(PRECIOUS METALS, BULLION & INTERNATIONAL VAULTING)

Precious Metals

We coordinate documented physical bullion ownership, including Swiss gold, alongside professional third-party vaulting and the offshore companies, trusts and foundations used to hold precious metals. Each engagement is organised around legal title, custody, liquidity, reporting and long-term control.

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Written and reviewed by John EvansConnor Steens
Updated
Physical gold bullion prepared for secure international storage
Allocated bullion Swiss & international vaulting Documented custody

(OVERVIEW)

Physical bullion held with clearer ownership, custody and reporting

A bullion arrangement should begin with the legal owner, not the vault. We assess whether the objective involves Swiss gold or another approved precious metal, then review custody, liquidity, ownership structure and the countries connected to the client before coordinating a provider relationship, creating a documented holding designed around control, verification and lawful disclosure.

(OUR PROCESS)

01

Consultation

A confidential discussion of the intended allocation, legal owner, existing structures, custody preferences, liquidity needs and reporting position.

02

Ownership and custodian selection

We compare direct ownership with offshore company, trust and foundation structures, then coordinate eligible bullion dealers, vaults and custody terms.

03

Onboarding and documentation

We coordinate entity formation where required, beneficial-owner checks, source-of-funds records and the custodian application.

04

Purchase and ongoing custody

After approval, the owner funds the account, acquires or transfers approved metal and receives the available statements, bar details and custody records.

(BULLION OWNERSHIP & VAULTING)

A structured route from offshore ownership to professional bullion custody

The service connects the legal owner, the offshore structure where appropriate, and the custodian holding the physical bullion. We coordinate provider access and onboarding while keeping allocation, storage, bar records, insurance and exit procedures visible from the outset.

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Allocated bullion

Specific bars or recognised coins can be assigned to the legal owner instead of being represented only by a pooled or unsecured claim.

Swiss gold vaulting

Where suitable, allocated gold bullion may be held through approved Swiss custody relationships with documented ownership and storage terms.

Gold, silver and more

Gold and silver bullion are the principal focus, with selected platinum and palladium products considered where provider terms permit.

Bar records and verification

Available documentation may include trade confirmations, serial-numbered bar lists, refinery details, holding statements and audit information.

Insurance and custody

Vaulting arrangements are reviewed for insurance scope, custodian duties, access controls and the legal treatment of client bullion.

Offshore ownership structures

An offshore company may hold the bullion account directly or sit beneath a trust or foundation for governance and succession planning.

(AT A GLANCE)

Bullion and precious-metals holding options at a glance

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An offshore company is a separate legal entity formed outside the owners’ main country of residence or business. It can enter contracts, own assets, hold investments and apply for bank or brokerage accounts. Unlike a trust, it is managed through directors or managers and owned through shares or membership interests. A trust, foundation or bank account may form part of the wider structure, but each performs a different legal and practical role.

Comparison of Swiss gold, physical bullion and precious-metals holding approaches
Holding optionTypical roleOwnership & storageKey considerationDiscuss option
Allocated Swiss goldBars or recognised bullion coinsLong-term bullion ownership, reserve holdings and diversification within a documented Swiss or international custody relationship.Specific bullion assigned to the individual or approved legal vehicle and held with a professional custodian.Premiums, bar size, dealing spread and delivery terms.Discuss
Allocated silver bullionBars and coinsA complementary metal allocation with different industrial demand, price behaviour and denomination options.Physical holdings recorded to the owner or entity, with segregation available through selected providers.Storage volume, dealing liquidity and applicable indirect taxes.Discuss
Platinum & palladiumSpecialist physical allocationTargeted exposure to scarcer metals with both investment and industrial-market characteristics.Allocated bars or coins where supported by the chosen dealer and custodian.Higher volatility, thinner markets and product availability.Discuss
Mixed metals holdingOne custody relationshipDiversification across several physical metals without creating separate ownership arrangements for each holding.Multiple metal types recorded within the same approved custody account or legal vehicle.Allocation policy, rebalancing and transaction costs.Discuss
Existing metal transferCustody consolidationMoving approved existing holdings into a professional vault or a newly established ownership structure.Acceptance is subject to provenance, product specifications, transport arrangements and any required verification.Assay, logistics, insurance and chain-of-custody records.Discuss
Structure + vaultingCoordinated ownership and custodyEstablishing or using a company beneath a trust or foundation to hold documented physical precious metals.Entity formation, custodian onboarding and metals acquisition coordinated as connected workstreams.Legal, tax, reporting and governance advice in each relevant country.Book a call

Provider eligibility, minimum holdings, dealing terms and custody costs vary. Structure and onboarding fees are quoted in writing before work begins.

