Dutch central bank shifts billions of gold to London for crisis readiness

The Netherlands’ central bank has reallocated roughly 86 metric tons of gold, valued at about €72.2 billion, from its holdings in New York and Ottawa to the Bank of England in London as part of a crisis‑preparedness strategy. Prior to the move the bank’s 313 metric tons were split between New York (31.3%) and Ottawa (19.7%); after the transfer both cities hold 18.5% each of the total 612.4 metric tons. Governor Olaf Sleijpen said the relocation enhances the gold’s tradability and the institution’s resilience, though the assets are not expected to be used. More than 27 metric tons were physically shipped from the United States and Canada, passing through a heavily guarded vault on a military base near Zeist before reaching London.