Jordi Visser Buys Ethereum to Bet on AI Payments, Tokenization

Veteran macro investor Jordi Visser has revealed a strategic bet on Ethereum (ETH), citing the growing demand for AI-driven agent payments and the expanding tokenization of real-world assets. Speaking on a podcast with Anthony Pompliano, the former hedge fund manager described the intersection of tokenization and AI as a transformative force in finance.

Visser argued that autonomous AI agents will increasingly rely on digital assets like Ethereum and stablecoins to operate online, as these do not require traditional banking access. “AI agents need food, and that food is tokens,” he said, emphasizing that the demand for such assets could lead to supply constraints. According to x402.org, autonomous AI transactions have already surpassed $24 million in volume over the past month, signaling early adoption.

Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for tokenized assets, commanding over 60% of the market—including activity on its layer-2 networks—according to RWA.xyz. Visser linked this dominance to Ethereum’s ability to support price discovery for illiquid assets. He highlighted how tokenization could unlock capital trapped in sectors like private equity, private credit, and venture capital, offering a structural solution to longstanding inefficiencies.

“Tokenization is needed for no other reason than price discovery for a lot of these things that are trapped,” Visser explained, pointing to the growing importance of transparency and liquidity in financial markets.

Crypto protocols are also racing to integrate AI agent payment capabilities. The Algorand Foundation, for instance, has partnered with Google on the AP2 Agentic Payments Protocol to support agentic commerce, reflecting broader industry momentum.

Beyond Ethereum, Visser noted that his portfolio also includes Bitcoin (BTC) as a hedge and traditional assets like gold and silver, citing concerns about rising inflation. His strategy underscores a balanced approach to navigating potential macroeconomic risks while capitalizing on emerging trends in blockchain and AI.

As AI systems and tokenization continue to evolve, Ethereum’s role in this ecosystem could become even more pronounced. Investors will likely monitor how demand for tokenized assets and agentic payments develops over the coming quarters.