Skipton Building Society is leading a campaign for emojis that better represent British currency and everyday financial conversations ahead of tomorrow’s (July 17) Emoji Day.
Currently, most money emojis show generic or dollar-focused designs, which can make money talk feel less relatable for UK users.
Jazz Gakhal, Skipton Building Society’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.
“We’re calling for more everyday money and saving emojis to help people feel more comfortable talking about money, and to make money conversations feel fairer and more accessible for everyone.”
Skipton has submitted a series of proposed emojis to the Unicode Consortium, the organisation responsible for approving new emoji designs worldwide.
The suggested icons include a pound sign coin, piggybank, money tree, “rainy day” fund, “money on the mind,” and “money talks” graphics.
These designs aim to reflect real-life financial experiences.
Ms Gakhal wants to normalise financial conversations, which can still feel awkward or taboo for many people.
She said: “Money conversations can be a social taboo, with many people still feeling uncomfortable discussing their finances, whether that’s saving for the future, managing household budgets or seeking support when times are tough.
“We believe that anything which encourages people to start those conversations is a positive step forward.
“The language and symbols we use play an important role in shaping how comfortable people feel discussing different topics, and emojis are now a key part of that everyday language.”
Research from Skipton shows the importance of breaking the stigma around money talk.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that the majority of Gen Z respondents find at least one financial topic awkward to discuss.
Nearly half (47 per cent) said talking about savings feels uncomfortable, while 38 per cent struggle to ask someone to pay them back, and 30 per cent dislike discussing splitting the bill.
Seventeen per cent of Gen Z said they are not confident talking about money at all.
More than a third (38 per cent) said it is easier to talk about money over text.
Of those surveyed, 43 per cent of Gen Z users said more British currency emojis would make digital money conversations easier.
Forty-one per cent said they would make money talk feel more relatable, and 36 per cent said new emojis would help them express financial matters more clearly.
This lack of confidence is not limited to younger generations.
One in six adults (16 per cent) said they do not feel confident discussing finances, rising to 23 per cent of 45 to 54-year-olds.
Among those aged 55 to 64, nearly half (47 per cent) said talking about how much they have in savings feels awkward.
When asked which emojis they would like to see, 22 per cent of respondents said a piggy bank, and 21 per cent wanted a payday icon.
A digital “empty pockets” emoji was supported by 17 per cent, followed by 14 per cent each for a “rainy day” fund and “grabbing a bargain.”
Ms Gakhal said: “Young adults today are among the first generations to have grown up entirely in a digital world, giving them unprecedented access to information, tools and ways to manage their money.
“But being digitally confident doesn’t automatically translate into feeling confident about financial decisions, particularly when money can still feel like an awkward subject to discuss.
“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.”
