The Dutch central bank has withdrawn gold bars from the United States and Canada for "crisis preparedness."

Key Points

1. Amid escalating geopolitical risks, the Dutch central bank has moved approximately 86 tons of gold from New York and Ottawa to London, strengthening its "crisis response preparedness."
2. The Dutch central bank stated that gold stored at the Bank of England is more liquid and can be deployed more quickly in the event of a major crisis.
3. This gold transfer comes as gold prices have surged. Previously, France also made adjustments by replacing 129 tons of gold stored in New York with gold bars purchased in Europe.

The Dutch central bank (DNB) stated that in light of "increasing geopolitical turbulence," and to improve its emergency reserve plans, it has transferred about 86 tons of gold from the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom.

The Dutch central bank announced on Wednesday that between March and August 2026, it moved a little over a quarter of its gold reserves previously held in New York and Ottawa to London.

This transferred gold is now stored with the Bank of England. The Dutch central bank noted that gold held at the Bank of England must meet international trade standards and is considered "the most easily tradable gold globally." This transfer has also enhanced the Netherlands' crisis response capability.

In contrast, the Dutch central bank mentioned that, in the event of a crisis, gold bars stored in the United States and Canada cannot be mobilized as quickly or directly.

Dutch central bank governor Klaas Knot stated in a release: "With this transfer, we have increased the tradability of our national gold reserves. While we hope to never have to use this gold, we must strengthen our risk resistance and emergency preparedness."

This gold transfer comes as gold prices continue to rise, while tensions remain high at the strategic Strait of Hormuz and a comprehensive agreement among all parties remains out of reach. Gold is a classic safe-haven asset and is highly favored during times of financial uncertainty. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have risen by nearly 25%. Spot gold is currently quoted at $4,429.61 per ounce, with a daily increase of nearly 1%.

Prior to the Dutch central bank's action, the French central bank disposed of 129 tons of gold stored at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from July 2025 to January 2026. French central bank governor François Villeroy de Galhau stated at the time that this move by France was not politically motivated.

Following this transfer, the Dutch central bank stated that its gold reserves are now "more evenly distributed" geographically: 32.1% in London, 30.8% at the Zeist cash reserve center in the Netherlands, and 18.5% each in New York and Ottawa.

Editor: Guo Mingyu