Bitcoin's volatility makes the scenario seem unlikely, but some see El Salvador as a test case for other countries with high poverty and a dependence on cross-border remittances.
Banks are recommending corporate treasurers protect themselves against FX swings, which have been muffled recently by record-low interest rates and Fed liquidity support.
Despite a Twitter-user outcry, and loss of value for some cryptocurrency-related assets, market observers point out that this matches IRS treatment of cash transactions.
