Your gold and other precious metals are fully protected because you hold direct, physically allocated ownership. These assets are not listed on BFI Bullion’s balance sheet and are entirely separate from our financial obligations. In the unlikely event of BFI Bullion’s insolvency, your metals remain secure and inaccessible to creditors, ensuring your wealth is safeguarded.
True to our crisis-resistant mission, BFI Bullion’s business model is designed to minimize operational risks. We do not pre-finance purchases, engage in hedging, pledge assets, or speculate with client metals. BFI Bullion does not trade on its own account, maintain online trading platforms, or execute buy orders without sufficient client funds. This disciplined approach reinforces the safety and integrity of your investment, providing unmatched peace of mind.
Living on a different continent or time zone from Switzerland poses no barrier to exceptional service at BFI Bullion. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized, high-quality client support to our global clientele. You can connect with our team via phone or video call during our standard business hours, or reach out anytime through our secure Client Login Portal via email or messaging.
Unlike automated systems, you’ll interact directly with dedicated team members who provide thoughtful, tailored responses. Our commitment to outstanding service ensures that, whether you’re 5,000 kilometers away or just 5, we make the distance feel seamless and your needs are met with care.
Switzerland’s reputation for political stability, economic resilience, and fiscal discipline makes it the world’s premier destination for safeguarding private and institutional wealth. Its federalist, direct-democratic system empowers citizens to hold the government accountable, ensuring robust protection of individual property rights. This creates an unparalleled environment for secure asset custody.
Additionally, Switzerland hosts four of the world’s leading precious metals refiners, fostering exceptional market liquidity. This enables investors to buy and sell bullion—gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—with ease and at highly competitive terms, unmatched by other global markets.
As a fully Swiss-owned company operating under Swiss law, BFI Bullion offers clients the assurance of Switzerland’s stringent regulatory framework, whether storing metals in our high-security Swiss vaults or in other global locations like Miami, London, or Singapore. This unique combination of Switzerland’s stability, market advantages, and BFI Bullion’s commitment to secure, transparent services provides investors with an optimal solution for purchasing and storing precious metals.
Yes. Being a subsidiary of the BFI Capital Group, we also regularly contribute to the Group’s blog. Subscribers benefit from not only what we write, but to the contributions regarding asset protection, wealth protection, international investing, etc. offered by the different companies in the Group. Furthermore, we also have our Quarterly “Digger” newsletter, with important topics regarding not only precious metals, but other items that impact our clients, as well as service updates.
BFI Bullion is a subsidiary of BFI Capital Group, a globally respected wealth management firm established in 1993. Operating independently since 2009, BFI Bullion specializes in precious metals purchase and storage, while leveraging the extensive expertise, resources, and global network of BFI Capital Group. This connection empowers BFI Bullion clients to access unparalleled wealth management insights and services, ensuring a comprehensive and secure approach to wealth preservation.
BFI Bullion distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to transparency, security, and client empowerment in the precious metals market.
As a 100% Swiss-owned company, fully compliant with Switzerland’s rigorous legal and regulatory standards, BFI Bullion ensures that you have direct, unencumbered ownership of your precious metals—gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. Unlike other programs where ownership terms may be ambiguous or involve shared or fractional arrangements, your assets with BFI Bullion are physically allocated, individually segregated, and never hedged, pledged, loaned, or leased. This guarantees that your wealth remains exclusively yours, free from third-party claims or entanglements.
A hallmark of BFI Bullion’s approach is its operation outside the traditional banking system. Our services and high-security storage facilities in Switzerland and other global hubs (Miami, London, Singapore) are independent of stock markets and financial institutions. This insulates your assets from systemic risks, such as banking crises or market disruptions, ensuring resilience in even the most turbulent economic climates. Whether you choose to sell, take physical delivery, or relocate your metals, BFI Bullion provides immediate access with unmatched speed and flexibility, eliminating delays often encountered with other providers.
Additionally, BFI Bullion’s Swiss foundation offers unique advantages. Switzerland’s political stability, robust property rights, and status as a global hub for precious metals refining create an optimal environment for liquidity and security. Our clients benefit from competitive pricing and seamless market access, paired with the peace of mind that comes from storing assets in one of the world’s most trusted jurisdictions. By focusing exclusively on physically allocated metals and avoiding speculative practices, BFI Bullion aligns with the needs of investors prioritizing long-term wealth preservation over short-term gains.
In an era of increasing financial complexity and uncertainty, BFI Bullion’s client-centric model—rooted in clarity, independence, and crisis-proof strategies—sets it apart as a trusted partner for safeguarding your wealth with precious metals.
