- El Salvador secured a $1.4 billion IMF loan by agreeing to restrict Bitcoin accumulation, make its acceptance voluntary for businesses, and privatize or discontinue the Chivo wallet.
- While Bitcoin remains legal tender, the country must now balance crypto ambitions with international financial stability requirements.
El Salvador’s bold experiment with Bitcoin is facing new constraints as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposes strict conditions on its continued use. While the country retains Bitcoin as legal tender, its ability to accumulate and integrate the cryptocurrency into government operations is now severely limited.
IMF’s Conditions for Financial Support
On March 3, 2025, the IMF approved a $1.4 billion extended facility to support El Salvador’s economic reforms. However, this financial assistance came at a cost—El Salvador had to revise its Bitcoin policies to align with the IMF’s requirements. The international lender, long skeptical of Bitcoin’s impact on financial stability, insisted on several key restrictions:
- Voluntary Bitcoin Acceptance – Businesses will no longer be required to accept Bitcoin as a means of payment. This change addresses concerns about cryptocurrency volatility and ensures that merchants have the freedom to choose their preferred transaction methods.
- Limited Government Bitcoin Holdings – The government must curb its Bitcoin accumulation and avoid issuing debt instruments linked to the cryptocurrency. This move aims to shield public finances from Bitcoin’s unpredictable price swings.
- Overhaul of Public Crypto Wallets – The Chivo wallet, previously introduced as the government’s official digital wallet, will either be sold to private entities or discontinued altogether. This decision shifts the focus of crypto innovation to the private sector rather than state-controlled initiatives.
A Balancing Act Between Innovation and Stability
El Salvador made history in 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, spearheaded by President Nayib Bukele. The initiative aimed to boost financial inclusion and attract investment but also raised alarms among financial institutions. The IMF has consistently warned that heavy reliance on Bitcoin could expose El Salvador to significant financial risks, including currency instability and regulatory uncertainty.
The government’s willingness to compromise suggests a strategic approach—securing IMF funding while maintaining a foothold in the crypto space. The deal also enhances El Salvador’s standing with other financial institutions, potentially unlocking additional support from entities like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
The Road Ahead for Bitcoin in El Salvador
Despite these constraints, Bitcoin remains an integral part of El Salvador’s financial landscape. The country continues to explore ways to harness cryptocurrency benefits while mitigating risks. Whether El Salvador strictly adheres to these new IMF conditions or challenges them in the future remains to be seen. In December 2024, the country defied global expectations by purchasing 1 million euros worth of Bitcoin—proof that its commitment to crypto remains strong.
El Salvador’s experience underscores the challenges nations face in integrating cryptocurrencies into their economies while navigating international financial pressures. The coming months will reveal whether these compromises will strengthen the country’s economy or if Bitcoin will once again take center stage in the country’s financial decisions.