Gold Council Launches Dealer Assurance Framework
The World Gold Council has launched the Gold Dealer Assurance Standard (GDAS), a new framework designed to strengthen trust and transparency in the retail gold market.
Developed with industry input and support from the British Standards Institution (BSI), GDAS sets globally recognized best practices for gold dealers. The framework covers eight core areas, including fairness and integrity, regulatory compliance, and responsible sourcing.
Later this year, BSI will launch the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme (GDAP), allowing gold dealers to be assessed against the Standard. Participating dealers will undergo independent audits by accredited auditors in areas such as customer protection and governance.
The World Gold Council estimates that retail investors purchase around 1,200 tonnes of gold bars and coins annually, representing about 25% of global gold demand. However, trust remains a significant barrier to entry for many investors.