A Toronto-based payroll and human resources software company has rolled out a feature allowing employees to receive portions of their paycheques in cryptocurrency, marking a significant shift in how Canadian and global companies can compensate remote workers.
Borderless AI launched its Crypto-Native Payroll feature this week, enabling organizations using its platform to let employees direct a portion of their earnings directly into digital assets before payroll is processed. The move sidesteps traditional post-payroll cryptocurrency transfers, potentially reducing transaction fees and exchange rate friction.
Why Companies Are Adopting Crypto Payroll Options
Willson Cross, co-founder and CEO of Borderless AI, explained the thinking behind the expansion: "When you look at a global workforce, a one-size-fits-all approach no longer applies when you take into consideration each country's currencies and savings options."
"The global hiring market remains competitive, and companies that adapt and offer flexible options to employees, including crypto, go a long way in building an invested workforce."
Founded in 2022, Borderless AI emerged from stealth with $27 million in seed funding in March 2024. The platform helps companies onboard, pay, and manage employees worldwide without establishing separate foreign entities — a key advantage for firms with distributed teams across multiple countries.
Crypto Adoption Among Canadian Workers
The feature arrives as cryptocurrency adoption continues among Canadians. The Ontario Securities Commission estimates that approximately one in ten Canadians owns cryptocurrency either directly or through crypto-based investment funds.
While global crypto transaction volumes have declined over the past two quarters, retail activity remains substantial. According to the Q1 2026 Global Crypto Adoption Index released by blockchain firm TRM Labs, global retail crypto activity reached $979 billion USD in the first quarter alone.
Alongside Traditional Savings Options
Borderless AI's new crypto payroll feature sits alongside traditional investment mechanisms already available through the platform. Employees can direct portions of their paycheques to RRSPs and other registered savings plans, with the same streamlined approval and management process.
Workers maintain full control over their cryptocurrency contributions, able to submit requests, track approvals, and adjust or cancel contributions at any time before payroll is finalized.
The expansion reflects broader changes in how Canadian employers attract and retain talent in an increasingly remote and globally distributed job market.
This story was originally reported by BetaKit. Read the original article on BetaKit.