World Gold Council: 45% of Central Banks Plan to Increase Their Reserves

Results of a survey conducted by the World Gold Council (WGC) indicated that 45% of central banks participating in the study intend to increase their gold holdings in the coming months, in a strong sign that official institutional demand for the yellow metal will not slow down in the foreseeable future.

This trend reflects growing concern among central banks over geopolitical risks and declining trust in paper assets, prompting them to strengthen gold's position in their reserve portfolios as a fortress that no government or global institution can freeze or confiscate.

The same survey reveals that concerns over geopolitical instability and excessive Western debt issuance top the list of reasons cited by central bank governors to justify their decisions to increase gold reserves.

World Gold Council experts believe that this percentage (45%) is the highest in the history of the annual survey, representing an irreversible structural shift in the way international reserves are managed, with expectations that this figure will rise even further in next year's survey.

What do these terms mean?

World Gold Council (WGC): A trade organization representing the gold mining industry worldwide. It conducts research and publishes regular reports that serve as a primary reference for data related to global gold supply and demand.

Central Bank Gold Holdings: The total amounts of gold held by a country's central bank. The United States is the largest holder with about 8,133 tonnes, followed by Germany, Italy, and France, while China and India continue to expand their purchases.

Risks of Confiscation and Sanctions: A threat represented by the potential freezing or confiscation of international assets through political decisions, as occurred with Russian reserves after 2022. Locally stored gold is not subject to this risk, making it a safe haven in practice, not just in theory.