Getting paid in cryptocurrency will be the norm, says expert

Younger folks have trust issues with traditional financial institutions. And there are politicians who are already receiving their pay in Bitcoin.

| More on:
A young woman wearing work wear in an office setting has a lively, happy, open-mouthed expression of joy while holding a bitcoin token.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and cryptocurrencies have run hot the past few weeks as a bunch of ETFs reflecting the asset launched in Australia and overseas.

For any investor still doubting its mainstream credentials, one expert warns that receiving your wages in cryptocurrency will soon become standard practice.

According to DeVere Group chief executive Nigel Green, this faith is led by the younger Y and Z generations.

"They've been influenced by the enormous surge in tech as they came into adulthood. They are comfortable using and see the value in and massive potential of digital currencies," he said.

"There will be a growing number of people willing to have their salaries paid in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Indeed, one day it will be the norm."

After growing up through the global financial crisis and the anti-1% protests, the younger population have an inherent distrust of conventional banking institutions.

"They appear to trust an autonomous decentralised digital currency and payment system over a traditional system where legacy financial institutions and governments are in control."

US politicians stepping over each other to be paid in Bitcoin

DeVere Group's own survey showed a whopping 51% of those born between 1997 and 2012 would already "welcome" their employers to pay them in cryptocurrencies.

Among generation Y, who are born between 1980 and 1996, 36% are ready to receive their wages in digital tokens such as Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH).

"They clearly believe that crypto is the inevitable future of money.  And I agree with them," said Green.

"They see the inherent value of digital, borderless, global currencies for trade and commerce purposes in increasingly [digitised] economies in which businesses operate in more than one jurisdiction."

The findings come after the mayor-elect of New York City, Eric Adams, this month agreed to receive his first 3 paycheques in Bitcoin.

That came about as a result of one-upmanship on Twitter, after Miami mayor Francis Suarez declared he would take his next pay entirely in Bitcoin.

"NYC is going to be the center of the cryptocurrency industry," said Adams.

"In New York we always go big, so I'm going to take my first THREE paychecks in Bitcoin when I become mayor."

There are already third-party services, such as Living Room of Satoshi, that allow Australians to be paid their wages in digital tokens.

Back in May, a local study found almost a quarter of Australians were willing to take the plunge.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Cryptocurrencies

A smiling woman holds a Bitcoin token in her hand.
Cryptocurrencies

How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026?

Bitcoin versus Ethereum. Which crypto is leading the charge in 2026?

Read more »

Bitcoin ticker on a blue and black sphere.
Cryptocurrencies

Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026

Crash calls or moonshots? Bitcoin enters 2026 with bold predictions and even bigger uncertainty.

Read more »

Hand holding a Bitcoin with a rising arrow in front of a chart.
Cryptocurrencies

Better Buy in 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin?

Here are the pros and cons of each.

Read more »

BTC spelt out on wooden blocks with a red sign going down.
Cryptocurrencies

Will the Bitcoin price crash in 2026?

Crash fears return, yet Bitcoin’s evolution suggests volatility is a feature, not a flaw.

Read more »

Scared looking people on a rollercoaster ride representing volatility.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price volatility is back. Should ASX investors pay attention?

Bitcoin’s wild week is a reminder of how quickly digital asset markets can reverse.

Read more »

A man sits at his computer with his head in his hands while his laptop screen displays a Bitcoin symbol and his desktop computer screen displays a steeply falling graph.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price collapse leads US$1 trillion crypto crash

Bitcoin, Ethereum and most every major crypto are in freefall. But why?

Read more »

Yellow an black bitcoin with a red arrow going down.
Cryptocurrencies

This is the only reason you should be buying Bitcoin right now

Bitcoin might be in the buy zone, but only if you buy for the right reason.

Read more »

A man sits at his computer with his head in his hands while his laptop screen displays a Bitcoin symbol and his desktop computer screen displays a steeply falling graph.
Cryptocurrencies

Why is the Bitcoin price getting smashed?

Crypto investors have been selling off their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings. But why?

Read more »