Bitwise Files for First Spot Chainlink ETF, Igniting LINK Price Surge

Wall Street's crypto embrace accelerates as Bitwise drops regulatory paperwork for the first-ever spot Chainlink ETF—sending LINK prices soaring.

The Institutional On-Ramp

Bitwise just bulldozed another barrier between traditional finance and crypto assets. Their SEC filing positions Chainlink as the next digital asset to get the ETF treatment—following Bitcoin and Ethereum's landmark approvals.

Market Mechanics in Motion

Traders immediately piled into LINK, betting big on institutional demand. The filing signals that major players view oracle networks as fundamental infrastructure—not just speculative tokens.

Because nothing says 'legitimacy' like wrapping decentralized tech in traditional finance's favorite packaging—just don't mention the irony to the crypto purists.

This move could finally bridge DeFi's oracle solution with Wall Street's endless appetite for new products—proving once again that finance will always find a way to package and sell anything with a price feed.

TLDR

• Chainlink (LINK) price rebounded by 5% after Bitwise filed for a Chainlink ETF with the SEC.
• The Bitwise Chainlink ETF aims to store tokens securely with Coinbase Custody Trust Company.
• If approved, the ETF will allow in-kind and cash-based creation and redemption of LINK tokens.
• The filing could open doors for institutional investors like pension funds and hedge funds to invest in LINK.
• Chainlink’s strategic partnerships in the DeFi ecosystem continue to grow, further supporting LINK demand.

Chainlink (LINK) price rebounded 5% from an intraday low of $22.94 on Tuesday, August 26, following a significant development. This price surge occurred after asset manager Bitwise filed its Form S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a chainlink ETF. At the time, LINK traded at approximately $23.96, reflecting a 1.9% drop in the past 24 hours.

Chainlink ETF Could Boost LINK Demand

Bitwise’s filing to launch the Chainlink ETF marks a key milestone for the asset manager. According to the S-1 registration statement, Bitwise will collaborate with Coinbase Custody Trust Company for secure storage of the acquired tokens. If the SEC approves the filing, it could lead to significant capital influx into the Chainlink ecosystem, boosting LINK’s demand.

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF will allow both in-kind and cash-based creation and redemption. As the filing explicitly states, the fund will not engage in active trading of LINK tokens. This passive approach may encourage institutional investors who favor less active trading strategies.

For the review process to begin, an exchange must file a 19b-4 filing to list the shares of the Chainlink ETF. Once that happens, the SEC will go through its standard process, including initial reviews, public comments, and possible amendments. A final decision will follow after the review stages.

Institutional Demand for LINK and DeFi Integration

The approval of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF WOULD allow institutional investors, such as pension funds and hedge funds, to invest in LINK. This could drive up demand and price for Chainlink. “This move highlights the growing institutional interest in LINK,” said Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.

Pretty sure it’s the first one for chainlink, at least for a true blue spot etf as Tuttle did for a 2x
chainlink under 40 act pic.twitter.com/jgmJH2Rw1D

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) August 26, 2025

In addition to the ETF filing, Chainlink has been solidifying its position within the DeFi ecosystem. The network has formed strategic partnerships with various institutions, including Japan’s SBI Group. Through this partnership, SBI will leverage Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to explore cross-chain tokenized real-world assets.

Overall, the Bitwise Chainlink ETF filing represents a significant step toward greater institutional participation in Chainlink’s ecosystem. As more investors turn to LINK, both its price and role within decentralized finance could experience considerable growth.