Grayscale Gets Approval to Launch First Spot Chainlink ETF This Week

TLDR

Table of Contents

Grayscale’s GLNK ETF offers LINK exposure with staking via a regulated NYSE Arca listing.
GLNK becomes Grayscale’s third crypto ETF in two weeks.
Institutional access to Chainlink expands through a spot ETF structure with compliance support.
Chainlink’s use in tokenized finance grows with S&P and FTSE Russell partnerships.

ETF Receives Regulatory Approval for NYSE Arca Listing

Grayscale has received approval to launch the first U.S. spot Chainlink ETF (GLNK), with the listing set for December 2, 2025. The ETF will be listed on NYSE Arca, offering institutional investors regulated access to Chainlink (LINK), a decentralized oracle network.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission granted the green light following Grayscale’s submission of a registration statement in late September. The firm had filed an S-1 to formally convert its Chainlink Trust into an exchange-traded fund. The ETF will provide a regulated structure, allowing asset managers to gain exposure to Chainlink without needing to manage private keys.

A New Access Point for Institutional Investors

Institutional investors have long avoided direct crypto ownership due to concerns about compliance and custody risks. Grayscale’s GLNK ETF aims to address these challenges by offering a familiar and regulated market vehicle.

By mirroring the liquidity and transparency of traditional instruments, the ETF enables easier integration of blockchain infrastructure into existing portfolios. According to Cryptorank, institutions can now participate in the tokenized economy without handling the complexities of self-custody or multi-chain interoperability.

Staking Added to ETF Structure for Yield Generation

GLNK is the first U.S.-listed Chainlink ETF to include staking features, which allow yield generation from LINK holdings. This appeals to institutions looking to boost returns in low-interest environments, particularly those managing long-term strategies.

The addition of staking has raised regulatory concerns, as the SEC continues to evaluate yield processes in crypto funds. However, Grayscale has moved forward, differentiating GLNK from other products such as Bitwise’s CLNK, which does not include staking and was listed earlier on the DTCC registry.

Chainlink’s Role in the Growth of Tokenized Finance

Chainlink’s infrastructure supports smart contracts by providing real-world data through decentralized oracles. This function is vital for financial products, supply chains, and tokenized assets.

Partnerships with financial data firms such as S&P Global and FTSE Russell have increased Chainlink’s presence in traditional finance. Grayscale researchers Zach Pandl and Michael Zhao described LINK as the leading asset in the Utilities & Services sector of crypto. They stated, “LINK is the largest asset in crypto that is not a Layer 1 token.”

Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) has also been used in projects across Asia and by private firms like World Liberty Financial. These integrations support cross-network token movement and further institutional experimentation.

Recent Market Momentum and Broader Strategy

Grayscale’s Chainlink ETF is its third new product launch within two weeks, following similar listings tied to XRP and Dogecoin. The firm continues to expand access to decentralized infrastructure through regulated ETFs.

Interest in Chainlink has been growing. CaliberCos recently became one of the first U.S. firms to use LINK in its corporate treasury. The company also earns rewards from Chainlink staking, according to its digital asset policy.

As blockchain infrastructure adoption increases, the Chainlink ETF offers a new way for institutions to participate. Grayscale’s move may lead to more products focused on decentralized networks used in tokenized securities, global settlements, and digital identity systems.