Skipton Building Society CEO Jazz Gakhal is calling for new emojis to help Brits talk about money. The building society has created and submitted a series of proposed emojis to the Unicode Consortium, the organisation that approves new emojis globally.
Proposed Emojis for Everyday Finances
The proposed collection includes a pound sign coin, piggybank, money tree, rainy day fund, money on the mind, and money talks emojis. These aim to bridge the gap in representing British currency and everyday financial experiences in digital conversations.
Currently, over 10 billion emojis are sent daily worldwide, with 92% of online users using them regularly. Yet only one emoji—the stack of cash—features the pound sterling symbol. Most money-related emojis are generic or dollar-led, such as the money bag, flying cash, and face with money-sign eyes.
Making Money Conversations More Natural
Jazz Gakhal, Skipton's CEO of money, said: “Emojis are no longer just a fun add-on to conversations – they have become a core part of how people communicate and make themselves understood. Yet when it comes to talking about money in the UK, there are surprisingly few emojis that reflect the currency and financial experiences that are part of everyday life for millions of people.”
She added that money remains a taboo subject for many, but new emojis could help remove the stigma. “Creating more recognisable and relatable ways to talk about finances could help make those conversations feel more natural, accessible and easier to start. If a simple emoji prompts someone to talk about their savings goals, seek advice, or feel more confident discussing their finances with friends, family or experts, then it has the potential to make a meaningful difference.”
Gen Z and Financial Awkwardness
Research of 2,000 adults found that the majority of Gen Z have at least one financial topic they find awkward. Topics include talking about savings (47%), asking someone to pay them back (38%), and splitting the bill (30%). Nearly four in ten said texting makes these conversations more comfortable.
Among Gen Z, 43% believe more British currency emojis would make it easier to talk about money. Four in ten (41%) said it would make conversations more relatable, and 36% think it would help express financial matters more clearly.
Not Just for Gen Z
Overall, one in six adults are not confident talking about money, rising to 23% of 45- to 54-year-olds. Among all Brits polled, the most desired emojis include a piggy bank (22%) and a payday emoji (21%). Others want empty pockets (17%), a rainy-day fund (14%), and grabbing a bargain (14%).
Jazz Gakhal added: “While younger adults are often at the forefront of digital communication, the reality is that money remains a difficult topic for people of all ages. Whether someone is saving for their first home, managing household budgets, building a rainy-day fund or planning for retirement, financial conversations can still feel uncomfortable or difficult to start. That's why it's important to create more opportunities for open, relatable conversations about finances and to help people build knowledge and confidence over time.”
She concluded: “For those looking to take the next step, seeking trusted guidance and making use of practical tools, savings products and educational resources can help turn good intentions into positive financial habits. And whenever those money conversations begin, Skipton is here to provide the support, guidance and resources people need to take the next step with confidence.”
