El Salvador Approves Bitcoin Services in Investment Banks
- El Salvador permits investment banks to hold Bitcoin.
- Affects institutional Bitcoin adoption globally.
- Enhances regional crypto liquidity and capital flows.
El Salvador enacted a new law in August 2025 allowing private investment banks to hold Bitcoin, marking a substantial shift in the country’s financial landscape.
This regulation could enhance institutional Bitcoin adoption, impacting regional crypto markets and capital flows, potentially positioning El Salvador as a leading crypto hub internationally.
Summarizing the event, El Salvador’s Investment Banking Law was enacted in August 2025, authorizing private investment banks to include Bitcoin in their holdings.
This legislative change positions El Salvador as a pivotal player in global crypto finance, accelerating institutional Bitcoin use and attracting foreign investment.
El Salvador Law Empowers Banks to Hold Bitcoin
The Investment Banking Law, effective August 2025, allows banks to hold Bitcoin. The legislation is supported by the Ministry of Economy and guided by the National Digital Assets Commission.
Juan Carlos Reyes, President of CNAD, states this enables banks to operate entirely in Bitcoin. According to Reyes, “The new Investment Banking Law allows private investment banks to operate in legal tender and foreign currencies for ‘Sophisticated Investors’ and to engage in digital assets like Bitcoin with a Digital Asset Service Provider (PSAD) license. With a PSAD license, a bank could choose to operate entirely as a Bitcoin bank.” This law differentiates investment from commercial banks, focusing on sophisticated investors. Cointelegraph
Increased Bitcoin Liquidity in Financial Markets
Financial markets see increased Bitcoin liquidity as banks engage with digital assets. The legislation aims to boost El Salvador’s appeal as a regional crypto hub.
Regulatory clarity supports banks serving high-net-worth clients with $250,000 minimum assets. Institutional focus may shift economic power within the crypto sector. Crypto Briefing
Building on Bitcoin’s Legal Tender Status
El Salvador was the first nation to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021. The new law builds on this legacy, offering institutional pathways for digital asset integration.
Enhanced Bitcoin adoption could replicate previous increases in national reserves and institutional holdings. Market dynamics may evolve with prolonged asset flows. Ainvest
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