El Salvador, the world’s first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, continues to acquire Bitcoin despite comments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggesting otherwise. According to blockchain data from El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office, the country’s treasury acquired 7 Bitcoin (BTC) valued at over $650,000 in the seven days leading up to April 27. Rodrigo Valdes, director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the IMF, confirmed that El Salvador is complying with its agreement to halt government Bitcoin accumulation. The IMF’s agreement may still allow for purchases through non-governmental entities, as noted by Anndy Lian, an author and intergovernmental blockchain adviser. This flexible interpretation could involve non-public sector entities or reclassified assets to maintain technical compliance. El Salvador’s strategy highlights the tension between financial innovation and traditional economic policies, offering valuable lessons for nations exploring crypto adoption. In December 2024, El Salvador struck a deal with the IMF for a $1.4 billion loan, requiring the government to drop Bitcoin’s legal tender status and stop BTC accumulation. This move underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and state capacity in navigating international financial pressures. The experience of El Salvador serves as a case study for other countries considering cryptocurrency adoption.