El Salvador receives $138 million from IMF after Bitcoin waivers granted

The International Monetary Fund has authorized an immediate payout of roughly $138 million to El Salvador under the country's $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility, after the IMF Executive Board completed the program's second and third reviews. The disbursement comes even though El Salvador failed to meet certain performance criteria, notably those related to Bitcoin accumulation.

The IMF said it granted waivers because Salvadoran authorities put forward strong corrective actions and renewed commitments to address shortcomings. The lender highlighted progress in several areas, including financial sector reforms, improvements in fiscal transparency, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures, and the transfer of majority ownership and operational control of the government-run Chivo Bitcoin wallet to a private operator.

As part of the program follow-up, the IMF said efforts will continue to reduce the state's involvement in Bitcoin-related activities, to strengthen regulation and governance of crypto-assets, and to enhance transparency about public-sector crypto holdings. The agency also stated that it does not envisage further Bitcoin accumulation by the government beyond documented donations.

Addressing questions about a post-review increase in the country's Bitcoin holdings, the IMF reported that documents from Salvadoran authorities show those additions came from private donations rather than public funds. El Salvador had earlier disclosed in November 2025 that it had acquired 1,090 BTC valued at about $100 million, which had prompted scrutiny over compliance with the IMF program.