Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial Seeks National Trust Bank Charter for USD1 Stablecoin

World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm backed by the family of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has applied for a national trust bank charter to issue and custody its stablecoin, USD1. The move comes as the firm seeks to integrate into the traditional banking system under federal oversight.

The company's subsidiary, WLTC Holdings LLC, filed the application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on January 7, 2026, according to a press release. The proposed trust company, World Liberty Trust Company, National Association, will focus on stablecoin operations and digital asset custody.

USD1, launched in March 2025, has reached $3.3 billion in circulation, making it one of the fastest-growing stablecoins. The proposed bank will offer services such as stablecoin issuance, redemption, and custody, with plans to allow fee-free conversion between USD1 and U.S. dollars at launch.

Why Did This Happen?

The move reflects broader efforts by the crypto industry to gain regulatory clarity and access to traditional financial infrastructure. Last month, the OCC conditionally approved national trust bank charters for several crypto firms, including Fidelity Digital Assets, Ripple, and Paxos.

World Liberty aims to leverage a federal charter to provide a regulated environment for institutional clients, including cryptocurrency exchanges and investment firms. The company emphasized compliance with the GENIUS Act and anti-money laundering laws.

How Did Markets React?

The news has drawn attention from both regulators and critics. The Trump family's involvement in the crypto space has raised concerns among some lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trump family's financial gains from World Liberty Financial tokens, calling it "plain and simple" corruption.

TD Cowen analysts have also warned that the Trump family's ties to the crypto industry could slow down the passage of the broader U.S. crypto market structure bill. Democrats have pushed for provisions that would bar senior officials and their families from owning or operating crypto businesses.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Regulatory approval is not guaranteed. The OCC will evaluate the trust bank's capital strength, compliance systems, and risk controls before granting final approval. If granted, the trust bank will serve institutional clients first, offering regulated stablecoin and custody services.

The Trump family holds nearly 22.5 billion World Liberty Financial tokens, valued at $3.84 billion at the current price of $0.1709 per token. Their involvement has already stirred political debate, and approval of the charter could intensify scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers.

Approval could also impact the broader crypto market structure bill, which aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. If delayed, the bill's implementation might extend into 2029, according to TD Cowen analysts.

The outcome of World Liberty's application will be closely watched by both crypto and traditional finance sectors. A successful charter could set a precedent for other crypto firms seeking to operate under federal banking oversight.