A staggering $75 billion flowed into gold ETFs in 2024, a figure not seen since the peak of the 2008 financial crisis. This isn’t simply a ‘safe haven’ play; it signals a deeper recalibration of investor priorities in a world grappling with geopolitical instability and eroding trust in traditional financial systems.
The Accidental Gold Bug: From School Dropout to Bullion Club CEO
Harry Thorne’s path to becoming the 30-year-old CEO of the Bullion Club, a gold coin trading business forecasting £8 million in revenue this year, is anything but conventional. Leaving school with no qualifications at 16, he started with a £20-a-day job sweeping floors. Today, his company operates from a Grade II listed mansion in Surrey, employing eleven staff and challenging the established norms of the precious metals market.
The Two Lessons: A Grandfather’s Gift and a Crypto Loss
Thorne credits his grandfather with instilling the first crucial lesson: “Gold preserves wealth.” Receiving a single gold coin each birthday, he amassed a collection that ultimately provided a £16,000 deposit for his first flat. This contrasted sharply with a subsequent £1,000 investment in cryptocurrency, lost entirely. “Crypto can be up and down like a yo-yo,” he reflects. “Gold behaves very differently.” This early experience shaped his philosophy and ultimately led to the founding of the Bullion Club.
Democratizing Gold Ownership: The Bullion Club Model
Launched in 2022, the Bullion Club focuses on independently graded, sealed Royal Mint sovereigns and britannias – UK legal tender coins exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for British investors. With an entry point of around £2,500, comparable to an ISA contribution, the club aims to make gold ownership accessible. “I spent years watching people being pushed into products they didn’t fully understand,” Thorne explains. “We focus on assets that stand on their own merit, not a sales story.”
The Tax Advantage and the Rise of Tangible Assets
The CGT exemption is a significant draw, particularly for higher earners. However, Thorne emphasizes that recognisability, liquidity, and independent grading are equally important. Clients, he says, “want clarity on what they’re buying.” This desire for transparency reflects a broader trend: a growing preference for tangible, understandable assets alongside traditional portfolios. The Bullion Club is tapping into this demand, fueled by referrals from satisfied customers who appreciate the clear proposition.
Beyond Fear: The Structural Shift in Gold Demand
The price of gold surged in late 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions and US tariffs. While some “fear premium” may subside if markets stabilize, Thorne believes a more fundamental shift is underway. Record gold demand in 2025 wasn’t solely driven by headlines. “We’re seeing demand influenced by longer-term themes like diversification, confidence in fiat currencies, and institutional/central-bank interest,” he notes. This suggests a sustained appetite for gold, not just a temporary flight to safety.
The Future of Wealth Preservation: Gold, Digital Assets, and the Search for Stability
The contrasting experiences of Thorne – the steady appreciation of his grandfather’s coins versus the volatility of cryptocurrency – highlight a critical question for investors: what constitutes true wealth preservation? While Thorne remains cautious about crypto, the underlying desire for alternative assets is undeniable. The future likely won’t be about choosing *between* gold and digital assets, but rather integrating them strategically within a diversified portfolio.
The Role of Tokenization and Fractional Ownership
One emerging trend is the tokenization of gold. This process involves creating digital tokens representing ownership of physical gold, offering increased liquidity and accessibility. Fractional ownership platforms are also gaining traction, allowing investors to purchase small portions of gold bars or coins, further lowering the barrier to entry. These innovations could dramatically reshape the gold market, attracting a new generation of investors.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the Appeal of Physical Gold
The increasing discussion surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) also plays a role. While CBDCs promise efficiency and control, they also raise concerns about privacy and government oversight. This could further fuel demand for physical gold as a truly independent store of value, outside the control of central banks.
Navigating the New Landscape: A Word of Caution
Thorne’s advice remains pragmatic: “Start with clarity: are you investing for long-term preservation or trying to build a portfolio that can work alongside an ISA that is being hit by annual limits?” He stresses the importance of reputable companies and independent advice. The key, he argues, is understanding the proposition and avoiding products pushed without full transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Future of Gold Investment
Will the gold price continue to rise indefinitely?
While predicting future prices is impossible, the underlying factors driving demand – geopolitical uncertainty, diversification needs, and institutional interest – suggest continued support for gold. However, periods of consolidation or correction are inevitable.
Is tokenized gold a safe investment?
Tokenized gold offers potential benefits, but it’s crucial to choose reputable platforms with robust security measures and clear ownership structures. Ensure the tokens are backed by physical gold held in secure vaults.
How does gold fit into a broader investment strategy?
Gold is typically used as a portfolio diversifier and a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. A common allocation is 5-10% of a portfolio, but this should be adjusted based on individual risk tolerance and investment goals.
What are your predictions for the future of wealth preservation? Share your insights in the comments below!
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