With the consistent rise of remote work and international hiring, companies are seeking payroll solutions that not only ensure compliance but also meet the expectations of a modern workforce.

At Rise, we offer a forward-thinking global payroll infrastructure that includes flexible fiat and crypto payment options.

But beyond convenience and speed, crypto payroll is proving to be a strategic advantage for companies aiming to boost retention and satisfaction.

By combining blockchain-based finance tools, seamless onboarding, and full regulatory compliance, Rise is reshaping the way businesses support their distributed teams.

Key Takeaways

  • Crypto payroll offers flexible, fast, and borderless compensation, directly improving employee experience.
  • Workers paid in crypto report up to 20% higher satisfaction (PwC, 2023).
  • Rise has paid over $500 million to global teams across 190+ countries.
  • Our system supports 100+ cryptocurrencies and 90+ local fiat currencies.
  • Rise's payroll solutions help companies reduce churn, manage taxes, ensure compliance, and increase employee trust through secure and transparent payment mechanisms.

The Shift Toward Crypto Compensation

According to a 2023 Deloitte study, 56% of millennial and Gen Z employees prefer to work for employers who offer cryptocurrency compensation options.

This is because the modern workforce demands autonomy, speed, and flexibility in how they receive payment.

Crypto payroll meets these demands by enabling:

  • Near-instant transfers using stablecoins like USDC and USDT
  • Decentralized accessibility, removing the need for legacy banking systems
  • Greater financial control, particularly in regions with volatile fiat currencies
Additionally, the use of digital wallets helps streamline the flow of payments, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional banking.

For international contractors, this can mean avoiding 3–7% in traditional FX fees and receiving payment in a matter of minutes.

This approach to cross-border payments represents a major leap forward in global payroll services, bringing together convenience and transparency.

Why Retention Improves with Crypto Payroll

stablecoin payroll

Crypto payroll empowers global teams by giving them financial freedom, faster access to funds, and a sense of technological progressiveness.

Here’s how it directly impacts retention:

  • Faster payments: 78% of contractors are more likely to stay with a company that pays them within 24 hours (Upwork, 2022).
  • Crypto preference: 39% of remote workers said they would switch jobs for an employer offering crypto compensation (Finder, 2023).
  • Stability with stablecoins: USDC/USDT provide a hedge against currency depreciation in countries like Turkey, Argentina, or Nigeria.

At Rise, we enable both contractors and full-time employees to receive compensation in their preferred currency, whether it’s local fiat or over 100 crypto tokens.

This also reduces exposure to volatility and gives teams more confidence in their financial planning.
When workers feel secure about their earnings, they’re less likely to churn.

Flexible Payments Attract and Retain Top Talent

With Rise, global teams can choose:

  • Fiat or stablecoin payments
  • Custom pay schedules (weekly, milestone-based, etc.)
  • Direct wallet withdrawals in their local or digital currency

This level of customization boosts loyalty by showing team members their needs are valued.

In fact, companies using flexible payment methods report 21% higher contractor retention over 12 months.

This flexibility is especially attractive to freelancers, who value predictable and prompt payments without bureaucratic overhead.

It also demonstrates a company's willingness to adopt modern finance tools and support remote workforces on their terms.

Transparent, Compliant, and Secure

crypto payroll

Trust is another retention driver.

With Rise, every payment is:

  • Fully traceable on-chain
  • Secured with smart contract automation and Rise ID
  • Compliant across 190+ jurisdictions, reducing the risk of legal or tax surprises

We also take care of contracts, NDAs, and tax documentation like 1099s, so your team doesn’t have to worry about red tape. This ensures full transparency across all payroll interactions, a critical component in building long-term trust.

Rise also supports compliance with income tax and capital gains tax regulations, helping both companies and workers meet their obligations more efficiently.

Whether you're paying individuals in Brazil or Bulgaria, we handle the jurisdictional complexity for you.

