WGC Tracks Changing Strategies for Central Bank Gold Reserves

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Central banks are increasingly treating gold storage as an active part of reserve management, as indicated by recent moves by several institutions, said the World Gold Council (WGC).

The trend was highlighted by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which transferred about 86 tonnes of gold between North America, the Netherlands and London during March-August this year. The move increased London’s share of Dutch gold reserves to 32.1%, while domestic holdings accounted for 30.8%.

According to DNB, the move was mainly intended to improve the liquidity and tradability of its reserves. Furthermore, it expects that the transfer would strengthen its ability to respond during periods of crisis.

Several countries have implemented major changes in their official gold storage and holding patterns. For instance, Germany, Venezuela, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia and India have all adjusted the location of portions of their reserves at different times. Recent data from the WGC’s 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey indicates that diversification is becoming increasingly important.

The Bank of England remains the most commonly cited storage location. The future expansion of bullion infrastructure by Singapore and Hong Kong may provide additional options to global central banks for geographically diversified storage.

The shift does not necessarily indicate that central banks intend to sell their gold reserves, WGC noted.