How to Buy Chainlink (LINK) in Australia

Chainlink is a leading decentralised oracle network and has revolutionised how blockchains connect to real-world data since its first appearance in 2017.  As a foundational piece of blockchain infrastructure, Chainlink is not only essential for powering decentralised finance (DeFi) and smart contracts and is used by some Australians looking to diversify their portfolios via exposure to cryptocurrencies.

Whether you’re starting out or already have investing experience, this guide will walk you through how to buy Chainlink in Australia, while outlining its potential benefits and risks.

What is Chainlink?

Chainlink is a decentralised oracle network built on blockchain technology that securely connects smart contracts to real-world data, APIs, payment systems, and off-chain computation. This solves a core limitation of blockchains: they are excellent at executing rules automatically but cannot access external information on their own without a trusted bridge.

Founded in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, Chainlink has become the industry standard for providing tamper-proof data feeds. Its native token, LINK, is used to pay node operators for delivering accurate data, incentivise honest behaviour through staking, and secure the network overall.

Chainlink powers the majority of DeFi applications, enabling protocols to rely on verified price feeds, proof-of-reserve, cross-chain messaging, and more - securing billions in value across dozens of blockchains.

Think of Chainlink like a trusted global messenger service for blockchains: without it, smart contracts would be limited to on-chain information only, but with Chainlink, they can respond to real events like stock prices, weather data, election results, or sports outcomes reliably.

How does Chainlink work?

Chainlink operates through a decentralised network of independent oracle nodes. When a smart contract requests external data, multiple nodes fetch the information from various sources, aggregate it (often using a median or weighted average to eliminate outliers), and deliver a verified result on-chain using cryptographic proofs. This process minimises manipulation risks and ensures high reliability.

Key functions

Chainlink’s main functions include:

• Price feeds: Tamper-resistant real-time data for assets, used by leading DeFi protocols.

• Cross-chain interoperability: Enabling seamless transfers and messaging between blockchains via CCIP.

• Proof of reserves: Verifying that tokens are fully backed by collateral.

• Automation and compute: Triggering actions or running private computations off-chain.

Why invest in Chainlink?

Chainlink stands out as an infrastructure-focused cryptocurrency with strong real-world utility. Here are some reasons some investors choose to purchase Chainlink, balanced with the understanding that all crypto investments carry risk:

• Growing adoption across DeFi projects: Chainlink is integrated into major protocols like Aave, Synthetix, and Compound, securing a significant portion of DeFi’s total value locked.

• Real-world utility: It provides a solution to the“oracle problem,” allowing blockchains to interact securely with external data and enabling practical applications beyond speculation.

• Strong partnerships: Collaborations with Google Cloud, SWIFT, major banks, and enterprises bring institutional credibility and expand use cases into traditional finance.

• Network effects:  As more data providers, users, and blockchains join, the network becomes more robust, accurate, and valuable.

Different ways to invest in Chainlink

There are several ways to gain exposure to Chainlink in Australia. Each has its own advantages and considerations:

• Buy Chainlink (LINK) directly:  Purchase and hold LINK tokens on a platform like CMC Invest for full ownership and potential long-term growth.

• Crypto-related ETFs or funds:  Some investors may seek exposure to Chainlink through exchange-traded products or trusts, noting that ETFs currently exist for some cryptocurrencies. In certain overseas markets, products such as Bitwise’s CLNK are designed to track the price of Chainlink, the decentralised oracle network used to support smart contracts and related blockchain applications. Investors should conduct their own research, as the availability of these products is limited by regulatory approval, product structure, and jurisdictional rules, and they may not be accessible to Australian investors. 

• Direct purchase via a regulated broker like CMC Invest is often the most straightforward option for beginners in Australia, offering secure custody and easy access.

How to buy Chainlink with CMC Invest

If you’re an Australian investor interested in buying cryptocurrency, CMC Invest provides access to Chainlink (LINK) and a range of other digital assets through its integrated platform, making it easy to get started. Below is a step-by-step guide for new and existing CMC Invest customers:

1. Open a CMC Invest account

The first step is opening a CMC Invest account. You’ll be able to invest in a wide range of investment products, including unregulated cryptocurrencies such as Chainlink, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as traditional asset classes. 

2. Opt-in for cryptocurrency investing 

Once your account is set up, you’ll have standard access to over 40,000 stocks and ETFs. To invest in Chainlink or other cryptocurrencies, you’ll need to opt in to trade unregulated blockchain assets. Simply log in to your CMC Invest account, complete the opt-in process, and review the Cryptocurrency Terms and Conditions and risk disclosures. 

3. Research Chainlink

Before investing, it’s important to build a solid understanding of Chainlink’s fundamentals and broader market trends. CMC Invest provides a range of educational resources and advanced charting tools to help investors make informed decisions. 

4. Start investing in Chainlink

Once you’ve opted in, you can buy Chainlink directly through the CMC Invest platform using the mobile app or desktop version.

Risks of Investing in Chainlink

Investing in Chainlink, like all cryptocurrencies, involves risks:

• Volatility: Prices can rise or fall sharply in short periods due to market sentiment, news, or broader crypto trends.

• Regulatory uncertainty: Changes in Australian or global rules could affect accessibility, trading, or value.

• Technology risks:  Potential issues with smart contracts, oracle nodes, or network vulnerabilities.

• Competition: Other oracle providers may challenge Chainlink’s market position.

• Speculative nature: As a relatively young asset class, there is no guarantee of returns, and you could lose some or all of your investment.

Conclusion

Chainlink has established itself as critical infrastructure for the blockchain economy, with strong adoption, real utility, and growing institutional interest. While it offers exciting potential, the risks - particularly volatility - are real and should not be overlooked.

If you’re ready to begin your Chainlink investment journey, sign up for a CMC Invest account and start exploring how this cryptocurrency could broaden your investment portfolio.

Disclaimer: CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information and education purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, tax or other advice on which reliance should be placed and is warranted to be complete, accurate, or timely. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.   

Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risks and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose all your money you paid. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs and do your own research. It’s important for you to consider the relevant Digital Assets Terms of Service and other associated disclosure documents on the CMC Markets Invest website before you decide whether or not to acquire any of the Cryptocurrencies. Please also note that you are not currently able to send Cryptocurrencies to or from your trading account, or use Cryptocurrencies purchased on CMC Markets’ Platform to pay for goods or services.    

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