The global market for gold logistics involves several specialized operators—Brinks, Ferrari Group, Loomis, Malca-Amit, and others. Each plays a role in transporting and safeguarding precious metals across borders. Yet two names consistently stand out in institutional custody: Brinks and Ferrari Group. Their networks cover the world’s main trading and storage hubs, their processes align with compliance and insurance standards, and their services are trusted by asset managers, family offices, and professional investors. This article focuses on Brinks and Ferrari Group not to exclude other providers, but because these two operators have become benchmarks for secure and efficient gold delivery.
1. Introduction: the role of global delivery in gold custody
Gold custody is built on two pillars: secure storage and secure delivery. Vaults provide protection once the metal arrives, but the credibility of custody begins earlier—when gold is moved across borders, cleared through customs, and handed over with full documentation and insurance. For professional investors, family offices, and institutions, this delivery chain is where risk must be managed with absolute precision.
The global market offers several logistics providers that specialize in transporting and safeguarding precious metals. Names such as Loomis, Malca-Amit, and G4S are part of this infrastructure. Yet in practice, two brands dominate the landscape for institutions working in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, and Zurich: Brinks and Ferrari Group.
Brinks operates as a global network with decades of experience in armored transport and vaulting. Ferrari Group, by contrast, is rooted in servicing luxury assets and precious metals with strong ties to private wealth and family offices. Both brands serve the same end goal—secure gold delivery—but they approach it with different strengths, processes, and client focus.
This article examines how Brinks and Ferrari Group manage delivery for institutional investors. It highlights their operating models, the safeguards they apply, and how their services integrate into broader custody frameworks. The perspective is analytical: we consider these companies not as sponsors but as benchmarks of how global logistics supports trust in gold custody.
2. Brinks: global network for precious metals logistics
Brinks is one of the most established names in the global logistics of precious metals. For more than a century, the brand has been associated with armored transport, vault security, and risk management across continents. Today, Brinks operates a fully integrated network that covers major gold trading and storage hubs, enabling institutions to move assets with continuity from purchase to custody.
For investors working across multiple jurisdictions — Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Zurich — Brinks provides standardized delivery, customs clearance, insurance, and reporting. Its value lies in scale and infrastructure: armored fleets, specialized bullion containers, and direct connections with vaulting facilities worldwide.
What makes Brinks relevant for professional investors is its ability to merge logistics with custody requirements. Delivery is insured, audited, and documented in a way that fits institutional reporting standards. This positions Brinks not only as a transport company but as a cornerstone of the custody ecosystem.
2.1 History and specialization
Brinks has operated for more than a century, but its relevance for gold custody is not about history alone — it is about how the company turned security into a global infrastructure. From its roots in armored transport, Brinks built a network that now connects trading desks, refineries, airports, and vaults across every major gold hub. For investors, this means the delivery chain is not pieced together from local providers — it is managed end to end by a single operator with consistent standards.
The company’s specialization lies in three pillars that matter most to institutions and family offices: secure armored fleets tailored for bullion transport, bonded storage integrated with customs procedures, and risk management frameworks that satisfy insurers and auditors. Every stage — from airport transfer in Dubai to vault entry in Zurich — follows protocols designed for institutional reporting and compliance.
What makes this specialization valuable for Golden Ark Reserve clients is the continuity: gold purchased in one jurisdiction can be transported, insured, and documented with the same level of assurance anywhere in the world. This eliminates weak links in the custody chain and allows investors to focus on allocation strategy instead of operational risk.
2.2 Transport standards and security measures
Brinks operates delivery under a framework designed to eliminate operational gaps and ensure full accountability at every step. For institutional clients and family offices, this translates into a predictable process where risk is minimized and compliance is embedded into logistics.
Armored transport — The company maintains specialized fleets and aircraft handling agreements for moving bullion in sealed containers. Vehicles are built with multilayer protection, satellite tracking, and escort protocols that allow movements within high-security corridors. For air transport, shipments are loaded into designated compartments, with Brinks staff present during handover at both departure and arrival airports.
