Gold remains a cornerstone of global financial security, with central banks worldwide holding a staggering portion of the precious metal. As of the third quarter of 2025, the collective gold reserves of nations underscore its enduring role as a safe-haven asset. The data, compiled from sources like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Gold Council, reveals the top ten official holders of gold, with India securing a prominent position.
The Strategic Role of Central Bank Gold
For national reserves, gold is prized for its unique blend of safety, liquidity, and potential for returns. It fulfills the core objectives of reserve management, making it an indispensable asset for economic stability. Remarkably, central banks collectively hold approximately one-fifth of all the gold ever extracted from the earth. The latest figures, current as of 30 September 2025, provide a clear snapshot of how major economies allocate their reserves.
Top 10 Countries by Gold Holdings
The United States continues its long-standing dominance with a colossal 8,133.46 tonnes of gold. This massive hoard constitutes a remarkable 80.36% of its total reserves, highlighting gold's unparalleled role in America's financial strategy.
In second place, China reports holdings of 2,303.51 tonnes. While this represents a more modest 7.68% of its vast total reserves, the absolute volume solidifies China's status as a leading global accumulator of the yellow metal.
India, a nation with a deep cultural affinity for gold, holds 880.18 tonnes. This significant stockpile makes up 15.17% of India's total reserves, reflecting a deliberate and relatively high allocation to gold within its diversification framework.
Japan's reserves stand at 845.97 tonnes, accounting for 7.76% of its holdings. Other notable nations in the top ten include Poland (515.34 tonnes, 24.12% share), the United Kingdom (310.29 tonnes, 18.30% share), and Thailand (234.52 tonnes, 10.56% share).
The list is rounded out by financial hub Singapore (204.71 tonnes, 6.09%), Brazil (145.14 tonnes, 5.01%), and Mexico (120.14 tonnes, 5.69%).
What the Numbers Tell Us
The data reveals diverse strategies. Nations like the USA and Poland hold a very high percentage of their reserves in gold, signaling a strong preference for its traditional security. In contrast, economic powerhouses like China and Japan maintain huge absolute amounts but smaller percentages, balancing gold with other foreign exchange assets.
For India, the 15.17% allocation to gold is a strategic choice, providing a stable counterweight within its reserve portfolio. The figures confirm that despite the rise of digital assets and complex financial instruments, physical gold retains its fundamental appeal for the world's most important financial institutions. All values are based on the end-of-quarter LBMA Gold Price and authoritative reports from central banks and international bodies.
