The essentials

Physical precious metals
Buying precious metals in their physical form offers an alternative investment. Precious metals can be held in secure depositories or stored in safe-deposit boxes. You can also buy precious metals in the form of coins or different-sized ingots which make an original and durable gift. Unlike other metals, gold (coins or ingots) is VAT-exempt. This asset class does not count as part of any bankruptcy estate and it can be delivered at any time.

Precious metal accounts

Precious metal accounts allow you to take advantage of a simple investment in book-entry form. Opening a precious metal account will give you access to a range of possible transactions. Forward or spot trades and options are available on the following assets:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Palladium

It is possible to arrange for precious metal accounts to be converted into physical precious metals in some circumstances, subject, in particular, to melting and assay charges (factored into the price). All metals held in accounts are VAT-exempt.

Simplified trading

Fees (apart from account-maintenance and custody fees) are included in the price. Prices quoted for gold (coins, ingots) are inclusive of tax. For other precious metals (silver, platinum and palladium) in physical form, VAT will have to be added.

Rest assured that you are investing in top-quality materials

The authenticity of the physical precious metals on offer is guaranteed.

Further information

Recommendation

As they are prone to volatility, precious metals should only account for a limited proportion of an investor’s portfolio.

Conditions

The physical transactions can only be done at the BCGE headquarters, Quai de l'ile 17, 1204 Geneva.