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Singapore has increasingly earned the moniker “Geneva of the East”, standing shoulder to shoulder with Switzerland as a preferred safe haven for the elite
The logistics of moving and storing gold internationally are no small feat.
Ever wondered where the ultra-rich stash their treasure troves of gold? While most of us are content locking up our jewellery in bank lockers or home safes, the world’s wealthiest individuals rely on something far more secretive, secure, and sophisticated – a facility in Singapore known simply as “The Reserve”.
Tucked away near Singapore’s Changi Airport, “The Reserve” is a discreet six-story fortress that houses gold, silver, and other precious metals worth a staggering Rs 12,500 crore. This high-security building is not open to the public and operates as a private vault facility, providing top-tier safekeeping to global billionaires, investment moguls, and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).
Founded by Gregor Gregersen, the facility is managed by his company Silver Bullion, which has emerged as a trusted name in physical wealth protection. Inside, thousands of vaults and lockers are sealed within thick concrete walls, offering clients not just security, but complete discretion.
In fact, from January to April 2025 alone, the demand for storing valuables at “The Reserve” has shot up by 88%, a reflection of how geopolitical and economic instability is reshaping how the ultra-wealthy view traditional banking systems and investment instruments.
Singapore has increasingly earned the moniker “Geneva of the East”, standing shoulder to shoulder with Switzerland as a preferred safe haven for the elite. With its robust legal system, political neutrality, and financial transparency, Singapore has become a global hotspot for wealth preservation.
Why the shift? The answer lies in global anxiety. Trade wars, inflation fears, and banking collapses in several nations have shaken investor confidence.
In countries like Lebanon, Algeria, and Egypt, where banking systems have buckled under economic pressure, many wealthy individuals now prefer storing their wealth in tangible assets, especially physical gold, rather than entrusting volatile banks or paper-based financial instruments like ETFs and mutual funds.
The logistics of moving and storing gold internationally are no small feat. From transportation and insurance to high-end security, the costs are steep. That’s why facilities like “The Reserve” primarily cater to long-term investors, those who don’t just see gold as a commodity, but as an anchor of financial survival in uncertain times.
The vault’s location also plays a critical role. With low crime rates, neutral foreign policy, and tight regulatory control, Singapore has positioned itself as an oasis of stability, a magnet for those looking to protect not just wealth, but legacy.
As central banks in Asia reconsider monetary policy amid inflation concerns, Singapore’s recent move to lower repo rates has only increased its appeal as a destination for asset storage and global investment.
While this level of financial protection may seem like a luxury, to the world’s richest, it’s a strategic safeguard. As the global financial climate grows more unpredictable, secure storage of real, physical assets is no longer an indulgence; it’s a necessity.
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