The first Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador by Tether took place on January 30-31, attracting 2,500 participants. Major announcements included the integration of USDT with Bitcoin and the unveiling of a Satoshi Nakamoto statue. El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserves reached 6,069.18 BTC after a 12 BTC purchase post-event, continuing its accumulation strategy.
The inaugural Plan ₿ Forum held in El Salvador on January 30-31, organized by Tether, aimed to boost Bitcoin adoption in the country. The event saw participation from 2,500 attendees, including industry experts and policymakers, and reinforced El Salvador’s status as a financial innovation hub. CEO Paolo Ardoino remarked that the forum highlighted Bitcoin’s increasing significance in global finance.
During the forum, a second statue of Satoshi Nakamoto was unveiled, symbolizing El Salvador’s dedication to Bitcoin. This statue will be located at Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte. Ardoino commented that the phrase “We are all Satoshi” was beautifully captured in this artwork, emphasizing collective ownership of Bitcoin’s vision.
A pivotal announcement at the forum was the integration of USDT with Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, utilizing the Taproot-powered Taproot Assets protocol developed by Lightning Labs. This integration aims to merge Bitcoin’s decentralization and security with the Lightning Network’s scalability, redefining stablecoin operations in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
The integration seeks to provide a streamlined payment solution while addressing the needs of the AI economy by facilitating microtransactions, remittances, and efficient cross-border settlements. Ardoino noted Tether’s commitment to driving innovation within the Bitcoin framework, enhancing financial applications that prioritize speed and reliability.
Elizabeth Stark, CEO of Lightning Labs, remarked on the significance of this integration, stating it marks a new era for stablecoins by combining the strengths of Bitcoin with the Lightning Network, allowing global dollar transactions through an open and secure platform.
Preparations are already underway for the fourth annual Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, scheduled for October 24-25, 2025, alongside the second annual forum in El Salvador for January 30-31, 2026. Early bird tickets are available for both events.
Following the forum, El Salvador acquired 12 BTC as part of its ongoing Bitcoin acquisition strategy, which typically involves daily purchases. This large purchase deviates from its usual plan of acquiring 1 BTC per day and elevates its reserves to 6,069.18 BTC, valued at over $596 million.
The Plan ₿ Forum was initiated by Tether to foster Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador, the first country to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. It aims to bring together thought leaders from various fields to discuss the role of Bitcoin in finance and its integration with stablecoins like USDT. The integration of USDT into the Bitcoin ecosystem is a key part of enhancing the financial infrastructure and innovation in the country.
The Plan ₿ Forum demonstrated El Salvador’s commitment to Bitcoin while introducing significant advancements like the integration of USDT with the Bitcoin and Lightning Network. This integration aims to enhance financial transactions and open new avenues for the use of cryptocurrency. The acquisition of 12 BTC signifies El Salvador’s ongoing strategy to bolster its Bitcoin reserves, which are at an impressive level, increasing the nation’s financial landscape credibility.
Original Source: en.cryptonomist.ch
