The world of cryptocurrency is abuzz as World Liberty Financial, a Trump family-backed platform, makes headlines with its application for a national trust bank charter. This move, aimed at enhancing the functionality of its USD1 stablecoin, underscores the growing significance of blockchain and digital assets in the financial ecosystem.
World Liberty Financial’s Bold Vision
According to a recent press release, WLTC Holdings LLC, the parent company of World Liberty Financial, filed a de novo application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish World Liberty Trust Company, a proposed national trust bank. This specialized bank will focus on seamless issuance, secure custody, and conversion of digital assets like USD1, the platform’s signature stablecoin.
The CEO of World Liberty, Zach Witkoff, highlighted the platform’s current usage in cross-border payments, settlements, and treasury operations. Securing a national trust charter, he noted, would create a regulated, full-stack offering for institutional clients like cryptocurrency exchanges, market makers, and investment firms.
Why USD1 is Gaining Momentum
Launched in early 2025, USD1 has quickly climbed the crypto ranks, becoming the sixth-largest stablecoin with a market capitalization of $3.38 billion and a daily trading volume exceeding $2.4 billion. Its expansion to major blockchain networks like Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, TRON, Aptos, and AB Core demonstrates its broad appeal.
World Liberty has taken substantial steps to increase USD1 adoption. These include plans for a crypto-linked debit card compatible with Apple Pay, opening new avenues for retail and institutional applications. The company has also proposed allocating 5% of its treasury to forge partnerships with prominent CeFi and DeFi platforms, though this initiative has received mixed feedback from the community.
Strict Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
World Liberty Financial is committed to operating under stringent regulatory standards. All operations will adhere to rigorous anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, sanctions screening, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures. The initiative will also comply with the GENIUS Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump, which provides a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers under federal oversight.
A Step Toward Federal Approval
If granted the national trust bank charter, World Liberty Financial would join a small but growing list of crypto-native financial institutions, including Anchorage Digital Bank and companies with conditional approvals like Circle and Ripple. However, given the Trump family’s ties to the platform, the application is expected to undergo intense regulatory scrutiny to address potential conflicts of interest.
Why It Matters for Crypto Enthusiasts
This development is a significant milestone in the journey toward mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency. For those looking to enter the stablecoin market, keeping an eye on USD1 could be a prudent move. If you’re considering investing in stablecoins, tools like the eToro Crypto Platform can provide valuable resources for buying and managing digital assets.
As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, World Liberty Financial’s efforts to bridge traditional banking and digital assets could set a precedent for others in the industry. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.