Dutch Central Bank Moves 86 Tons of Gold to London Amid Geopolitical Unrest

The Dutch central bank (DNB) has moved approximately 86 metric tons of gold from North America to London, where it will be stored at the Bank of England. This transfer accounts for 27.5% of the DNB's previous gold holdings in New York and Ottawa.

The move is a response to rising geopolitical tensions, with the DNB stating that it aims to strengthen its crisis preparedness. Gold held at the Bank of England is considered more readily tradable in times of stress.

The transfer was carried out by selling 59 tons of gold in New York and buying equivalent amounts that meet the BoE's market standards in London. An additional 27 tons were physically moved from North America to the Netherlands, while an equivalent amount meeting BoE standards was transferred from the Dutch vault in Zeist to London.

The transfer did not change the size of the DNB's gold reserves, which remain at 612.4 tons. The Netherlands now holds 32% of its gold in London, with 31% domestically and 37% split evenly between New York and Ottawa.