Finance

World Gold Council launches digital gold initiative with Linklaters, Hilltop Walk

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 3, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
World Gold Council launches digital gold initiative with Linklaters, Hilltop Walk
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

(Reuters) -The World Gold Council in collaboration with law firm Linklaters and consultancy firm Hilltop Walk Consulting has announced a new framework to modernize the global gold market. The proposal

World Gold Council Unveils Digital Gold Framework with Partners

Modernizing the Global Gold Market

(Reuters) -The World Gold Council in collaboration with law firm Linklaters and consultancy firm Hilltop Walk Consulting has announced a new framework to modernize the global gold market.

Introduction of Pooled Gold Interests

The proposal introduces a new structure called Pooled Gold Interests which allows investors to own a share of physical gold stored in vaults, including in small, fractional amounts.

Benefits of the New System

The system is designed to make gold easier to trade and use, including as collateral in financial markets and allow easy and secure transfer of gold interests between parties.

Background and Industry Consultations

Currently, gold is traded either as allocated gold, gold which involves direct ownership of specific physical bars but is operationally complex, or unallocated gold, which has higher liquidity and lower costs but may expose investors to the credit risk of the institution where the account is held.

The move follows industry consultations and builds on recent reviews by the Financial Markets Standards Board.

(Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

Key Takeaways

  • World Gold Council partners with Linklaters and Hilltop Walk.
  • Introduction of Pooled Gold Interests for fractional ownership.
  • New system enhances gold trading and collateral use.
  • Addresses complexities of allocated and unallocated gold.
  • Initiative follows industry consultations and reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new framework introduced by the World Gold Council?
The World Gold Council has introduced a new framework called Pooled Gold Interests, allowing investors to own shares of physical gold stored in vaults, including in small, fractional amounts.
How does the new gold trading system work?
The system is designed to make gold easier to trade and use, enabling it to be used as collateral in financial markets and allowing secure transfer of gold interests between parties.
What are the current methods of gold trading?
Currently, gold is traded as allocated gold, which involves direct ownership of specific physical bars, or unallocated gold, which has higher liquidity but lower ownership rights.
What prompted the World Gold Council's new initiative?
The initiative follows industry consultations and builds on recent reviews conducted by the Financial Markets Standards Board.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category