IMF confirms El Salvador used no public funds to buy Bitcoin

The International Monetary Fund stated on Thursday that El Salvador has not spent any public resources to acquire Bitcoin following the first review of its financing program. Documents provided by Salvadoran authorities confirmed the new holdings originated from private donations rather than state budgets. Consequently, the increase in the nation's reserves does not count as additional purchases financed by government funds. Operational control of the Chivo wallet majority was transferred to a private operator, while the government kept a minority stake and custodial duties. No further accumulation beyond what is already documented from these donations is anticipated. This clarification addresses claims that the country acquired 1,090 BTC valued at $100 million in November 2025 after previously agreeing to limit public sector involvement under its $1.4 billion IMF program. In March 2025, the lender issued directives barring voluntary accumulation by the public sector, yet President Nayib Bukele maintained that recent purchases proceeded according to his administration's plans.