A Very Special & Sold Out, Pure Signal, Packed Event, in Bitcoin Country
The recent Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador gathered approximately 2,500 participants from around the world to discuss Bitcoin’s role in financial innovation. Held on January 30-31, 2025, the event underscored El Salvador’s growing position as a leader in Bitcoin adoption, given its status as the first country to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. The forum also featured the unveiling of a second Satoshi Nakamoto statue, following the first in Lugano, Switzerland, symbolizing the shared commitment to Bitcoin adoption between the two cities.
The event featured a diverse group of speakers, including industry leaders, policymakers, and Bitcoin advocates, such as Paolo Ardoino, Adam Back, Samson Mow, Jimmy Song, Jameson Lopp, Giacomo Zucco, and Milena Mayorga, among others. Discussions centered on the evolving role of Bitcoin in global finance, technical advancements, and its real-world applications. The forum’s success has set the stage for future gatherings in El Salvador, with the next Plan ₿ Forum scheduled to take place in Lugano, Switzerland, in October 2025. The event reinforced the increasing institutional and governmental interest in Bitcoin, positioning it as a key player in the future of digital finance while fostering continued dialogue on its adoption and technological development.
Plan ₿ Forum was the largest ever Bitcoin conference ever held in El Salvador, and had four stages aimed towards Spanish speaking Bitcoiners. 2 which were entirely in Spanish, and 2 with live translation. This ensured 100% accessibility for attendees from all over Latin America, which was extremely important as 50% of the conference goers were local El Salvadorans.
Plan B ES was an Exciting Place, Here are Some of the Highlights
Bitfinex Securities Day
Bitfinex Securities Day, held on the eve of the Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador, focused on the growing role of tokenized securities within the country’s crypto-friendly regulatory framework. The event explored the potential of Security Token Offerings (STOs) to streamline investment opportunities, with discussions highlighting how El Salvador’s digital asset regulations allow for tokenization processes to be completed in as little as two weeks to two months. Panelists also examined broader topics related to Bitcoin adoption, including the possibility of new financial instruments like a “Volcano Token” and the likelihood of more nations establishing Bitcoin reserves. The event concluded with insights into how tokenization could facilitate investment in Bitcoin mining, positioning it as a key financial tool for attracting capital in the digital asset space.
Tether & Lightning Labs Announce that USDt is Coming to the Lightning Network
Tether and Lightning Labs announced the integration of the USDt stablecoin into Bitcoin’s ecosystem, via the Lightning Network through the Taproot Assets protocol. This development will enhance Bitcoin’s functionality by enabling fast, low-cost transactions with a stable digital asset, addressing growing demand in emerging markets where stablecoin accessibility is increasingly vital. The integration, facilitated by Lightning Labs’ infrastructure, allows for seamless issuance and transfer of USDt on both Bitcoin’s base layer and Lightning Network, potentially increasing Bitcoin’s use in global remittances and payments.
Paolo Ardoino Keynote
During his keynote speech at the Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador, Bitfinex CTO and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino outlined his vision for Tether’s role in shaping the future of financial services while reaffirming the company’s commitment to El Salvador’s ambitions of becoming the leading financial hub in Latin America. He emphasized Tether’s dedication to developing innovative financial products that expand global access to economic opportunities, particularly in underserved regions. Ardoino highlighted Bitcoin’s transformative impact on technology and finance, stressing that Tether must continue to build world-class solutions to remain relevant. His speech reinforced both Tether and Bitfinex’s alignment with El Salvador’s Bitcoin-driven financial strategy, positioning the country as a key player in the global digital asset ecosystem.
“Where are we in the Bitcoin Journey” Panel Presentation
The panel discussion titled “Where Are We in the Bitcoin Journey” brought together prominent figures in the Bitcoin space, including Paolo Ardoino, legendary cypherpunk Adam Back, Jan3 CEO Samson Mow, Lightning Labs CEO Elizabeth Stark, and well-known Bitcoin podcaster Stephan Livera. The panelists reflected on Bitcoin’s 16-year evolution, discussing its role in the financial system and its growing influence as a global asset. Adam Back emphasized Bitcoin’s superiority over gold, describing it as a technological advancement poised to replace outdated monetary systems. The discussion covered Bitcoin’s potential for further adoption, its impact on financial sovereignty, and the challenges and opportunities ahead for integrating Bitcoin into mainstream finance. The conversation underscored Bitcoin’s continued maturation and its expanding role in shaping the future of decentralised finance.
