El Salvador marked the fourth anniversary of its Bitcoin Law on September 7 with a purchase of 21 BTC. The number was chosen as a reference to Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins.
President Nayib Bukele confirmed the transaction, noting that the country’s holdings now total 6,313 BTC. At current market prices, the reserve is valued at more than $702 million.
Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Office also acknowledged the anniversary, sharing updates on programs introduced since Bitcoin was recognized as legal tender in 2021. These include CUBO+, a training initiative focused on Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. The government said it has also certified 80,000 public servants in Bitcoin literacy.
Bitcoin Education and Financial Reforms
El Salvador has extended its Bitcoin efforts into education and finance. The government has combined digital currency training with courses in artificial intelligence. Schools and universities have added material on Bitcoin, aiming to build knowledge at all levels of the system.
Lawmakers also passed new rules allowing financial institutions to handle Bitcoin for sophisticated investors. This gives banks the ability to provide services involving digital assets within a regulated framework.
IMF Loan and Policy Conditions
The government’s plans have been shaped by conditions tied to a $1.4 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Under the Extended Fund Facility, approved in late 2024, El Salvador was required to withdraw from the Chivo wallet program and make Bitcoin purchases by public entities voluntary.
In February 2025, the IMF released $120 million after Congress amended the Bitcoin Law to reflect these requirements. In July, the IMF reported that the country had not made additional official Bitcoin purchases since the loan agreement was signed. The report also stated that El Salvador met fiscal and reserve targets under the program.
Despite the terms of the IMF deal, the Bitcoin Office has continued a strategy of buying one BTC per day, a policy launched in March 2024. President Bukele has said the program will not end, writing, “No, it’s not stopping,” in response to questions earlier this year.
The government has also expanded infrastructure and education projects tied to Bitcoin, keeping the digital currency at the center of its long-term plans. The anniversary purchase of 21 BTC reflects this position, even as the country balances IMF conditions with its own policies.
Strategy and Metaplanet Expand Holdings
While El Salvador celebrated its anniversary, two major companies announced new acquisitions. Strategy, the firm led by Michael Saylor, purchased 1,955 BTC for $217 million at an average price of $111,196. The company’s total now stands at 638,460 BTC, bought at an average of $73,880. With Bitcoin at $112,000, Strategy’s holdings carry unrealized gains of more than $24 billion.
Japan-based Metaplanet also added to its reserves, purchasing 136 BTC for $15.2 million. This brings its total to 20,136 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $103,196 per coin. At current prices, its holdings are valued at $2.255 billion.
Both announcements underscore ongoing accumulation of Bitcoin at national and corporate levels, even as financial agreements impose restrictions on government activity.