Chain of custody — Every package is sealed, documented, and transferred under dual-control procedures. Handover points — airport cargo terminals, customs zones, and vault entries — are verified through barcoded or RFID-tagged records. This creates a continuous chain that auditors can later reconcile against barlists and storage reports.
Security personnel and oversight — Brinks deploys trained teams who are licensed under local security regulations. These personnel manage loading, escort, and direct vault integration. Internal oversight teams monitor transport in real time from operations centers, providing additional assurance to clients.
Contingency protocols — Routes and schedules are planned with redundancies, including alternative transport corridors and insurance coverage for transit risk. This allows Brinks to guarantee delivery even in cases of flight delays, customs bottlenecks, or local disruptions.
For institutional investors, these standards ensure that delivery is not just a transfer of gold but an auditable, insured process embedded in custody and compliance frameworks.
2.3 Insurance and compliance framework
For investors, the strength of a logistics provider is measured not only by physical security but by the guarantees that stand behind every movement of gold. Brinks structures its delivery services around two core layers: comprehensive insurance and strict regulatory compliance.
Insurance coverage — Every shipment is covered by “all-risk” insurance policies arranged with leading global underwriters. Coverage extends from the moment gold is sealed at origin until it is accepted into the vault at destination. This protects against theft, loss, damage in transit, or delays caused by incidents outside client control. Policies are structured to satisfy institutional standards, meaning claims processes, reporting, and documentation can be integrated into financial audits.
Regulatory compliance — Brinks aligns operations with international frameworks such as FATF guidelines, OECD responsible sourcing standards, and local customs regulations. In practice, this means that each shipment moves with complete customs documentation, declared values, and adherence to AML/KYC protocols. For institutions, this prevents exposure to sanctions risks or compliance breaches.
Audit-ready processes — Insurance certificates and compliance records are issued for each delivery. These documents can be linked directly to custody reports, giving family offices and asset managers proof that the gold under management is not only physically delivered but also legally and financially protected.
For investors, this framework turns logistics into part of governance. Each delivery becomes a documented event that satisfies internal risk committees, auditors, and regulators. This integration is what allows physical gold to fit seamlessly into modern institutional portfolios.
2.4 Key hubs (Dubai, Hong Kong, London)
Brinks structures its global network around a set of strategic hubs that dominate gold trade and custody. These locations matter because they concentrate liquidity, regulatory clarity, and vaulting infrastructure. For clients of Golden Ark Reserve, they also define where allocations can be delivered and stored with immediate recognition by the market.
Dubai — The United Arab Emirates has become a central node in global bullion flows, linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. Brinks operates through DMCC-approved facilities, offering bonded storage, customs clearance, and direct delivery to partner vaults. For investors, Dubai provides access to both regional markets and tax-efficient storage.
Hong Kong — As Asia’s primary financial gateway, Hong Kong is critical for institutions allocating gold into China and broader Asian markets. Brinks integrates with airport logistics and high-security vaults that are recognized by auditors and insurers worldwide. This hub is particularly relevant for clients needing liquidity in Chinese or regional trade corridors.
London — The historical anchor of gold trading, London remains the benchmark for pricing and settlement under LBMA standards. Brinks provides direct access to vaults that underpin the London Good Delivery system. For family offices and institutions, London ensures that allocations are recognized in global reporting and can be easily linked to financial market transactions.
By operating across these hubs with standardized protocols, Brinks offers investors continuity. Gold allocated in Dubai can be transferred or repatriated to London or Hong Kong without reconfiguring compliance, insurance, or reporting. This network effect positions Brinks as an infrastructure layer that connects local markets into a global custody framework.
3. Ferrari Group: logistics for precious metals and luxury assets
Ferrari Group positions itself differently from Brinks. While Brinks is known for scale and armored infrastructure, Ferrari Group built its reputation on handling high-value assets for private wealth and luxury industries. Established in Europe and now present across major global hubs, the company combines the precision of customs expertise with the discretion expected by clients moving jewelry, art, and bullion.
