Michaela
Aqua 1, a UAE-based Web3 investment fund, has made a $100 million strategic move into World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a DeFi protocol with ties to the Trump family—becoming its largest token holder in the process.
According to a blog post by Aqua 1, the investment is aimed at fast-tracking the development of a blockchain-driven financial ecosystem, one focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, stablecoin integration, and broader blockchain innovation. The goal, the firm added, is to redefine global capital efficiency through decentralized infrastructure.
“This collaboration pioneers the institutional migration of traditional finance to decentralized finance by accelerating the adoption of tokenized real-world assets,” Aqua 1 wrote. “Together, WLFI and Aqua 1 are building the definitive bridge between legacy systems and blockchain innovation — an institutional-grade marketplace delivering unparalleled access to traditional assets,” the firm added.
Zak Folkman, Co-Founder of World Liberty Financial, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that WLFI looks forward to working closely with the Aqua 1 team to advance shared goals. “Aligning with Aqua 1 validates our blueprint for global financial innovation, as we have a joint mission to bring digital assets to the masses and strengthen our nation’s standing as a champion and leader of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology,” Folkman added.
Additionally, WLFI will support the launch of Aqua 1’s UAE-based Aqua Fund, designed to drive the Middle East’s digital economy transformation. The fund focuses on blockchain infrastructure, AI integration, and global Web3 adoption, aiming to attract capital, talent, and technology to position the region as a leader in the next digital wave.
The Trump family’s expanding presence in the cryptocurrency sector has attracted significant scrutiny in recent weeks. Their simultaneous engagement in both political and crypto arenas has sparked concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Additionally, World Liberty Financial has been referenced in recent congressional discussions addressing foreign influence and the need for greater transparency in digital asset markets.
Furthermore, the substantial backing of WLFI by Justin Sun, founder of Tron, has heightened scrutiny of the project, prompting renewed concerns regarding foreign influence in U.S. cryptocurrency initiatives.
Sun has emerged as a significant backer of World Liberty Financial, investing at least $30 million in November 2024, followed by an additional $45 million in early 2025. In addition to his financial support, Sun joined WLFI’s advisory board and became its largest token holder, a position that granted him access to the high-profile and controversial meme coin dinner hosted by President Donald Trump in May.
Read More
- Trump Family Cuts Stake in World Liberty Financial to 40%
- GENIUS Act Heads to House as Trump Demands Speedy Approval
- Trump Mobile Launches With $499 Phone and Bold ‘Made in USA’ Claim
Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
