El Salvador Advances Bitcoin Talks with IMF, Setting Compliance Deadline

El Salvador advances Bitcoin talks with IMF, nearing Chivo wallet sale and securing a $1.14B loan under the EFF program.

El Salvador is progressing in its talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding its Bitcoin project. These discussions focus on enhancing transparency and mitigating risks linked to Bitcoin use and the Chivo e-wallet.

The country is also looking to secure a $1.14 billion loan under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Both sides aim to finalize these discussions to move forward with El Salvador’s Bitcoin initiative.

Bitcoin Negotiations and Chivo Wallet Sale Near Completion

The IMF confirmed that discussions with El Salvador about Bitcoin are making progress.

A key focus of these talks is the Chivo wallet sale. The government hopes to privatize the wallet to improve oversight and reduce risks associated with its Bitcoin strategy. The IMF stated that the negotiations for this sale are “well advanced.”

IMF Confirms Negotiations for El Salvador’s Chivo Wallet Underway
The IMF said negotiations with El Salvador over the future of the Chivo Bitcoin wallet are well advanced. https://t.co/NCvhZ6M3Gn pic.twitter.com/dmOdT5NsEb

— Coinspeaker (@coinspeaker) December 23, 2025

In addition to the wallet sale, the IMF is focusing on enhancing transparency around the Bitcoin project.

Both parties are committed to ensuring public resources are safeguarded. El Salvador continues its plan to accumulate Bitcoin despite these discussions, holding more than 7,500 BTC. This ongoing strategy suggests the government’s strong belief in Bitcoin’s potential.

While the Chivo wallet’s sale moves forward, the government’s daily Bitcoin purchases continue. Recent reports show that El Salvador made its largest purchase of Bitcoin last month, valued over $100 million.

The IMF is likely monitoring these acquisitions as part of its oversight on the project.

IMF Acknowledges El Salvador’s Economic Growth

The IMF also recognized the positive growth in El Salvador’s economy. GDP growth is projected to reach 4% this year, exceeding initial expectations.

Factors such as increased investor confidence, record remittances, and strong investment have contributed to this growth. The IMF remains optimistic about the country’s financial stability moving forward.

The IMF says El Salvador’s economy is expanding faster than expected, projecting ~4% real GDP growth this year, while negotiations continue on the EFF program review. pic.twitter.com/PPzYwck2Dh

— TFTC (@TFTC21) December 22, 2025

El Salvador’s commitment to fiscal consolidation has been another area of focus in talks with the IMF. The government is on track to meet its primary balance target for 2025. The IMF praised the country for its efforts to reduce its deficit while expanding social spending.

The IMF also highlighted improvements in El Salvador’s legal and financial frameworks. Reforms, including those related to bank resolutions and crisis management, were noted. These efforts align with international standards and support the country’s long-term economic stability.

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El Salvador’s Commitment to Bitcoin’s Future

Looking ahead, El Salvador remains committed to its Bitcoin strategy.

The government continues to work with the IMF to address key concerns and move the project forward. Discussions on the sale of the Chivo wallet are expected to conclude soon, with hopes to attract private sector involvement in Bitcoin.

El Salvador’s leadership is determined to integrate Bitcoin as a legal tender while ensuring financial oversight. As talks progress, the government is focused on balancing Bitcoin’s potential with the need for regulation.

The goal is to create a stable financial environment while exploring the benefits of Bitcoin as a national asset.