Global economic standards have been updated to formally recognize Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto assets in national wealth statistics, indicating a huge change in the way government measures digital value and financial innovation.
The new system of national accounts (SNAs), approved by the United Nations Statistics Commission and coordinated by the IMF and other global institutions, classifies eligible crypto assets as “non-unproductive assets.”
These assets remain excluded from GDP calculations, but now appear on national balance sheets and reflect a growing role in the financial system and public sector portfolio.
Cryptography gains formal recognition
This revision comes as part of a broader effort to modernize the way countries track production, revenue and wealth in a rapidly digital world.
The IMF, which played a key role in drafting the update, underscored the importance of capturing the economic footprint of digital assets like Bitcoin. Although they have a relatively small share of global wealth, their volatility and increased adoption have a significant impact on financial stability, tax policy and regulatory oversight.
By incorporating Crypto into national accounts, the updated framework aims to bridge longstanding statistical gaps and help policymakers respond more effectively to emerging risks. The changes also include recommendations for measuring artificial intelligence, cloud services and digital platforms.
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Strategy
This shift comes amid a new tension between the IMF and El Salvador, the first countries to adopt Bitcoin as fiat currency.
Despite agreeing to scale back Bitcoin-related policies under the $1.4 billion IMF loan agreement in 2024, President Nayib Bukele’s administration continues to request daily BTC purchases, the IMF is challenging.
Public Bitcoin Holdings in El Salvador is reportedly expected to capture more than 6,000 BTC in national wealth statistics under the revised SNA.
The IMF is planning to help countries adopt new standards by 2029-30, potentially increasing transparency in the crypto-inclusive economy that navigates global financial scrutiny.