THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Dutch Central Bank announced on Wednesday that it has relocated billions of dollars’ worth of its gold reserves from North America, describing the action as “crisis preparedness” amid heightened global political instability.
The bank reported that between March and August, 86 metric tons (94.8 tons) of gold were transferred to London, reducing its holdings in New York and Ottawa — from a combined total of roughly 313 metric tons (345 tons) — to 18.5% each. Prior to the relocation, New York accounted for 31.3% of the Dutch gold reserves and Ottawa for 19.7%.
The institution holds 612.4 metric tons (675 tons) of gold, valued at €72.2 billion (approximately $83.6 billion) as of the end of 2025.
“Through this relocation, we have enhanced the tradability of our gold reserves,” Governor Olaf Sleijpen stated in a written release. “We do not anticipate needing to use them, but we must bolster our resilience and preparedness.”
More than 27 metric tons (30 tons) of gold were physically transferred from the United States and Canada to the Dutch Central Bank’s secure vault at a military base near Zeist, the bank said, without detailing the method of transatlantic transport. An equivalent amount was subsequently moved from Zeist to London.
The remainder of the relocation was accomplished by selling approximately 59 metric tons (65 tons) of gold in New York and using the proceeds to purchase gold in London.
DNB said that gold held at the Bank of England complies with modern international trade standards and is considered the world’s most liquid gold, making it the most readily accessible to the bank in a crisis. In contrast, gold reserves in New York and Ottawa cannot be accessed as swiftly and directly.
