14 Nov, 2025

Lessons from Argentina: Stablecoin Salaries for European Businesses

It appears that stablecoin salaries are gaining traction among businesses globally. With inflation wreaking havoc around the globe, more and more companies are looking at stablecoins to keep their payroll running smoothly. Argentina's recent economic crisis has shown us just how effective these digital currencies can be in preserving employees' purchasing power and improving transactions. So, let's dig into how European companies can take a page from Argentina's book and use stablecoins to make their payroll systems more efficient while dealing with taxes and regulations.What Are Stablecoins and Why Use Them for Payroll?Stablecoins, which are basically cryptocurrencies pegged to stable fiat currencies, have been gaining traction as a payroll solution, especially where inflation is running rampant. They offer a stable medium of exchange, which can help mitigate the nasty effects of currency devaluation. In Argentina, many startups and companies adopted stablecoin salaries to protect their employees from the rapid decline of the peso. Now, European firms are looking at the same approach to enhance their payroll processes.What We Learned from Argentina’s Inflation CrisisArgentina's hyperinflation, hitting a staggering 161% in 2023, forced many companies to switch to paying stablecoin salaries. This was primarily to protect employees from the rapid depreciation of the Argentine peso. By paying in stablecoins like USDC or USDT, businesses ensured that their workers maintained their purchasing power despite the economic chaos. This experience serves as a crucial lesson for Europe, where inflationary pressures may also threaten the stability of local currencies.The Perks of Using Stablecoins for Payroll in EuropeThere are some clear advantages to using stablecoins for payroll in Europe. For starters, stablecoins can facilitate faster and cheaper transactions than traditional banking methods, especially for cross-border payments. They can also promote financial inclusion, giving access to payroll services to those who are often left out of traditional banking. As European companies explore crypto payroll compliance, they can use these advantages to improve their operations and keep their employees happy.Keeping an Eye on Regulations for Crypto Payroll ComplianceOf course, navigating the regulatory maze is a must for businesses thinking about stablecoin salaries. The European Union is developing frameworks to regulate cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, through initiatives like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Compliance is key to avoid legal headaches and ensure transparency in payroll processes. Companies should stay informed and adjust their strategies as regulations change.The Risks of Relying on Stablecoins for PayrollWhile stablecoins do come with advantages, there are also risks. One major concern is the potential for de-pegging, where stablecoins lose value relative to their underlying assets during market volatility. This can complicate payroll logistics and possibly leave employees with reduced compensation.The regulatory landscape for stablecoins remains fragmented, making compliance tricky for businesses operating across borders. Plus, security vulnerabilities, like hacks and compromised wallets, are issues organizations need to tackle to protect their employees' earnings.Summary: The Future of Crypto Payroll in EuropeArgentina's experience shows that stablecoin salaries can be a useful tool to protect workers from currency devaluation and make payments more efficient. However, European companies looking to adopt stablecoin salaries should learn from these lessons and balance innovation with regulatory oversight and sound economic policy. By navigating the complexities of crypto payroll compliance, they can leverage stablecoins to improve their payroll systems while securing their employees' financial well-being.The future of crypto payroll in Europe looks bright, but it will take careful thought and consideration of what we learned from Argentina. Embracing stablecoins could not only improve payroll processes but also strengthen the financial ecosystem amid economic uncertainty.

12 Nov, 2025

Standard Chartered, DCS Partner to Support Stablecoin Credit Card in Singapore

Standard Chartered has announced a partnership with DCS Card Centre to support DeCard, a credit card that enables stablecoin spending for real-world transactions.Under the partnership, Standard Chartered will provide comprehensive transaction banking and financial markets services to support DeCard's Singapore user base. These include cardholder top-up processing, account management, as well as fiat and stablecoin settlements, according to the bank's Tuesday statement. The collaboration, launched first in Singapore, is expected to expand into other key markets, the bank said. Specifically, Standard Chartered's virtual account and API connectivity will let DCS identify and reconcile DeCard cardholder payments across channels, according to the statement."[Standard Chartered's] banking expertise and robust infrastructure enable us to bring secure, transparent, and efficient stablecoin payments to the mainstream, setting a new benchmark for how digital assets can be used responsibly in everyday life," said Joan Han, chief commercial officer at DCS.DeCard, powered by DCS, enables users to spend stablecoins like traditional credit cards while managing balances and repayments through its D-Vault account system. DCS, formerly known as Diners Club Singapore, has more than 50 years of card-issuing experience and has transitioned into a global payments provider focused on Web3 innovation.Singapore has positioned itself as a hub for regulated crypto assets and has implemented a regulatory framework for stablecoins. The Monetary Authority of Singapore classifies stablecoins as "digital payment tokens" under the Payment Services Act, and has introduced a separate framework in August 2023 for single-currency stablecoins pegged to the Singapore dollar or major currencies like the U.S. dollar and euro.Since then, several crypto firms have rolled out stablecoin payment services in the country. For example, OKX launched OKX Pay in Singapore in September 2025, enabling users to pay with USDC or USDT stablecoins at participating GrabPay merchants.