For investors, Ferrari Group represents a logistics partner with a strong focus on personalized service. Deliveries are organized with attention to client-specific requirements: tailored insurance packages, coordinated customs clearance, and direct integration with private vaults. The company’s strength lies in its ability to adapt complex movements—whether cross-border transfers of bullion or multi-asset shipments for family offices—into processes that remain fully compliant and insured.
In the custody chain, Ferrari Group plays a vital role by bridging institutional standards with private client expectations. It provides the same regulatory alignment and insurance framework as larger operators, but does so with a service model that emphasizes confidentiality and flexibility. For family offices and private wealth managers, this creates an option where delivery is not only secure but also tailored to the dynamics of wealth management.
3.1 Origins and core focus
Ferrari Group was founded in Italy in the 1950s, initially serving the jewelry and luxury goods industries. Its early business revolved around moving diamonds, watches, and fine jewelry between production centers, wholesalers, and retail boutiques. This background shaped the company’s culture: precision, confidentiality, and an ability to manage complex cross-border transfers without drawing attention.
Over time, Ferrari Group expanded its services to include precious metals, extending the same standards it applied to luxury assets. Today, gold bullion logistics has become one of its core offerings, with infrastructure designed to satisfy both institutional compliance and private wealth needs. What sets Ferrari apart is its focus on bespoke solutions. Where larger operators emphasize standardized global networks, Ferrari positions itself as a service partner capable of customizing routes, insurance structures, and delivery arrangements according to the profile of each client.
For professional investors, the benefit is continuity. Gold purchased in one jurisdiction can be transported, insured, and reconciled in another under a uniform process — reducing weak links in the custody chain and allowing focus on allocation strategies instead of operational risks.
3.2 Geographic coverage and client base
Ferrari Group built its network with a focus on hubs where both luxury goods and bullion intersect. The company operates in more than 50 locations worldwide, with strong presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Offices in cities such as Milan, Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore position Ferrari close to trading desks, private banks, and free zones where high-value assets are routinely transferred.
This geographic spread serves a distinct client base. While Brinks is oriented toward large-scale institutional flows, Ferrari Group attracts family offices, private wealth managers, and boutique asset firms. These clients often require deliveries that cross multiple asset categories—jewelry, bullion, collectibles—under a single logistics framework. Ferrari’s ability to manage such diversity makes it a preferred choice when discretion and customization are as important as volume.
For family offices, this coverage means access to both traditional bullion hubs and lifestyle-driven markets. A family office that allocates gold in Geneva can coordinate transfers to Hong Kong or Dubai through the same provider, with tailored insurance and reporting structures. The client base Ferrari serves is narrower than that of larger operators, but it is precisely this specialization that reinforces its relevance for investors seeking flexibility without compromising security.
3.3 Security protocols and documentation
Ferrari Group approaches security with the same precision it applies to luxury logistics, but adapts processes to meet the standards of bullion custody. Every shipment is handled under sealed packaging, tracked through digital records, and escorted at each handover point. The company deploys trained security personnel and coordinates with airport authorities to ensure that transfers occur in controlled zones, minimizing exposure during loading and unloading.
Documentation is treated as an integral part of security. Each delivery is supported by customs declarations, insured value certificates, and transport manifests that align with AML and KYC regulations. This ensures that shipments are not only physically protected but also compliant with the legal frameworks governing cross-border movement of high-value assets.
Ferrari Group integrates its documentation processes with client reporting requirements. Family offices and asset managers receive verifiable records that can be linked to custody statements, allowing them to demonstrate lawful ownership and risk coverage. For investors, this ensures that gold delivered through Ferrari arrives with a complete paper trail, ready for auditors and regulators.
The result is a security framework that combines discretion with transparency: deliveries remain confidential in execution but fully documented in compliance, striking a balance that is critical for private wealth clients and institutions alike.
3.4 Experience with private wealth and family offices
Ferrari Group’s long-standing work with private wealth shaped its approach to gold logistics. Family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients often have requirements that go beyond simple delivery: coordinating multiple vaults, aligning shipments with investment structures, or combining bullion transfers with other luxury assets. Ferrari built its reputation by addressing these needs with tailored solutions rather than standardized packages.
