Gusto and Zerohash: Stablecoin Payment Solution for Small Global Pods

In an increasingly digital and geographically dispersed business landscape, small pods face real challenges in managing payroll for international workers. The combination of Gusto’s payroll platform and Zerohash’s crypto infrastructure now offers an innovative solution to accelerate cross-border fund transfers using stablecoins, a technology that has revolutionized how companies conduct global transactions.

This collaboration reflects industry responses to fundamental changes in how people work. Industry data shows that about one-third of small businesses in the United States have outsourced at least one job role, while Gusto’s internal research reveals that 11% of small pods in America are now hiring international contractors in 2025. This trend creates an urgent need for faster, cheaper, and more transparent payment systems.

Why Small Pods Need Faster Cross-Border Payments

Traditional payment systems still hinder the growth of small pods operating globally. Conventional fund transfer processes take three to seven days to complete, creating two significant issues: first, cash flow uncertainty for contractors relying on timely payments, and second, ongoing administrative burdens for employers managing multiple payment gateways.

Stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to assets like the US dollar—offer an alternative pathway. By leveraging blockchain networks and onchain settlement, this technology reduces delays, operational friction, and previously unavoidable costs in transfers. Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) have become leading stablecoins in this ecosystem, serving as payment bridges for millions of cross-border transactions.

Stablecoin Technology: An Alternative for International Transactions

Stablecoins are not just speculative tools—they have become the foundation of the digital economy and modern B2B payments. Their key characteristic is value stability tied to fiat currencies, enabling businesses to accept payments without the volatility risks common in traditional cryptocurrencies.

Edward Woodford, founder and CEO of Zerohash, summarizes the vision behind this collaboration: “As the workforce becomes more global and digital, traditional payment systems can no longer meet the speed and accessibility needs of modern businesses.” Zerohash’s platform provides a regulated infrastructure to execute stablecoin transactions securely and legally compliant across various jurisdictions.

Zerohash Integration into Gusto Platform: Features and Opportunities

The ongoing beta integration allows small pods and eligible contractors to receive earnings in stablecoins with settlement times measured in minutes, not days. This system offers payment flexibility previously unavailable: contractors can choose to receive funds via managed wallets or self-custody wallets, according to their preferences and needs.

Each transaction is conducted onchain with full traceability and guaranteed settlement, supported by tightly regulated entities operating across jurisdictions. This strategy not only provides speed but also prioritizes transparency and security in cross-border payroll payments.

Gusto itself serves over 400,000 small business employers, making this integration a significant opportunity to deliver accelerated global payments to the rapidly growing small business ecosystem. With stablecoin adoption and onchain infrastructure, geographically distributed small pods can finally overcome traditional barriers in international payroll management.

This collaboration also resonates with the growing interest in the fintech sector for onchain settlement solutions for payments and payroll, marking a structural shift in how modern businesses manage cross-border cash flows.