Dutch central bank moves 86 tonnes of gold to London amid global uncertainty
De Nederlandsche Bank transferred 86 tonnes of gold to London to ensure easier access to reserves amid mounting global uncertainty.
The Dutch central bank moved 86 tonnes of gold from the United States and Canada to vaults in London, saying the shift is intended to make reserves more readily available in the event of a major crisis amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Officials at the bank stressed they do not expect an immediate economic catastrophe but argued that having bullion closer to Europe improves preparedness. Similar actions have been taken by other European countries in recent years: France repatriated part of its gold reserves from the United States, while Germany relocated more than 216 tonnes from New York and Paris.
Why London?
London was chosen because of its role as one of the world’s largest centres for gold trading. The Bank of England’s vaults hold roughly 400,000 gold bars, with a total value that exceeds 200 billion pounds, making it a logical destination for reserve stockpiles that need to be accessible to European central banks.
Central banks say moving physical gold is a precautionary liquidity and security measure rather than a reaction to a specific, imminent shock. By concentrating more reserves within Europe or at nearby trading hubs, they aim to reduce logistical and political hurdles should markets or supply chains be disrupted.
The transfers add to a broader pattern of European repatriation and redistribution of gold holdings as authorities reassess where and how national reserves should be stored and accessed during periods of heightened international uncertainty.
Photo: Гети)
