IMF says El Salvador's recent Bitcoin buildup came from donations, not fresh state spending

Where the tally sits

Bitcoin was at $79,655.11 when these figures were compiled, down 2.02% on the day, up 2.32% over the past week, and higher by 23.43% across 30 days.

By the end of June 2025, El Salvador's holdings were approximately 6,224 BTC. As of now, the online dashboard lists over 7,764 BTC, marking a rise of about 1,540 BTC. If the IMF's current read extends to that rise, much of that increase likely came from private donations rather than taxpayer-financed buys.

What the IMF actually found

In its latest review of El Salvador's loan program, the Fund said documents from the government indicate the Bitcoin added after the prior review came from private donations. It said no public resources were used and that it does not anticipate additional accumulation beyond those documented contributions. The IMF further noted that past shifts in El Salvador's BTC balance were not, by themselves, proof of new state buying.

Prior reviews concluded that increases in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stemmed from movements between wallets under government control, while minor changes in other areas were associated with Bitcoin-denominated deposits kept via Chivo. The government, the IMF noted, has "substantially unwound" its stakes in the Chivo e-wallet, explaining: "Majority ownership and operational control have been transferred to a private operator, while a minority stake and custodial responsibilities for customer assets have been retained by the government."