World Gold Council Proposes “Gold as a Service” Framework Impacting Tokenized Gold Market

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-20Last updated on 2026-03-20

Abstract

The World Gold Council has introduced a "Gold as a Service" framework aimed at modernizing the global tokenized gold infrastructure. This system connects physical gold custody with digital issuance, enabling more efficient creation of gold-backed products. It is structured around three core components: physical custody, digital issuance, and synchronization systems that link assets to blockchain records. The framework is expected to impact major market players like Tether Gold (XAUT) and Paxos Gold (PAXG), which currently dominate the tokenized gold sector but operate on fragmented systems. By introducing standardized processes for custody, compliance, and redemption, the initiative seeks to unify the market, improve regulatory alignment, and reduce operational costs. This development is seen as a significant step in merging traditional gold markets with blockchain technology, potentially driving greater adoption among institutional investors and fintech companies. The Council emphasized that the framework is designed to foster future growth rather than target existing issuers.

The World Gold Council created a “Gold as a Service” framework to help modernize tokenized gold infrastructure worldwide. It does this by connecting physical gold custody and digital issuance systems, allowing companies to issue gold-backed products more efficiently. It is built on three levels of physical custody, digital issuance, and synchronization systems that connect assets and blockchain records.

Source: World Gold Council

The World Gold Council CEO, David Tait, said, “Financial services are undergoing a rapid and pervasive digital transformation.” He further added that shared infrastructure would help in improving accessibility, tradability, and integration of gold in modern financial systems worldwide.

Impact on Tether Gold and Paxos Gold Market Leaders

Currently, Tether Gold (XAUT) and Paxos Gold (PAXG) currently dominate the overall tokenized gold market. Also, they collectively command a large market share in the overall market worldwide. Both of these operate on different systems for custody, audit, and redemption, and this is causing fragmentation in the overall digital gold market worldwide.

The new framework also outlines a set of standardized processes that include custody coordination, compliance checks, and redemption systems that are to be followed on all platforms globally. Such a framework would ensure that all platforms are aligned in terms of regulatory compliance. It has been noted that such a platform can enable hundreds of new issuances to happen in a more efficient manner.

The Potential and Development Mark

The platform can potentially lead to lower operational costs as well as better integration between tokenized gold assets on various blockchain platforms globally. This can further increase adoption rates among institutional investors as well as fintech companies that are entering the tokenized commodity space. Officials emphasized that the platform focuses on enabling growth. Rather than targeting existing issuers in the space.

The development marks a significant convergence between traditional gold markets and blockchain technology as the adoption of digital assets continues to gain momentum globally. Analysts noted that tokenized gold can act as a major growth driver in traditional gold markets globally.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Ondo Finance Expands Tokenized Securities Offering With BlackRock IBIT and Galaxy Digital

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

Fu Peng, a prominent Chinese macroeconomist and former chief economist of Northeast Securities, has joined Hong Kong-based digital asset management firm Bitfire Group (formerly New Huo Group) as its chief economist. This move, announced in April 2026, triggered an 11% surge in Bitfire's stock price. Fu, known for his accessible macroeconomic commentary and large social media following, will focus on integrating digital assets into global asset allocation frameworks, particularly combining FICC (fixed income, currencies, and commodities) with cryptocurrencies for institutional clients. His career includes roles at Lehman Brothers and Solomon International, with significant influence gained through public communication. However, in late 2024, Fu faced temporary social media bans after a controversial private speech at HSBC on China's economic challenges, though he denied regulatory sanctions. He later left Northeast Securities citing health reasons. Bitfire, a licensed virtual asset manager serving high-net-worth clients, seeks to build trust and attract traditional capital through Fu’s expertise and credibility. The partnership represents a strategic shift for both: Fu enters the crypto sector after a traditional finance peak, while Bitfire aims to leverage his macro framework for institutional adoption. Outcomes remain uncertain regarding capital inflows and compatibility within corporate structure.

marsbit59m ago

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

marsbit59m ago

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) General Manager, Pablo Hernández de Cos, stated that existing stablecoins fail to meet the core requirements of money, specifically "singleness" and "interoperability." Singleness refers to the need for different forms of money to be interchangeable at par value, which is ensured by central banks in traditional finance but not in decentralized stablecoins. Interoperability means seamless cross-platform transactions, which stablecoins currently lack due to fragmentation across multiple blockchains. These shortcomings limit stablecoins' network effects and widespread acceptance, keeping them a "niche" payment instrument. However, de Cos acknowledged their potential to improve cross-border payments, though he also warned of risks to financial stability and monetary policy. Despite a bearish crypto market, the stablecoin market cap has reached a new all-time high of over $320 billion.

bitcoinist1h ago

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

bitcoinist1h ago

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

The article analyzes the potential impact of the upcoming US midterm elections on Trump and cryptocurrency policy. Historically, the president's party loses congressional seats in 90% of midterms since 1946, making a Republican loss in the House highly probable. Current predictions suggest Democrats may take the House while Republicans retain the Senate, resulting in a divided government. Despite potential losses, Trump could still advance crypto-friendly policies through executive orders, agency appointments (if the Senate is held), budget reconciliation, and veto power. However, major structural bills like the CLARITY Act or a comprehensive stablecoin law would likely stall without a Republican majority in both chambers. The crypto industry has invested heavily ($288 million) in the elections to push for favorable legislation before the midterm window closes in mid-2026. While Trump remains the most crypto-friendly US president to date, advancing key reforms may be delayed until after 2028 if the legislative window is missed. The overall pro-crypto shift in US politics is seen as irreversible, even if progress slows temporarily.

marsbit1h ago

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

marsbit1h ago

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

Cardano is recognized as one of the most decentralized blockchains, yet recent criticism highlights its lack of clear leadership. Analyst Cardano Yoda argues that despite the introduction of on-chain governance—which involves DReps (governance decision-makers) and Pentad (leadership and execution)—the network remains centralized in practice. While DReps control treasury spending, they lack coordination and strategic direction, relying instead on founding entities like IOG, the Cardano Foundation, and EMURGO. This creates fragmented leadership and accountability issues. Yoda suggests that DReps should evolve into a more coordinated body, possibly through a board or DAOs, to define strategy and improve governance effectiveness. Enhanced cooperation between DReps, founding entities, and Intersect is essential for Cardano’s future leadership clarity and operational unity.

bitcoinist4h ago

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

bitcoinist4h ago

Bitcoin Must Do This To Continue The Rally, Or It Will Be Over

A crypto analyst known as "Swarmik" has identified 17 key price levels where Bitcoin (BTC) could find support if selling pressure increases. The analysis suggests that BTC's overall outlook remains bullish, and any successful bounce from these levels could drive it back to all-time highs or beyond. The first critical support is at $70,931, followed by levels such as $68,931 (an "Imbalance Zone"), $66,638 (a "Reversal Line"), and $64,491 (a "Psychological Level"). Further down, Fibonacci retracements and other technical zones like "Fair Value Gap" and "Order Block" are highlighted. If the decline continues, lower supports include $51,612 ("Demand Zone") and $49,466 ("Supply Zone"). The analyst warns that a drop below $34,732 would invalidate the bullish structure, potentially ending the rally.

bitcoinist5h ago

Bitcoin Must Do This To Continue The Rally, Or It Will Be Over

bitcoinist5h ago

Trading

Spot

Futures