For years, digital currency was seen as the wild west of finance—volatile, complex, and suitable only for high-risk investors or tech obsessives.
But times have changed. As crypto infrastructure matures and major businesses dabble in blockchain, a new idea is gaining traction: payroll in crypto. Could British workers soon be getting paid in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins instead of pounds?
The Changing Face of Payroll
Payroll has always been a heavily regulated, tightly managed area. Most UK employees still receive wages through direct deposit to a traditional bank account. But with younger workforces favouring flexibility, and remote teams often spread across countries and time zones, conventional systems are starting to show cracks. Enter crypto payrolls—faster, borderless, and potentially more efficient.
Industries that already deal in digital assets, like tech startups, marketing firms, and blockchain development houses, are leading the way. And while it’s still early days, the appeal is clear: payments can be made instantly across borders without middlemen, delays, or currency conversions. Just as alternative platforms have grown in popularity for their ease and privacy, many gamblers now prefer to play at the best crypto casinos with no KYC processes thanks to their proven ability to provide more seamless payment processes. The same thinking applies to salaries—where control, immediacy, and decentralisation appeal to a growing number of digital-native professionals.
Legal, Tax, and Practical Challenges
Despite its appeal, crypto payroll isn’t without hurdles—particularly in the UK. HMRC still expects income to be declared in GBP, and tax must be calculated on the fair market value of any crypto received. That creates extra admin, both for employers and employees. Volatility is another issue. No one wants their salary to lose 10% of its value overnight. To mitigate this, many companies that offer crypto pay do so in the form of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar.
There’s also the issue of employee protection. Most workers value predictability and stability over novelty. Crypto payrolls may raise questions about insurance, dispute resolution, or even access to payslips and proof of income—something many landlords and lenders still require in traditional formats.
Employers must also navigate privacy laws and data handling rules. Using third-party wallets or decentralised platforms comes with responsibilities under GDPR, and many payroll providers are still catching up on offering crypto-compatible services.
Who’s Already Doing It?
Globally, some major names have already trialled or adopted crypto payrolls. Tech firms, esports organisations, and remote-first startups are among the early adopters. Some companies allow staff to opt into partial crypto pay—receiving a percentage of their wage in digital currency, with the rest paid traditionally. Others offer bonuses or incentive payments in tokens.
In the UK, a few freelancer contractors and small businesses are already being paid this way, especially those working with overseas clients or in blockchain-related industries. For them, the speed and flexibility often outweigh the risks. But for crypto payroll to become mainstream, large UK-based firms will need to engage with regulators, payroll platforms, and their own HR departments to create clear, compliant systems.
The Road to Mainstream Adoption
The leap from experiment to standard practice will require time, infrastructure, and trust. Stablecoins pegged to GBP could help make crypto payroll more viable in the UK, providing employees with a familiar valuation while preserving the speed of blockchain transactions. Payment platforms and accountants will also need to adapt, offering support for mixed-currency wages, automatic conversion tools, and integrated tax tracking.
Meanwhile, education is key. Many workers are still unsure how crypto works, and few want to gamble with their salary. Employers who explore this route must be transparent, offer clear choices, and provide robust guidance. When done well, crypto payroll could be a powerful way to attract digital-savvy talent—especially from global pools where traditional payment systems fall short.
Crypto may not replace pounds any time soon, but as new generations enter the workforce and finance grows more digital, paying staff in crypto might soon move from the fringe to the future. Whether it’s a novelty or the next evolution in salary, one thing is clear: the conversation has already begun.