After weeks of decline following Bitcoin’s pullback, the potential bear market, and after briefly touching 27.9 dollars in mid-August 2025 during a 40% weekly surge driven by the launch of Chainlink Reserve, Chainlink (LINK) is back in the spotlight again.
On December 2, 2025, Grayscale launched the first United States spot Chainlink ETF (GLNK) on NYSE Arca. The ETF attracted $37 million in first day inflows according to SoSoValue, and LINK rebounded more than 7% to around $14.40 as investors responded to renewed institutional attention. The debut positions LINK as one of the few non-layer-one assets with a dedicated U.S. ETF, significantly increasing its visibility among traditional investors.
LINK price surged over 7% in a day after the LINK ETF announcement | Source: BingX LINK Price
As institutional products continue to expand beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, LINK is emerging as a leading candidate for investors seeking exposure to blockchain infrastructure. This article explains what Chainlink is, how the LINK ETF works, Grayscale’s growing ETF lineup, and the alternative option of buying and holding LINK directly on BingX to maintain full flexibility and on-chain utility.
What Is Chainlink and How Does It Work?
Source: Chainlink
Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that serves as a crucial bridge between blockchains and external data sources. While blockchains excel at secure transaction execution, they cannot natively access off-chain information such as market prices, compliance data, or institutional payment systems. This limitation restricts the functionality of smart contracts. Chainlink solves this by using a decentralized network of independent node operators to deliver secure, verified, and tamper-resistant data on-chain.
Originally launched as a price oracle for DeFi, Chainlink has expanded into a comprehensive infrastructure platform powering banking, capital markets, asset management, payments, stablecoins, and real-world asset tokenization. Its open standards and composable services now form a foundational layer for advanced blockchain applications.
Key Chainlink Services Explained
• Oracle Services: Chainlink’s oracle network retrieves and verifies real-world data for blockchains, solving the “oracle problem” and enabling smart contracts to use accurate external information. It delivers high-throughput price feeds, on-chain Proof of Reserve for collateral verification, and verifiable randomness and automation for DeFi, gaming, and enterprise applications.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP): CCIP provides secure cross-chain messaging and token transfers, reducing fragmentation and enabling applications to operate across multiple networks. It supports standardized token movement, rapid integrations with new chains, and enterprise use cases demonstrated through pilots with traditional financial systems including Swift.
• Real-World Asset (RWA) Infrastructure: Chainlink supplies the data and interoperability layer for tokenized real-world assets, linking off-chain valuations and audit information directly to on-chain representations. CCIP enables cross-chain asset movement, while continuous updates maintain consistent and auditable records. Leading institutions such as Euroclear, Clearstream, BNY Mellon, Citi, ANZ, and JPMorgan have tested or adopted these tools.
What Is the LINK ETF and How Does It Work?
A LINK ETF is a traditional investment product that gives investors exposure to Chainlink (LINK) through a stock exchange. Instead of buying LINK on a crypto platform, investors can purchase ETF shares that track the token’s spot price, allowing them to hold LINK exposure in a regulated and brokerage-friendly format.
The leading product is the Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK), which began trading on NYSE Arca on December 2, 2025. The ETF holds LINK as its underlying asset and reflects its market value through exchange-traded shares. By converting the original Chainlink Trust into an ETF, Grayscale introduced a structure designed to track LINK more closely while improving liquidity and accessibility.
In simple terms, a LINK ETF custodies LINK and issues shares that mirror its price movements. Investors gain Chainlink exposure without managing wallets or private keys, making it a convenient entry point for institutions and traditional market participants.
Grayscale Launches the First Spot Chainlink ETF on NYSE Arca on Dec. 2, 2025
Grayscale launched the first United States spot Chainlink ETF, GLNK, on NYSE Arca on Dec. 2, 2025, converting its long-running Chainlink Trust into an exchange-traded product. The upgrade followed an amended S-1 filing submitted on Nov. 12, 2025, confirming that GLNK is registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Crypto ETFs now use both the 1933 and 1940 regulatory frameworks, with most single-asset spot products such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and Chainlink under the 1933 Act, while certain newer products, including the REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF and select 21Shares index ETFs, operate under the 1940 Act.
According to SoSoValue, GLNK drew 37 million dollars in first-day inflows, marking one of the strongest debuts among altcoin spot ETFs. The launch followed Grayscale’s continued accumulation of LINK through November 2025, when holdings reached an all-time high despite market volatility. The ETF introduces Chainlink to a broader base of institutional and retail investors through a regulated, exchange-listed format.
Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (Ticker: $GLNK) with 0% fees is now trading¹.
— Grayscale (@Grayscale) December 2, 2025
The first @chainlink ETP in the U.S. — from Grayscale, the world's largest crypto-focused asset manager².
Gain exposure to $LINK, the core infrastructure for connecting blockchains to the real world.… pic.twitter.com/CjoemYxyEI
Grayscale remains one of the most active issuers in crypto ETFs. While GLNK is currently the only approved and trading Chainlink ETF, Bitwise has also filed for a spot Chainlink ETF under the ticker CLNK, which is already listed on DTCC in a pre-launch status. This signals operational readiness but does not imply SEC approval. Until CLNK receives regulatory clearance, GLNK remains the sole Chainlink ETF available to U.S. investors.
