El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has dismissed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions requiring the country to halt Bitcoin accumulation. Despite IMF terms prohibiting further Bitcoin purchases, Bukele continues to acquire more for El Salvador’s reserves. The country remains engaged in Bitcoin-related projects while navigating financial agreements with international institutions.
IMF’s Directive to Stop Bitcoin Accumulation
The IMF issued a new Staff Country Report on El Salvador, instructing the government to stop Bitcoin accumulation through both purchasing and mining. The IMF agreement, which provides El Salvador with $1.4 billion, mandates that the country liquidate the Bitcoin trust fund, Fidebitcoin, and fully comply with new financial regulations by December 2025.
In addition to stopping Bitcoin acquisitions, the agreement prohibits El Salvador from issuing any debt or tokenized instruments indexed to or denominated in Bitcoin. The country must also complete an audit of its Bitcoin-related financial activities, including the Chivo wallet and Bitcoin Management Agency, before July 2025.
Despite signing the agreement, Bukele contradicted the IMF’s directive through a post on X Space, stating that Bitcoin accumulation is not stopping.
The IMF clarified that while the government agreed to halt Bitcoin accumulation at the public sector level, the increase in Bitcoin holdings through the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund remains within the program’s conditionality. This suggests that Bitcoin reserves could still grow through alternative financial mechanisms without direct public sector involvement.
Bitcoin Bonds and El Salvador’s Future Crypto Plans
One of the key components of El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy was the introduction of Bitcoin bonds aimed at financing mining infrastructure and Bitcoin City. However, the IMF rejected these bonds, reinforcing its stance against further Bitcoin-related liabilities within the public sector.
Despite this restriction, El Salvador continues to explore ways to expand its Bitcoin reserves through financial restructuring and asset reclassification. The IMF agreement also requires El Salvador to disclose the total Bitcoin holdings across all government-controlled entities.
The government must present financial statements from Chivo, audited by an independent crypto-experienced firm, and provide a full record of all Bitcoin transactions linked to public sector operations. The second review of El Salvador’s compliance is scheduled for June 2025.
El Salvador’s Evolving Bitcoin Policy Amid Banking Challenges
While El Salvador has positioned itself as a leader in Bitcoin adoption, the country’s crypto industry still faces significant banking obstacles. Despite the government’s pro-Bitcoin stance, local businesses report difficulties accessing traditional financial services.
Some banks have remained hesitant to work with crypto firms due to concerns over regulatory compliance and international banking relationships. Crypto companies operating in El Salvador have expressed worries over banking restrictions, noting that banks remain reluctant to open accounts for crypto-related businesses even with full regulatory compliance.
The fear of jeopardizing correspondent banking relationships with U.S. institutions has led to hesitancy among local banks, despite El Salvador’s established legal framework for cryptocurrency operations.
U.S. Crypto Policy Shift: Can This Set a Stage for El Salvador?
The broader international banking environment could influence El Salvador’s crypto sector. Some industry leaders speculate that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential return could lead to relaxed banking policies for crypto businesses.
Regulatory barriers in the U.S. have historically made it difficult for banks to work with digital asset firms. However, recent developments indicate a possible shift toward regulatory clarity and greater acceptance of crypto banking services. Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer, Faryar Shirzad, recently stated that U.S. regulators need to allow banks to support crypto services.
Some major financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, have also indicated a willingness to explore crypto-related financial services under the right regulatory conditions. If U.S. banks adopt a more crypto-friendly approach, El Salvador’s Bitcoin economy could benefit from improved financial integration with global markets.
El Salvador and Argentina Strengthen Crypto Collaboration
Checking on crypto-related developments, El Salvador signed a partnership with Argentina late last year to advance digital asset regulation in Latin America. The agreement between Juan Carlos Reyes, President of El Salvador’s National Commission for Digital Assets (CNAD), and Roberto Silva, President of Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV), aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and regulatory cooperation.
This partnership is set to enhance El Salvador’s influence in the crypto sector and strengthen regional efforts to create a well-regulated digital asset industry. While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, El Salvador’s regulatory leadership in Bitcoin adoption has positioned the country as a key player in shaping crypto policies in Latin America. Argentina’s openness to digital assets under President Javier Milei further reinforces the potential impact of this collaboration.
The Future of El Salvador’s Bitcoin Strategy
El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy continues to evolve amid pressures from the IMF and the challenges of international banking policies. Despite formal agreements with the IMF, Bukele’s administration remains committed to Bitcoin accumulation through alternative financial strategies. The government’s approach to economic restructuring and regulatory partnerships could determine the long-term success of its Bitcoin policies.
With increasing cooperation between El Salvador and Argentina on digital asset regulation, and potential changes in U.S. banking policies, the country’s Bitcoin economy could see further developments. As the situation unfolds, the balance between international financial commitments and Bitcoin adoption will shape El Salvador’s next economic landscape phase.
