Page 11 - Bullion World Volume 5 Issue 07 July 2025

Bullion World | Volume 5 | Issue 07 | July 2025

Session 3: East Asia & Australia

Moderated by Mr Nicholas Frappell (ABC Refinery), • Mr Elvis Chou pointed to rising institutional
the session showcased developments in logistics, interest in gold ETFs from Japan and Korea.
investment behavior, and regulation: • Mr Ryoichi Seki of Osaka Exchange outlined
• Brink’s discussed innovations in automated upgrades to trading platforms and regulatory
vaulting and inventory tracking. support for precious metals products.

Key Takeaways – East Asia & Australia:
• Japan and Korea are increasing institutional exposure to precious metals.
• ESG compliance is reshaping sourcing and investment practices.
• Australia and Japan are upgrading trading and vaulting infrastructure.

Session 4: The Future of Platinum in Asia

This session, led by WPIC’s Mr Deng, spotlighted • Mr Bruce Ikemizu emphasized Japan’s mature
platinum’s industrial potential: retail investment market for platinum.
• Mr Trevor Raymond noted price momentum • Mr Gregor Gregersen viewed platinum as a
from green hydrogen and fuel cell applications. contrarian hedge amid supply risks and macro
volatility.

Key Takeaways – Platinum Outlook:
• Platinum demand is growing in hydrogen and clean energy sectors.
• Japan leads retail investment in platinum.
• Supply risk and ESG narratives support long-term investment.

Women in PGMs
A special session led by Ms Joni Teves (UBS) brought attention to gender inclusion. She encouraged
broader female participation through mentorship and career-building programs under the “Women in
PGMs” initiative.

Session 5: Middle East Precious Metals Market

Moderated by Mr Andrew Naylor (WGC), the session detailed Dubai’s emergence as a global refining
hub. Mr Mohammad Ayyob and Mr Pramod Mohan noted Dubai’s role in processing African gold and re-
exporting to Asia. Prof Guzhan Gulay from Borsa Istanbul discussed Turkey’s growing exchange-based
trading and refining ecosystem.

Key Takeaways – Middle East:
• Dubai and Turkey are now strategic bullion players, not just transit hubs.
• Regional sourcing and refining reforms are building trust and transparency.

Special Address: Silver in Asia Pacific

Mr Michael DiRienzo from The Silver Institute emphasized silver’s dual role:
• Industrial demand from solar, electronics, and EVs is booming.
• Investment demand is rising as silver gains popularity as a safe-haven asset.

Key Takeaways – Silver Market:
• Industrial demand (solar, EVs) is driving silver’s value.
• Silver is gaining traction as a financial hedge.

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