The way we work has changed forever. Remote teams have become hugely popular as more companies build global teams. But with this new way of work comes a new problem: how do you pay people across borders quickly, affordably, and reliably?
For some businesses, the answer seems obvious: crypto. No banks, no borders, no middlemen. But is paying remote teams in crypto as smooth as it sounds? Let’s break it down.
On the surface, crypto seems like the perfect solution for this problem. Traditional bank transfers can drag on for days, with payments bouncing between intermediaries before finally landing in someone’s account. By contrast, a crypto transfer can clear in minutes, giving businesses and workers the speed they’ve always wished for.
Accessibility is another big draw. All you need is a digital wallet, and you’re part of a global payment network. There’s no need to wrestle with local banks that may not support international transfers or might reject payments altogether. For freelancers in regions with restrictive banking systems, that level of independence can feel empowering.
Then there’s the cost factor: without the usual middlemen, transactions can sometimes be cheaper. While costs vary depending on the blockchain, cutting out expensive international transfer fees is an appealing prospect for businesses managing multiple global payouts.
Perhaps crypto’s most exciting promise is its borderless nature. The blockchain doesn’t recognise national boundaries, and that seamless universality makes it incredibly attractive for clients paying people across different countries.
For teams working in parts of the world where global banking is unreliable, crypto can be the alternative system that finally puts them on equal footing with workers everywhere else.
Also read: How to accept payments in USDC as a digital nomad
What looks seamless on paper can quickly unravel in practice. Many businesses try crypto payrolls with high hopes, only to encounter challenges that make them rethink whether it’s a long-term solution.
The first and biggest hurdle is volatility. Imagine paying your designer $1,000 worth of Bitcoin on Monday, only for them to find that by Friday, the value has sunk to $850 or, just as likely, spiked to $1,200. That kind of uncertainty is unsettling for people trying to cover rent, groceries, or school fees. Most employees don’t want to gamble with their salary but prefer stability.
Then there’s the problem of regulation. Crypto laws differ dramatically from country to country. In some places, digital assets are embraced and taxed like regular income. In others, they’re restricted, heavily scrutinised, or outright banned. That patchwork of rules can leave employees struggling to withdraw their money, navigating unclear tax obligations, or even worrying about the legality of their pay.
Even when the legal side is clear, there’s the matter of conversion. Receiving stablecoins like USDC might sound straightforward, but what happens when your developer in Argentina needs pesos to pay their landlord? Turning crypto into local cash often involves additional steps, sometimes high fees, and waiting periods. In certain markets, the exchange infrastructure is so limited that cashing out feels like a job in itself.
Finally, there’s the question of trust. Not everyone is comfortable being paid in digital assets. For employees used to the predictability of a bank deposit, crypto can feel experimental and risky. They might worry about losing passwords, the security of their wallet, or whether they’ll be able to spend their money when they need it most.
So while crypto may be fast and borderless in theory, the lived experience for businesses and workers is rarely that simple. Without safeguards and stability, what starts as a bold step forward can easily turn problematic.
Also read: Bank transfers vs. crypto transfers: which is safer for international payments?
If there’s one part of the crypto payments system that’s genuinely reshaping global payrolls, it’s stablecoins. Unlike coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which rise and fall unpredictably, stablecoins such asUSDC and USDT are pegged to real-world currencies like the US dollar. This fixes the rollercoaster effect of volatility, giving employees peace of mind that what they receive will retain its value. That stability makes all the difference for people relying on their paycheques to cover everyday expenses.
Because of this, while many companies aren’t going all-in on crypto payments, they're testing hybrid approaches. Some companies split salaries between stablecoins and local currency, giving workers both the speed and flexibility of digital payments and the familiarity of traditional money they can spend immediately. Others use stablecoins selectively, reserving them for payouts in countries where banking access is limited, fees are punishing, or international transfers are unreliable.
There’s also a growing trend of businesses relying on platforms that can bridge the gap between fiat and digital assets. These tools let workers choose how they want to be paid. This could be a direct deposit into their bank account, a stablecoin wallet balance, or a mix of both. By offering choice, companies reduce friction and make payroll easier.
In short, stablecoins represent the middle ground. They offer much of crypto’s speed and borderless freedom but without the swings of traditional tokens. When paired with flexible payment systems, they’re proving to be a more realistic and reliable way to pay remote teams across the globe.
Also read: How to receive USDC payments on Shopify
It depends. Paying remote teams requires trust, stability, and matching your team’s needs with the right tools.
For some businesses, crypto can be a smart fit. If your team values speed, already understands how to use digital wallets, and has easy access to exchanges, then crypto, especially in the form of stablecoins, can streamline payroll. It removes many of the barriers of traditional banking and allows money to move across borders almost instantly.
But not every team is ready for that shift. Traditional international transfers still make more sense for employees who prefer predictability and rely on the security of established banking systems. Having funds arrive directly in a bank account, without the need to convert or navigate regulatory grey areas, provides the peace of mind that many workers want.
That’s why a growing number of companies are adopting a blended approach. They might use crypto for urgent or high-risk payments or in markets where banking access is weak, while leaning on trusted platforms like Grey for regular payroll. Grey’s multi-currency accounts and compliance-first approach give teams the stability and flexibility they need without forcing them to gamble on volatile markets or complicated conversion steps. Fortunately, Grey also allows users to send and receive USDC.
The goal is to ensure your team gets paid on time, in a secure, affordable, and stress-free way. That could be crypto, fiat, or a mix of both. The best solution is the one that keeps your people focused on their work, not on worrying how they’ll access their money.
Also read: Best ways to convert USDC to fiat (USD, EUR, GBP) with low fees
No one can say whether crypto will ever become the global standard for payroll, but one thing is certain: how we pay people is evolving just as fast as how we work. The future of payroll is not tied to borders or limited by old banking systems; it’s digital, fluid, and built to keep pace with global teams who expect speed and flexibility.
Businesses today can no longer rely on a one-size-fits-all model. That’s why more companies are beginning to adopt blended solutions.
This hybrid future ensures that payroll doesn’t just “work”, it works for everyone. It’s about giving teams a choice and ensuring that money moves across borders with as little friction as possible. Platforms like Grey are already shaping this future by combining the flexibility of modern digital payments with the safeguards of regulated, multi-currency accounts.
Ultimately, the companies that thrive will be those that see payroll as part of their global strategy, choosing solutions that make payments seamless, secure, and stress-free for their teams, no matter where they are in the world.
With Grey, you can get paid in USDC and move your money however you want, whenever you need. Create your account today or download the app to get started.
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