Salvador paves the way for Bitcoin investment banks

Bitcoin is not the cup of IMF coffee or that of the big laying of international finance. While Washington and Brussels take out the risk calculator, Nayib Bukele and his team take out the Crypto check book. Between audacity and headlining, the Salvador pursues its pro-bitcoin policy, even if it means walking on the tightrope between financial innovation and institutional pressure.

A tailor -made legal framework for sophisticated investors

In August 2025, the Salvador, a bitcoin accumulator country, adopted the ” Investment Banking Law », A law that clearly separates commercial banks and investment banks. From now on, they can have bitcoin and other digital assetsbut only for “sophisticated investors”.

Juan Carlos Reyes, president of the National Commission for Digital Assets (CNAD), summed up the spirit of this reform : ” The new law allows private investment banks to operate in legal and foreign currencies for “sophisticated investors”, and to engage in digital assets like Bitcoin with a PSAD license ».

There PSAD license Open the door to 100 % bitcoin banking operations. The official objective is clear: attract foreign capital And make the country a crypto-friendly financial hub. But some observers note that this orientation first promotes large institutions, not the population.

Bitcoin and crypto at the center of new international alliances

This regulatory change is not played in a vacuum. Salvador recently multiplied the International exchangesin particular with countries sharing the same appetite for cryptocurrencies. In July, the Central Bank of Bolivia signed a memorandum of understanding with the CNAD to promote the use of cryptos in the midst of exchange crisis.

Pakistani Minister Bilal Bin Saqib, received by Bukele, explained:

Cooperation is based on the way in which emerging economies, both under IMF program, can take advantage of technology and other financial instruments for national growth.

These partnerships recall that, behind the announcements, there is also a geopolitical battle : that of the countries that want to bypass dependence on dominant currencies and open up to monetary alternatives.

Regulatory challenges and key figures to monitor

The bet of Salvador is not without risks. The IMF has already conditioned its financial aid to legislative developments, including the abolition of the obligation for businesses to accept bitcoin. The institution remains vigilant in the face of volatility and the risks of money laundering.

Max Keiser, Bitcoin advisor to Bukele, nevertheless sees the trend like irreversible. Bitcoin is absorbing 400,000 billion dollars of stored value worldwide and reduce the influence of central banks, he believes.

For the moment, financial indicators show A rise in power of national crypto engagement.

To remember:

• 6,262 BTC held by the state, or more than $ 730 million during the current – Bitcoin price at $ 118,000;
• Law adopted in August 2025, PSAD license for Bitcoin operators;
• Agreement signed with Bolivia in full shortage of dollars;
• “Bank for private investment” project with minimum capital of $ 50 million.

The adoption of Bitcoin in Salvador has never been a demine land. Between reforms, external pressures and willingness to assert its financial sovereignty, the country plays a subtle game of regulatory hide and seek with large institutions. Bukele and his team advance by bypassing the imposed rules, convinced that the crypto bet is the key to redrawing their monetary future.