IMF: El Salvador’s 1,540 BTC Rise Came From Donations

El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve increased by about 1,540 BTC, rising from roughly 6,224 BTC at the end of June 2025 to more than 7,764 BTC, according to the country’s public reserve tracker.

In its review of El Salvador’s loan program, the International Monetary Fund wrote that documents provided by the government showed the recent accumulation reflected private donations and that no public funds were used.

The IMF added it does not expect further accumulation beyond the donations documented in those records.

The National Bitcoin Office has continued reporting purchases. On Aug. 28 the office posted that the country had “just bought more Bitcoin” and reiterated the phrase “One BTC per day, every day.” Public address records do not identify whether incoming coins were purchased, donated or moved between government-controlled wallets.

The IMF has previously noted that changes in the reported BTC balance can result from transfers among government wallets and from Bitcoin-denominated deposits held through the Chivo e-wallet, rather than new purchases.

Last year the government restructured its Bitcoin treasury, moving holdings from a single reused wallet into multiple public addresses. Officials said the change followed digital-asset security practices and aimed to reduce potential long-term exposure.

The new address structure allows observers to verify the total reserve balance but does not label coins by origin. On-chain increases can therefore reflect donations, internal transfers or purchases without showing whether public money was spent.

The IMF also reported the government had largely reduced direct control of the Chivo e-wallet, stating: “Majority ownership and operational control have been transferred to a private operator, while a minority stake and custodial responsibilities for customer assets have been retained by the government.”

President Nayib Bukele’s administration continues to promote Bitcoin through public messaging and education programs. Government postings and the IMF’s accounting of donation-backed additions are the main sources explaining the recent change in the reserve.