The El Salvadoran government has adjusted its Bitcoin policy, shifting the cryptocurrency’s status from legal tender to a voluntary system. This move comes under pressure from the IMF, which is providing $1.4 billion in financial aid to the country, and reflects the revised policy conditions set by the international lending institution. While President Nayib Bukele initially legalized Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, this shift reflects the IMF’s influence on El Salvador’s economic recovery plan. The decision allows individuals to choose whether or not to use Bitcoin for private transactions within the country, while the government retains substantial Bitcoin reserves.