The Netherlands has moved about 86 tonnes of gold from the United States and Canada to London, according to the Dutch central bank, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). This relocation took place between March and August 2026. It is part of a plan to improve crisis readiness amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Key Details
DNB noted that this shift raised London’s share of Dutch gold reserves from 18.1% to 32.1%. Meanwhile, New York's share dropped from 31.3% to 18.5%. Ottawa's share also decreased from 19.7% to 18.5%. Olaf Sleijpen, the governor of DNB, said, "With this relocation, we have improved the tradability of our gold reserves." He stressed the need to strengthen resilience and preparedness. The gold in London can be sold more quickly in a crisis because it is located in a major gold-trading hub.
The central bank described this move as a way to diversify risk, not as a politically motivated action. DNB holds a total of 612.4 tonnes of gold, worth about €72.2 billion ($83.6 billion) at the end of 2025. The relocation involved selling around 59 tonnes of gold in New York and buying replacement bullion in London. More than 27 tonnes were physically moved from North America.
Background
This trend of moving gold reserves is not just happening in the Netherlands. France has also sold its remaining gold in New York and bought gold in Europe. Other European countries, including Germany and Italy, are reportedly under pressure to rethink their gold storage locations, but no official plans have been made.
Related coverage: Gold Prices Surge to Three-Month High Amid Treasury Buybacks.
The relocation of gold reserves may affect how investors view stability among central banks, especially in Europe. Investors might respond to changes in gold prices and the broader commodities market as geopolitical tensions continue. Keep an eye out for further announcements from central banks about their gold storage strategies in light of ongoing global uncertainties.
Based on reporting by: moneycontrol.com