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IMF unlocks $139 million for El Salvador, but warns on more Bitcoin buys

Milena Thomas
Published Oct 1, 2026
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Summary:
  • The IMF okayed a $139 million payout for El Salvador after issuing a waiver tied to a breached limit on adding more Bitcoin.
  • Its board wrapped the second and third checks on the country's $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility, greenlighting immediate disbursement.
  • The fund says activity is beating expectations on better security and stronger investor confidence, with growth seen at 4.5 percent this year and 4 percent in 2027.

What the IMF did

El Salvador is getting $139 million from the International Monetary Fund following a waiver that addressed the government's breach of a condition restricting further Bitcoin accumulation. The board completed the second and third reviews under the $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility, which cleared the way for the money to be released right away.

The Bitcoin issue and conditions

The IMF put it plainly: "Certain performance criteria were not met, including on the Bitcoin accumulation front, for which waivers were granted based on strong corrective measures and renewed commitments." It added, "No further Bitcoin accumulation is envisaged beyond the documented donations."

The fund urged President Nayib Bukele's administration to stop adding to its Bitcoin holdings and to keep dialing back the state's footprint in crypto. The government has shifted majority ownership and control of the Chivo crypto wallet to a private company, and the IMF said the state should fully unwind whatever exposure remains.

When headlines spotlight government choices, staying consistent beats noise and our free Always Be Buying E-Book can help

In 2021, El Salvador made Bitcoin a national currency, to be used in parallel with the US dollar. Uptake has stayed limited, yet the government has built up a sizable stash.

Growth, priorities, and what it means for your portfolio

The IMF said economic activity is outperforming thanks to improved security and rising investor confidence. It expects the economy to expand 4.5 percent in the current year and 4 percent in 2027. "Going forward, the program will continue to focus on strengthening fiscal sustainability, rebuilding external buffers, enhancing financial sector resilience, advancing governance and transparency reforms, and supporting stronger and more inclusive growth," the IMF said.

For your money, that mix means a government with fresh cash, a clear warning on new crypto bets, and a policy roadmap centered on stability and transparency. If you are watching emerging-market risk, those levers are what will shape the ride more than the headlines.

Even amid policy debates, a simple plan makes investing manageable, so download the free Always Be Buying E-Book today

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