- El Salvador to receive $120M from IMF after meeting key reform and fiscal targets.
- IMF requires El Salvador to halt new Bitcoin buys and exit Chivo wallet by July.
- El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings reached 6,190 BTC, with $386M in unrealized profit.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on May 27 that it reached a staff-level agreement with El Salvador to disburse approximately $120 million. This payment follows the initial review of a $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) loan agreement signed last year. The disbursement remains subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board.
As part of the deal, El Salvador agreed to fulfill prior commitments related to its Bitcoin policy. The country must maintain the total amount of Bitcoin held in all government wallets without increasing its holdings. The government will also cease involvement with the Chivo Bitcoin wallet by the end of July. These measures aim to limit further state participation in Bitcoin activities.
El Salvador Continues Bitcoin Purchases Despite IMF Terms
Despite the IMF’s conditions, El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office purchased more Bitcoin shortly after the agreement announcement. Official records show the country acquired 30 BTC over the last 30 days, raising its total Bitcoin reserves to 6,190.18 BTC. This continued accumulation contrasts with the IMF’s directive to stop adding to government-held Bitcoin.
President Nayib Bukele reaffirmed the government’s strategy to buy one Bitcoin daily as part of its treasury management. Bukele also revealed on social media that El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings currently hold an unrealized profit of $386 million, reflecting a 132% gain on the initial investment.
Rodrigo Valdes, International Monetary Fund’s Western Hemisphere Department director, confirmed in April that El Salvador complied with the Fund’s performance criteria. Some experts recommend that El Salvador continue to comply by allowing individuals to purchase Bitcoin through non-governmental entities.
IMF Highlights El Salvador’s Economic Reform Progress
IMF officials praised El Salvador’s implementation of economic reforms under the loan program. The country met key fiscal and reserve targets with margins, and structural benchmarks are advancing steadily. Inflation and current account deficits have declined, supported by prudent fiscal policies and favorable trade terms.
The agreement includes ongoing fiscal consolidation measures such as cuts to wage bills and spending restraint. Plans to reform the civil service and pension systems are underway, supported by an expected Fiscal Sustainability Law. The International Monetary Fund pointed to efforts by the government to deposit money at the Central Bank and enhanced supervision of banks.
Preventing corruption is still a primary concern. The IMF congratulated El Salvador on enacting the Anti-Corruption Law and plans to recommend that enforcement take place as soon as possible to promote governance and transparency. Officials mentioned that sticking to policies is necessary at this time of uncertainty to help the economy grow sustainably.
The staff-level agreement between the IMF and El Salvador demonstrates support for their economic policies and balances worries about Bitcoin-related risks. International Monetary Fund cooperation with Salvadoran authorities will guide developments in the country’s financial policies and stance regarding Bitcoin.
Related Reading | AVAX, Having Broken Out of a Falling Wedge, Could Rise to $61: Analyst