Allocated bullion for secure vault storageOwnership · Custody · Documentation

(OFFSHORE BULLION STRUCTURE)

Offshore Company, Swiss Gold & Bullion Vaulting

A coordinated engagement for clients who want an offshore company or wider structure to hold allocated bullion, including Swiss gold where suitable. We arrange the ownership vehicle, provider onboarding and supporting records, while every purchase remains subject to client approval and custodian terms.

  • Ownership and custody design reviewed before formation begins
  • Company formation and registered-agent onboarding where required
  • Custodian application coordinated with beneficial-owner and source-of-funds documents
  • Purchase, transfer, statements and ongoing administration explained in advance

Discuss the Package

(COMMON USES)

Why clients hold bullion through an international structure

An offshore company may be used for international trading, consulting, investment holding, property ownership, intellectual property, group structuring and banking. The activity must be lawful, commercially supportable and consistent with licensing, tax, reporting and economic-substance obligations.

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Tangible wealth reserve

Physical metal may form one part of a wider reserve strategy alongside cash, securities, property and operating assets.

Currency diversification

An internationally stored holding can reduce dependence on a single banking system or domestic currency environment.

Portfolio balance

Gold and other metals may behave differently from equities, bonds and cash, although values can still rise or fall materially.

Succession planning

Documented ownership through a company, trust or foundation can support continuity and the orderly transfer of control.

Corporate reserves

An eligible company may hold physical metals as part of its treasury or long-term asset allocation, subject to advice and governance.

Geographic diversification

Professional custody outside the owner’s home country can diversify where assets are physically stored and administered.

(OWNERSHIP & STORAGE)

How legal ownership and physical custody fit together

The finder opens on the precious-metals service, covering 21 jurisdictions and 22 formation, ownership, filing, tax and administration attributes. Select up to four jurisdictions for a side-by-side comparison, or switch to the trust chart where relevant.

01 · Legal owner

Define who will own the bullion

Swiss gold or other bullion may be owned personally, by an offshore company, or through a company held beneath a trust or foundation. The choice should follow legal and tax advice.

02 · Custody model

Select the vault and bullion terms

We compare provider eligibility, allocation, segregation, insurance, audit information, dealing access and delivery procedures.

03 · Onboarding

Complete due diligence

The custodian reviews identity, address, source of funds, beneficial ownership and the constitutional documents of any legal vehicle.

04 · Bullion purchase & records

Acquire and document the holding

Once approved, funds are transferred, bullion is purchased and the owner receives the available confirmations, statements and bar details.

Direct ownership

Individual or family holding

The custodian records the individual as the account holder and legal owner. This is usually the simplest arrangement but does not create a separate ownership vehicle.

Suitable where structural separation is not required and personal reporting is straightforward.

Company ownership

Corporate precious-bullion account

An existing or newly formed company may purchase and hold approved metals. The company’s directors or managers operate the relationship under its governance documents.

The company must be maintained properly and its ownership, transactions and accounts disclosed where required.

Wider structure

Trust or foundation above the company

A trust or foundation may own the company that holds the custody account, creating separate layers for governance, succession and day-to-day administration.

Effectiveness depends on timing, applicable law, professional administration and advice in every relevant country.

Switzerland is one established vaulting centre and may be considered where the provider, account size and ownership structure fit. Other approved custody locations may also be appropriate. Bullion prices can fall and this service does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.

(EXPERTISE)

Meet the team coordinating bullion ownership and custody

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John Evans
Forbes Business Council

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

More than two decades of experience across offshore banking, asset protection, international companies and trusts.

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Connor Steens
BBUS

Founder & Business Development Director

Sydney, Australia

Specialises in offshore structuring, strategic partnerships, business development and global wealth solutions.

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Atinata Hosking

Sales Manager

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Brings more than two decades of experience in offshore banking, regulatory compliance and client relationship management.

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Melanie Tetuaiteroi

Sales Assistant

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Supports client onboarding, communications, documentation and operational coordination, backed by fiduciary administration experience.

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(INSIGHTS)

Bullion, Swiss gold and offshore ownership insights

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Recent Articles

Explore our latest insights, practical guides and updates on international wealth structuring.

