Conditional Preliminary Approval for Trump-Linked USD1 Bank Venture: Abu Dhabi Partners Hold 49% Stake

While the planned U.S. bank for World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin has received conditional preliminary approval, Abu Dhabi-linked investors hold a 49% stake in the new holding company.

According to a report by Wu Blockchain citing The Wall Street Journal, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted conditional preliminary approval this month to World Liberty Financial’s bank venture. The planned bank will be used for the issuance, redemption, and custody of USD1.

However, this decision does not mean the bank has commenced operations. For the venture to function, it must complete the conditions set by the OCC and undergo a final review. The bank will be structured as a national trust bank offering specific custodial and fiduciary services.

Notable ownership structure in the World Liberty bank

In the new bank venture’s holding company, WLTC Holdings, United Arab Emirates National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his co-investors hold a total stake of 49%. This share is held through StringZ Holding RSC.

An entity linked to the Trump family holds approximately a 38% stake in WLTC Holdings. This description does not mean the stake belongs directly to Donald Trump. The company is defined only as a structure linked to the Trump family.

Tahnoon and his co-investors invested $500 million in World Liberty Financial in January 2025 and acquired a 49% stake in the company. The new bank plan stands out as a step toward creating a U.S.-based banking infrastructure for USD1 following this investment relationship.

The venture brings together the financial structure of the Trump-linked crypto project with major investors from the United Arab Emirates. Although the OCC’s preliminary approval advances the process, regulatory conditions must be completed for the bank to begin providing services.