Bitwise Chainlink ETF Gains Approval for NYSE Arca Listing

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF has received regulatory approval to list on NYSE Arca, allowing investors to access the price of Chainlink (LINK) without holding the token directly. Trading could begin as early as Jan. 15 under the ticker CLNK. The fund will hold LINK directly and is designed to simplify operational and custody requirements for retail and institutional investors.

What Is The Bitwise Chainlink ETF?

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF is a new investment vehicle that provides exposure to LINK, the 20th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, through a traditional brokerage account. The ETF allows investors to participate in price movements without managing private keys, wallets, or custody solutions.

Key features of the ETF include:

• Direct LINK holdings, rather than derivatives or synthetic exposure
• A management fee of 0.34% annually
• Waived sponsor fees for the first $500 million of assets during the first three months
• Potential future staking to accumulate additional LINK

At launch, the fund will not stake LINK, but Bitwise intends to seek regulatory approval to add staking as a secondary objective. This would allow the ETF to earn LINK over time while maintaining compliance with SEC regulations.

How Does The Bitwise Chainlink ETF Work?

The ETF works by holding LINK tokens directly in custody, with shares trading on NYSE Arca under the ticker CLNK. Investors can buy and sell these shares like any other stock, which removes the need to interact with crypto wallets or exchanges.

This structure addresses common challenges in cryptocurrency investment:

• Operational Complexity: Investors do not need to manage private keys or wallets.
• Custody Risk: Tokens are securely held by a regulated custodian.
• Liquidity: Shares trade on a public exchange, allowing standard brokerage access.

The fund’s structure ensures compliance with securities regulations, while the potential staking feature could allow it to generate additional LINK holdings, adding another layer of value for investors in the future.

How Does Chainlink Connect To Other Networks?

Chainlink’s infrastructure extends beyond price tracking. On Dec. 5, Solana and Coinbase’s Base network became interoperable through a new bridge using Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP).

The bridge allows assets to move securely between Solana and Base applications without requiring multiple wallets or complex steps. This integration is the first time Base has connected to a non-Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chain, enabling:

• Solana assets to be traded inside Base apps
• Base assets to move to Solana for trading or onchain use
• Developers to add native SPL token support in Base applications

The system uses two layers of verification: Coinbase nodes validate messages on one layer, and Chainlink node operators confirm them on another. Both confirmations are required for transfers, reducing the chance of invalid data entering the bridge.

Chainlink in  Regulated Financial Data

Chainlink also provides access to regulated foreign exchange (FX) benchmarks. On Dec. 18, New Change FX (NCFX) partnered with Chainlink to publish FCA-regulated FX spot and forward benchmarks on more than 70 blockchain networks, supporting over 2,500 applications.

The integration uses Chainlink DataLink to deliver accurate, trusted FX pricing data onchain, which is crucial for:

• Onchain Lending: Borrowing and lending protocols can rely on standardized rates
• Derivatives and Settlement: Smart contracts can settle trades using verified FX benchmarks
• Risk Management: Consistent data improves exposure calculations and hedging strategies
• Regulatory Compliance: Institutions can use onchain FX data while adhering to regulatory standards

This approach brings traditional financial rigor to blockchain-based systems, allowing onchain applications to mirror established practices in conventional markets.

What Does The Future Hold For LINK ETFs?

While the Bitwise Chainlink ETF currently focuses on direct token holdings, the addition of staking in the future could allow the fund to earn additional LINK. This aligns with how institutional investors often seek to maximize returns from digital assets while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Institutional interest in Chainlink remains strong because of:

• Its decentralized oracle network providing real-time, reliable data
• Use cases in DeFi, cross-chain interoperability, and regulated markets
• Partnerships with projects like Base and NCFX, expanding LINK’s utility

The ETF offers a bridge between traditional finance and crypto markets, simplifying access without requiring investors to manage complex blockchain operations.

Conclusion

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF provides direct exposure to LINK through a traditional brokerage account, removing operational and custody barriers for investors. With a 0.34% management fee, waived sponsor fees for early investors, and potential staking in the future, the fund is structured to combine ease of access with operational transparency. 

Chainlink’s broader role in cross-chain bridges and regulated FX data highlights its utility beyond price tracking, reinforcing its position as a foundational layer for both DeFi and onchain financial systems.

Resources

1. Bitwise’s Chainlink (LINK) ETF approval document: US SEC approval for Bitwise Chainlink (LINK) ETF for NYSE Arca listing 

2. Chainlink on X: Posts (December, 2025 - January, 2026)

3. Report by Crypto Briefing: Bitwise Chainlink ETF approved to list on NYSE Arca, trading set for tomorrow

4. Blog article by New Change FX: New Change FX Enters Official Partnership with Chainlink to Bring Regulated FX Benchmark Data Onchain to 2,500+ Applications

5. Announcement from Base: The Base-Solana bridge is now live, secured by Chainlink & Coinbase