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El Salvador's Bitcoin Experiment: A Year of Challenges and Criticism

Former Central Bank president Carlos Acevedo critiques El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption, citing unmet promises of financial inclusion and remittance savings.
Published on 2022-09-02

El Salvador's Bitcoin Experiment: A Year of Challenges and Criticism

The Bitcoin Experiment Under Fire

Carlos Acevedo, El Salvador's former Central Bank president, has criticized the country's Bitcoin adoption, stating that the costs have outweighed the benefits. Despite President Nayib Bukele's commitment to digital assets, Acevedo believes Bitcoin was the wrong choice as a tool for financial progress.

Financial Inclusion and Remittance Savings: Unfulfilled Promises

Acevedo highlights that Bitcoin has not achieved the promised financial inclusion or reduced remittance costs. Salvadorans found Bitcoin more expensive for transactions, negating the expected $400-$500 million in commission savings. Financial inclusion remains elusive, particularly for the poor, with Acevedo noting that Bitcoin "is not for the poor."

Volcano Bonds and Bitcoin City: A Risky Proposition

The delayed issuance of Bitcoin bonds, or "Volcano Bonds," faces skepticism. Acevedo calls the project "crazy," citing unfavorable market conditions and a lack of legal transparency. He doubts their success unless Bitcoin's price recovers significantly.

Crypto Winter's Impact on El Salvador

The crypto market downturn has caused capital losses for El Salvador. The government's Bitcoin purchases, made at higher prices, have not yielded returns, representing an "unrealized loss." These funds, borrowed from CABEI, have yet to show benefits, increasing the country's fiscal burden.

Global Implications of El Salvador's Bitcoin Adventure

As the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador's experience is under global scrutiny. The outcomes here could influence other countries considering similar moves, making this experiment a critical case study in cryptocurrency adoption.

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