Bitwise’s Spot Chainlink ETF Listed on DTCC Registry, Signaling Potential Launch

Bitwise’s proposed spot Chainlink exchange-traded fund (ETF) has made its appearance on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) registry, indicating that the product may soon be launched.

Key Takeaways:

Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF is now listed on the DTCC under the ticker CLNK, suggesting it is nearing its launch.
The ETF is designed to track Chainlink (LINK), and Bitwise is currently waiting for SEC approval and the completion of its Form 8-A filing.
The listing arrives during a time of numerous delayed cryptocurrency ETF applications.

The ETF, identified by the ticker CLNK, was incorporated into the DTCC's “active” and “pre-launch” segments on Tuesday.

While this addition does not guarantee approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it is often seen as evidence that the product is close to being permitted for trading.

Bitwise’s Spot Chainlink ETF Appears on DTCC Registry, Signaling Possible Launch

Understanding DTCC: A Key Player in Financial Transactions

The DTCC is a crucial part of Wall Street's post-trade framework, managing the clearing, settlement, and recording of financial transactions. This structure ensures that transactions are processed efficiently and securely for various assets, including stocks and ETFs.

Bitwise, recognized as one of the largest crypto asset managers in the United States, has yet to submit its Form 8-A, which is a necessary step before an ETF can be officially listed on an exchange.

In August, the firm submitted its Form S-1, outlining its proposal for an ETF that aims to track Chainlink (LINK). Chainlink is the native token that powers its decentralized oracle network, which delivers real-world data to smart contracts operating on blockchain.

Grayscale is also working toward creating a spot Chainlink ETF. However, analysts have noted that Grayscale could face additional scrutiny as it seeks to integrate staking, an area that remains a concern for US regulators.

This listing arises during a broader trend of spot crypto ETF applications, many of which have seen delays due to the ongoing US government shutdown, which has now entered its 42nd day.

Due to the shutdown, the SEC has been functioning at reduced capacity, but there are expectations that lawmakers will approve a funding solution soon, allowing for the restoration of full operations.

Experts believe that such a resolution could speed up ETF approvals, especially in light of the SEC's new generic listing standards introduced in mid-September. These rules enable specific crypto investment products to be approved without needing case-by-case evaluations, which could simplify future listings for altcoin-focused ETFs like Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Hedera (HBAR).

Should Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF gain approval, it would be among the first US spot ETFs granting access to a decentralized oracle network, marking a significant moment in the increasing institutional interest in altcoin investments.

Crypto Funds Experience Outflows Amid Market Volatility

Recently, there has been a notable acceleration in institutional outflows from crypto investment products, totaling $1.17 billion last week. This marks the second week in a row of significant withdrawals, amid renewed market volatility and growing macroeconomic uncertainties.

Despite high trading volumes in exchange-traded products (ETPs) amounting to $43 billion, optimism sparked by midweek progress on resolving the U.S. government shutdown quickly diminished, prompting further redemptions by Friday.

The majority of outflows originated in the US market, which saw a total of $1.22 billion withdrawn, while Germany and Switzerland experienced slight inflows of $41.3 million and $49.7 million, respectively.

Bitcoin funds reported the largest losses, with $932 million in outflows, followed by Ethereum, which saw $438 million in withdrawals. Interestingly, short Bitcoin ETPs recorded $11.8 million in inflows, marking their strongest performance since May 2025.

Despite the overall bearish trend, some altcoins performed well, with Solana leading the way by attracting $118 million in inflows, accumulating a total of $2.1 billion over the past nine weeks.