Yes, U.S. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can invest with BFI Bullion, provided the IRA custodian permits the inclusion of precious metals stored with us and signs the necessary documentation. Over the years, we have successfully collaborated with variuos IRA custodians, and our experienced team is ready to assist you in navigating this process.
The eligibility of your IRA depends on its structure – particularly if it’s a self-directed IRA – and the custodian’s policies. While some custodians allow foreign storage in our high-security (e.g., Zurich, London, Singapore), others may restrict storage to U.S.-based facilities. For custodians requiring domestic storage, BFI Bullion offers secure, fully allocated storage options in the U.S., such as our vaults in Miami, ensuring compliance and safety.
To determine compatibility, we recommend consulting your IRA custodian or a U.S.-based specialist familiar with precious metals IRAs. BFI Bullion is here to guide you every step of the way, providing tailored support to assess your custodian’s requirements and streamline the setup process. Our goal is to make your investment in physically allocated precious metals seamless, secure, and aligned with your retirement goals.
Yes, BFI Bullion allows you to designate a Power of Attorney (PoA) to manage your account on your behalf. This authorization permits the designated third party to execute actions such as purchasing, selling, or issuing other instructions related to your precious metals holdings. Given the significant authority this grants, we ensure a secure and transparent process.
To establish a PoA, you must provide a notarized copy of the attorney’s valid passport and an original, signed Power of Attorney form, duly agreed upon by all relevant parties. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure compliance with our stringent standards, safeguarding your account while enabling seamless delegation of authority.
The BFI Bullion Client Login Portal offers a secure, user-friendly platform with a range of tools designed to simplify and enhance your experience, with new features continually being added.
New clients can seamlessly complete their application process, while existing clients can submit buy and sell orders with ease. The portal provides real-time access to view your precious metals holdings, review current and past transactions, download essential forms, and conveniently pay annual storage fees via credit card.
Additionally, you can communicate directly with our team through the highly secure Portal Messenger, which we strongly recommend for all client correspondence to ensure privacy and efficiency. This comprehensive suite of features empowers you to manage your investments with confidence and transparency.
The “Client Reference Account” is the account where you are either wiring the funds for a purchase from, or where we wire cash residuals or sales proceeds to. We can only wire to an account in the name of the BFI Bullion client. The Account can be changed in the future, or you can keep more than one.
Yes, joint ownership is possible. Joint Ownership under BFI Bullion is dealt with as tenancy in common, meaning that each owner owns an equal share of the holdings and do not necessarily have a right of ownership to each other. For estate planning purposes, sometimes the use of a trust or other entity could be beneficial.
First, take a few short minutes to register online. You will then receive access to your very own personal and highly secure Client Online Portal. After validating your identity document(s) and completing our onboarding process, you’ll be ready for your first purchases. Alternatively, we also have a manual application process that can be done via mail, email or fax.
BFI Bullion welcomes a diverse range of clients, including private individuals and legal entities such as trusts, foundations, partnerships, and companies. Accounts can be opened for these entities, provided they comply with our stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) requirements, ensuring security and regulatory adherence.
We also offer tailored benefits for specific client groups. Our investors enjoy unique advantages, for example: no VAT on white metals (silver, platinum, and palladium) when purchased and stored with us. Additionally, institutional clients benefit from specialized services designed to meet their sophisticated needs, including customized portfolio management and high-volume transactions.
Whether you’re an individual, a trust, a company, or an institution, BFI Bullion provides flexible, secure, and client-focused solutions for precious metals investment and storage.
In general, we accept clients from all over the world. BFI Bullion carefully examines every client application assuring that the necessary due diligence is done to comply with Swiss law and to fulfill our own high ethical criteria.
Our expert team provides personalized guidance to help you select the most suitable precious metals format based on your goals and preferences. We generally recommend bullion bars sourced directly from top-tier refiners as the preferred choice due to their cost-effectiveness and security features.
Here are some key considerations:
Bullion Bars: Bars typically carry lower premiums, making them a more economical option per ounce compared to coins. Sourced freshly minted or cast from leading refiners, our bars often include advanced security features, such as state-of-the-art authenticity verification technology, enhancing their reliability and appeal. BFI Bullion also offers a range of bar sizes, including one-ounce and smaller formats, providing flexibility comparable to coins.
Bullion Coins: Coins may appeal to collectors due to their intricate designs. In certain jurisdictions or during a severe fiat currency crisis, coins might also offer greater liquidity for smaller transactions. However, the higher premiums and less frequent inclusion of advanced security features make them less cost-effective within the BFI Bullion program.
