Chainlink’s price is wrestling with key support near $21, a level that has drawn heavy attention from traders and institutions alike. Chainlink (LINK) was down 2% to $22.30 as selling pressure weighed on the token. The move comes at a time when derivatives activity in the asset has jumped sharply, raising both expectations of a rebound and the risk of further losses.

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Institutional Pathway Through 21X

The network’s importance was reinforced after the launch of 21X, Europe’s first regulated tokenized securities platform. Approved under European rules, 21X connects financial institutions to blockchain infrastructure using Chainlink’s technology.

CEO Max Heinzle described Chainlink as a vital backbone for tokenized markets, stressing that global institutions are lining up behind tokenization projects. By building on a regulated platform, Chainlink gains credibility in bridging traditional finance with decentralized networks.

Europe’s first regulated tokenized securities platform 21X:

“The work that Chainlink is doing … with the involvement of the largest financial institutions in the world … could not be more at the forefront.”

Discover how tokenization is reshaping capital markets and why… pic.twitter.com/3SlmcNaWsA

— Chainlink (@chainlink) September 5, 2025

This development has been seen as a step toward establishing Chainlink as a core platform for tokenized assets. Its data feeds and interoperability features make it a practical link between standard securities and blockchain applications, adding momentum to its institutional appeal.

Support And Resistance Levels In Focus

Market watchers say LINK is testing major support at $22.10, with deeper support zones at $20.55 and $19. In a worst-case scenario, the coin could even revisit $17. On the upside, clearing the volume-weighted average price of $22.10 may open a path back to $24, and possibly $26, which marked the highs reached in August.

At the time of writing, LINK was trading at $23.17, up 0.3% and 1.9% in the daily and weekly timeframes, data from Coingecko shows.

Derivatives Market Points To Heavy Speculation

According to CoinGlass, LINK futures volume jumped 51% to over $2 billion. The increase in futures volume is in sync with open interest, whose numbers likewise soared over 2% to $1.5 billion. These increases show a sharp rise in speculative bets at current levels. Traders seem to be sitting tight, indicating anticipation of a decisive action over a pullback.

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There are warnings that the levels of leverage are so high that they will encourage volatility. If support is maintained, the bulls could be in charge to drive LINK to $26. But if it fails to hold present levels, liquidations and deeper losses could follow.

The coming sessions will be crucial. Chainlink, viewed as both a token and a critical piece of market infrastructure, now faces a battle around $22. How the price reacts here could determine whether optimism around institutional adoption translates into a sustained recovery, or if traders brace for another correction.

Featured image from 21x.eu, chart from TradingView

Grayscale Investments has filed fresh paperwork with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking to convert its Chainlink Trust into an exchange-traded fund ETF).

The filing, submitted Sept. 5, would allow the $28.7 million vehicle to trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker GLNK once approved.

The company said the shift is designed to give investors regulated access to Chainlink’s price performance without the need to manage or secure the tokens directly.

Essentially, Grayscale aims to lower custody risks while offering exposure through traditional markets by using an ETF structure.

Before the ETF can launch, Grayscale must file a corresponding 19b-4 submission, a procedural step that requires SEC approval.

Grayscale’s Chainlink ETF structure

Grayscale stated that its proposed ETF could allow some of the tokens held in the trust to be staked.

In that scenario, the asset management firm said it would rely on third-party providers to keep tokens in custodian wallets.

The firm emphasized that the fund will use a cash-based creation and redemption model.

While the SEC has recently approved in-kind standards for other digital asset ETFs, Grayscale noted that it remains uncertain how quickly market participants will adapt.

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The company also indicated that NYSE Arca could eventually seek regulatory clearance to update its listing rules to accommodate in-kind transactions.

According to the filing, CSC Delaware Trust Company will serve as trustee, while The Bank of New York Mellon will act as both transfer agent and administrator. Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company will function as the co-transfer agent, and Coinbase will provide prime brokerage and custody services.

