A vision for the next-generation global gold market

WGC & Linklaters Consulting unveils Wholesale Digital Gold The World Gold Council (WGC), Linklaters and Hilltop Walk Consulting have unveiled a pioneering vision to transform the global gold market through the introduction of Wholesale Digital Gold—a transformative concept that will enhance how gold is owned, traded, and utilised. In today’s wholesale market, gold trades are settled in two main structures. The first is allocated gold which involves direct ownership of specific physical bars but is operationally complex; and the second is unallocated gold, which has higher liquidity and lower costs, but may expose investors to the credit risk of the institution where the account is held. Following on from the FMSB’s Precious Metals Spotlight Reviews1, and in consultation with key industry participants; we propose a new way to settle gold, bridging the gap between these two structures. Pooled Gold Interests (PGI) combines the best of both worlds by provid...