Wire · operational-macro
El Salvador receives $138 million from IMF after Bitcoin waivers granted
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Fusion42 · 4 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
The IMF approved a $138 million disbursement to El Salvador under its $1.4 billion financing program despite missed performance criteria related to Bitcoin holdings, granting waivers based on corrective measures including reducing government involvement in Bitcoin activities and transferring control of the Chivo Bitcoin wallet to private operators.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Fintech, and 3 sources have reported it between 4 Oct 2026 and 5 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
El Salvador’s easing of government Bitcoin involvement and transfer of its wallet control signals a tighter regulatory stance on crypto holdings. You building crypto or fintech solutions in emerging markets face evolving compliance regimes and potential new entrants offering custodial services.
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3 sources · first reported 4 Oct 2026 · latest 5 Oct 2026
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