Bitwise Asset Management is preparing to roll out its Chainlink ETF (ticker: CLNK) on NYSE Arca in February, marking the first regulated product tied directly to LINK. As we previously reported, the SEC’s auto‑effective approval cleared the way for trading to begin on February 1, 2026, expanding the roster of crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Bitwise, which manages more than $15 billion in crypto assets, has positioned CLNK as part of a broader push to bring infrastructure tokens into institutional portfolios. The firm’s earlier filings emphasized Chainlink’s role as a decentralized oracle network powering DeFi protocols, smart contracts, and tokenized asset platforms. That utility has made LINK one of the most integrated assets in the sector, even if its market cap trails far behind BTC and ETH.
Market watchers aren’t expecting fireworks on day one. LINK has already gained about 12% over the past week, in line with broader crypto strength. Analysts at Galaxy Digital and CoinShares noted that ETF launches often take time to build liquidity, pointing to the gradual adoption curve seen with Ethereum ETFs in 2025. Still, the presence of a regulated vehicle could attract capital from funds restricted from holding tokens directly.
The timing is notable. Crypto ETFs are multiplying in 2026, with XRP and Solana products already live and more than 100 launches projected this year. CLNK’s arrival signals that issuers see demand for altcoins beyond the top two, especially those with clear utility in decentralized finance.
Whether CLNK draws billions in inflows or settles into a niche role will depend on how quickly institutions embrace LINK exposure. For now, February’s launch adds another layer to the expanding menu of regulated crypto products on Wall Street.