Crypto ETFs

The application marks another attempt by Grayscale to broaden investor access to cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Its current applications already cover multiple assets, including Solana and XRP, reflecting growing institutional interest in altcoins.

Market analysts argue that these applications reflect rising institutional interest in altcoins.

Nate Geraci, president of Nova Dius Wealth, pointed out that major exchanges are collaborating with the SEC on standard frameworks for spot crypto ETF listings.

He said such rules could be finalized by October, potentially clearing the way for multiple altcoin products to enter the market.

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Cardano’s founder, Charles Hoskinson, has clarified why the blockchain platform was excluded from a prominent US government initiative meant to publish official economic data on public blockchains. Blockchain networks like Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Optimism made the cut; Cardano didn’t. Hoskinson revealed during a YouTube AMA that the reason wasn’t technical or regulatory, but it was grounded in economics. Specifically, he said the integration fee quoted by Oracle specialist Chainlink was absurd, which made Cardano’s participation really unfeasible.

Chainlink’s Absurd Fee

As one of the biggest blockchain ecosystems, Cardano’s inability to participate in the US government’s recent blockchain initiative to bring macroeconomic data onto the blockchain took many crypto participants by surprise. However, while speaking at a recent surprise AMA on his YouTube channel, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson says the reason boils down to money. 

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According to Hoskinson, the main reason was due to its pending partnership with Chainlink’s oracle integration, which is yet to be finalised because of the absurd fee charged by Chainlink. Hoskinson did not shy away from strong language: “They gave us an absurd number for integration. I said ‘f– it, we’ll handle it. We’ll figure it out,’” he said.

Despite the frustration, he tempered his critique with respect. He described Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov as “extremely smart” and “a very good businessman”, someone who “sees the future” and, in Hoskinson’s words, is “sitting on a golden egg”. 

Chainlink’s oracle solutions are very important for connecting smart contracts to real-world data. As such, Hoskinson’s metaphor acknowledges Chainlink’s powerful position in the blockchain ecosystem. 

How It Stalls Cardano’s DeFi Growth

Without a cost-effective oracle integration, Cardano’s decentralized finance landscape has struggled to keep pace with other blockchain ecosystems. To put this into perspective, Ethereum’s integration with Chainlink has allowed large inflows into its DeFi ecosystem, with about $13.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL) added from between August 2 ($78.222 billion) and August 31 ($91.595 billion), according to data from DeFiLlama.

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Meanwhile, Cardano’s TVL broke below $400 million in August, and daily active addresses have also fallen massively. At the time of writing, Cardano’s TVL is sitting at $367.91 million. The result is a disconnect between Cardano’s on-chain activity and ADA’s price action, which witnessed a steady increase in August alongside the rest of the crypto market.

Nonetheless, Hoskinson is still optimistic. Talks with Chainlink are ongoing, and he’s determined to find common ground with Chainlink. He also revealed discussions with the team behind the USD1 stablecoin and hinted at potential collaboration with Aave, which he described as part of a bundle. If USD1 (already launched on Ethereum, BNB, and Tron) comes to Cardano, it could become the ecosystem’s largest stablecoin. Combine that with oracle access and lending support from Chainlink, and Cardano could strengthen its DeFi foundations significantly.

At the time of writing, Cardano is trading at $0.8307, up by 1.1% in the past 24 hours.

Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

Chainlink (LINK) surged 3% to trade around $24 on Monday, marking a beginning of a strong performance in September despite a broadly cautious crypto market.

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The rally was fueled by two significant announcements: a landmark U.S. government partnership to publish macroeconomic data on-chain and Bitwise’s filing for a spot Chainlink ETF with the SEC.

The U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed that the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) will now release critical indicators such as GDP growth and the PCE Price Index directly across blockchain ecosystems like Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Optimism.

Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), which already handled $130 million in transfers this week, will play a vital role in ensuring data reliability across networks.

Government Data Goes On-Chain

The ETF move positions Chainlink at the forefront of blockchain adoption by governments. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick believes that the decision indicates America’s growing commitment to digital innovation, noting that the first on-chain data point published was a 3.3% GDP growth figure.

