El Salvador's Bitcoin reserve hits $618 million despite IMF loan limits
- —Reserve has grown by more than 1,700 BTC since the IMF program began in February 2025
- —The IMF approved a $1.4 billion loan with limits on public-sector Bitcoin purchases
- —Coins added since June 2025 were classified as private donations, not state spending
- —Control of the Chivo wallet was transferred to a private operator under IMF commitments
Why it matters: The IMF has set a precedent that accumulation limits do not cover donated Bitcoin, a template other countries with crypto reserves may follow.
Source: Crypto Briefing