Changing Demand
In the past, institutional exposure to gold was largely through ETFs or futures. Today, some family offices and institutions also hold physical gold — not just paper substitutes. The reasons usually given are legal title to specific bars, visibility of where the metal is held, and not depending on an ETF issuer or futures counterparty.
Multi-Generational Thinking
Family offices typically plan over long horizons. Some hold gold because it has historically behaved differently from other assets during inflation, currency weakness or crises. This is not guaranteed, and gold can have long periods of falling or flat prices.
Surveys of family offices regularly show interest in real assets, including gold, but each office’s decision depends on its own objectives and advice.
Common Reasons Institutions Give
Diversification
Some institutions group assets by role — from growth-seeking to capital-preserving. Gold is often discussed in the second group, though its price can be volatile and it produces no income.
Liquidity
Gold is widely traded. With EONA, you can sell your metal back to EONA at the price shown on the platform, and proceeds are paid to your verified bank account. The value you receive may be lower than what you paid.
Regulatory Context
The regulatory treatment of gold held by insurers, pension funds and other regulated entities varies by jurisdiction and by regulator. Institutions should check the rules that apply to them with their own advisers.
Questions Family Offices Consider
How Much to Hold
This depends entirely on the office’s objectives, risk tolerance and advice. EONA does not give investment advice or suggest allocations.
Where to Hold It
Offices managing wealth across jurisdictions often have policies on where assets may be stored. With EONA, all metal is stored with Loomis in Dubai; Zurich and Singapore are planned locations (coming soon).
How to Exit
Understand in advance how selling works, what it costs and where proceeds are paid. See our Fees & Spread page for the spread and the 1.00% commission on each purchase and sale.
How EONA Works for Institutions
EONA lets institutions buy allocated physical gold and silver, recorded against specific bars and stored with Loomis in Dubai. Prices are based on the international spot price plus a premium, with a commission (see our Fees & Spread page). EONA sells on an execution-only basis and does not give investment advice.