One of our team members went to Korea and took this photo recently. For those of us unfamiliar, this is a love lock that lovers typically lock onto a public fixture (Most common a bridge or wall of sorts) to symbolize their love for each other. The key is supposedly then thrown away and their love is “unbreakable”. (Probably the author did not account for irate authorities or lock-picking thieves when he came up with this)
This Valentine’s day, we decided to explore why some people choose to “lock” their precious metals in a vault, whereas others just choose to leave them at home. What is the difference between a safety deposit box, a vault and my home safe anyway? Aren’t they all just places to store items safely? Today, we will head into the realm of vaulting security.
Home Safe
A metal safe box at your house where you apparently store your important papers under your personal name (Think title deeds, birth certificates, cash, etc.), all in the hopes that a burglar who breaks into your house will not find it/ deems it too troublesome to cart off a neatly packaged “takeaway container” of the things he came in to find in the first place. We jest, but you get the idea:)
PS: We must take this chance to state that we are very fortunate to reside in a safe country like Singapore.
Safety Deposit Box
A slight improvement from a home safe system where you place the actual metal box at a third party facility with security protocols implemented. Costs are incurred for the security personnel and the technology but are typically low across the industry. Privacy levels differ at different facilities but a general trend is the higher the level of privacy you require, the higher the annual costs. Insurance of your holdings is typically not available.
LBMA Network Vaults
The vault is maintained by an independent LBMA vault operator who follows international standards and have strict security protocols. Financial institutions typically store their holdings within these secure facilities and form an ecosystem that enables global liquidity management and easy location swaps. LBMA vaults perform an important role in providing secure locations where bullion transactions between bullion dealers are facilitated efficiently. 100% insurance coverage is provided and high levels of check and balances are maintained.
At GSC’s partner’s vault, whenever a GSC staff enters the vault, they are accompanied everywhere by a vault operator and the same security protocols for visitors apply to GSC staff as well. Any deposit and withdrawal of holdings is strictly controlled and holdings are inspected regularly to ensure accuracy and security
Click here to find out more information on LBMA vaults.
Private Vault
Similar to the combined concept of an LBMA vault operator and a safety deposit box system, but under a private vault operator who sets his own standards and might not prescribe to international standards. Such operators usually act alone (due to clients’ privacy) and are not connected to other ecosystems. Stored physical bullion typically have to be transported externally before transactions can occur. Counter party risk might be high depending on the solvency of the vault operator. Unfortunately, there have been known cases of operators absconding with their client’s assets.
Quick Comparison of Storage methods
Which among the 4 common options would be best to store precious metals you ask?
In a nutshell, it really depends on the clients’ needs and objectives! Different clients have different risk profiles and prioritize certain aspects of their portfolios over other factors. Speak to our Storage team for a more in depth analysis of your profile and portfolio to have a better idea.
So that’s it, a quick look at vaulting security. Keep in tune as we continue our updates, to make precious metals investing a transparent one.
PS: A quick shout out to GSC’s Storage Programme. We partner LBMA vault operators and seek to add value to our clients’ storage holdings.
Here’s how clients can maximize their holdings’ value:
- Instant Price Fix – Storage clients are able to phone in during office hours to sell their holdings instantaneously, regardless of their physical location.
- Live Valuation – When within GSC Vault Network, storage clients’ holdings are tracked with real-time prices, providing them a live valuation and profit/loss statement of their investment portfolio at any instance.
- Hassle-Free Administration – Clients do not have to worry about counting and keeping track how many pieces of each item they have. GSC sends a monthly statement with their item breakdown.
- Smart Analysis – Based on aggregated databases, we are able to optimize clients’ precious metals portfolio to achieve their objectives via portfolio rebalancing
Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +6562229703 if you are looking to maximize your precious metals potential.
