Netherlands moves billions in gold to London in 'crisis preparedness' move

The Dutch central bank has relocated 86 tonnes of gold reserves from the United States and Canada to London, citing concerns about geopolitical instability and the need for better crisis preparedness. The complex operation, which occurred between March and August, involved physically transporting 27 tonnes of gold bars while the remainder was sold in New York and repurchased in London to minimize risk. This strategic shift increases the Netherlands' gold holdings at the Bank of England from roughly 18% to 32% of total reserves, as London-based gold is considered the world's most easily tradable during emergencies.