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El Salvador has purchased over $100 million in Bitcoin, increasing its holdings despite a commitment to the IMF to limit exposure to the asset. This move raises questions about compliance with loan terms, as the government previously claimed it had not acquired any new Bitcoin since 2024. The IMF noted that El Salvador's reported Bitcoin reserves might not reflect actual holdings due to discrepancies.
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El Salvador has purchased over $100 million worth of Bitcoin, acquiring 1,090 BTC despite an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to limit its public exposure to the cryptocurrency. This acquisition raises questions about the government's commitment to the IMF's terms. The purchase follows a July report from the IMF stating that El Salvador had not bought any new Bitcoin since a $1.4 billion loan program was approved at the end of 2024. The country's Bitcoin holdings have increased from 5,968 BTC in December 2024 to over 7,474 BTC after this latest transaction.
El Salvador’s current Bitcoin reserves are valued at approximately $683 million, although the price of Bitcoin has dropped 28% from its October peak of over $126,000 to around $96,000. Critics, including Quentin Ehrenmann from My First Bitcoin, argue that the government's Bitcoin accumulation benefits only itself and does not positively impact the broader population. An IMF representative stated that the Salvadoran government committed not to increase its Bitcoin holdings, but discrepancies in reporting suggest otherwise. A letter from Salvadoran officials claimed the public sector's Bitcoin stock remained unchanged, contradicting the recent purchase and leading to concerns about adherence to the IMF agreement.
The situation is further complicated by potential discrepancies in how the Chivo wallet reports Bitcoin reserves, as it doesn’t account for client deposits accurately. While the government insists it is taking steps to reduce fiscal risks associated with Bitcoin, the recent large purchase contradicts these assurances. This development raises significant questions about transparency and compliance with the IMF's conditions.
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