The International Monetary Fund has approved the next $140 million payment from its $1.4 billion loan program to El Salvador, confirming that the country has not used public funds to purchase Bitcoin since June 2025.
In its September 3, 2026 announcement, the IMF stated that no public resources were used for El Salvador's recent Bitcoin accumulation. This clarification is significant because El Salvador agreed under its IMF program not to increase its public-sector Bitcoin holdings. The country entered a 40-month Extended Fund Facility in February 2025.
Funding Source and Holdings
According to the IMF, Bitcoin accumulated since June 27, 2025 came from private donations. The Fund also noted that changes in El Salvador's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund could result from transfers between government-controlled wallets rather than new purchases.
As of September 4, 2026, El Salvador holds 7,764 BTC, currently valued at approximately $628.3 million. The country's total cost basis for these holdings is about $388.9 million. With an average purchase price of $67,290.83 per BTC and current Bitcoin trading around $80,983, El Salvador holds approximately $239.4 million in unrealized gains.
Economic Performance and Future Plans
The $140 million payment represents the next disbursement under the existing program, released after El Salvador met IMF economic targets. The country's economy is performing better than expected and is forecast to grow 4.5% in 2026.
The IMF specified that no further Bitcoin accumulation beyond documented private donations is expected. Instead, the upcoming funds will support economic reforms, public finances, and broader development needs as part of El Salvador's existing IMF program.
