Bitwise has filed for a Chainlink ETF to track the Chainlink Reference Index, offering a regulated way for investors to gain exposure to LINK through an exchange-traded fund, subject to SEC approval and index methodology by CF Benchmarks.
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First mover filing: Bitwise submitted a proposal for a Chainlink ETF to the U.S. SEC.
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ETF would track the Chainlink Reference Index maintained by CF Benchmarks, using aggregated exchange data.
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Potential benefits: regulated access to LINK, simplified custody, and broader institutional participation.
Chainlink ETF filing by Bitwise front-loads LINK exposure in a regulated ETF wrapper — learn what it means and how to prepare to invest.
Published: 2025-08-27 Updated: 2025-08-27 Author/Organization: COINOTAG
What is a Chainlink ETF?
Chainlink ETF is an exchange-traded fund proposal designed to provide investors regulated exposure to LINK by tracking the Chainlink Reference Index. The ETF would enable market participants to buy and sell shares representing LINK performance without holding the token directly, subject to SEC approval.
How does Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF filing work?
Bitwise’s filing proposes that the fund track the Chainlink Reference Index, which is maintained by CF Benchmarks and aggregates price data from multiple exchanges. The ETF structure aims to address custody, pricing, and market surveillance through established index methodology and custodian arrangements.
Regulatory review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will assess market integrity, custody safeguards, valuation methods, and investor protections before any approval.
Why does a Chainlink ETF matter for DeFi and investors?
A Chainlink ETF could bridge DeFi infrastructure and traditional finance by making LINK accessible via brokerage accounts and retirement platforms. For many investors, an ETF reduces operational complexity and private key risk while preserving exposure to Chainlink’s decentralized oracle technology.
When could the SEC decide on a Chainlink ETF?
The SEC review timeline varies by filing. Historically, approvals or denials for crypto-related ETFs have taken several months as the commission evaluates custody, surveillance, and investor protection measures. Expect a public comment period and possible amendments before a final determination.
What are the main factors the SEC will evaluate?
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Custody and security: How LINK is held and protected by custodians.
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Index methodology: Price aggregation, weighting, and outlier handling by CF Benchmarks.
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Market surveillance: Mechanisms to detect manipulation across contributing exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can investors gain exposure to Chainlink through the proposed ETF?
Investors would buy ETF shares via brokerage accounts like any listed fund, receiving LINK exposure without direct custody. The ETF share price would reflect the Chainlink Reference Index performance, minus fees and expenses.
Will a Chainlink ETF lower the custody risk of holding LINK?
Yes. A regulated ETF centralizes custody with approved custodians, reducing individual private-key risk. However, investors should review fund disclosures for custodian counterparty details.
How to prepare if you want exposure to Chainlink via an ETF?
Below are practical steps investors can follow if the Chainlink ETF is approved.
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Open or verify a brokerage account that supports ETF trading and is ready to list new products.
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Review the fund prospectus for fees, custodian information, and index methodology before investing.
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Monitor SEC notices and fund launch announcements from COINOTAG and official filings.
Key Takeaways
- Regulated access: A Chainlink ETF offers simplified, regulated exposure to LINK without direct custody.
- Index-based tracking: The proposed fund tracks the Chainlink Reference Index by CF Benchmarks to determine NAV.
- SEC scrutiny: Approval depends on custody safeguards, surveillance, and clear index methodology.
Conclusion
Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF filing marks a notable step toward mainstreaming LINK exposure through established financial channels. The proposal emphasizes index-based pricing and regulated custody, and its approval would expand investor choices while subject to SEC review. Follow COINOTAG coverage for updates and official filings.
Crypto Investing Risk Warning: Crypto assets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. Read the full disclaimer available from COINOTAG.
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