The company is accustomed to managing confidentiality at the highest level. Deliveries are organized discreetly, with minimal visibility in public systems, while maintaining full compliance with customs and financial regulations. For family offices, this discretion is as important as physical security, because it protects both the assets and the identity of the beneficial owners.
Another aspect of Ferrari’s experience is flexibility. Where larger operators may apply rigid protocols, Ferrari adapts routes, insurance structures, and documentation to reflect the specific goals of a client. For example, a family office allocating bullion to Hong Kong may request synchronized transfers with jewelry or collectibles, ensuring that all assets are documented under a single compliance framework.
For family offices and professional investors, Ferrari’s experience offers an alternative to scale-driven operators. It provides the same insurance and regulatory assurance but adds a service model built around personalization. This combination makes Ferrari Group particularly attractive for those who measure custody not only in terms of risk mitigation but also in terms of alignment with family governance and wealth management practices.
4. Gold delivery process step by step
A gold delivery is not a single transaction but a sequence of coordinated stages. Each stage is designed to preserve custody integrity, maintain insurance coverage, and provide an auditable trail for regulators and investors. The value for institutions and family offices lies in the fact that logistics is structured, repeatable, and recognized across jurisdictions.
The process begins with allocation and packaging at the origin — whether from a trading desk, refinery, or vault. Gold bars are sealed in tamper-evident packaging, labeled, and registered into a chain-of-custody log. At the same time, insurance coverage is attached to the shipment, defining risk protection from the first point of handover.
The next stage is transport preparation, which includes booking secure transport corridors, arranging customs paperwork, and scheduling delivery slots at destination vaults. Providers such as Brinks and Ferrari Group standardize this step so that the client receives a predictable timeline and assurance that all regulatory checks are satisfied.
The shipment is then moved through transport channels — air, road, or containerized methods depending on scale and route. Every transfer point is managed under dual control, with handover records tied to barlists and insurance documentation. This ensures that no break occurs in the chain of custody.
Finally, the gold enters bonded storage at the destination vault, where it is reconciled against manifests and barlists. At this moment, custody shifts from transport to storage, and the delivery becomes part of the client’s institutional reporting framework.
For investors, the process is valuable because it transforms what could be a fragmented series of steps into a seamless, standardized chain. From allocation to final vaulting, each stage is executed under the same standards of insurance, compliance, and auditability.
4.1 Transport methods (air, road, containers)
Moving gold between jurisdictions requires transport channels that balance speed, risk management, and cost. Brinks and Ferrari Group apply structured methods so that delivery remains secure, insured, and fully documented, regardless of the route.
Air transport is the backbone of international gold logistics. Bullion is sealed in tamper-proof containers, transferred through secure cargo terminals, and loaded under direct supervision of licensed personnel. High-value consignments often travel in dedicated compartments or on chartered aircraft. For investors, this method provides the fastest way to move allocations between hubs such as Dubai, Hong Kong, London, and Zurich.
Road transport secures the “first and last mile.” Armored vehicles equipped with satellite tracking and escort protocols transfer shipments between airports, vaults, and local facilities. In jurisdictions where vaults are positioned near trading floors or free zones, road transport provides continuity in custody with real-time monitoring from operations centers.
Containerized shipments apply when large allocations or refinery outputs must move in bulk. These containers are sealed, declared, and cleared through bonded customs zones in coordination with local authorities. While less frequent for family offices, containerized transport is essential for institutional transfers where efficiency and scale outweigh speed.
For investors, the choice of transport method depends on allocation size, urgency, and jurisdiction. Regardless of the channel, every movement is covered by insurance, tracked through custody logs, and structured to satisfy compliance requirements in the receiving jurisdiction.
4.2 Customs documentation and procedures
Customs clearance is one of the most sensitive stages in gold delivery. Even when transport is secure, a shipment cannot move across borders without precise documentation that satisfies both local and international regulations. For institutions and family offices, this step ensures that the gold enters custody legally, transparently, and with records that stand up to audit.
