Goldman, Nasdaq CEOs to headline Mar-a-Lago crypto ‘forum' hosted by Don Jr. and Eric Trump

• World Liberty Financial's USD1 stablecoin has surpassed $5 billion in circulation to become the fifth-largest stablecoin globally, with a 49% equity stake sold for $500 million to an Abu Dhabi-linked investment vehicle in January 2025
• Federal officials attending include CFTC Chairman Michael Selig, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, alongside NYSE President Lynn Martin and Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson
• Six ethics experts expressed divergent views on conflicts of interest, with critics concerned about regulators and financial firms appearing to support a Trump family business, while defenders argue all presidents face inherent conflicts and note speakers are unpaid

Summary: Goldman, Nasdaq CEOs to Attend Mar-a-Lago Crypto Forum

Key Event Details:

Top Wall Street executives and government officials will convene Wednesday at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club for the World Liberty Forum, organized by Trump family-backed crypto business World Liberty Financial.

Notable Attendees:

• Corporate Leaders: David Solomon (Goldman Sachs CEO), Jenny Johnson (Franklin Templeton CEO, $1.7 trillion AUM), Lynn Martin (NYSE President), Adena Friedman (Nasdaq CEO)
• Government Officials: Michael Selig (CFTC Chairman), Kelly Loeffler (SBA Administrator), Jacob Helberg (Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs)
• Hosts: Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, co-founders of World Liberty Financial

Financial Significance:

World Liberty Financial has become central to Trump family wealth, contributing over $1 billion during Trump's first year in office. The company's USD1 stablecoin has surpassed $5 billion in circulation, making it the fifth-largest stablecoin globally. In January 2025, an Abu Dhabi royal family-linked investment vehicle purchased a 49% stake for $500 million.

Ethics Concerns:

Six legal and government ethics experts provided divergent views on potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue the event represents troubling overlap between regulators, financial firms, and Trump family business interests, with executives potentially seeking favor. Supporters contend all presidents face inherent conflicts and see the forum as standard cross-sector dialogue comparable to Milken Institute conferences.

Market Implications:

The gathering signals potential influence on evolving crypto policy, bringing together key regulators and financial industry leaders with stakes in cryptocurrency regulation. The Trump administration has prioritized "extending U.S. dollar dominance in the digital economy."