Chainlink ETF Nears Reality — But Holders Keep Selling LINK

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF has been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) platform under ticker CLNK. This move marks a key step toward institutional access to LINK.

Yet, on-chain data shows LINK holders have continued selling throughout the past month, even as institutional confidence grows.

Bitwise Chainlink ETF Listed on DTCC

The long-awaited Bitwise Chainlink ETF (CLNK) has been listed on the DTCC platform, marking a significant step toward institutional access to the LINK token.

The listing does not yet signify regulatory approval, but it indicates progress toward eventual trading readiness.

This listing is part of the standard clearing and settlement preparation process before a potential SEC approval.

However, DTCC’s integration with Chainlink’s CCIP and CRE suggests the project’s expanding role in financial infrastructure.

DTCC integration with CCIP and CRE. Source: Chainlink Ecosystem Website

Chainlink Steps into the Fed’s Circle

Further strengthening its institutional credibility, Chainlink Co-founder Sergey Nazarov recently joined executives from JP Morgan and Amazon at the Federal Reserve Fintech Conference. The panel focused on the convergence of global payment systems and digital assets.

It signals that Chainlink’s interoperability solutions are gaining traction among major financial players. Such appearances at top-tier policy forums typically boost institutional trust and visibility, key catalysts for large-scale adoption.

Despite Positive News, LINK Holders Keep Selling

Nonetheless, even as Chainlink edges closer to ETF approval and institutional integration, on-chain data shows persistent selling among LINK holders.

Based on the above post, sentiment mirrors a broader investor trend of disillusionment during accumulation phases. ClairHawk Capital explained that such patterns often accompany sideways, illogical, and bearish price action even when fundamentals are strong.

“They all do the same exact behavior when in accumulation…big money can’t just buy all at once and they also raise money by pumping distractions and memes and use that money to continue accumulating the asymmetric plays with the extra money as long as the public and retail are oblivious…once enough has accumulated, price action will start breaking out and enter price discovery,” the analyst explained.

Whales Accumulate as Exchange Balances Hit Record Low

While retail investors appear cautious, whales are steadily accumulating. According to on-chain analyst Ali, large holders have added over 4 million LINK tokens in the past two weeks, which has pushed the Exchange Supply Ratio to its lowest level ever.

Arca Research also observed that LINK on exchanges [is] in freefall, reaching a 2+ year low. This suggests long-term holders are moving tokens off exchanges in anticipation of higher prices.

LINK Exchange Balance. Source: Arca on X

With the Bitwise Chainlink ETF now on the DTCC platform, Chainlink’s path toward mainstream exposure is clearer than ever. Institutional integration, combined with whale accumulation, could soon shift market sentiment.