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- Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF will launch in February under the ticker CLNK on NYSE Arca.
- LINK staking will not be included at launch, reflecting ongoing regulatory caution.
- The SEC’s evolving stance could support more crypto ETF approvals in 2026
Bitwise has taken another step toward expanding regulated crypto access in the U.S., confirming plans to launch its spot Chainlink ETF after clearing final regulatory hurdles with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing comes at a moment when the SEC itself is signaling a shift toward more open engagement with the digital asset industry, adding broader context to the significance of the move.
The ETF, set to trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker CLNK, will become only the second U.S.-listed spot Chainlink product, following Grayscale’s earlier debut. While approval is already in place, Bitwise has chosen to delay trading until early February, underscoring the careful, measured pace still shaping institutional crypto launches.
A Deliberate ETF Rollout
According to its updated prospectus, Bitwise plans to begin using the registration document on February 1, 2026. That effectively pushes the ETF’s first trading day into February, despite the registration becoming automatically effective.
Industry observers view the delay as strategic rather than problematic. ETF issuers often use this window to finalize operational details, including liquidity arrangements and service providers. In Bitwise’s case, the fund will track the CME CF Chainlink-Dollar Reference Rate, with Coinbase Custody overseeing asset storage and BNY Mellon acting as cash custodian.
Bitwise also plans to waive its 0.34% management fee for the first three months on up to $500 million in assets, a move designed to attract early inflows in an increasingly competitive crypto ETF market.
Staking Still an Open Question
One notable detail remains unresolved: staking. While Bitwise has indicated a preference for Attestant as a potential staking provider, the ETF will not initially include LINK staking. That decision reflects ongoing regulatory uncertainty around staking within registered investment products, even as demand for yield-bearing crypto exposure continues to grow.
By comparison, Grayscale’s Chainlink ETF has already drawn more than $60 million in inflows since launch, suggesting appetite exists even without staking features.
LINK Price Reaction Remains Muted
Despite the ETF milestone, LINK’s market response has been subdued. The token slipped around 3% over the past 24 hours, with trading volume also declining. Derivatives data shows falling open interest, signaling reduced short-term speculation rather than outright bearish conviction.
Analysts note that ETF-related optimism often takes time to translate into price action, especially during periods of broader market uncertainty tied to macro data and risk sentiment.
Also Read: Bitwise XRP ETF Debuts Amid Market Volatility
The timing of Bitwise’s filing coincides with a notable shift at the SEC. Under Chair Paul Atkins, the agency has moved away from a strict enforcement-first posture. Commissioner Hester Peirce recently confirmed that the SEC’s Crypto Task Force will visit Miami later this month to gather feedback directly from builders and early-stage projects.
Supporters see this outreach as a step toward clearer, more practical crypto rules, even as critics argue the agency should focus on faster regulatory reform rather than listening tours. Either way, the tone change matters for issuers like Bitwise, which rely on regulatory clarity to bring new crypto investment products to market.
The Bitwise Chainlink ETF may not launch immediately, but its confirmation alone reinforces a larger trend: crypto-linked ETFs are becoming a permanent fixture in U.S. markets. Coupled with a more collaborative SEC approach, the groundwork is being laid for broader institutional participation—though patience remains essential for investors expecting instant market impact.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
