Chainlink ETF Race: Bitwise's No-Staking Approach vs Grayscale's Yield
Asset managers are carving different paths for a potential Chainlink (LINK) ETF. Bitwise is pitching a simpler product that avoids staking exposure, highlighting custody simplicity and lower counterparty risk, while Grayscale is positioning a yield-focused vehicle that would capture staking rewards for investors. The split reflects a broader debate about trade-offs between cleaner regulatory profiles and higher return potential when token staking is involved.
Why it matters: investor preferences will likely segment between those prioritizing regulatory clarity and institutional custody versus yield-seeking buyers willing to accept added operational complexity. If either ETF gains approval or traction, net LINK inflows and on-chain staking dynamics could shift materially, influencing liquidity and price discovery. Market participants should watch fund fees, staking splits, and SEC language closely — this quiet technical contest could presage a meaningful change in LINK demand.