Economist Nouriel Roubini co-authored the whitepaper for USAFi, a tokenized investment product developed by Atlas Capital Team, according to an announcement released on Tuesday. The blockchain-based offering tokenizes the Atlas America Fund, a Nasdaq-listed exchange-traded fund overseen by Roubini, and is planned for launch during the third quarter under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority regulatory framework. The initiative marks Roubini's first major entry into blockchain finance, focusing on technology backed by traditional assets including U.S. Treasuries, real estate, gold, and agricultural commodities rather than speculative cryptocurrencies. Roubini, recognized for forecasting the 2008 financial crisis and for years of cryptocurrency skepticism, has shifted toward blockchain products supported by tangible investment portfolios. The project reflects the growing trend of real-world asset tokenization, where conventional financial instruments are brought onto blockchain networks to simplify transfers, accelerate settlements, and broaden investor access.
Securitize Selected to Power USAFi Tokenization Infrastructure
Securitize announced through its X account that it had been selected to supply the tokenization technology for the project. The company described the initiative as Roubini's first significant venture into blockchain-based finance. Atlas Capital Team explained that USAFi functions as a blockchain-based security that mirrors the performance of the Atlas America Fund while benefiting from the efficiency of distributed ledger technology. The company plans to introduce the product during the third quarter under the regulatory framework established by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
The USAFi project is designed to tokenize the Atlas America Fund, allowing investors to gain exposure to the underlying portfolio while enabling transfers and settlements through blockchain infrastructure. Industry participants believe tokenization can simplify asset transfers, accelerate settlement processes, broaden investor access across global markets, and support trading activities beyond traditional market hours. The tokenized asset market has expanded significantly, excluding stablecoins, demonstrating increasing institutional interest in blockchain-powered financial solutions.
USAFi Backed by Diversified Portfolio Including U.S. Treasuries and Commodities
Unlike many digital tokens, USAFi is backed by a diversified portfolio that includes U.S. Treasuries, real estate holdings, gold, and agricultural commodities, with the objective of preserving capital while generating stable returns across varying economic conditions. Roubini reportedly argued that investors are currently facing one of the most challenging environments in decades due to persistent inflation, trade disputes, and geopolitical uncertainty, all of which continue to reduce purchasing power. He also indicated that he had previously maintained that most digital assets offered little protection because they lacked real underlying assets.
Roubini has spent years expressing skepticism toward cryptocurrencies, frequently arguing that many digital assets lack intrinsic value and fail to provide meaningful financial protection. However, his involvement in USAFi highlights a distinction between speculative cryptocurrencies and blockchain products supported by tangible investment portfolios.
Atlas Capital Team Positions USAFi as Technodollar Investment Vehicle
Atlas Capital Team is positioning USAFi as a Technodollar investment vehicle rather than a conventional stablecoin. The firm's leadership suggested that while stablecoins primarily facilitate digital dollar transfers across blockchain networks, tokenized investment products such as USAFi can function as digital reserve assets by providing exposure to a diversified collection of productive financial assets. The initiative highlights a growing trend in which blockchain technology is being used to modernize traditional investment products, combining regulatory oversight with enhanced accessibility, settlement efficiency, and diversified asset exposure.
FAQ
What did Nouriel Roubini announce on Tuesday regarding blockchain finance?
Nouriel Roubini co-authored the whitepaper for USAFi, a tokenized investment product developed by Atlas Capital Team that tokenizes the Atlas America Fund, a Nasdaq-listed exchange-traded fund. The announcement was released on Tuesday, with the product planned for launch during the third quarter under Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority regulatory framework.
What assets back the USAFi tokenized fund?
USAFi is backed by a diversified portfolio that includes U.S. Treasuries, real estate holdings, gold, and agricultural commodities, with the objective of preserving capital while generating stable returns across varying economic conditions.
