Multiple countries are accelerating shifts in gold-reserve storage to reduce
reliance on Western custodian systems. Since 2013 several central banks have
repatriated overseas gold. The World Gold Council 2026 central bank survey shows
19% of central banks increased the share of gold held domestically or
diversified storage locations in the past 12 months, up from 7% a year earlier,
and the number of central banks storing gold in New York and London vaults
continues to decline.