Institutional and private investors face significant risks when buying gold internationally. This guide walks you through the critical steps: verifying counterparties, confirming LBMA Good Delivery standards, and securing an unbroken chain of custody.
Gold transactions involving large volumes — whether bullion, Dore bars, or allocated certificates — attract sophisticated fraud. Fake assay reports, shell refineries, and forged shipping documents are common tactics used to deceive buyers.
Without proper due diligence, buyers risk receiving under-carat material, stolen gold, or nothing at all. Sellers face equal exposure: dealing with unverified buyers can lead to payment fraud, regulatory penalties, or reputational damage.
This guide is built on the verification protocols we use at Global Gold Verification Platform. It reflects real-world standards applied to transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
The seller claims LBMA status but the refinery is not listed on the official Good Delivery List.
Counterparties who resist independent assay, KYC checks, or escrow arrangements.
Discounts significantly below spot price are a hallmark of counterfeit or stolen gold.
Missing export licenses, customs declarations, or chain-of-custody records.
Carriers without specialist precious-metals insurance or secure-vault accreditation.
Sellers operating through jurisdictions with no physical presence or beneficial ownership disclosure.
FCA-regulated firms must comply with MLRs 2017. All high-value dealers (HVDs) in precious metals must register with HMRC for AML supervision.
The 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD) requires enhanced due diligence for transactions over €10,000. Member states maintain central beneficial ownership registers.
FinCEN mandates BSA compliance for precious metals dealers. OFAC sanctions screening is mandatory. State-level money-transmitter licenses may apply.
Global Gold Verification Platform handles end-to-end due diligence: KYC/AML screening, LBMA refinery verification, chain-of-custody documentation, and secure logistics. Start with a buyer or seller verification request.
We extend our services through LBMA-aligned refineries, independent assayers, vault operators, secured logistics carriers, gold-trade lawyers, and compliance specialists. If you operate to institutional standards in the gold market, we want to work with you.
