Bitwise Files for First U.S. Spot Chainlink ETF With Coinbase as Custodian

Jane Omada Apeh
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Jane Omada Apeh
Omada is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for making the fast-paced world of digital assets understandable and engaging. With years of experience covering cryptocurrency...
5 Min Read

According to latest reports, asset manager Bitwise Asset Management has filed an S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to bring spot Chainlink ETF to U.S. markets. If approved, this would be the first-ever spot Chainlink ETF.

The proposed fund, called the Bitwise Chainlink ETF, would hold LINK tokens directly in custody, tracking the CME CF Chainlink-Dollar Reference Rate. Coins would be stored by Coinbase Custody Trust Company and trade execution would be managed by Coinbase Prime. 

This spot Chainlink ETF has a streamlined design with no staking or complex structures, which is expected to speed up regulatory approval compared to other altcoin-linked proposals. 

Why the Filing?

Chainlink is one of the top tokens by market cap and plays a foundational role in decentralized finance through its oracle services to blockchains like Ethereum. Demand has been growing from both developers and institutions, driven by partnerships and on-chain infrastructure adoption.

Bitwise First U.S. Spot Chainlink ETF
Bitwise Chainlink ETF

The spot Chainlink ETF could be a more familiar, regulated way for investors to get exposure to this asset. With institutions leaning towards ETFs, this product could be the bridge between crypto infrastructure and traditional portfolios. 

Also read: Chainlink Price Soars 38% in August as On-Chain Signals Hint at $30 Rally

Market Reaction and Outlook

$LINK’s price popped up about 5% from intraday lows following the filing.

However, despite the bounce, technicals suggest lingering  bearish pressure amid the broader market volatility. Approval is still uncertain and other altcoin filings like Solana, Dogecoin, XRP and NEAR are still facing regulatory hurdles.

Crypto ETF Race

Bitwise has been a pioneer in crypto ETFs, having launched spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs with combined AUM in the billions. The SEC’s previous setbacks like pausing Bitwise’s BITW fund shortly after approval show the regulatory environment is cautious.

That reversal showed internal uncertainty within the commission and the evolving standards. 

Bitwise First U.S. Spot Chainlink ETF
Bitwise Chainlink ETF

Conclusion

Based on the latest research, Bitwise’s filing for the first Bitwise Chainlink ETF is a step towards exposure to core protocol infrastructure. By creating a clean spot-based structure with reputable custody and defined pricing, the fund could be the gateway for institutional investors to get into decentralized oracle networks through regulated channels.

Also read: CEO Sergey Nazarov: How Chainlink Will Power the Future of Regulated Stablecoins

As the ETF race heats up, Bitwise’s next step is navigating the SEC’s approval process; a test case for altcoin ETFs in the ever changing regulatory race.

For in-depth analysis and the latest trends in the crypto space, our team offers expert content regularly.

Summary

Bitwise Asset Management has filed for the first ever spot Chainlink ETF in the US to give investors direct exposure to $LINK through a regulated product. The fund will hold $LINK in custody with Coinbase Custody, track the CME CF Chainlink–Dollar Reference Rate and have in-kind and cash transactions. 

Glossary

Spot ETF – A fund that holds the underlying asset and mirrors its price.

Chainlink (LINK) – The token for a decentralized oracle network that feeds live data to smart contracts.

Custodian – A trusted entity that holds assets on behalf of a fund.

CME CF Reference Rate – The benchmark price rate for Chainlink used as a pricing standard for funds.

S-1 Filing – The initial registration statement filed with the SEC to launch a new public offering or ETF.

An ETF that holds LINK tokens directly (spot exposure) so investors can get regulated exposure to Chainlink’s native asset without owning it directly.

Coinbase Custody Trust Company will be the custodian, and Coinbase Prime will handle trading.

Why is “spot” exposure important?

Spot ETFs hold the actual asset, not futures or derivatives, so investors can engage with crypto assets in a simpler and more transparent way.

Does filing mean approval?

No. The SEC has halted similar ETFs in the past even after preliminary approval, so the regulatory environment is still evolving.

Disclaimer

The price predictions and financial analysis presented on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets means that prices can fluctuate significantly and unpredictably.

You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The Bit Journal does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided in the price predictions, and we will not be held liable for any losses incurred as a result of relying on this information.

Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, including the risk of significant losses. Always invest responsibly and within your means.

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Omada is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for making the fast-paced world of digital assets understandable and engaging. With years of experience covering cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, she offers readers more than just the headlines. She provides context, clarity, and depth. Her work spans everything from market trends and regulatory updates to emerging technologies and real-world use cases that are shaping the future of finance. Omada strives to bridge the gap between complex crypto concepts and everyday readers, ensuring that both seasoned investors and curious newcomers can find value in her insights. Her mission is simply to inform, inspire, and keep her audience one step ahead in the ever-evolving crypto universe.
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