Below is an overview of Grayscale’s current ETF lineup, products in the filing stage, and trusts that have not yet entered the ETF pipeline:
• Live Grayscale Crypto ETFs: Bitcoin ETF (GBTC, Jan. 2024), Ethereum ETF (ETHE, Jul. 2024), Solana ETF (GSOL, Oct. 2025), XRP ETF (GXRP, Nov. 2025), Dogecoin ETF (GDOGE, Oct. 2025), Chainlink ETF (GLNK, Dec. 2, 2025), Crypto Sectors Index ETF (GCSX, 2025)
• Filed but Not Yet Launched: Polygon Trust ETF (POL), Aave Trust ETF (AAVE), Chainlink Covered Call ETF, Web3 Infrastructure Index ETF, Smart Contract Platforms ETF, and proposed Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Classic ETFs
• Grayscale Trusts Not in the ETF Pipeline: Zcash Trust (ZEC), Litecoin Trust (LTC), Bitcoin Cash Trust (BCH), Decentraland Trust (MANA), Filecoin Trust (FIL), Livepeer Trust (LPT)
Grayscale Chainlink Trust vs. Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF: What’s the Difference?
Grayscale first introduced Chainlink exposure through the Grayscale Chainlink Trust, launched in 2021, as a closed-end product available on OTC markets. On Dec. 2, 2025, this trust was upgraded and converted into the Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK), bringing LINK to NYSE Arca as a fully exchange-listed product. While the ETF is built directly from the original trust, the two structures function very differently in creation mechanisms, price efficiency, and investor accessibility.
| Feature | Grayscale Chainlink Trust | Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) |
| Launch Date | 2021 | Dec. 2, 2025 |
| Product Evolution | Original closed-end trust | Upgraded and converted from the Trust |
| Regulatory Framework | Securities Act of 1933 | Securities Act of 1933 |
| Structure | Closed-end trust | Exchange-traded product |
| Trading Venue | OTC markets | NYSE Arca |
| Creations & Redemptions | None | Supported by authorized participants |
| Price Efficiency | Can trade at premiums or discounts | Tracks LINK spot more closely |
| Liquidity | Limited | Higher liquidity through exchange trading |
| Investor Access | Mostly accredited and institutional investors | Broad retail and institutional access |
| Use Case | Early-access LINK exposure | Mainstream, regulated Chainlink investment vehicle |
How to Invest in the Chainlink (LINK) ETF
U.S. investors can buy the LINK ETF the same way they purchase any stock or traditional ETF, since GLNK trades on NYSE Arca and is available through most major American brokerage platforms. Here are the steps investors typically follow:
Step 1: Choose a U.S. brokerage that supports NYSE Arca.
Platforms such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Robinhood, and eToro US all offer access to GLNK.
Step 2: Log in and search for the ticker GLNK.
Enter “GLNK” in the platform’s search bar and confirm the listing for the spot Chainlink ETF.
Step 3: Decide how many shares you want to buy.
Check the current ETF price, review any trading fees your broker may charge, and consider how much exposure to LINK fits your allocation.
Step 4: Place your order.
Choose a market order for immediate execution or a limit order if you prefer to enter at a specific price.
Step 5: Monitor your position and understand tax treatment.
Once filled, GLNK appears in your portfolio. In the U.S., sales of GLNK are subject to capital gains taxes, and any distributions follow standard ETF tax rules. Investors using IRAs or 401(k)s may defer or eliminate taxable events, depending on the account type.
Alternative: How to Buy and Trade Chainlink (LINK) on BingX
Buying LINK directly is the better choice for investors who want full access to Chainlink’s on-chain ecosystem. Unlike the ETF, holding the token allows users to participate in staking, future protocol upgrades, and 24/7 market activity. On BingX, LINK can be purchased through spot trading pairs with a simple, secure interface, giving users the flexibility to hold assets on the exchange or withdraw them to a personal wallet for on-chain use. Direct ownership also avoids ETF management fees and tracks real-time market prices without NAV deviations, though it requires users to manage their own wallet security and withdrawals if they choose self-custody.
Step 1: Search for LINK/USDT
Step 2: Activate BingX AI
Click the AI icon on the chart to access BingX AI for real-time insights, including key price levels, trend signals, and market structure analysis.
Step 3: Choose Spot or Futures
Use Spot if you want to accumulate LINK as a long-term holding. Use Futures if you want to trade short- or long-term price swings with the ability to go long or short.
Step 4: Place Your Order
Select a market order for instant execution or a limit order to set your preferred entry price. If trading Futures, configure leverage, stop-loss, and take-profit levels before confirming the trade.
Step 5: Manage Your Position
Spot purchases appear directly in your BingX wallet. Futures positions can be monitored and adjusted within the trading interface as the market evolves.
Spot LINK ETF vs. Holding LINK Directly: Which Is Better for Investors?
