IMF Clears El Salvador's Bitcoin Reserve Growth as Privately Donated
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has clarified that El Salvador's Bitcoin reserve growth since June 2025 was funded by private donations, not public funds. This clarification unlocks around $140 million in funding, contingent on these donations.
According to the IMF, documentation provided verifies that Bitcoin accumulation since the first review reflects private donations and no public resources were used. The staff-level agreement, reached after the first review completed on June 27, 2025, would unlock this funding if the IMF Executive Board approves as part of El Salvador's 40-month Extended Fund Facility.
The facility began in February 2025 with total access of about $1.4 billion. The IMF also said that operational control of the Chivo e-wallet has shifted to a private operator, with the state keeping only a minor stake and custodial responsibilities.