How Gold Custody Works

Independent Verification

Step-by-Step Gold Custody Process

A transparent workflow from agreement to reporting — each stage verified with full compliance, secure storage, and independent oversight.
01

Agreement

Purchase & Custody Agreements signed with the client, establishing ownership rights, settlement terms, and compliance foundation.
02

Settlement

Payments executed via SWIFT, SEPA, or approved digital assets, processed under full AML/KYC standards to ensure secure settlement.
03

Custody & Proof

Gold bars allocated in segregated vaults (Brinks Dubai, Guardforce Hong Kong), with barlists, serial numbers, and insurance confirmation issued as proof.
04

Reporting

Continuous 24/7 online reporting with independent audits, periodic statements, and transparent proof of holdings.
Custody Assurance

How Gold Custody Works

With the right custody framework, gold becomes more than a passive store of value. It transforms into a fully compliant, insured, and verifiable asset. Gold custody secures legal ownership, ensures settlement integrity, protects holdings with global insurance, and delivers 24/7 reporting for complete transparency.

At Golden Ark Reserve, we have built a custody infrastructure trusted by international investors, family offices, and corporate treasuries. Our process follows LBMA standards, international AML/KYC requirements, and independent audits, ensuring that every bar of bullion is legally recognized, insured, and transparently verified.

What Is Gold Custody

Gold custody is not just vault storage. It is a regulated framework where:

  • clients receive direct legal ownership through a Purchase & Custody Agreement,
  • settlements are executed via SWIFT, SEPA, or approved digital assets under AML/KYC compliance,
  • bullion is allocated in Brinks (Dubai) and Guardforce (Hong Kong) vaults, fully segregated by barlists with serial numbers,
  • every holding is insured under global all-risk programs and confirmed by independent inspectors such as SGS and Alex Stewart.

The Custody Process: Four Stages

  1. Agreement – legal contracts that establish ownership rights and compliance framework.
  2. Settlement – secure payment channels with AML/KYC verification.
  3. Custody & Proof – allocated storage, barlists, serial numbers, and insurance certificates.
  4. Reporting – 24/7 online access, independent audits, and periodic custody statements.

Why Clients Choose Custody

  • Legal Protection – internationally recognized agreements.
  • Financial Transparency – reporting suitable for accounting and auditing.
  • Insurance Coverage – all-risk programs for every ounce of bullion.
  • Independent Oversight – verification by SGS and Alex Stewart.
  • Global Compliance – AML/KYC standards across jurisdictions.

Tools and Infrastructure

  • Secure Vaults – Brinks Dubai and Guardforce Hong Kong with full asset segregation.
  • Insurance Programs – global all-risk coverage.
  • Digital Reporting – secure 24/7 access, periodic statements, and audit confirmations.
  • Independent Audits – external verification of barlists and certificates.
  • Compliance Systems – AML/KYC checks integrated into every stage.

Conclusion

The gold custody process integrates legal agreements, secure settlement, insured vault storage, and transparent reporting into one regulated framework. With global vaults, comprehensive insurance, and independent audits, clients gain certainty, compliance, and full control over their allocated bullion.

Golden Ark Reserve turns physical gold into a fully accountable financial instrument — one that can be reported on balance sheets, audited internationally, and trusted by investors and institutions alike.

F.A.Q.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main steps in the gold custody process?
The custody process follows four structured stages: Agreement, Settlement, Custody & Proof, and Reporting. Each stage is documented and verified to ensure full compliance and transparency.