Bitwise Chainlink ETF Confirms Launch Date with the US SEC

Bitwise Chainlink ETF has announced the launch date in a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It follows auto-effective approval to list under the ticker ‘CLNK’ on NYSE Arca.

The spot Chainlink ETF will join the Grayscale Chainlink ETF (GLNK). The launch will significantly boost LINK price as optimism grows in the crypto market.

Bitwise Chainlink ETF Delays its Launch Date

$15 billion AUM crypto asset manager Bitwise cleared the final regulatory hurdle for its Chainlink ETF, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allowing the registration to become effective.

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF is approved for listing on NYSE Arca under ticker CLNK, paving the way for trading to begin. This marks the second spot Chainlink ETF to hit U.S. markets, following the Grayscale Chainlink ETF’s debut in December.

However, Bitwise has decided to postpone the launch date to February. In the 424B3 submitted to the US SEC, Bitwise Investment Advisers first intends to use this prospectus on February 1, 2026.

Will Bitwise Chainlink ETF Add LINK Staking?

This likely comes amid other requirements and the uncertainty in the crypto market. However, it could give the issuer more time to confirm a staking provider. While the Bitwise Chainlink ETF mentions a preference for Attestant Ltd as the staking agent, it has not enabled LINK staking yet.

Bitwise plans to waive 0.34% management fee for the first three months on up to $500 million in assets under management (AUM). Coinbase Custody Trust Company will serve as custodian, with the fund tracking the CME CF Chainlink-Dollar Reference Rate (New York Variant).

The issuer confirmed Bitwise Investment Manager LLC is expected to purchase the initial baskets of shares for $2.5 million, equivalent to 100,000 shares at $25. BNY Mellon will serve as the cash custodian.

LINK Price to Rally?

The launch of Bitwise Chainlink ETF will mark a significant milestone for institutional and retail investors seeking regulated exposure to the Chainlink ecosystem. Market analysts anticipate strong demand for CLNK, potentially driving massive inflows and supporting further LINK price rally.

The Grayscale Chainlink ETF (GLNK) saw significant inflows amid bullish sentiment in the broader crypto market this year. The total inflow has reached $63.32 million, with total assets under management exceeding $85 million, according to SoSoValue data. Notably, Grayscale also waived its 0.35% management fee for 3 months until it reached $1 billion AUM.

LINK pared earlier gains and fell 3% over the past 24 hours. The price is currently trading at $13.19, with a 24-hour low and high of $13.24 and $13.90, respectively.

Furthermore, trading volume has dropped by almost 20% over the last 24 hours. This indicates a decline in trader interest amid the US jobs data release.

Also, CoinGlass data showed selling in the derivatives market. Total LINK futures open interest tumbled almost 5% to $632.86 million in the last 24 hours.