Bitwise Files for Chainlink ETF with SEC

TLDR

• Bitwise’s ETF proposal is the first for Chainlink in the U.S.
• Coinbase will manage custody and execution for the ETF.
• Approval could enhance institutional access to Chainlink.

Bitwise Asset Management has taken a significant step by filing a proposal for a spot Chainlink (LINK) Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This marks the first time a dedicated ETF proposal for the Chainlink token has been submitted in the United States. The filing, dated August 26, 2025, was made through a formal S-1 registration, indicating serious commitment and institutional readiness.

Coinbase Custody will handle the token storage, while Coinbase Prime will manage execution. Bitwise, a prominent U.S. digital asset manager, aims to provide a regulated and transparent means for investors to access LINK. This move is expected to eliminate custody and technical obstacles that traditional investors face when entering the crypto market.

Background on Bitwise and Its ETF Innovations

Bitwise is renowned for its innovative approach to crypto funds and ETFs. The firm’s leadership, including CEO Hunter Horsley and CIO Matt Hougan, brings a wealth of experience in both traditional asset management and crypto structuring. The company has previously launched popular spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, underscoring its expertise in this complex financial landscape.

The company’s latest move to introduce a Chainlink ETF builds on its history of creating products that simplify access to digital assets. While similar events in Europe have seen the approval of Chainlink ETPs, this new U.S.-based effort could pave the way for greater accessibility and increased trading volumes for the asset.

Potential Impact on Chainlink and Related Assets

If approved, the ETF could have a notable impact on Link, offering institutional investors a route into the market with fewer barriers. Though the main focus is on Chainlink, Ethereum (ETH) is indirectly connected due to the integration of Chainlink oracles in DeFi protocols built on Ethereum.

Secondary analysis suggests a rise in “smart money” accumulation and on-chain activity for LINK in the weeks before the filing, but specific figures or detailed data are not yet available. This trend may imply pre-positioning by knowledgeable investors ahead of potential market shifts.

Next Steps in Regulatory Review

The U.S. SEC has confirmed receipt of Bitwise’s S-1 filing, and their review process is underway. Approval of the ETF could accelerate institutional capital flow into Chainlink. The outcome remains a significant regulatory milestone, closely watched by market participants.

No public comments have been made by Bitwise’s C-suite or Chainlink’s founders about this filing, and details regarding specific funding impacts are not disclosed. The lack of direct statements from prominent crypto figures signals ongoing anticipation within the crypto community for regulatory developments and market implications.

The primary source of the ETF filing is Bitwise’s S-1, emphasizing transparency and regulated access to LINK.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission