Tech investor and former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan has called on the cryptocurrency community to develop more financial tools for refugees and stateless people. He highlighted blockchain’s potential as a resilient “wartime mode for the internet” amid escalating global conflicts and financial stress. The appeal coincides with a growing interest in crypto as a financial alternative, particularly following a real estate slump in the United Arab Emirates.
Tech investor and former Coinbase chief technology officer Balaji Srinivasan has urged the cryptocurrency community to build more financial tools for refugees and stateless people. He stated that the number of displaced individuals could rise due to escalating conflicts and economic instability.
On March 14, 2026, Srinivasan wrote that war, political instability, and economic issues are forcing millions to flee. He cited Ukrainian refugees and migrant workers leaving Gulf countries as examples. “We should build more crypto tools for refugees and stateless people,” he said in his post.
He described cryptocurrency as a “wartime mode for the internet” because it operates despite cyberattacks or failing infrastructure. Srinivasan argued that blockchain can help people store and move money when traditional systems fail. This call followed a post by Andi Duro, founder of research firm TwoCents, who stated that few crypto projects focus on refugees despite the clear need.
Duro noted that refugees face failing institutions and lack access to payment systems. He added that the industry seldom targets this group because it is not considered lucrative. Srinivasan acknowledged more work is needed but pointed to existing developments like stablecoins.
He highlighted the growth of USD Coin (USDC), which has a circulating supply nearing $80 billion. This rapid growth started from around $70 billion in early February. Some of this growth may be linked to capital flight from the UAE due to real estate uncertainty.
Data from the DFM Real Estate Index shows the sector has declined considerably since a recent war began. Srinivasan believes these trends show crypto’s utility as traditional finance faces pressure. The industry, he contends, should create more tools for the displaced and unbanked.