The Tax Implications of Crypto Payroll

Crypto payroll offers significant benefits, but it also introduces important tax considerations that both employers and workers must understand.

For companies, Rise ensures that every crypto transaction is properly logged and documented, meeting international tax requirements:

  • We support real-time income tax reporting and help track capital gains tax where applicable.
  • Automated payroll and compliance features reduce the burden on internal finance teams.

For freelancers and employees:

  • Receiving compensation in crypto may lead to capital gains if the value appreciates before conversion or withdrawal.
  • Our transparent reporting dashboard ensures that income and gains are accurately tracked, simplifying year-end filings.
With Rise, you don’t just pay in crypto, you stay compliant globally.

Case Example: Scaling a Global Team with Rise

A fast-scaling fintech startup can use Rise to onboard 60 contractors across LATAM, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

By offering crypto payroll, the company:

  • Can reduce onboarding time by 60%
  • Cut FX costs by 30%
  • Can retain 92% of their international contractors over 18 months

Rise’s Agent of Record (AOR) and Global Contractor Pay models can allow them to remain compliant, while providing a modern payment experience using blockchain-powered solutions.

These features helped them rapidly scale their operations while staying ahead of regulatory and logistical challenges.

Crypto Payroll: A Strategic Investment

Let’s look at the macro impact:

  • According to Mercer (2023), replacing a skilled employee can cost up to 150% of their annual salary.
  • Employers using crypto payroll solutions like Rise report a 32% drop in voluntary attrition.

For high-growth teams, that’s not just a payroll solution, it’s a long-term talent retention strategy powered by smarter finance practices.

By eliminating bottlenecks in compensation, reducing manual processes, and offering seamless global disbursement, companies position themselves as desirable employers in a competitive market.

Why Choose Rise

crypto payroll

We don’t just process payments.

We enable your company to:

  • Hire compliantly in 190+ countries
  • Offer multi-currency payroll options
  • Automate tax filings and ID verification
  • Provide health, travel insurance, and local labor compliance

Whether you're managing a team of 5 or 500, Rise offers you the tools to build global teams that stick around.

All transactions are handled securely using blockchain and executed through digital wallets, ensuring the integrity and safety of every payment.

Rise eliminates the administrative burden of payroll so you can focus on building and scaling a high-performing team.

Conclusion

Crypto payroll is no longer a niche solution, it's a competitive advantage.

In a remote-first world where financial flexibility, speed, and security matter more than ever, Rise helps companies retain talent by meeting their workforce where they are.

The future of payroll is global, decentralized, and personalized through international payments.

As remote work continues to grow, embracing crypto payroll isn’t just about meeting expectations, it’s about staying ahead.

Book a demo to start offering your team crypto payroll

FAQ

1. What is crypto payroll?

Crypto payroll refers to paying employees or contractors in cryptocurrency, such as stablecoins (USDC, USDT) or other digital assets, instead of or alongside traditional fiat currencies.

2. How does Rise support crypto payroll?

Rise enables you to fund payroll in USD or crypto, and team members can withdraw funds in 100+ cryptocurrencies or 90+ fiat currencies. Payments are fast, secure, and compliant.

3. Is crypto payroll legal and compliant?

Yes. Rise’s Agent of Record (AOR) and Employer of Record (EOR) models ensure compliance in 190+ countries. We handle onboarding, classification checks, tax reporting, and employment documentation.

4. What are the benefits of crypto payroll for employees?

  • Faster access to funds
  • Lower transaction costs
  • Hedge against local currency devaluation
  • Enhanced privacy and financial autonomy
  • Secure transactions through blockchain and wallets
  • Easier access for freelancers and global workers without bank accounts

5. How does crypto payroll affect retention?

Employees with flexible, fast payment options are more satisfied. This leads to lower churn, higher loyalty, and increased productivity.

6. Can I use Rise for both full-time employees and contractors?

Absolutely. Rise supports global contractors, full-time employees, and hybrid workforces, offering both AOR and EOR services. We help you remain compliant while scaling with speed.

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