El Salvador Confirms Bitcoin Will Remain Legal Tender Alongside the USD After Securing USD 1.4 Billion IMF Loan

The IMF had previously advised the Central American nation to limit its exposure to the cryptocurrency.

El Salvador has announced that Bitcoin will continue to be legal tender in the country, despite agreeing to limit its exposure to the cryptocurrency as part of a USD 1.4 billion loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Central American nation became the first in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021, sparking tension with the IMF over the financial and legal risks involved. However, the IMF recently acknowledged that these risks have yet to materialise.

According to a government statement, Bitcoin will remain legal tender alongside the US dollar, which has been the country's official currency since 2001. The government also confirmed that upcoming legal reforms will make Bitcoin acceptance by private businesses voluntary, shifting from earlier mandates.

An IMF spokesperson highlighted that El Salvador currently holds 5,968 Bitcoins, valued at approximately USD 594 million. Meanwhile, Bitcoin prices have seen a recent rally, driven in part by global developments, including US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed plans for a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

El Salvador's economic motivation for adopting Bitcoin is primarily to reduce the costs associated with remittances, which are a vital lifeline for its economy. By enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions through Bitcoin and utilising platforms like the government-developed Chivo Wallet, the administration aims to bypass intermediaries, lower transfer costs, and increase the value retained by families. However, this approach hinges on widespread adoption and trust in the cryptocurrency, which remains volatile and requires digital literacy and access to technology – both of which are challenges in a country with significant socioeconomic disparities. While the potential for cost savings is significant, the practical execution and risks tied to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations pose ongoing questions about the long-term viability of this strategy.