(ABOUT OFFSHORE BULLION OWNERSHIP)

How can offshore structures hold Swiss gold and other bullion?

Offshore precious-metals services coordinate the legal ownership, purchase or transfer and professional custody of physical bullion outside the owner’s main country of residence. Swiss gold may form part of the arrangement, but the core question is who legally owns the bars or coins. The account may be held personally, by an offshore company, or by a company owned beneath a trust or foundation. The purpose is documented ownership and orderly governance—not anonymity or tax avoidance.

Allocated bullion and Swiss vaulting

Allocated bullion is intended to represent physical bars or coins assigned to the owner rather than an unsecured claim against a bank, dealer or platform. Swiss gold held through an approved vault may be identified through serial numbers, weights, refinery details and account records. Individually segregated storage can add a further physical distinction from other clients’ holdings. Insurance limits, audit procedures, legal title, provider solvency, sale terms and delivery arrangements still require careful review. Switzerland is a leading custody centre, although other approved locations may suit a client’s structure and objectives.

Offshore ownership structures, tax and reporting

An offshore company can act as the separate legal owner of a bullion account and may sit beneath a trust or foundation where succession and governance require additional layers. The structure can hold Swiss gold or other approved metals, but it does not remove the responsibilities of directors, managers, trustees, founders or beneficial owners. It must serve a genuine lawful purpose and maintain proper records. Tax treatment and disclosure obligations vary by residence, entity classification, custody arrangements and the way gains or distributions are realised.

(SWISS GOLD & BULLION GUIDE)

Understanding Swiss Gold, Bullion & Offshore Ownership

How it works

From offshore ownership planning to documented bullion custody

A bullion engagement combines a legal owner, an approved dealer or custodian and records showing what is held and where. Swiss gold may be selected where the provider and structure are suitable.

The work begins by defining whether the account will be personal or owned through a company, trust or foundation. We then compare custody relationships against the intended metal, investment size, dealing requirements, delivery preferences and reporting position.

  • Confirm the legal owner and source of funds.
  • Select the metal, form and custody model.
  • Complete provider due diligence and account opening.
  • Purchase or transfer the metal and retain the custody records.

We coordinate the ownership structure and provider onboarding; investment selection remains the client’s decision with appropriate advisers.

Discuss bullion ownership
Allocated ownership

The difference between owning bullion and holding a claim

Allocated custody generally means the owner is assigned specific physical bullion rather than an unsecured balance owed by an institution.

Provider terminology must be checked carefully. Some services identify exact bars and serial numbers, while others allocate equivalent metal within a broader custody pool. Individually segregated arrangements go further by storing the owner’s metal separately from other clients’ holdings.

Allocated

Physical bullion is recorded to the owner or legal vehicle under the custodian’s account terms.

Segregated

The holding is physically separated or placed in a dedicated location, subject to the provider’s procedures.

Unallocated

The client may hold a contractual claim against an institution rather than title to identified metal.

Metals available

Swiss gold, silver and selected platinum-group metals

Availability depends on the dealer, vault, product specifications, market liquidity and account size.

Swiss gold

Allocated bars or recognised bullion coins held through an eligible Swiss custody relationship, subject to provider access and terms.

Silver

Available in bars and coins, with greater storage volume and potentially different indirect-tax treatment.

Platinum

A smaller and more industrially influenced market with different liquidity and volatility characteristics.

Palladium

A specialist allocation generally considered only where the client understands its concentrated industrial demand.

Where appropriate, the provider may offer Swiss-vaulted gold bars meeting recognised wholesale-market standards. Product choice should consider authenticity, resale acceptance, premiums and delivery practicality.

Storage and custody

Swiss vaulting is one part of the wider custody relationship

A strong custody review considers legal title, insurance, audits, statements, dealing access, transport and what happens if the provider fails.

  • Who legally owns the metal and how client property is separated.
  • Whether storage is allocated, commingled or individually segregated.
  • The scope and limits of insurance coverage.
  • Independent inspection or audit information available to clients.
  • Procedures and costs for sale, pickup, transfer or international delivery.

Swiss gold custody may suit clients seeking an established vaulting centre, but the best arrangement still depends on provider access, costs, legal ownership, tax treatment and intended use.

Ownership structures

Direct ownership, company ownership or a wider estate-planning structure

The custodian must know the beneficial owners and controllers regardless of whether Swiss gold or other bullion is held personally or through a legal vehicle.

