Dutch Central Bank Moves 86 Tonnes of Gold from US and Canada to UK
So, on Wednesday, the Dutch central bank, known as DNB, announced it has moved 86 tonnes of its gold reserves from the U.S. and Canada to London. This change comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions and aims to enhance how easily the reserves can be traded—London offers better liquidity compared to New York or Ottawa. DNB's President, Olaf Sleijpen, mentioned that this move boosts the gold's availability, even though they don't anticipate needing to use it. By the end of 2025, the Netherlands will hold a total of 612.4 tonnes of gold, valued at €72.2 billion (about US$83.7 billion). The distribution has shifted, with both New York and Ottawa now holding 18.5% each. Some experts believe this could shake confidence in the U.S. as a secure gold storage option.
Key facts
- The Dutch central bank (DNB) moved 86 tonnes of gold from the US and Canada to London.
- The move was announced on Wednesday, citing 'increasing geopolitical unrest'.
- Gold held in London can be traded more easily than in New York or Ottawa.
- DNB President Olaf Sleijpen said the move improves deployability and strengthens resilience.
- Total Dutch gold stock is 612.4 tonnes, valued at €72.2 billion (US$83.7 billion) at end of 2025.
- Before the move, 31.3% of gold was in New York and 19.7% in Ottawa; after, each holds 18.5%.
- Experts call the move 'fairly one-off' but warn it could damage confidence in the US if others follow.
- The DNB assumes it will never need to deploy the gold.
Entities
Institutions
- Dutch Central Bank (DNB)
- US Federal Reserve
- Bank of Canada
- Bank of England
- De Nederlandsche Bank
Locations
- Netherlands
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- New York
- Ottawa
- London
Sources
- Quartz —
- SCMP Culture —