelines could streamline the approval process for future ETFs, allowing more altcoin products to enter the market without needing case-by-case reviews.
However, these rules had little time to take effect before the government shutdown, leaving most filings in limbo.
Daily Research News Takeaway
Honestly, seeing Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF hit the DTCC list is a big step. It shows that crypto ETFs are not just about Bitcoin and Ethereum anymore. Chainlink’s role in powering real-time data for smart contracts makes it a solid contender for mainstream investment vehicles. Still, the timing couldn’t be worse with the SEC in slow mode due to the government shutdown. The market may be unimpressed for now, but once these ETFs go live, we could see a serious shift in how traditional investors approach crypto exposure. I’m keeping an eye on CLNK.
