El Salvador Halts Public Bitcoin Purchases Under IMF Loan Terms

today / 14:20
El Salvador has suspended state-level Bitcoin purchases as a condition of securing a $1.4 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The move, aimed at mitigating macroeconomic risks under IMF guidelines, has led to a pause in public sector acquisitions while continuing to allow private sector transactions. President Nayib Bukele, despite the imposed restrictions, reaffirms his support for Bitcoin as legal tender. The decision underscores the IMF’s growing influence over national economic policies in crypto-adopting countries and is expected to bring short-term market volatility, with potential reductions in regional institutional demand. Historical trends in similar policy shifts suggest that such strategic changes may create initial price fluctuations, though long-term effects on Bitcoin’s value will depend on market adaptation and continued private sector interest.