Abu Dhabi Royal Reportedly Backs Major Stake in Trump-Linked Crypto Bank Venture

A prominent Abu Dhabi royal is reportedly behind a large ownership stake in the holding company tied to a US trust bank connected to the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial.

Ownership Structure Revealed

According to a report citing people familiar with the matter, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s investment group controls a company holding a 49% stake in WLTC Holdings. An entity linked to the Trump family reportedly owns roughly 38%. If approved, the bank would manage issuance, redemption, and custody of World Liberty’s USD1 stablecoin under federal oversight.

Tahnoon’s Broader Influence

Tahnoon serves as the UAE’s national security adviser and chairs AI company G42, which received US approval to import advanced chips in late 2025 following a wider tech-cooperation agreement between Washington and Abu Dhabi.

Regulatory Status

Banking regulators granted preliminary conditional approval in mid-August, confirming the investment link but not naming Tahnoon directly. The bank still needs final regulatory clearance before opening. Democratic lawmakers have previously called for scrutiny of Tahnoon’s earlier investment in the same crypto firm.