Lion Global Investors has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first conversion of fund units from the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund into physical gold bars. This transaction, announced on 12 October 2026, allows investors to redeem their units for gold bars stored at Le Freeport in Changi, safeguarded by Standard Chartered as custodian.
The LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund, launched in December 2025, is Singapore’s first unit trust backed by locally vaulted and insured physical gold. It invests in gold bars accredited by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) with a minimum purity of 99.5%. The fund aims to track the LBMA Gold Price AM.
This in-kind redemption process offers investors a seamless transition from fund ownership to physical gold possession, highlighting Singapore’s growing capabilities in wealth management and precious metals trading. Teo Joo Wah, CEO of Lion Global Investors, stated, “This successful in-kind redemption brings that proposition to life, demonstrating a seamless path from fund to physical gold ownership.”
François Verlaine, Regional Head of Securities Services at Standard Chartered, emphasised the robust infrastructure supporting this process, saying, “This milestone underscores the importance of strong execution across the entire value chain.”
Following this inaugural redemption, Lion Global Investors plans to collaborate with industry partners to enhance access to this feature, aiming to simplify the process for investors. This initiative supports Singapore’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global gold hub, offering investors more flexibility in accessing and holding physical gold.
