Dutch Central Bank Relocates Gold Reserves from North America to London

The Dutch Central Bank has moved billions of dollars' worth of gold from its reserves in New York and Ottawa to London, citing 'crisis preparedness'. The bank's governor, Olaf Sleijpen, stated that the relocation was aimed at improving the tradability of the gold reserves. Between March and August, 86 metric tons (94.8 tons) of gold were transferred to London from a combined total of around 313 metric tons (345 tons) held in North America.

The bank owns a total of 612.4 metric tons (675 tons) of gold worth 72.2 billion euros (about $83.6 billion) at the end of 2025. The relocation was achieved by selling around 59 metric tons (65 tons) of gold in New York and using the proceeds to buy gold in London, as well as physically transferring more than 27 metric tons (30 tons) from the United States and Canada to the Dutch bank's vault.

The gold held at the Bank of England is considered 'the world's most easily tradable gold' and will be readily available for the Dutch bank in a crisis situation. The relocation was seen as necessary due to the gold reserves held in New York and Ottawa being less accessible than those held in London, with Sleijpen stating that they would not need to use them but must 'strengthen our resilience and preparedness'.