Dutch Central Bank Shifts Billions in Gold Reserves from US to UK

The Dutch central bank has relocated billions of dollars' worth of gold reserves from North America to Britain in a move described as 'crisis preparedness'. The bank transferred 86 metric tons (94.8 tons) of gold between March and August, shifting its combined total from around 313 metric tons (345 tons) held in New York and Ottawa, Canada.

The relocation reduced the percentage of gold held in both cities: from 31.3% to 18.5% in New York, and from 19.7% to 18.5% in Ottawa. The bank's governor, Olaf Sleijpen, stated that this move has improved the tradability of their gold reserves.

The Dutch central bank owns a total of 612.4 metric tons (675 tons) of gold worth approximately $83.6 billion at the end of 2025. This relocation was achieved by physically transferring around 27 metric tons (30 tons) from the United States and Canada to the bank's vault in Zeist, as well as selling and buying gold in New York and London.

The bank chose to relocate its gold reserves because they believe that the gold held at the Bank of England meets modern international trade standards and is more easily tradable. This move aims to strengthen their resilience and preparedness in times of global political unrest.