El Salvador adds Bitcoin, but is complying with IMF deal — Director
El Salvador continues to acquire Bitcoin despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicating that it should halt government Bitcoin accumulation. The country purchased 7 Bitcoin worth over $650,000 in the week leading up to April 27, as reported by its Bitcoin Office. Rodrigo Valdes, director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, confirmed that El Salvador is complying with its commitment to non-accumulation of Bitcoin by the fiscal sector, while stating that the focus of their program is on broader structural reforms rather than Bitcoin itself. Although a $1.4 billion loan agreement in December 2024 required the government to stop accumulating Bitcoin and re-evaluate its status as legal tender, experts suggest that there may still be room for Bitcoin purchases through non-governmental entities. This flexible interpretation could allow El Salvador to maintain its Bitcoin-friendly image while addressing its economic challenges, highlighting the tension between financial innovation and traditional economic policies. The situation serves as a case study for other nations considering cryptocurrency adoption, stressing the importance of a robust regulatory framework.
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