The International Monetary Fund has taken a historic step by integrating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into its international balance of payments framework. Released on March 20, 2025, the seventh edition of the Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7) introduces detailed guidelines for categorizing digital assets, marking the first global statistical standards to systematically address this emerging asset class. The IMF now classifies Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies as non-produced non-financial assets, requiring nations to record them separately in capital accounts when compiling economic data.
Under the revamped framework, digital assets split into fungible and non-fungible tokens, with further divisions based on liability structures. Bitcoin and other liability-free tokens fall under capital assets, while stablecoins backed by issuer obligations qualify as financial instruments. The IMF clarified that transactions involving assets like Bitcoin across borders will now appear as acquisitions or disposals of non-produced assets in capital accounts. Platform-linked tokens such as Ethereum and Solana may be treated like foreign equity holdings if ownership spans multiple jurisdictions, enabling standardized tracking similar to traditional securities.
The guidelines also address crypto-related economic activities, categorizing transaction validation services like mining and staking under computer services in national accounts. Staking rewards may be classified as income akin to equity dividends, depending on stake size and investor intent. These changes aim to enhance cross-border financial transparency and provide governments with tools to assess systemic risks from digital asset market fluctuations.
El Salvador’s recent legislative adjustments exemplify the real-world impact of these standards. The country amended its Bitcoin Law in January 2025 to make cryptocurrency acceptance voluntary for businesses, aligning with conditions tied to a $1.4 billion IMF loan agreement. The Central American nation will phase out government involvement in crypto transactions while strengthening oversight mechanisms for digital asset markets.
Sources:
Crucial Step: IMF Incorporates Digital Assets Guidance into Global Statistical Standards
https://www.ainvest.com/news/imf-recognizes-cryptocurrencies-global-economic-data-2503/
https://www.panewslab.com/en/sqarticledetails/3qt3zp67.html
https://www.theblock.co/post/337885/el-salvador-passes-bill-to-revise-bitcoin-adoption-strategy-per-imf-deal-reuters
https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/03-22-2025-imf-includes-bitcoin-in-global-economic-statistics-21871213661297
