Netherlands moves billions in gold to London in ‘crisis preparedness’ move

The Dutch central bank (DNB) has relocated 86 tonnes of gold from the US and Canada to London in a move described as necessary for crisis preparedness. The gold, which took several months to transfer, is now held by the Bank of England, enabling easier trading in a potential crisis. This relocation occurred between March and August, with 27 tonnes of gold bars moved directly from New York and Ottawa to Zeist in the Netherlands, and the remaining amount transferred through selling in New York and repurchasing in London.

The decision was made amid geopolitical tensions, with both the US and Canada imposing tariffs on each other's goods. Prior to the move, the DNB held 31.3% of its gold in both countries, a proportion that has now decreased to 18.5% in each. The total Dutch gold stock is valued at €72.2 billion, with the bank's share of gold in London rising to 32.1%, up from 18.1%.