The economist often referred to as "Dr. Doom" is backing a tokenized security linked to a Nasdaq-listed ETF aimed at safeguarding wealth during global crises.
By Krisztian Sandor|Edited by Nikhilesh De Jun 23, 2026, 9:54 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Nouriel Roubini (John Lamparski/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)SummaryShow- Nouriel Roubini, a long-time skeptic of crypto, has co-written a whitepaper for USAFi, a tokenized investment product.
- This token will be linked to the Atlas America Fund ETF he manages and is set to be launched under Dubai's VARA framework in Q3 2026.
- Securitize is tasked with providing the necessary tokenization infrastructure for this initiative.
Nouriel Roubini, renowned for his prediction of the 2008 financial crisis and his strong stance against cryptocurrencies, is now entering the realm of blockchain finance.
He has co-authored a whitepaper detailing USAFi, a tokenized investment offering from Atlas Capital Team, as stated in a Tuesday announcement.
USAFi will represent a tokenized form of the Atlas America Fund (USAF), an ETF overseen by Roubini, which is listed on Nasdaq. Atlas describes this token as a blockchain-based security that provides investors access to the underlying fund while facilitating transactions on blockchain systems.
The launch is expected in the third quarter and will adhere to Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) guidelines, according to the company.
Securitize, a leading tokenization platform, announced in an X post that it was chosen to deliver the tokenization framework for this project, marking Roubini's "first venture into blockchain."
This initiative is part of a broader trend in tokenization, a rapidly expanding field that integrates traditional assets like funds and stocks into blockchain networks. Proponents claim that this technology enhances asset transfer and settlement processes, broadens investor access globally, and facilitates continuous trading.
Notable firms such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Apollo have introduced tokenized investment products, contributing to a market for tokenized assets that has surpassed $30 billion, excluding stablecoins, as per data from rwa.xyz.
Transitioning from Crypto Critic to Tokenization Advocate
Roubini's pivot is significant given his history of denouncing cryptocurrencies as speculative ventures lacking inherent value. However, the focus here appears to be the tangible assets supporting the product.
The fund backing the USAFi token aims for stable returns across varying economic conditions while protecting capital through investments in U.S. Treasuries, real estate, gold, and agricultural commodities.
Roubini remarked, "We are living through the most dangerous period for savers in a generation," referencing inflation, trade conflicts, and geopolitical tensions that threaten investors' purchasing power. He added, "For years I argued that most digital assets offered no protection from this, because they had no real assets behind them."
Atlas is marketing the USAFi token as a "Technodollar" product. CEO Reza Bundy explained that while stablecoins are intended for transferring dollars on blockchain networks, tokenized investment products like USAFi can function as digital reserve assets, providing investors with access to a diversified portfolio of productive assets.
He compared this concept to a new evolution of dollar-based finance, succeeding the gold-backed dollar and the petrodollar eras.
"We refer to the next phase as the Technodollar: a digital dollar reserve that is not backed by a single commodity but by a comprehensive claim on America's most productive companies in sectors transformed by AI," he stated. "This provides the regulated wealth-preservation strategy that the digital economy has been lacking, supported by real-world assets, in a format suitable for digital finance."
TokenizationLatest Crypto News- 1Meta is developing a prediction market app called ‘Arena’ as sector booms: NYT4 hours ago
- 2BNY sees 'FOMO' driving asset managers into tokenized funds5 hours ago
- 3Chainlink teams up with 47 South Korean, European banks to speed up international money transfers6 hours ago
- 4Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum Foundation will cut budget 40% in major reset7 hours ago
- 5Bitcoin's recent drop below $60,000 signals Fed, ETF and AI pressures: Deutsche Bank 7 hours ago
- 6The SEC delayed tokenizing stocks, and here’s why that’s a relief7 hours ago
- 7Ethereum Foundation cuts 20% of staff amid leadership exodus8 hours ago
- 8Bitcoin may need to plunge 15% or more to mark bottom, according to this long-time indicator8 hours ago
- 9Former Robinhood Crypto COO Tanya Denisova joins stablecoin issuer Agora as head of operations9 hours ago
- 10In Clarity Act's final weeks, its path through U.S. Senate not getting much clearer9 hours ago
CEX Volumes Drop to Lowest Since September 2024 as RWA Perps Hit Record High
CEX Volumes Drop to Lowest Since September 2024 as RWA Perps Hit Record High
In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
By CoinDesk ResearchJun 15, 2026In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
Why it matters:
In May, combined exchange volumes fell 3.45% to $4.41T; the lowest since September 2024. RWA perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% against the trend, hitting a new all-time high.
View Full ReportMore From Finance