Abu Dhabi royal’s group backs 49% of holding company for Trump‑linked crypto bank

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s group, through StringZ Holding RSC, has acquired a 49% ownership interest in WLTC Holdings, the entity behind World Liberty Financial’s planned US trust bank. An affiliate of former President Donald Trump’s family holds an additional 38% stake, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Background of the venture

The proposed trust bank would be the first federally supervised platform to issue, redeem and custody World Liberty’s USD1 stablecoin. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted preliminary conditional approval to World Liberty Trust Company on August 14, 2026, but the bank cannot commence operations until it meets all pre‑opening requirements and receives final approval.

Key investors and regulatory context

• StringZ Holding RSC – owned by Sheikh Tahnoon’s group – holds 49% of WLTC Holdings.
• A Trump‑family affiliated entity holds 38% of WLTC Holdings.
• The OCC’s conditional approval confirms StringZ’s investment and includes a commitment not to influence bank operations.

Related developments

Sheikh Tahnoon, UAE national security adviser and chairman of AI firm G42, previously backed a $500 million purchase of a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial. The transaction later prompted calls from Democratic senators for hearings on potential policy influence.

Next steps

The trust bank must satisfy the OCC’s remaining requirements before it can begin issuing the USD1 stablecoin and offering custodial services.