Over the last decade, and especially in the past few years, central banks around the world have been consistently increasing their gold reserves. According to data from the World Gold Council, 2023 marked the highest level of central bank gold purchases in over 50 years. The trend has only strengthened in 2024 and 2025. But why is this happening?
Let’s break down some key reasons behind this strategic accumulation:
Hedge Against Currency Risk
With global currencies like the US dollar facing long-term pressure due to rising debt levels and inflation concerns, gold acts as a reliable hedge and a store of value.
Geopolitical Uncertainty
Ongoing conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, and US-China trade dynamics) are pushing countries to reduce reliance on Western-controlled financial systems. Gold offers a neutral, apolitical reserve asset.
De-Dollarization Efforts
Countries like China, Russia, and even some Gulf nations are diversifying away from the US dollar. Building gold reserves is one way to support local currencies and reduce dollar dependency.
Diversification of Reserves
Rather than holding all foreign reserves in fiat currencies (which can be devalued or frozen), central banks see gold as a timeless asset that retains intrinsic value across market cycles.
Inflation Protection
As inflation remains stubborn in many parts of the world, gold offers protection due to its limited supply and historical track record during high inflationary periods.
Confidence and Trust
Gold builds confidence in a central bank’s balance sheet. It’s tangible, universally accepted, and not tied to the policies of another country’s government or central bank.
Do you think central banks are preparing for a major shift in the global financial order?
Yes, central banks—particularly outside the West—are aligning strategies to adapt to a more multipolar, digital, and less dollar-dominated financial world. While the transition will likely be gradual, the preparations are visible and intentional.