Core documents typically include commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and barlists detailing the unique serial numbers and weights of each bar. These documents allow customs authorities to match declared values with the physical shipment. Insurance certificates and transport manifests are attached to confirm coverage throughout the journey.
Regulatory compliance frameworks, such as AML and KYC obligations, require providers to verify the identity of the sender and recipient, as well as the lawful source of funds. Brinks and Ferrari Group integrate these checks into their process so that customs authorities receive complete, compliant files without delays.
Bonded zones play a central role in many jurisdictions. Gold enters free-trade or bonded warehouses where duties and taxes are deferred until the metal is either stored, re-exported, or released for local sale. This allows investors to manage allocations efficiently without triggering immediate tax events.
For investors, the value of proper customs documentation is twofold. First, it reduces operational risk by preventing seizures, fines, or compliance disputes. Second, it produces a paper trail that can be linked directly to custody reports and financial statements, giving auditors clear proof that the gold under management was delivered according to international standards.
4.3 Integration with custody and audits (barlists, reporting)
The final stage of delivery is not only the physical handover of gold into a vault but also the integration of that delivery into custody systems and institutional reporting. Without this step, investors cannot demonstrate ownership, insurers cannot confirm coverage, and auditors cannot verify positions.
Barlists are the primary tool for establishing proof of ownership. Each gold bar is listed with its serial number, weight, and fineness, matched against the transport manifest and customs records. Once reconciled at the vault, the barlist becomes part of the client’s custody file, showing exactly which assets belong to the investor.
Audit alignment ensures that these records can be independently verified. Delivery documents, insurance certificates, and customs filings are stored alongside barlists, creating a complete audit trail. External auditors — often appointed by family offices or institutions — can use these records to confirm that the gold held in custody matches the gold declared in financial statements.
Custody reporting integrates delivery data into periodic statements. This allows investors to track not only balances in storage but also the details of how and when assets entered custody. For regulatory or internal governance purposes, this transparency demonstrates that each allocation followed an insured and compliant process from origin to vault.
For investors, integration with custody and audits transforms delivery from a logistical task into a governance tool. Every shipment is more than a movement of metal; it becomes a recorded event that supports compliance, enhances transparency, and reinforces institutional trust.
5. How professional investors choose delivery operators
Selecting a logistics provider for gold custody is a strategic decision. Delivery is not only about moving metal; it defines how allocations are documented, insured, and recognized by auditors and regulators. For professional investors and family offices, the choice of operator often comes down to three dimensions: reputation, jurisdictional fit, and integration with custody reporting.
- Reputation and proven practices: Investors prioritize operators with long track records in transporting and storing high-value assets. Brinks and Ferrari Group both maintain global recognition, supported by established relationships with insurers, customs authorities, and vaulting facilities. Reputation serves as a form of risk transfer: relying on trusted brands reduces exposure to operational failure.
- Jurisdictions and deal structures: Each delivery must align with the legal and regulatory context of origin and destination. Operators are selected based on their ability to navigate specific customs regimes, bonded zones, and tax frameworks. An investor allocating gold through Dubai, for example, requires seamless integration with DMCC procedures, while in London the priority is LBMA-standard vaulting.
- Link to storage and reporting: A delivery operator should not function in isolation but as part of the custody ecosystem. The best providers ensure that barlists, insurance certificates, and customs filings are immediately compatible with custody reports. This reduces reconciliation effort and strengthens audit readiness.
For investors, the choice of delivery operator defines confidence in the entire custody framework. A reliable provider ensures that each allocation enters storage with continuity — insured, documented, and recognized under global compliance standards.
5.1 Reputation and proven practices
In gold custody, reputation is a form of collateral. Investors entrust logistics providers with assets that must remain secure, insured, and compliant across borders. Choosing an operator with a recognized track record reduces counterparty risk and builds confidence that deliveries will withstand both operational and regulatory scrutiny.
Brinks has established its reputation over more than a century, expanding from armored transport in the United States to a global network serving bullion markets on every continent. Its presence in key hubs and long-standing relationships with customs and insurers give institutions assurance that deliveries follow predictable, tested procedures.
