Trump in Schwab tie-up for $250m financial services offering

Trump in Schwab tie-up for $250m financial services offering
“American patriots can protect themselves from the ever-present threat of cancellation, censorship”
JAN 29, 2025

President Donald Trump has, along with Elon Musk, been singing the praises of crypto for a while now, so it comes as little surprise that news is breaking that his media venture, Truth Social, is broadening its scope beyond social networking by launching a financial services platform with plans to allocate up to $250 million towards cryptocurrency and other investments.

Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), in which Trump holds a majority stake, revealed earlier today its intentions to introduce Truth.Fi. This new entity is expected to focus on acquiring bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, and a mix of traditional assets. Following the announcement, TMTG's stock saw a 10 percent surge in early trading on the New York market.

According to the company, Truth.Fi will prioritize funding initiatives that drive American economic growth, particularly in manufacturing and energy sectors, while also supporting businesses aligned with the "Patriot Economy."

This move aligns with Trump’s continued advocacy for digital assets, a stance he has maintained both throughout his campaign and during his presidency. Last year, he and his sons established a cryptocurrency-focused firm called World Liberty Financial. More recently, he and former First Lady Melania Trump introduced memecoins, a type of cryptocurrency lacking intrinsic business backing or revenue streams.

TMTG currently operates Truth Social, a conservative-leaning social media network, along with a streaming service. It previously attempted to acquire Bakkt, a digital asset trading platform with a market cap of $150 million, in November, though that deal did not materialize. The company's CEO, Devin Nunes, a former Republican congressman and chair of Trump's intelligence advisory board, emphasized that Truth.Fi aligns with the broader mission of Truth Social.

"Truth.Fi is a natural expansion of the Truth Social movement," Nunes stated. "American patriots can protect themselves from the ever-present threat of cancellation, censorship, debanking, and privacy violations committed by Big Tech and woke corporations."

The investment strategy of Truth.Fi will be guided by financial services firm Charles Schwab, which will oversee asset custody and provide advisory services. While Schwab does not currently facilitate direct trading in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, it has indicated it would explore the space if regulatory conditions allow.

Last week, the Securities and Exchange Commission took steps to ease restrictions on banks holding digital assets for clients, potentially paving the way for greater institutional involvement in crypto markets. TMTG disclosed that as of the end of 2024, it held more than $700 million in cash reserves.

"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on any current or former client activities," Charles Schwab stated in response to an inquiry from the Financial Times.

In a related development, Samantha Schwab, granddaughter of brokerage founder Charles Schwab, was recently appointed deputy chief of staff at the Treasury Department.

TMTG’s financial expansion was announced just a day after Elon Musk’s X revealed plans to collaborate with Visa on a financial services initiative named X Money Account. The platform will introduce peer-to-peer payments using Visa’s infrastructure, with a rollout expected later this year.

Additionally, in another notable connection between Trump’s circle and the cryptocurrency industry, Chris LaCivita, who serves as co-campaign manager for Trump’s 2024 presidential run, has joined the global advisory board of Coinbase, a major crypto exchange.

Latest News

Advisor moves: Nebraska RIA crosses $1 billion after absorbing ex-RBC team
Advisor moves: Nebraska RIA crosses $1 billion after absorbing ex-RBC team

Meanwhile, Raymond James snags Edward Jones advisor in Arizona.

Workers want financial help from employers and they're ready to walk if they don't get it
Workers want financial help from employers and they're ready to walk if they don't get it

New Morgan Stanley research shows retirement planning is a key area where advice is required.

SEC kills 'gag rule' that silenced thousands of settling defendants for over 50 years
SEC kills 'gag rule' that silenced thousands of settling defendants for over 50 years

ASA reacts as regulator drops no-deny policy, freeing firms and individuals to publicly dispute allegations after reaching settlements.

Washington state regulators claim advisor was running Ponzi-like fund
Washington state regulators claim advisor was running Ponzi-like fund

Joel Frank allegedly sold more than $39 million worth of investments in the Equilus Funds to more than 90 investors.

Bipartisan bill aims to take down 401(k) charitable giving hurdle
Bipartisan bill aims to take down 401(k) charitable giving hurdle

The Charity Parity Act would eliminate a costly IRA rollover requirement that blocks direct charitable transfers from workplace retirement plans.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline