A US-linked crypto startup has attracted significant foreign investment this week, prompting scrutiny in Washington regarding financial transparency, influence, and the implications of foreign capital in American companies.
Reports indicate that Aryam Investment 1, a UAE-backed investor, has acquired a near 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for approximately $500 million. A portion of this deal, estimated at $187 million, was paid upfront to entities associated with former President Donald Trump and the other founders of the company.
UAE Money Enters A Trump-Linked Crypto Firm
Various reports detail that the investment was finalized in January 2025, just days before a notable political transition in the United States. The partnership has drawn immediate attention, given its connection to high-profile figures.
With the new investment, executives from a prominent Abu Dhabi technology group have been appointed to the board of World Liberty Financial, significantly increasing the UAE investor’s influence over its governance and strategic direction.
Trump & Crypto: High-Level UAE Ties
Analysts trace the investment back to connections with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a key figure in Abu Dhabi with interests spanning technology and national security. This relationship has exacerbated scrutiny, as lawmakers and watchdog organizations voice concerns over foreign entities potentially exerting influence on operations tied to a former US President.
Critics have highlighted the late disclosure of certain transactions and token purchases relevant to this partnership, fueling demands for more immediate public notifications and clearer accounting.
The deal fits into a broader context of earlier investments orchestrated by UAE-linked funds, which have aimed at both acquiring project tokens and promoting a stablecoin associated with the firm’s ecosystem.
Some of these preliminary investments reportedly positioned the platform favorably, while a separate significant stake from entities including Binance has further enhanced the project’s profile.
However, critics argue that a substantial foreign stake in a crypto firm with ties to the presidency raises serious optics and policy implications, especially as Congress intensifies discussions around regulation of stablecoins and foreign investments in US markets.
In response to concerns from members of Congress, regulators are being urged to investigate whether existing disclosure norms have been adequately followed or unintentionally overlooked.
Mixed Reactions from Investors
Investor responses to this news have been decidedly mixed. While some are optimistic about the influx of funding and the addition of experienced board members, others fear that lingering questions regarding governance and ownership could diminish confidence in the firm’s tokens and associated products.
Furthermore, substantial gaps in the buyer’s full ownership structure, evident in public disclosures, have heightened calls for regulators to demand further documentation and transparency surrounding this deal.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
