02 Apr 2025

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Who’s Behind MGX? The Mysterious Investor Pouring Billions into Binance

Who’s Behind MGX? The Mysterious Investor Pouring Billions into Binance

In March 2025, the crypto industry was stunned. Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, secured a massive $2 billion investment from the mysterious MGX investment group based in Abu Dhabi.

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The deal, paid entirely in stablecoins, became the largest investment not only in Binance's history but also across the entire crypto market. However, it wasn’t just about the money—it was about power, influence, and a global financial landscape that is changing at a rapid pace.

The deeper you dig into this story, the more questions begin to surface. Who owns MGX? And why did the deal happen now, just as Binance is being linked to a crypto project allegedly connected to the Trump family?

Logos of Binance and MGX -  The Coinomist
Binance receives a $2 billion investment from MGX investment group. Source: binance.com

The Rise of MGX: A $100 Billion AI Giant

So, what is MGX? The company emerged almost overnight in March 2024, when the Abu Dhabi government launched it as a state fund for investing in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Backed by Mubadala (the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund with $330 billion in assets) and leading AI firm G42, MGX quickly positioned itself as a key global investor in the tech sector.

By September 2024, MGX had partnered with BlackRock and Microsoft to create a Global AI Investment Alliance focused on developing AI-powered data centers. Later, in January 2025, MGX joined forces with OpenAI and Oracle on the Stargate Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating AI advancement.

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Still, MGX crypto ambitions (marked by a $2 billion investment in Binance) sparked a wave of questions. Why would a company focused on AI and infrastructure choose Binance as its first move into the crypto world?

The answer may lie in a broader geopolitical strategy and the increasing overlap between AI, blockchain, and digital finance.

Binance: A Crypto Giant at the Center of a Crisis

Binance has long maintained its leadership in the cryptocurrency world. With more than 260 million users and a total trading volume of $100 trillion, the exchange remains ahead of all global competitors. Nevertheless, its operations have repeatedly come under close scrutiny from regulators.

  • November 2023: Binance admitted to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws and paid a $4.3 billion fine.
  • April 2024: Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was sentenced to four months in prison for enabling money laundering.
  • January 2025: French authorities launched an investigation into Binance over allegations of tax fraud and money laundering.
  • March 2025: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) paused its lawsuit against Binance, which may suggest a shift in Washington's stance toward cryptocurrencies.

With increasing regulatory pressure, Binance urgently needed a strong partner. So, could MGX be the ally the exchange was looking for?

Trump, Binance, and a Shadow Crypto Alliance

Just a few days after the deal between MGX and Binance, the story took an unexpected turn

The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported that Binance is in talks with World Liberty Financial, a crypto project backed by Donald Trump and his sons. Even more surprising was the fact that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s official representative in the Middle East, was a key figure in the discussions.

World Liberty Financial is not just another crypto startup. Founded in 2024, the project names Donald Trump as its “chief crypto advocate,” while his sons Eric, Donald Jr., and Barron are listed as “Web3 ambassadors.”

According to the project's website, the Trump Organization owns 22.5% of the project's cryptocurrency tokens and 75% of net profits once revenues exceed $30 million.

Reportedly, the negotiations with Binance included two highly controversial proposals:

  1. A share in Binance.US for the Trump family
  2. A stablecoin backed by Binance and tied to WLFI, the native token of World Liberty Financial

Meanwhile, rumors began to surface suggesting that former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) had allegedly sought a pardon from Donald Trump related to his money laundering case. CZ and Trump’s team strongly denied these claims, but speculation around the deal continues to grow.

Binance’s Plan: How the Exchange Maintains Its Lead Under Regulatory Pressure. Why do other platforms struggle while Binance remains dominant? Learn more about the company’s resilience strategy in our overview!

Changpeng Zhao is opening the doors — The Coinomist
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was rumored to have requested a pardon from President Donald Trump. Source: The Guardian

Why It Matters: A Geopolitical Power Play at the Highest Level

The MGX–Binance–Trump triangle has the potential to reshape the global crypto landscape. If Binance enters into a partnership with a crypto project tied to Trump, it could provide the company with political protection in the United States. In fact, this move fits into Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the world of digital finance.

MGX crypto investment gives Binance a degree of institutional legitimacy at a time when the exchange urgently needs regulatory allies. Moreover, with Trump’s pro-crypto stance, Binance now has a chance to strengthen its foothold in the U.S. market.

Adding to the intrigue is the overlap between artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. MGX is actively investing in AI, while Binance has extensive experience in blockchain development. Their collaboration could lead to new AI-driven innovations in the crypto space and support Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to take a leading role in Web3.

The Future: Unanswered Questions

  1. Could Binance become the official partner of World Liberty Financial, the crypto project linked to Trump?
    If so, it would mark the first time the world has seen direct ties between a sitting U.S. president and a private crypto empire.
  2. Will MGX establish itself as a key force in global blockchain finance?
    The fund’s investment suggests a long-term vision that may position Abu Dhabi as a leading center for institutional crypto activity.
  3. Will Changpeng Zhao (CZ) receive a pardon?
    If Trump intervenes, it could spark a political scandal and raise serious concerns about the crypto market’s independence from government influence.

MGX and Binance: A Story of Money, Power, and the Future of Crypto

This is no longer just a mystery surrounding a secretive investor. It’s a story about power, politics, and the struggle to shape the future of digital finance.

MGX’s $2 billion investment in Binance shows that the fight over crypto regulation, AI-powered finance, and the next era of digital assets is only getting started. With Trump’s growing influence in the crypto industry, Binance’s ongoing legal troubles, and Abu Dhabi’s strategic moves, the global financial system is entering a turning point.

Ultimately, one thing is certain: the MGX and Binance deal is just the beginning of a much bigger game.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is a figure who symbolizes the crypto industry. From developer to the founder of the world’s largest exchange, discover his journey in our feature!

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