El Salvador’s Bitcoin Crusader Clinks Glasses With SEC—’Like Talking to Humans Again’

In a rare détente between crypto pioneers and regulators, El Salvador’s top digital asset watchdog sat down with the U.S. SEC last week. No subpoenas—just Scotch and surprisingly candid shop talk.

Regulators Actually Listening?

The meeting—reportedly held at a D.C. steakhouse where mains cost more than most Salvadorans’ monthly wages—saw both sides discussing Bitcoin adoption frameworks without the usual regulatory posturing. ’They didn’t once mention Gary Gensler’s infamous ’come in and sue’ hospitality,’ quipped an insider.

Why It Matters

As Wall Street still treats crypto like a meth-addled stepchild, this backchannel diplomacy suggests even hardened regulators recognize Bitcoin’s irreversible foothold. That, or they’re finally reading the room after 12% of Salvadorans now use Chivo wallets—more than own traditional bank accounts.

One thing’s clear: when the SEC bothers breaking bread instead of kneecaps, even the cynics start checking their lambo blueprints. Just don’t expect the suits to admit it between bites of dry-aged ribeye.