Analysts believe the integration of government data could revolutionize sectors ranging from automated trading strategies to decentralized finance (DeFi) risk management.

Mike Cahill, founder of Douro Labs and a core contributor to Pyth Network, called the initiative “a new wave of transparency and innovation.

By bringing trusted government data on-chain, Chainlink strengthens its role as a backbone for blockchain-based financial products, real-time prediction markets, and tokenized asset platforms.

LINK's price trends to the upside on the daily chart. Source: LINKUSD on Tradingview

Chainlink (LINK) Price Forecast

From a technical perspective, Chainlink’s price action shows bullish momentum building near resistance levels. The token rebounded from $23 support last weekend and is now testing the $23.50–$24 resistance zone. A successful breakout above $25.50 could open the door for targets at $27.20 and $29.50, aligning with February’s highs.

However, analysts caution that a failure to hold above $24.20 may weaken the short-term outlook, potentially pushing LINK back toward the $23.00 support area. Still, with institutional interest rising after Bitwise’s ETF filing and government adoption underway, sentiment around Chainlink remains notably bullish.

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As one of the few altcoins outperforming in a market weighed down by Bitcoin’s pullback, Chainlink’s latest surge may be a sign of growing resilience, and possibly the start of a larger breakout.

Cover image from ChatGPT, LINKUSD on Tradingview

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An increasing number of asset managers are adopting cryptocurrencies as treasury reserves. Nasdaq-listed Caliber is the latest to join this trend, having recently announced the formal approval of its new Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) Strategy, which features decentralized oracle provider Chainlink (LINK) at its core.

LINK Tokens As Reserve Assets

The announcement came from Caliber’s Board of Directors, which outlined its intention to not only purchase LINK tokens but also engage in activities aimed at maximizing returns from these digital assets. 

With a focus on the token’s long-term appreciation potential, the real state-focused asset manager plans to hold the cryptocurrency as part of its equity portfolio and generate yield through staking, further diversifying its investment strategy.

To support the implementation of this digital asset approach, Caliber has established the Caliber Crypto Advisory Board (CCAB). This dedicated advisory group, composed of experts in digital assets and blockchain technology, will provide guidance on the DAT Strategy and Policy.. 

The DAT Policy itself outlines a framework for the acquisition, custody, and management of digital assets, including specific protocols for security and internal controls. 

The Board believes that adopting this strategy will not only enhance shareholder value but also strengthen the company’s balance sheet and improve liquidity. By holding LINK as a reserve asset.

Additionally, the integration of Chainlink’s technology is expected to streamline key business processes, such as asset valuation and fund administration, further benefiting the company.

Chainlink’s Partnership With US Commerce Department

Chris Loeffler, Chief Executive Officer of Caliber, emphasized the importance of this strategic move, stating, “We believe that implementing a digital asset treasury strategy strengthens our balance sheet and aligns Caliber with the future of digital finance.” 

He noted that this initiative positions Caliber at the forefront of innovation in the real estate and investment management sectors, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a “diversified alternative asset manager.”

To ensure the responsible execution of this strategy, the asset manager said it has collaborated with a team of experts, including legal advisors from Perkins Coie and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, as well as its existing audit firm, Deloitte.

Caliber’s announcement precedes a significant breakthrough for the Chainlink network, which recently partnered with the US Commerce Department to bring critical macroeconomic data on-chain. 

NewsBTC reported earlier today that following the disclosure of the partnership, LINK’s price experienced a notable surge, reaching approximately $25, reflecting a 6% increase. As of this writing, the Chainlink’s price has dropped toward $24.86, losing earlier gains to a 1.8% increase now recorded in the 24-hour time frame. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

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A publicly listed real estate firm has become the first corporate treasury vehicle to hold Chainlink (LINK) as a reserve asset, signaling the growing push by companies to adopt alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

CaliberCos, a Phoenix-based asset manager whose stock has fallen more than 98% since its 2023 Nasdaq debut, announced that its board approved a strategy to allocate part of its treasury to Chainlink’s native token.

