El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve holds 6,313 BTC (about $702M) and the government has scaled back Bitcoin legal-tender policies after an IMF loan agreement; the country now focuses on strategic reserves, banking rules for BTC investment banks, and public Bitcoin education programs.
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6,313 BTC in national reserve
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IMF loan deal prompted repeal of legal-tender law and pause on new BTC purchases
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80,000 public servants certified in Bitcoin; new banking law enables BTC investment banks for sophisticated investors
El Salvador Bitcoin reserve leads coverage: 6,313 BTC held, IMF-driven policy changes, education push — learn the implications for adoption today.
El Salvador was the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender, but it has since scaled back its Bitcoin laws and public sector involvement.
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office is marking “Bitcoin Day,” the anniversary of the Bitcoin legal tender law enacted in September 2021. The office highlighted the national strategic reserve holding 6,313 BTC, valued at over $702 million, and a new banking law enabling BTC investment banks to serve sophisticated investors.
The Bitcoin Office also reported that 80,000 public servants have received Bitcoin certification by 2025 and that the government now runs several public programs combining Bitcoin education and artificial intelligence training.
Despite being the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender and to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, El Salvador reversed several high-profile policies after negotiating a $1.4 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
What happened to El Salvador’s Bitcoin legal tender law?
El Salvador’s legislature repealed the Bitcoin legal tender law and agreed not to buy more Bitcoin with public funds as part of the IMF loan deal signed in January 2025. The government also curtailed support for the state-backed Chivo wallet, which experienced limited usage among residents.
How has the IMF deal changed Bitcoin policy in El Salvador?
The IMF report published in July 2025 confirmed no new BTC purchases since the December 2024 loan agreement, citing a letter of intent from central bank and finance officials confirming the government’s BTC balance remained unchanged.
Critics, including some Bitcoin advocates and NGOs, say the national BTC strategy has benefited governmental balance sheets more than everyday Salvadorans. Observers call for broader education and better on-ramps to foster local retail adoption rather than simply expanding governmental holdings.
Why does the strategic reserve matter for Bitcoin adoption?
A national Bitcoin reserve signals state-level commitment and provides a balance-sheet hedge, but its effect on everyday financial inclusion depends on complementary measures: usable wallets, merchant acceptance, and public education. El Salvador’s reserve demonstrates scale—6,313 BTC is material—but adoption metrics remain mixed.
Plain-text references: IMF report (July 2025); El Salvador Bitcoin Office statements (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Bitcoin does El Salvador hold?
El Salvador’s strategic reserve holds 6,313 BTC, reported by the nation’s Bitcoin Office in 2025, valued at roughly $702 million based on reported estimates at that time.
Did El Salvador stop buying Bitcoin because of the IMF?
The IMF loan agreement included terms that led El Salvador to stop public purchases of Bitcoin and repeal the legal tender status; the IMF publicly noted no new BTC purchases after the December 2024 agreement.
Can Salvadorans still use Bitcoin for payments?
After the repeal of the legal tender law, Bitcoin use remains possible but is no longer mandatory; local adoption depends on private platforms, merchant uptake, and voluntary wallet usage rather than a government mandate.
Key Takeaways
- Reserve size: El Salvador holds 6,313 BTC (~$702M) in its strategic reserve.
- Policy shift: IMF loan terms led to repeal of legal-tender status and a pause on new BTC purchases.
- Focus on education: The government reports 80,000 public servants certified in Bitcoin and new public education programs.
Conclusion
El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment produced a sizable national reserve and new regulatory steps, but IMF-driven policy changes have scaled back public-sector promotion of Bitcoin. Moving forward, the balance between sovereign reserves and measurable local adoption will determine whether the country’s early lead translates into lasting financial innovation.