01

Individual ownership

The simplest arrangement, with the account and metal held in the individual’s name.

02

Offshore company

The company becomes the account holder and must maintain governance, records and reporting.

03

Trust-owned company

A trustee owns the company interests while directors or managers administer the bullion account.

04

Foundation-owned company

A foundation may hold the company where civil-law succession or governance objectives make it appropriate.

Physical vs paper

Physical bullion and market-linked instruments solve different problems

ETFs, certificates, futures and digital tokens can provide price exposure, while allocated custody is designed around ownership of physical bullion.

Paper instruments may offer convenient dealing and lower friction, but they introduce an issuer, fund, bank, broker, derivative or custodian chain. Physical custody introduces different costs and risks, including storage fees, insurance, transport and wider buy/sell spreads.

  • Use price-linked instruments where liquidity and trading efficiency are the primary objective.
  • Use physical allocated metal where direct title and custody records are central to the objective.
  • Review both approaches within the client’s complete portfolio rather than treating either as universally superior.
Reporting and tax

Offshore ownership is documented, not invisible

The tax and disclosure result depends on the owner’s residence, the legal vehicle, the accounts used and the treatment of gains, distributions and foreign assets.

A company, trust or foundation may create additional filings, accounting responsibilities and beneficial-ownership disclosures. A bank account used to fund purchases can carry separate reporting obligations from the metal itself.

We require transparent source-of-funds information and recommend advice from qualified legal and tax professionals before ownership or custody is changed.

Discuss the structure
Who it suits

Clients seeking documented physical ownership within a wider wealth plan

The service is most relevant where the client values professional custody, geographic diversification and a clear legal ownership framework.

  • Families building a long-term tangible-asset reserve.
  • International investors who already use a company, trust or foundation.
  • Business owners considering physical bullion within corporate reserves.
  • Clients moving from informal home storage to professional custody.
  • Estate-planning structures requiring documented ownership and continuity.

It may be unsuitable where the investment amount is too small for professional custody costs, where immediate retail liquidity is essential, or where the client is unwilling to complete full due diligence and reporting.

(SWISS GOLD & BULLION QUESTIONS)

Common questions about Swiss gold and offshore bullion

Fully allocated Swiss gold generally means physical bullion is assigned to the account holder or legal vehicle rather than represented only by a debt owed by an institution. The provider’s terms should explain whether exact bars or coins are identified, how title is recorded and which custody records are supplied.

Segregated storage means the client’s holding is physically separated or placed in a dedicated location rather than mixed with equivalent metal belonging to other clients. Exact practices vary, so the custody agreement, bar list, access rules and delivery procedures should be reviewed before onboarding.

Yes. An eligible offshore company may purchase and hold Swiss gold, silver or other approved bullion where its constitutional documents, governing law and custodian permit it. The company becomes the account holder and must complete beneficial-owner, source-of-funds and governance checks. Its directors or managers must maintain proper records and comply with applicable tax and reporting rules.

A trust or foundation may own the shares or membership interests of a company that holds the custody account. This can support succession, governance and continuity, but it also adds administration, cost and reporting. The structure should be established for a lawful purpose and reviewed by advisers in the client’s home country.

The term Swiss gold commonly refers to gold refined, traded or held through a Swiss relationship, but the precise meaning depends on the product and provider. Switzerland is a well-established vaulting location, although the appropriate custody centre depends on access, insurance, costs, product availability, legal title, delivery requirements and the owner’s reporting position.

Gold and silver bullion are the most widely available. Selected providers may also support platinum and palladium in approved bar or coin formats. Availability, minimum sizes, premiums, custody fees and resale liquidity differ by metal and product.

Sometimes. A Swiss or international custodian may require evidence of provenance, approved product specifications, secure transport and independent verification or assay. Existing bars that do not meet the provider’s standards may need to be sold and replaced rather than transferred directly.

No. Swiss gold custodians, other vault providers and formation agents identify beneficial owners and review source of funds. The individual, offshore company, trust or foundation may have tax, accounting, foreign-asset and beneficial-ownership reporting obligations. Offshore ownership should support lawful custody, governance and diversification—not concealment.

(CONTACT US)

Speak to a specialist. Let’s build your structure.

Book a confidential, no-obligation consultation with a senior member of our team to discuss your objectives and the services we have available.