Crypto Hoarding Takes a Leap: Trump, Witkoff Sons' New Deal Tests Limits of Token Trading.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. celebrate a $1.5 billion deal with Nasdaq for their crypto company, World Liberty Financial, which will transform a Las Vegas firm into a stockpiler of virtual tokens. The deal is unique as it centers on WLFI tokens that can't be traded yet on centralized crypto exchanges. Skeptics see this as a leap beyond established crypto-treasury strategies, testing the limits of crypto's relationship with the public stock market.

ALT5 Sigma Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed technology firm, has finalized a $1.5 billion deal to invest in World Liberty Financial’s (WLFI) digital token, a project co-founded by members of the Trump family [1]. The deal involves the sale of 200 million shares at $7.50 each, raising total gross proceeds of $1.5 billion [4]. The funds will be used to purchase $750 million worth of WLFI tokens directly from the issuing company, while the remaining $750 million will be held in cash to build a corporate treasury [2].

This move mirrors the strategy of companies like MicroStrategy, which have adopted crypto as a significant balance sheet asset [1]. By holding a stake in WLFI, ALT5 Sigma is transforming its financial approach, aiming to integrate the token into its corporate treasury and potentially benefit from its price movements [2]. The company will now hold around 7.5% of the total WLFI token supply [7], further entrenching its position in the DeFi space.

Eric Trump, a member of the former U.S. president’s family, has joined ALT5 Sigma’s board, alongside WLFI co-founders Zach Witkoff and Zak Folkman, who will serve as chairman and board observer, respectively [3]. WLFI adviser Matt Morgan also assumes the role of chief investment officer [2]. These leadership appointments signal a deepening of the strategic partnership between ALT5 Sigma and the Trump-backed crypto initiative.

World Liberty Financial, launched ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has also issued the USD1 stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar [1]. The company has previously supported Bitcoin mining and other blockchain initiatives, framing its efforts as part of a broader push toward decentralized finance. In July, WLFI token holders approved secondary market trading, which is expected to begin by the end of August [1]. The token is now assigned an initial valuation of approximately 20 cents [1], marking its first official price since launch.

The deal allows investors to gain exposure to WLFI through traditional stock market channels rather than crypto exchanges, reducing the complexity typically associated with digital assets [1]. This approach may attract a broader audience, particularly those hesitant to engage with crypto wallets and decentralized platforms.

However, the transaction has drawn scrutiny due to the significant WLFI holdings owned by the Trump family and their overlapping roles in both the token issuer and ALT5 Sigma [1]. Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, including insider advantages and governance issues, though the White House has denied any such conflicts involving the president or his family [1].

The market reacted with volatility to the news, with ALT5 Sigma shares experiencing sharp swings in the hours following the announcement, reflecting a typical “buy the rumor, sell the news” pattern [1]. Despite this, the deal highlights the growing institutional interest in crypto treasury strategies and signals ALT5 Sigma’s role as an early adopter of non-Bitcoin-focused digital assets [1].

The broader implications of the deal suggest a shift in how traditional financial entities are exploring crypto integration, using tokenized assets to diversify balance sheets and enhance liquidity. As the DeFi sector continues to evolve, partnerships like this could set new benchmarks for institutional participation in digital finance.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/alt5-sigma-commits-1-5-billion-world-liberty-financial-token-treasury-2508/
[2] https://www.ccn.com/news/crypto/alt5-sigma-wlfi-deal-treasury-strategy/
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/eric-trump-alt5-sigma-ink-1-5b-wlfi-partnership-boost-treasury-strategy-2508/
[4] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250811959222/en/ALT5-Sigma-Corporation-Announces-%241.5-Billion-Registered-Direct-Offering-and-Concurrent-Private-Placement-to-Initiate-World-Liberty-Financial-%24WLFI-Treasury-Strategy
[7] https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/11/trump-family-s-defi-play-pulls-alt5-sigma-into-usd1-5b-wlfi-treasury-plan