Will Argentina Take the Leap to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender Like El Salvador? Experts Weigh In

As Argentina grapples with economic turmoil, speculation is growing about whether the country will follow El Salvador’s bold move to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. 

President Javier Milei, known for his pro-cryptocurrency stance, has ignited intense debate about the future of Argentina’s monetary policy since taking office in 2023. Milei, who campaigned on radical economic reforms, including promises to “burn” the central bank and dollarize the economy has been taking significant steps towards embracing cryptocurrencies, capitalizing on Argentina’s already robust grassroots crypto economy.

In a recent post, David Hoffman, co-founder of Bankless, noted that “Argentina is the perfect breeding ground for the crypto economy.” He emphasized that the combination of widespread internet access, rampant currency inflation, strict capital controls, and the challenges of traditional business practices has created a unique environment where the potential of cryptocurrencies can truly flourish.

This claim is substantiated by recent data from Milkroad, which ranked Argentina fourth globally in digital asset adoption, trailing only the UAE, Singapore, and Turkey. Remarkably, at least a third of the population now uses cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions.

The country’s economic woes have fueled this crypto enthusiasm. With annual inflation exceeding 250% and the peso’s rapid devaluation, losing about 10% of its value monthly, Argentinians have turned to crypto assets like BTC to hedge against financial instability.

President Milei’s administration has been taking concrete steps to integrate cryptocurrencies into the formal economy. Last December, the government “ratified and confirmed” that Bitcoin can be used as a contract currency. This decision paved the way for registering Argentina’s first fully cryptocurrency-based company, with a share capital denominated in Bitcoin and USDC. Moreover, in January this year, Argentina may have become the first nation to establish a rental agreement where tenants pay their landlords in Bitcoin.

Furthermore, Argentina has actively consulted El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. Argentine officials announced consultations with their Salvadoran counterparts in May to learn from their experience in regulating and supporting blockchain innovations.

Education has also been crucial to Argentina’s crypto revolution. Later in August, the ETH Kipu and Ethereum foundations partnered with the country’s Ministry of Education to introduce blockchain education in schools, with the aim of preparing the next generation for a crypto-integrated future.

That said, the crypto industry is taking notice. Earlier last month, Tether, the company behind the largest stablecoin USDT, invested $100 million in Adecoagro, a major Argentine agricultural producer. This move is seen as a strategic push to expand crypto’s footprint in the country’s real economy.

While the government’s pro-crypto stance is clear, not all experts are convinced that Argentina will fully embrace Bitcoin as legal tender. Some experts caution that adopting Bitcoin as a legal tender is a complex decision with far-reaching implications. However, proponents believe it could provide a much-needed alternative to the country’s struggling financial system.