In 2015, the IMF found that the Renminbi met the criteria for inclusion in the SDR basket and the Renminbi became the fifth SDR basket currency with effect from October 1, 2016. This paper reflects on the change from the IMF’s institutional perspective, providing relevant background and insight into the legal aspects of the decision. The addition of the Renminbi to the SDR currency basket by the IMF is the most significant change to the SDR basket in over four decades and may have a lasting impact on the international monetary system.