Trump-Backed Startup Rolls Out WLFI-Powered Lending Platform

TLDR

• World Liberty Financial has launched a new lending and borrowing platform called World Liberty Markets.
• The platform supports digital assets including USD1, WLFI, Ethereum, cbBTC, USDC, and USDT.
• WLFI token now has added utility as users can lend or borrow it through the new platform.
• The new service is powered by Dolomite and currently operates only on the Ethereum network.
• The company plans to add more assets in the future and expand to other blockchain networks.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has launched a new onchain platform called World Liberty Markets to expand usage of its stablecoin USD1. The Miami-based firm, backed by Donald Trump’s sons and co-founded by Zak Folkman, also supports WLFI, its native governance token. The launch adds more functionality to the startup’s decentralized ecosystem and boosts utility for USD1 and WLFI in crypto markets.

USD1 stablecoin now supports peer-to-peer lending

The new World Liberty Markets platform allows users to lend and borrow digital assets without intermediaries, increasing access to onchain liquidity. The service supports USD1, WLFI, Ether, USDC, USDT, and cbBTC at launch, all on the Ethereum network. Users can earn interest or access crypto loans using these supported tokens as collateral.

World Liberty is working to add new collateral types, including real-world assets, though details remain undisclosed. The firm has previously discussed tokenizing real estate tied to the Trump family’s business holdings. Folkman said, “We have a lot of partnerships that will be coming online in the next several weeks.”

The platform uses Dolomite, a decentralized finance protocol for margin trading and lending, as its backend engine. It aims to simplify user experience while maintaining fully onchain transparency. According to CEO Zach Witkoff, “It adds a lot of utility to USD1.”

WLFI token adds utility through World Liberty Markets

World Liberty’s WLFI token, previously used for governance and staking, now plays a role in lending and borrowing on the new platform. It allows holders to supply liquidity or use the token as collateral to borrow other assets. This development marks an expanded use case for WLFI beyond its original role.

WLFI is listed on several decentralized exchanges and is native to the Ethereum blockchain. With the new lending protocol, the team aims to boost WLFI’s circulation and create more utility. Users can participate in the protocol without needing centralized approval or custodians.

Witkoff emphasized that the team plans to introduce more features for WLFI through partnerships and financial integrations. A debit card linked to WLFI and USD1 is also under development. It would enable real-world spending of digital assets and reward users with loyalty points.

Mobile app and institutional plans in development

World Liberty intends to launch a mobile app later this year that includes lending and borrowing tools powered by World Liberty Markets. This app will also feature wallet services and support for all listed tokens. Users will be able to manage their assets and interact with DeFi features from a single interface.

Folkman confirmed the company is pursuing a U.S. bank charter to support its growing stablecoin operations. The charter would allow the firm to offer USD1 to institutional clients under regulated conditions. That move could position the firm for further adoption in traditional finance circles.

The company’s recent developments follow a $2 billion USD1 transaction by Abu Dhabi-based MGX to buy a stake in Binance. That event demonstrated growing acceptance of USD1 in major financial deals. WLFI, as part of the same ecosystem, stands to benefit from this increased exposure.

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