Chainlink ETF Nears Reality — But Holders Keep Selling
The Bitwise Chainlink ETF, listed under ticker CLNK, has been added to the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) platform, signaling progress toward institutional access to LINK tokens. While regulatory approval remains pending, this listing highlights Chainlink’s growing role in financial infrastructure, including integrations with CCIP and CRE. Additionally, Chainlink Co-founder Sergey Nazarov’s participation at the Federal Reserve Fintech Conference further boosts its institutional credibility. Despite positive developments, on-chain data shows persistent selling by LINK holders, though whales are accumulating significant tokens, driving exchange balances to a 2+ year low. LINK was trading at $15.93, reflecting a 3% daily increase as market sentiment remains mixed.
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Bitwise Chainlink ETF Listed on DTCC Platform
The Bitwise Chainlink ETF (CLNK) has been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) platform under the ticker CLNK. This represents a critical step toward providing institutional access to the LINK token. However, while the listing signifies progress, it does not indicate regulatory approval yet, but prepares the asset for eventual trading readiness.
As part of the standard preparation process before potential SEC approval, this listing integrates Chainlink’s CCIP (Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol) and CRE, showcasing the project's growing relevance in financial infrastructure.
Chainlink Gains Attention at the Federal Reserve Fintech Conference
Chainlink's institutional credibility was bolstered further when Co-founder Sergey Nazarov appeared at the Federal Reserve Fintech Conference alongside executives from heavyweights like JP Morgan and Amazon. The discussion revolved around the convergence of global payment systems and digital assets, signaling Chainlink’s increasing relevance in high-level financial dialogues.
Such visibility in top-tier policy forums enhances institutional trust and serves as a catalyst for larger adoption. Chainlink's focus on interoperability solutions is now more visible than ever among major financial players.
LINK Holders Continue Selling Despite Positive Developments
Despite the promising developments surrounding the Bitwise Chainlink ETF and institutional integration, on-chain data reveals that LINK holders have continued to sell during the past month. Investor sentiment reflects frustration and disillusionment, perhaps due to extended price consolidation and bearish trends.
According to analysis by ClairHawk Capital, such patterns are common during accumulation phases, where larger players stealthily build their positions while retail investors remain cautious. "Big money can't just buy all at once; they utilize distractions to continue accumulation discreetly," noted one analyst.
Whales Are Accumulating, Exchange Balances Reach Record Low
While retail sentiment may be cautious, whale activity tells a different story. On-chain analyst Ali reported that large holders have accumulated over 4 million LINK tokens in the last two weeks, driving the Exchange Supply Ratio to its lowest level ever.
Arca Research also highlighted that LINK on exchanges is experiencing a freefall, reaching a 2+ year low, indicating that long-term holders are moving tokens off exchanges, likely in anticipation of future price increases.
Market Outlook for Chainlink
With the Bitwise Chainlink ETF now listed on the DTCC platform and institutional integration advancing, Chainlink's path toward mainstream exposure becomes clearer. Combined with whale accumulation, these developments could soon shift market sentiment in favor of LINK.
As of this writing, the LINK token trades at $15.93, up nearly 3% in the last 24 hours. Continued progress on these fronts may potentially lead to significant price discovery and broader adoption.