Buying LINK directly is the better choice for investors who want full on-chain access. Direct ownership enables staking, protocol participation, and 24/7 trading, which are not available through the ETF. On BingX, LINK can be purchased through spot trading pairs and either held on the exchange or withdrawn to a personal wallet for full control.
Direct LINK ownership avoids ETF management fees and tracks real-time market prices, but it also requires more responsibility. Users must manage wallet security, private keys, and on-chain transactions. For investors who prefer simplicity and traditional brokerage custody, the LINK ETF may still be more convenient.
| Category | LINK Spot ETF (GLNK) | Holding LINK Directly |
| Investor Focus | Best for U.S. investors using traditional brokerages | Best for global users who want full crypto access |
| Access Method | Buy via NYSE Arca through stock brokers | Buy via crypto exchanges like BingX, then hold or self-custody |
| Utility | Price exposure only, no staking or on-chain use | Full access to staking, governance, and DeFi applications |
| Trading Hours | Trades only during U.S. stock market hours | Trades 24/7 on global crypto markets |
| Fees | Management fees apply | No ongoing management fee, only trading and network fees |
| Custody | Brokerage custody, no private keys required | User controls custody if self-stored, more responsibility |
| Tax Treatment | Eligible for IRAs and other U.S. tax-advantaged accounts | Treated as crypto property, no IRA access through exchanges |
| Price Tracking | May show small deviations from spot LINK price | Tracks real-time spot LINK exactly |
| Complexity | Very simple for traditional investors | Requires familiarity with wallets, security, and on-chain tools |
Risks and Considerations Before Investing in the Spot LINK ETF
Before buying GLNK, it is important to understand that a spot LINK ETF still carries many of the same risks as the underlying crypto asset. While the ETF offers a regulated and convenient way to gain exposure to Chainlink, it does not eliminate price volatility, structural limitations, or regulatory uncertainty. Investors should review the following points before making a decision.
1. High Market Volatility: LINK is a volatile asset, and the ETF will reflect sharp price swings during both bullish and bearish phases.
2. Tracking and Liquidity Differences: GLNK can trade at small premiums or discounts to LINK’s spot price depending on spreads and market conditions.
3. No On-Chain Utility: The ETF provides price exposure only. Investors cannot stake LINK or use it within the Chainlink ecosystem.
4. Management Fees and Trading Hours: GLNK charges an annual fee and trades only during U.S. stock market hours, whereas LINK trades globally 24 hours a day.
5. Regulatory and Tax Factors: Crypto ETFs remain subject to evolving U.S. regulation, and investors should consider tax obligations when selling ETF shares.
Final Thoughts
The launch of GLNK gives Chainlink its first regulated, exchange-listed investment vehicle in the United States, expanding access for traditional investors who prefer brokerage custody and a familiar ETF format. Bitwise’s pending CLNK filing also shows rising institutional interest, suggesting that Chainlink is becoming a more established part of the crypto investment landscape.
For investors who want simplicity and regulated exposure, the LINK ETF is an easy entry point. Those who want full on-chain utility, staking, and 24/7 market access will find direct LINK ownership through platforms like BingX more suitable. As Chainlink’s role in data infrastructure, tokenization, and cross-chain systems continues to grow, both approaches offer meaningful ways to participate in its long-term development.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Spot LINK ETFs
1. What spot LINK ETFs are available at the moment?
As of December 2025, the only approved and trading spot Chainlink ETF in the United States is GLNK by Grayscale. Bitwise’s proposed spot LINK ETF, CLNK, is listed on DTCC in a pre-launch status but is still awaiting SEC approval.
2. When is the first Chainlink ETF launch date?
The first Chainlink ETF, GLNK, launched on December 2, 2025.
3. Where is the spot LINK ETF trading?
GLNK trades on NYSE Arca, one of the primary U.S. exchanges used for crypto-related ETFs.
4. Where can I buy the spot LINK ETF?
You can buy GLNK through any U.S. brokerage that supports NYSE Arca, including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Robinhood, and eToro US. If you prefer to own the token directly instead of the ETF, you can buy LINK on BingX, which supports LINK spot trading and easy wallet transfers.
5. How many LINK ETFs have been filed so far?
There are currently two LINK ETF filings:
• GLNK (Grayscale) — approved and trading
• CLNK (Bitwise) — filed and DTCC-listed in pre-launch status
No other issuers have submitted spot LINK ETF filings as of December 2025.
6. What is a Chainlink or LINK ETF?
A LINK ETF is a regulated investment fund that holds LINK tokens and tracks their market price. It allows investors to gain exposure to Chainlink without using crypto exchanges or managing private wallets.
7. Will LINK price surge after the LINK ETF launch?
The LINK ETF could attract new inflows by giving traditional investors easier access to Chainlink, and recent accumulation trends point to growing confidence in its long-term role in tokenization and cross-chain infrastructure. However, LINK’s price will still depend on broader market conditions, liquidity cycles, and overall crypto sentiment. The ETF may create positive momentum, but a sustained surge is not guaranteed.