The Dutch Central Bank has adjusted the storage locations of some of its overseas gold reserves. The bank stated that, amid escalating geopolitical tensions, enhancing the tradability and speed of access to gold in crisis scenarios has become a practical consideration in reserve management.
Complete the transfer from March to August.
The Dutch central bank said on Wednesday that, between March and August, it transferred approximately 86 tons of gold from New York and Ottawa to London. This portion represents slightly more than a quarter of its former reserves held in the United States and Canada.
The newly transferred gold is currently held at the Bank of England. The Dutch Central Bank stated that gold bars stored locally better meet international trading standards and are more easily accessible for global market circulation.
London is more convenient for crisis coordination.
The Dutch central bank stated that gold stored in London can be deployed more quickly in the event of a severe crisis; in contrast, gold bars previously stored in the United States and Canada cannot be mobilized as rapidly or directly.
Dutch Central Bank Governor Olaf Sleijpen stated in a statement that this transfer enhances the tradability of the gold reserves. Although the bank does not expect to actually use these reserves, it is still necessary to strengthen resilience and emergency preparedness.
Adjustment amid rising gold prices
This arrangement comes as gold prices are at elevated levels. Gold is traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset during periods of financial uncertainty. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have risen nearly 25%, with recent data cited in the report showing a price of $4,429.61 per ounce.
Before the Netherlands, the French central bank also adjusted its gold storage arrangements. Between July 2025 and January 2026, France replaced 129 tons of gold previously stored at the New York Fed with gold purchased in Europe to replenish its reserves.
Additional information: At the time, the Governor of the Bank of France stated that the related adjustments were not politically motivated. CNBC noted that recent tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have heightened market attention to geopolitical risks and reserve liquidity.