Tailored to Your Goals: Your choice depends on your investment objectives –whether prioritizing wealth preservation, liquidity, or collectability – and personal preferences. For most clients, bars offer the optimal balance of affordability, security, and flexibility, especially given our access to small-format bars. To explore which product aligns best with your needs, contact us via phone or email, or visit our blog post on this topic for deeper insights. We’re here to ensure your decision is informed and aligned with your financial strategy.
BFI Bullion ensures a seamless and reliable selling process for your gold through our established relationships with a select network of premier partners, including world-renowned Swiss refiners such as Argor-Heraeus and Valcambi. These refiners maintain a consistent demand for precious metals, guaranteeing a ready market for your assets. Our strong reputation and significant trading volume with these partners grant us prioritized access and favorable terms, enabling prompt and efficient transactions.
Under normal conditions, it can take between a couple of days to 2 weeks after purchase for delivery and final storage under the custody of BFI Bullion. If there is a scarcity in the market, delays can occur. The client will always be informed if any longer delays are expected.
BFI Bullion does not charge VAT on precious metals purchased and stored in our secure facilities, such as our high-security vaults in Switzerland, Miami, London, or Singapore. This tax exemption applies as long as the metals remain in our custody. However, if you choose to take physical delivery of your metals outside our storage facilities, the VAT regulations of the destination country will apply. Our team can provide guidance on these requirements to ensure a smooth process.
BFI Bullion offers flexible payment options for your convenience. Annual storage fees can be paid securely via credit card or bank wire. For purchase orders, we accept payments exclusively through bank wire to ensure efficiency and security. Transactions, including both purchases and storage fees, can be conducted in CHF (Swiss Franc), USD (U.S. Dollar), EUR (Euro), and GBP (British Pound), providing you with multiple currency options to suit your preferences.
BFI Bullion uses lot sizes to ensure the integrity and protection of your precious metals during purchase and storage.
For coins, lot sizes (e.g., 10, 20, or 50 gold coins) are determined by their specialized packaging, which safeguards against damage such as scratches, preserving their condition and value.
For bars, we require an initial minimum lot size (e.g., 4 for 100g gold bars) to streamline sourcing and logistics with our refinery partners. However, after meeting the minimum lot size, you can purchase additional singular bars within the same order for greater flexibility.
BFI Bullion requires a minimum initial investment of CHF 50,000 (or its equivalent in USD, EUR, or GBP). Subsequent transactions must meet the minimum lot size for the specific metal format you choose, such as coins or bars. This structure ensures efficient processing and alignment with our high-security storage and sourcing standards. Our team is available to guide you through the process and tailor your investment to your goals.
BFI Bullion only trades during our usual business hours from 8am – 5pm (Swiss time). If we receive a trade order outside of those hours, we execute it the following morning.
Since BFI Bullion exclusively deals in physically allocated precious metals, purchases may result in a cash residual due to lot size requirements or pricing structures. Any remaining funds are swiftly and securely wired back to your designated “Client Reference Account” immediately after the transaction is completed, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Alternatively, at your request, we can retain a cash balance for a limited period, for example, to cover upcoming storage fees or future purchases. This flexible, client-focused approach guarantees secure handling of your funds while accommodating your specific needs.
When purchasing precious metals, BFI Bullion calculates the price based on the current spot price of the metal, plus a premium specific to the metal and format (e.g., bars or coins), and our brokerage fee. For sales, the price is typically set slightly above, at, or slightly below the spot price, combined with our brokerage fee. The exact price is finalized at the time of the trade, ensuring transparency and alignment with real-time market conditions. Our team is available to provide detailed pricing guidance specially geared to your transaction.
Not all precious metals products are available readily for trading at every BFI Bullion storage location outside Switzerland. Therefore, we recommend asking our team for advice on selecting the most liquid products in the respective locations.
Our primary hub in Switzerland typically offers the broadest range of products. However, as a BFI Bullion client, you have the flexibility to transfer your existing holdings between our secure storage facilities in Switzerland, Miami, London, or Singapore at any time. Additionally, you can purchase metals in one location and arrange for them to be shipped to another storage facility, subject to logistical and regulatory considerations. Our team is here to guide you through the process to ensure a seamless and secure experience.
Physically allocated gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins. We do not deal in semi-numismatic or numismatic items, ensuring our products are optimized for liquidity and wealth preservation.
Our most popular products are freshly minted or cast bullion bars, sourced directly from leading Swiss refiners and delivered to our secure vaults. The most sought-after gold formats include 1kg, 100g, and 1ozt bars, though we provide a wide range of sizes and formats to suit diverse needs. A sample of our offerings is available here. If you’re interested in a specific bullion product not listed, please contact us, as our extensive network often enables us to source additional items.