Ferrari Group’s reputation is different but equally valuable. Rooted in the luxury goods sector, the company earned credibility by handling assets where discretion and confidentiality were as critical as security. Over decades, this translated into a trusted position among family offices and private wealth managers who require bullion logistics tailored to bespoke needs.
For investors, the common denominator is proven practice. Both operators are recognized not only by clients but also by the insurers, auditors, and regulators who review custody processes. This recognition allows institutions to integrate deliveries into governance structures without concerns about credibility or compliance gaps.
5.2 Jurisdictions and deal structures
Gold delivery is shaped by the legal and regulatory environment of each jurisdiction. Even with global operators, procedures in Dubai differ from those in London or Hong Kong, and investors must account for these differences when structuring allocations. Selecting the right logistics partner means choosing a provider capable of navigating the specific compliance, tax, and customs frameworks of origin and destination.
In Dubai, delivery is tied to DMCC regulations and bonded zones, where bullion can enter tax-efficient storage under international standards. Brinks and Ferrari Group maintain integration with local customs authorities, ensuring that shipments pass smoothly into accredited vaults.
In London, deliveries are aligned with LBMA protocols. Operators must guarantee that gold entering the system meets Good Delivery requirements, with documentation accepted by both market participants and auditors. For investors, this jurisdiction demands precision in barlists and reconciliation to maintain credibility in financial reporting.
In Hong Kong, logistics requires coordination with both customs and airport security procedures, given its role as a gateway to Chinese and Asian markets. Operators with established presence can expedite clearance while ensuring AML/KYC standards are satisfied.
Deal structures also influence delivery. A family office allocating a modest amount of bullion may require direct air transfer with simple customs filings, while an institutional allocation linked to refinery output may demand containerized transport and multi-jurisdictional documentation. Providers are chosen based on their ability to adapt delivery models to these transaction profiles.
For investors, jurisdictional expertise ensures that deliveries are not disrupted by local bottlenecks or compliance gaps. A trusted operator aligns the logistics process with both the market standards and the legal frameworks of each region, protecting allocations from unnecessary risks.
5.3 Link to storage and reporting requirements
Delivery is only complete when the gold entering a vault is seamlessly integrated into custody and reporting systems. Investors measure value not by the arrival of bullion alone but by the clarity of records that prove ownership, insurance coverage, and compliance. Logistics providers are therefore assessed by how effectively they connect transport with storage and audit processes.
Barlists issued at delivery must match the records maintained by vault operators. Insurance certificates generated during transit must extend into the storage phase without gaps in coverage. Customs filings and clearance documents should be archived alongside custody reports so auditors can verify every stage of the chain. When these elements align, investors gain a single, coherent record of ownership recognized across jurisdictions.
Operators such as Brinks and Ferrari Group structure their services with this integration in mind. Their protocols ensure that once a shipment is reconciled at a vault, all documentation is already formatted for institutional reporting and governance requirements. This reduces administrative effort for family offices and asset managers while strengthening transparency in audits.
For professional investors, this link between delivery, storage, and reporting is what transforms logistics from an operational detail into a foundation of custody. A provider that ensures continuity across these layers reinforces confidence that allocations are not only physically secured but also institutionally recognized.
6. Conclusion: delivery as part of the trust infrastructure
Secure delivery is more than a logistical function — it is a structural component of gold custody. The way bullion moves across borders, clears customs, and enters vaults defines whether investors can rely on their allocations as audited, insured, and compliant assets. Without this continuity, storage alone cannot provide the assurance institutions and family offices require.
Brinks and Ferrari Group illustrate two distinct but complementary models. Brinks offers scale, standardized protocols, and integration with the largest global trading hubs. Ferrari Group brings flexibility, discretion, and a service model aligned with private wealth. Together, they demonstrate how global logistics supports the broader custody framework by ensuring that delivery is not a weak link but a source of confidence.
For investors, the lesson is clear: choosing a logistics provider is not only about transport speed or cost. It is about embedding delivery into governance, reporting, and risk management. When executed to institutional standards, delivery becomes part of the trust infrastructure that underpins gold as a long-term store of value.