Netherlands moves 86 tonnes of gold reserves from U.S. and Canada to London

The Netherlands has moved 86 tonnes of gold from New York and Ottawa to London, shifting 14% of its reserves as geopolitical instability grows. The Dutch central bank said the transfer would allow it to mobilize the metal more quickly if a crisis occurs.

The operation took place between March and August. The gold held at the Bank of England in London is considered more commercially tradable than the reserves stored in New York and Ottawa, making it easier to use immediately, according to the Dutch central bank, known as DNB.

“This transfer has improved the mobilization capacity of our gold reserves. Although we hope never to need to use this gold, it is essential to strengthen our resilience and preparedness,” DNB President Olaf Sleijpen said.

“

This transfer has improved the mobilization capacity of our gold reserves. Although we hope never to need to use this gold, it is essential to strengthen our resilience and preparedness.

The bank also said a more balanced distribution across North America, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands would diversify risk. After the move, New York and Canada each hold 18.5% of Dutch gold reserves, down from 31.3% and 19.7%, respectively. The Bank of England’s share rose from 18.1% to 32.1%, while the Netherlands retains 30.8%.

The Netherlands holds 612.4 tonnes of gold, valued at 72.2 billion euros at the end of 2025. The reserves are stored in the DNB Cash Centre in Zeist and at the central banks of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

DNB said it combined gold sales with physical transfers to avoid melting the bars, reduce transport risks and improve efficiency. The Netherlands sold nearly 59 tonnes in New York, bought gold in London that met high international trading standards, and physically moved 27 tonnes from the United States and Canada to Zeist. An equivalent amount was then transferred from Zeist to London.

“

This leaves DNB better prepared to face serious crises.