Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF has appeared on the DTCC’s active and pre-launch list under ticker CLNK, a strong sign it is nearing launch pending SEC approval.
Key Takeaways
- Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF has been listed by DTCC under ticker CLNK, signaling that the fund is technically ready for trading.
- DTCC listings often precede official ETF launches, though SEC approval is still required.
- Grayscale has also proposed a Chainlink ETF, aiming to include staking, while Bitwise does not plan to stake LINK.
- Growing institutional interest in Chainlink and other altcoins is leading to more ETF filings amid changing SEC rules.
What Happened?
The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has listed Bitwise’s proposed spot Chainlink ETF under the ticker CLNK, placing it in its “active and pre-launch” section. Although this does not mean automatic approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it is widely regarded as a strong step forward toward public trading.
The listing suggests the ETF is ready for technical settlement and trading once regulatory clearance is granted, adding momentum to a growing list of crypto-based ETFs gaining traction in U.S. markets.
🚨 LATEST: Bitwise Chainlink ETF advances with DTCC listing approval.$LINK pic.twitter.com/AW4u9flSrf
— Nathan Jeffay (@NathanOnCrypto) November 11, 2025
DTCC Listing Fuels Speculation of Imminent Launch
The appearance of Bitwise’s CLNK ETF on DTCC’s registry is seen as a significant milestone. DTCC handles post-trade processing, including the clearing and settlement of securities like ETFs. Its listing of CLNK implies that back-end systems are in place for trading to begin immediately upon SEC approval.
- Bitwise first filed its Form S-1 registration with the SEC for the Chainlink ETF in August.
- The fund aims to track the price of LINK, the token behind Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network.
- Chainlink helps blockchains access real-world data and supports smart contract functionality.
- While Bitwise’s proposal does not include staking, Grayscale’s competing ETF filing suggests it may stake part of its LINK holdings.
Bitwise has not yet filed a Form 8-A, a final document typically lodged just before launch, though analysts expect this step soon.
XRP ETFs Also Advancing
The buzz around Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF coincides with a wave of new ETF activity for other altcoins. Canary Capital has filed Form 8-A for its spot XRP ETF, signaling a potential launch this week.
Senior Bloomberg ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas commented, “Canary filed 8A for XRP ETF last night, which points to launch tomorrow or Thursday. Not done deal but all boxes being checked.”
DTCC has also listed five spot XRP ETFs, proposed by Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, Canary, and CoinShares. This aligns with a recent trend of altcoin ETFs gaining regulatory traction, following the approval and launch of products for Litecoin, Solana, and Hedera.
SEC Listing Rule Changes Could Accelerate ETF Approvals
The momentum behind these ETFs is partly driven by the SEC’s new generic listing standards announced in September. These rules allow for faster ETF approvals without a detailed, case-by-case review. However, their implementation has been slowed by a U.S. government shutdown, now entering its sixth week, which limited the SEC’s operations.
Despite the delay, crypto asset managers continue to file ETF proposals for tokens like Dogecoin, Aptos, Avalanche, and others, seeking to capitalize on the growing appetite for regulated crypto investment products.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience watching ETF markets evolve, a DTCC listing is more than just a footnote. It’s often the final stretch before an ETF hits the market. Seeing Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF on the DTCC site tells me the product is technically ready and just waiting for the SEC’s nod. I also find it fascinating how quickly crypto ETFs have expanded beyond Bitcoin and Ether. This rush to package altcoins like Chainlink and XRP into accessible investment vehicles is a clear sign that Wall Street is warming up to blockchain utility tokens, not just the headline-grabbers. If the SEC keeps the door open, we’ll likely see a lot more of this soon.
