El Salvador’s Bitcoin Policy is still being watched after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that the recent acquisition of Bitcoin by the country was made possible by means of private funds and not public funds. This was determined by the IMF based on the documentation presented by the El Salvador government.
According to the IMF, no other acquisitions of Bitcoin are expected other than those made from the private funds presented. This statement was made even as El Salvador continues to operate using a $1.4 billion IMF funding program.
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El Salvador Bitcoin Policy Faces IMF Restrictions
The latest move comes after the joint second and third reviews of the 40-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of El Salvador. The IMF has reportedly reached an understanding at the staff level with the government, and this will translate into $140 million as soon as the IMF board approves.
The financial package mandates that El Salvador stop buying or mining Bitcoin using public funds. In the deal, a zero ceiling has been set on these transactions.
The recent review from the IMF gives an important distinction. Although the number of Bitcoin held by El Salvador has risen, the organization revealed that the most recent purchases were made through private donations rather than public financing.
Currently, El Salvador owns 7,764 BTC, which is worth about $627 million at today’s market prices. The amount held makes its cryptocurrency policy very prominent around the world.
IMF Reports Stronger Economic Performance
In addition to its opinion about Bitcoin, the IMF also provided a good overview of the economy of El Salvador.
The IMF forecasts economic growth of 4.5% in 2026. The growth is expected to be fueled by investments, private consumption, remittances, tourism, and capital flows.
Economic performance of El Salvador has surpassed expectations, according to the IMF.
El Salvador received an initial $113 million disbursement after the IMF agreement was approved in February 2025. A further $118 million was released following the first review in June 2025.
El Salvador Bitcoin Policy Includes Chivo Changes
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Policy is also associated with certain modifications made regarding the launch of the Chivo digital wallet, as part of the country’s Bitcoin policy.
As per the agreement made between El Salvador and the IMF, majority ownership and control of Chivo will now be managed by a private operator. The government still owns the minority share of the firm but holds the assets of the customers in custody.
The above is part of the modifications made through an agreement with the IMF.
El Salvador Maintains Bitcoin Holdings
In 2021, El Salvador recognized Bitcoin as the legal currency and, despite a change in its policy regarding it under the IMF program, the country has been holding Bitcoin.
With 7,764 BTC being owned by the country, it is clear that Bitcoin still plays a significant role in the financial policy of the country. Nevertheless, according to the latest review by the IMF, further accumulation of Bitcoin through the means of government finances is not possible anymore.
Thus, for the time being, the El Salvador Bitcoin Policy seems to be oriented toward sustaining current possession of Bitcoin without accumulating additional ones, since the information provided by the IMF about the private accumulation of Bitcoin could be helpful in this case.
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