Bitwise Files First Chainlink ETF with SEC as LINK Rises 6%

Chainlink’s native token, LINK, surged following Bitwise Asset Management’s recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed spot Chainlink ETF. This marks the first attempt to bring a U.S. spot ETF for the token to market, signaling potential institutional demand for regulated exposure to Chainlink, a critical infrastructure asset in the crypto space [1]. The filing, detailed in a Form S-1, outlines a regulated investment vehicle that would track the token's price through Coinbase Custody Trust Company and use the CME CF Chainlink-Dollar Reference Rate as its benchmark [1].

The news sparked immediate market reaction, with LINK climbing approximately 6% within hours of the filing announcement. The token’s price rebounded to around $24 from recent lows near $22.9, showing a clear shift in market sentiment [1]. Whale investors also contributed to the upward movement, with $1.4 million worth of LINK purchased in the past week alone [2]. Despite the positive momentum, technical indicators suggest continued volatility. The Relative Strength Index remains below overbought levels, and the price has just broken the 100-day Simple Moving Average, indicating potential for further buying pressure but also lingering bearish risks [3].

Analysts highlight that the proposed ETF underscores Chainlink’s growing role in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and cross-chain applications. The firm’s decentralized oracle network already supports thousands of blockchain projects and is essential for connecting real-world data to smart contracts [1]. If approved, the ETF would represent a major milestone for oracle technology, expanding Wall Street’s exposure beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into altcoins with tangible use cases [1].

Bitwise’s filing comes amid a broader regulatory review of crypto ETFs by the SEC. The firm is also pursuing ETFs for XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, and Aptos, signaling a potential shift in how alternative cryptocurrencies are integrated into institutional portfolios [1]. While the broader crypto market remains in consolidation, with open interest in LINK dropping to $1.6 billion from $1.8 billion, the filing could act as a catalyst for renewed investor confidence [3].

Market observers speculate that a green light for the Bitwise Chainlink ETF could drive the token’s price toward $30 or higher, especially if on-chain inflows and strategic buybacks continue [2]. However, a breakout above the key resistance level of $24.30 is seen as a necessary step for sustained bullish momentum [3].

Source:

[1] Bitwise files for first Chainlink ETF with SEC (https://www.mexc.com/news/bitwise-files-for-first-chainlink-etf-with-sec/74709)

[2] Chainlink Price Prediction: Is LINK a Buy as Experts (https://www.banklesstimes.com/articles/2025/08/23/chainlink-price-prediction-is-link-a-buy-as-experts-accumulate/)

[3] Chainlink Price News: 5% Bounce on Spot LINK ETF Filing (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/26/bitwise-files-to-launch-a-spot-chainlink-etf-link-bounces-5)