The company also plans to stake the tokens to generate yield for investors and integrate Chainlink’s blockchain technology into core operations such as asset valuation and automation.

Treasury shift amid struggles

The pivot comes as Caliber grapples with severe financial pressure. Just a day before the announcement, Nasdaq issued the company a delisting notice for failing to meet the $160 million minimum stockholder equity requirement.

At the end of June, Caliber’s equity stood at just $17.6 million.

Despite its challenges, the move drew strong investor reaction. Shares surged 60% after the announcement, highlighting how digital asset exposure can provide momentum to struggling firms.

The announcement also comes amid several high-profile developments and partnerships for Chainlink, including with Japan’s SBI and potentially spot exchanged traded funds tied to LINK.

Chainlink adoption expands

With the decision, Chainlink joins Bitcoin and Ethereum as tokens adopted by corporate treasuries, expanding the universe of digital assets held on balance sheets. Caliber’s board described LINK as a liquid asset with long-term growth potential.

The firm’s CEO, Chris Loeffler, said the strategy reflects Caliber’s goal of being a diversified alternative asset manager that bridges physical and digital infrastructure.

Alongside the treasury allocation, Caliber has also formed a crypto advisory board made up of several experts to oversee its digital asset policy.

The development marks a milestone for Chainlink, whose token has risen sharply this year amid record wallet growth and growing adoption of its blockchain services.

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The race for crypto ETFs is intensifying as two tokens, Chainlink (LINK) and XRP, come under scrutiny. Crypto asset manager Bitwise officially submitted paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, seeking to launch a Bitwise Chainlink ETF that provides investors with direct exposure to LINK, the native token of the oracle network.

Bitwise Pushes Forward With Chainlink ETF Filing

According to the S-1 filing, the fund will directly hold LINK, providing investors with a way to gain exposure to the token without having to purchase it directly on the open market. In practice, this means that investors can create shares using the LINK token and redeem their shares to receive LINK again, or they can complete the process in cash. Shares in the fund will also be issued and redeemed in cash, a Trust-Directed-Trade process that mirrors the structure of other spot ETFs.

The SEC has only recently begun to allow issuers to offer in-kind creation and redemption for crypto-based ETFs. The Bitwise Chainlink ETF application does not yet include a ticker symbol. It does not specify the exact listing venue. Still, Bitwise plans to list the fund on a U.S. national securities exchange after obtaining approval from the SEC. The paperwork, however, shows that Coinbase Custody Trust Company would act as the custodian for the LINK tokens and also serve as the prime execution agent.

Chainlink’s price action has already responded positively to the news of the Bitwise ETF application. The token is trading above $23 and has gained nearly 5% in the daily chart. Traders are now watching to see if LINK can extend its ETF momentum and push toward a price breakout to $30 if the cryptocurrency continues its uptrend.

Chainlink And XRP Battle For ETF Spotlight

While Chainlink is gaining attention with its ETF filing, XRP is not far behind in the race. Bitwise has filed amended S-1 forms for its XRP ETF, with key catalysts for possible SEC approval expected in October. The amendments to the XRP ETF filing were likely made in response to feedback from the SEC. 

If the XRP ETF follows a path similar to Ethereum’s, market experts predict approval could come first, with trading beginning about two months later. Meanwhile, if it follows the same pattern as Bitcoin ETFs, the most favorable outcome could see trading begin within just one to five days after approval, rather than waiting months.

With Bitwise filing for a LINK ETF and also pursuing an XRP product, both tokens are firmly in the spotlight and could soon compete directly as regulated investment products available through spot ETFs. 

XRP’s price action remains steady despite waiting for ETF approval. The token is hovering near $3.22 after recently climbing to $3.60. Traders are now watching to see if XRP can break out again as the ETF review process moves forward.

Featured image from DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.