NYSE Arca Clears First Chainlink ETF as Bitwise Expands Crypto Offerings

The first U.S. exchange-traded fund offering direct exposure to Chainlink has officially cleared a major regulatory hurdle.

NYSE Arca has approved the listing and registration of the Bitwise Chainlink ETF, paving the way for trading to begin as soon as the next trading session.

According to formal documentation dated January 13, the exchange certified that the fund meets the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With that approval in place, the product-issued by Bitwise-is now cleared to trade on NYSE Arca, marking another step forward for crypto-linked investment products in U.S. markets.

The ETF is designed to track the performance of Chainlink’s native token, LINK, offering investors regulated exposure without the need to directly hold or custody the asset themselves. This structure is particularly attractive to institutions and traditional market participants that are restricted from interacting with spot crypto markets.

Institutional access to Chainlink expands

Chainlink itself has become a critical component of blockchain infrastructure, providing decentralized oracle services that allow smart contracts to interact with real-world data. As a result, LINK is widely viewed not just as a speculative asset, but as a proxy for broader adoption of decentralized finance and on-chain data services.

Market reaction was swift. LINK posted gains shortly after the approval became public, extending its recent upward momentum. The token is currently trading at $14.20, with a market capitalization approaching $10 billion and daily trading volumes comfortably above recent averages, reflecting renewed investor interest.

The ETF approval also underscores how U.S. regulators are gradually expanding the range of crypto-related products permitted within traditional financial venues. While spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs opened the door, products tied to specific blockchain infrastructure tokens signal a deeper integration of crypto assets into mainstream portfolios.

From Bitwise’s perspective, the Chainlink ETF strengthens its lineup of digital asset investment vehicles and reinforces its strategy of targeting assets with clear utility and long-term relevance. For the broader market, the listing may serve as a test case for whether demand exists for single-asset crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

As trading begins on NYSE Arca, attention will turn to early inflows and liquidity. Strong demand could encourage further ETF filings tied to major blockchain networks, while weak uptake may temper expectations. Either way, the launch represents another milestone in the gradual normalization of crypto exposure within regulated U.S. financial markets.

Looking for more ideas? Read our full guide to the best meme coins to invest in this year.