In a significant development for the cryptocurrency landscape, Dr. Nouriel Roubini, a long-time critic of digital currencies, has joined forces with Atlas Capital Team Inc. to launch a groundbreaking asset called USAFi. Set for release in the third quarter of 2026, USAFi is touted as the world's first regulated and permissionless digital security, compliant with VARA regulations in Dubai. This innovative approach signifies a potential shift in Roubini’s outlook on digital assets, as he co-authored a white paper that outlines the framework for USAFi, an ERC-20 token backed by a registered ETF which trades on NASDAQ.
The white paper, which can be accessed at
USAFI white paper, details how USAFi aims to offer a diversified reserve comprising U.S. Treasury bonds, gold, food commodities, and essential raw materials. This strategic diversification is particularly relevant in today’s uncertain economic climate, where traditional savings are increasingly at risk due to trade wars, geopolitical tensions, and sustained inflation. Roubini expresses his concerns that most digital assets fail to provide any protection against such existential risks, as they lack backing from tangible assets.
He stated, "The current period presents the greatest risk for savers in a generation, caused by factors beyond individual control. What Atlas has created offers a different solution—a reserve that maintains value even in the face of market disruptions, which is crucial in times characterized by shocks rather than stability. This is why I have shifted from skepticism to active engagement with this new asset class."
As part of the introduction to USAFi, Atlas also announced its affiliation with the Atlas America Fund, a new ETF registered with the SEC (Nasdaq: USAF). The fund’s reserves are held at the Bank of New York, allowing USAFi to function within a regulatory framework while offering digital liquidity. According to Atlas, since its inception 19 months ago, the fund has demonstrated an impressive performance of 11.11% with a volatility of 5.47%.
Discussing the broader implications of this move, Raza Bundy, CEO and co-founder of Atlas, highlighted that the global economy is transitioning towards what he calls the 'technodollar.' He noted, "Historically, the dollar has taken on multiple forms—first as the gold dollar and later as the petrodollar. We foresee the emergence of the technodollar, which will be underpinned not by a single commodity but rather a diversified portfolio of the most productive American enterprises within sectors transformed by AI.”
The significance of this launch extends beyond financial markets; it also emphasizes Dubai's ambition to become a global hub for digital finance. Dr. Roubini commented, "Dubai has established itself as a leader in digital finance, with VARA crafting a regulatory framework that both fosters responsible innovation and guarantees the investor protections necessary for institutional markets."
With USAFi, Atlas aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems by providing institutional-grade, real-asset-backed collateral that is accessible and tradeable 24/7 in a permissionless environment. This unique structure seeks to empower the digital economy by adhering to regulatory standards while enhancing the liquidity and usability of digital assets. As the concept of the technodollar takes shape, the implications for the future of finance may be profound. The launch of USAFi could mark a pivotal point in the evolution of financial systems, promoting stability while contributing to the growing landscape of digital assets worldwide.