IMF Confirms Private Donations Fund El Salvador’s Bitcoin Growth
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a preliminary agreement with El Salvador on combined second and third program reviews, potentially unlocking $140 million.
- El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve increased from private donations since June 2025, with no public funds used, according to the IMF.
- The country’s Bitcoin reserve rose from an initial holding of 5,968 BTC in December 2024 to a current total of 7,764 BTC.
- Chivo wallet ownership has shifted to a private operator while El Salvador retains a minority stake and asset safeguarding responsibilities.
- IMF mandates include making merchant acceptance of Bitcoin voluntary and collecting taxes in dollars as part of the Extended Fund Facility conditions.
El Salvador’s recent increase in its national Bitcoin reserves is attributed entirely to private donations rather than public spending, as confirmed by the IMF during their latest program review agreement discussions. This development aligns with the IMF’s requirements for continued financial support under their Extended Fund Facility arrangement.
The IMF’s agreement could release $140 million for El Salvador if approved, highlighting the role of private donations in boosting the country’s Bitcoin reserves without using taxpayer money. (Source)
