IMF Releases $138 Million to El Salvador Following Bitcoin Policy Waiver

The payout marks the conclusion of the second and third reviews under the country’s 40-month Extended Fund Facility. While the IMF previously restricted the public sector from purchasing or mining Bitcoin, auditors accepted documentation confirming that recent additions to state-linked wallets originated from private sources. Officials have committed to halting further accumulation beyond these verified donations, a stipulation designed to align the nation’s crypto strategy with the current lending program.

Beyond Bitcoin, the IMF is pressing for a complete withdrawal of state involvement in the Chivo digital wallet. Although operational control has shifted to a private operator, the government retains a minority stake and custodial duties. Dan Katz, the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, indicated that this residual public-sector exposure must be fully unwound. Meanwhile, the economic outlook remains optimistic; the Fund upgraded El Salvador’s GDP growth forecast to 4.5% for 2026, citing robust tourism, remittances, and improved investor confidence. To maintain this momentum, the IMF continues to urge tighter fiscal discipline and enhanced oversight of the country's digital asset regulatory framework.