Marshall Islands Rolls Out Universal Basic Income With Crypto Payment Option

The Marshall Islands has taken a bold step into the future of public finance by rolling out a universal basic income (UBI) program that includes a cryptocurrency payment option. The move places the Pacific island nation among a small but growing group of governments experimenting with digital assets for real-world public services.

Under the new initiative, eligible citizens will receive regular income support aimed at improving financial stability and reducing poverty. What makes this program stand out is choice: recipients can opt to receive payments either through traditional banking channels or via approved digital wallets using crypto-based rails. For a country where access to banks can be limited across remote islands, this flexibility could be transformative.

Officials say the crypto option is designed to lower transaction costs, speed up payments, and improve transparency, especially for citizens living far from urban centers. Blockchain-based payments also make it easier to track disbursements and reduce administrative friction, a key concern for small governments with limited resources.

That said, authorities are careful to frame crypto as a payment mechanism, not a replacement for national currency. Safeguards are reportedly in place to manage volatility, ensure compliance, and protect users unfamiliar with digital assets.

If successful, the Marshall Islands’ experiment could become a case study for how crypto can support social programs showing that blockchain technology isn’t just about markets and speculation, but about practical tools for inclusive economic support.