IMF Says El Salvador’s Bitcoin Reserve Growth Came From Private Donations, Unlocks $140M: 12 outlets compared

IMF traces Bitcoin to donations

The IMF said “Documentation has been provided verifying that Bitcoin accumulation since the first review reflects private donations and that no public resources were used,” and it added that it does not expect further accumulation beyond what has already been documented.

The staff-level agreement, reached after the first review completed on June 27, 2025, would unlock around $140 million if the IMF Executive Board approves, as part of El Salvador’s 40-month Extended Fund Facility that began in February 2025 with total access of about $1.4 billion.

The IMF also said the finding reshapes how outside observers read El Salvador’s “much-debated relationship with crypto,” by separating the question of whether public money was used from the fact that Bitcoin’s value can still swing.

In parallel, the IMF said operational control of the Chivo e-wallet has shifted to a private operator, with the state keeping only a minor stake and custodial responsibilities.

No more accumulation beyond records

CoinGape framed the IMF update as a warning that “Future acquisitions of the government’s Bitcoin holdings are not expected beyond those that are verified by private donation,” tying the end of new buying to the conditions of the Extended Fund Facility.