For clients exploring U.S. IRA structures that legally and compliantly incorporate physical precious metals stored in Switzerland, we can facilitate connections with trusted partners in our network. To learn more or discuss your options, reach out to our team directly for personalized assistance.
BFI Bullion offers two secure, client-focused storage solutions for your precious metals: Segregated Storage (SEG) and Key Box Storage (KBS). Both options are designed to ensure the safety, accessibility, and integrity of your assets, with storage available in our high-security vaults in Switzerland, Miami, London, and Singapore.
Segregated Storage (SEG)
In SEG storage, your gold, silver, platinum, or palladium is physically separated from the holdings of other BFI Bullion clients, ensuring your metals are individually allocated and identifiable. This option provides maximum transparency and flexibility, allowing you to sell, transfer, or take delivery of your metals at any time based on your instructions, without requiring your physical presence. SEG storage is ideal for clients seeking secure, hassle-free management of their assets with the ability to act swiftly in dynamic market conditions.
Key Box Storage (KBS)
KBS offers an additional layer of control by providing you with your own dedicated, locked Key Box, accessible only by you or an authorized third party. You hold the keys, ensuring exclusive access to your metals. To withdraw, sell, or manage your holdings, you must be present in person or grant Power of Attorney to a designated representative. While KBS carries the same storage fees as SEG, it appeals to clients prioritizing ultimate privacy and direct control over their assets. This option is particularly suited for those who prefer a hands-on approach to their investment.
Additional Details
Both SEG and KBS storage options include comprehensive insurance and regular independent audits, guaranteeing the safety and authenticity of your metals. Storage fees are competitive and identical for both options, reflecting our commitment to cost-effective, high-security solutions. Our global network of vaults allows you to choose a location that aligns with your jurisdictional diversification goals, with the flexibility to transfer metals between facilities as needed. Whether you prioritize ease of access or exclusive control, BFI Bullion’s storage solutions are tailored to meet your wealth preservation needs with unparalleled security and peace of mind.
For personalized guidance on selecting the best storage option for your investment strategy, contact our team directly.
No. We only offer fully allocated storage.
BFI Bullion’s storage fees are billed annually in arrears for the prior fiscal year. At the start of each year, we notify you and upload your storage invoice to your secure, password-protected Client Login Portal. After logging in, you can conveniently pay the fees online using a credit card or access our bank details to arrange a bank-to-bank wire transfer. This streamlined process ensures transparency and flexibility, allowing you to settle your invoice with ease while maintaining the security of your account.
Yes, BFI Bullion facilitates “In-Kind Transfers” of existing precious metals into our secure storage facilities, provided the metals meet a minimum value of CHF 250,000 (or equivalent in USD, EUR, or GBP).
Due to Swiss regulatory requirements, which aim to mitigate potential risks, we require additional documentation from you to process the transfer. The metals may also need to undergo assaying to verify their authenticity and quality before being accepted into our high-security vaults.
Our team will guide you through every step of this process to ensure a smooth and compliant transfer. Currently, the complete in-kind transfer process, including assaying, is conducted exclusively at our Swiss facilities. If you opt to store your metals in one of our non-Swiss locations (e.g., Miami, London, or Singapore), we will arrange for the metals to be transferred to your chosen destination after assaying and acceptance, with applicable delivery fees. Contact us for personalized assistance in coordinating your in-kind transfer.
Yes, generally we can ship anywhere in the world. However, there might be some different rules or restrictions depending on the country. Don't hesitate to contact us for a specific quote!
Yes, we offer a unique deposit box service that we call Key Box Storage (KBS).
Contrary to other services, you purchase your own box, which can be visited like a deposit box, or which can be delivered to the destination of your choice, thus offering far more flexibility. You may transfer your existing metals into your Key Box for storage, including numismatic or semi-numismatic coins. Your Key Box comes with a lock and two keys that only you are given; access to the Key Box is restricted to you exclusively. The minimum aggregate amount of metals required to take advantage of this exclusive service is CHF 250’000. One Key Box can hold up to 30 kg, or approximately 60 pounds, of metals.
Yes, it is possible to go directly to our storage facilities to pick up your metals. We’ve also had metals delivered to our office and have our clients pick them up there. Again, because of your unencumbered ownership of your metals, we generally only need 48 hours to arrange the pick-up with our storage providers.
Yes, your metals are fully insured against fire, water, fraud, theft and burglary. The storage fees you pay annually cover the costs for the insurance.