“The Rise of Bitcoin-based Capital Markets: STO & RWA Issuances on Liquid Network” Panel Presentation
Another great discussion was a panel discussion titled “The Rise of Bitcoin-Based Capital Markets: STO & RWA Issuances on Liquid Network”, which brought together industry experts, including Jesse Knutson of Bitfinex Securities, cypherpunk Adam Back, Tether advisor Gabor Gurbacs, and Nexbridge founder Michelle Crivelli. The panelists explored the transformative potential of Bitcoin in capital markets, particularly through Security Token Offerings (STOs) and Real World Asset (RWA) tokenisation on the Liquid Network. The discussion emphasised how Bitcoin-based financial products can expand access to capital markets, addressing the limitations of traditional finance, where only a small fraction of participants can raise capital. Gabor Gurbacs highlighted the goal of democratising capital access, while Michelle Crivelli noted the growing momentum behind tokenised equity products. The conversation underscored the role of Bitcoin in creating more inclusive and efficient financial markets through Bitcoin-based solutions.
Paolo Ardoino & Chris Pavlovski’s Presentation on Rumble’s Commitment to Freedom
Paolo Ardoino and Chris Pavlovski delivered a presentation on Rumble’s commitment to preserving free speech and open communication in the digital age. Ardoino emphasised that true freedom extends beyond financial independence to include the ability to express oneself without censorship. He framed this as the next major challenge following Bitcoin’s increasing acceptance by traditional institutions. Pavlovski, CEO of Rumble, outlined the platform’s vision of integrating Bitcoin, USDT, and Tether Gold (XAUt) as tipping mechanisms, allowing content creators to receive support directly through decentralised financial tools. The discussion highlighted the intersection of Bitcoin and digital communication, underscoring the importance of protecting open discourse alongside financial sovereignty.
The Bitfinex VIP Cocktail Party
The Bitfinex VIP Cocktail Party served as the most exclusive afterparty of the Plan ₿ Forum in El Salvador, bringing together influential figures from the Bitcoin space for an evening of discussion and networking. Held at Ahora, a contemporary restaurant in the heart of San Salvador, the gathering provided a sophisticated setting for thought leaders to exchange ideas on financial freedom and Bitcoin’s increasing role in the global economy. Attendees engaged in lively conversations, reflecting on the insights shared during the conference while enjoying a curated selection of food and drinks. The event was not only a social celebration but also an extension of the forum’s themes, fostering dialogue on the future of digital asset-based finance in an intimate and dynamic environment.
The Bitfinex Talks Livestream
The Bitfinex Talks livestream, hosted by Ricardo Martinez and Gustavo Scarpa, provided real-time coverage of the Plan ₿ Forum, offering interviews with key figures from the Bitcoin community for those unable to attend in person. Broadcasting live from the event, the hosts engaged with industry leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs, discussing Bitcoin’s latest advancements and the broader implications of digital assets in financial innovation. Among the notable interviewees were Paolo Ardoino, John Carvalho, Jesse Knutsen, R0ckstar Dev, Jameson Lopp, Guillermo Contreras, and Bjorne Schmidtke, each sharing their perspectives on Bitcoin’s future and its role in reshaping global finance. You can catch the replay here.
The Bitfinex Booth at the Conference
Our Bitfinex Booth was one of the most vibrant and active spots at the Plan ₿ Forum, located within the Paso a Paso section of the event at the Museo de Arte in San Salvador. This Spanish-language-focused area attracted a steady flow of attendees eager to engage with our team, who were on hand to chat, distribute exclusive merchandise, and offer interactive experiences. Visitors could participate in contests, raffles and games, win Bitcoin-themed prizes, and even take novelty generative AI photos, adding a unique and fun element to the conference. The booth served as both a community hub and an educational space, fostering conversations about Bitcoin and financial innovation in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
More Photos from the Conference
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