Gusto and Zerohash join forces to promote the transformation of stablecoin international payments

A stablecoin is a bridge between cryptocurrencies and traditional finance — which is precisely why the collaboration between HR platform Gusto and infrastructure provider Zerohash is so noteworthy. The two companies announced the launch of an integrated solution that introduces stablecoins into the global payroll system, addressing the payment delays faced by international small businesses and remote contractors.

The “Old Problem” of International Payments: Why Stablecoins Are Changing the Game

When U.S. small businesses hire overseas employees or temporary contractors, a seemingly simple payroll transaction often takes 3 to 7 days to settle. This waiting period puts pressure on contractors’ cash flow and adds complexity to employers’ administrative management.

Data shows that about one-third of small businesses in the U.S. now outsource at least one task, and according to Gusto’s own market research, 11% of companies will have started using international contractors by 2025. This means millions of payments are weekly subjected to the inefficiencies of traditional international transfers.

Traditional banking systems process these transactions via SWIFT and intermediaries, resulting in multiple steps, high fees, and slow speeds. Stablecoins offer an alternative path: peer-to-peer settlement over blockchain networks, reducing confirmation times from days to minutes.

Gusto’s New Choice: How Minute-Level Cross-Border Payments Are Achieved

Gusto’s collaboration with Zerohash is currently in the testing phase, where eligible contractors can choose to receive income in the form of stablecoins denominated in USD. Compared to traditional payments, this method settles in minutes rather than days.

Edmond Woodford, founder and CEO of Zerohash, stated: “As the workforce becomes increasingly globalized and digital, traditional payment systems can no longer meet the speed and accessibility demands of modern businesses.” This reflects the industry-wide consensus — blockchain payments are no longer a future concept but a current solution.

As a platform serving over 400,000 small businesses, Gusto’s decision to adopt stablecoins marks a shift of this technology from the crypto community to mainstream commercial applications. The platform offers users flexibility: employees can choose to receive payments via custodial digital wallets (held by institutions like Zerohash) or self-custody wallets (fully controlled by themselves).

Stablecoin: A Key Component of Modern Payment Infrastructure

To understand why stablecoins are so important, it’s essential to grasp their role in the crypto economy. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat assets like the USD, EUR, or others, designed to eliminate volatility. They have become a payment pipeline and cross-border fund transfer tool within the entire crypto ecosystem.

The two largest stablecoins on the market are Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. These stable assets are widely used in exchanges, payment platforms, and now payroll systems. Compared to their volatile crypto cousins, stablecoins provide price stability for commercial applications — a necessary prerequisite for businesses to accept crypto payments.

Optional Wallets, Real-Time Settlement: Technical Architecture Details

The Gusto-Zerohash solution is built on several key elements. First is compliance: all transactions occur on blockchain infrastructure supported by regulatory authorities, which remains relatively rare in the crypto space.

Second is transparency. Contractors can track the status of each payment in real-time, no longer needing to check bank websites or wait for confirmation emails. Transactions are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring security and providing an audit trail.

Third is flexibility. Employees can choose not only the type of stablecoin they receive but also their wallet management method. This choice empowers users with the advantages of crypto finance — autonomy and instant availability.

Signals of Market Shift

The partnership between Gusto and Zerohash is not an isolated event. The entire fintech industry is exploring blockchain payments for wages, invoices, and international settlements. This reflects a fundamental change: as the global workforce becomes remote, the payment infrastructure of the 20th century is becoming outdated.

Reports also indicate that Mastercard considered acquiring Zerohash for nearly $2 billion, further highlighting traditional financial giants’ interest in crypto payment infrastructure.

For platforms like Gusto, which serve hundreds of thousands of businesses, adopting stablecoins is a strategic move to stay ahead. It offers clients cutting-edge payment options and enhances their own competitiveness in digital finance. As more platforms and companies join this movement, stablecoins will evolve from an “emerging tool” to an “industry standard” in international business payments.