Question 1

How is BFI Bullion diﬀerent from other companies that deal with precious metals?

Accepted Answer

Contrary to other precious metals programs where the terms of the ownership can be vague or unclear, with BFI Bullion, a 100% Swiss company complying with Swiss law and regulations, you own your precious metals fully and directly. We do not hedge, pledge, loan or lease your metals. BFI Bullion’s services and storage facilities are located “outside” of the banking system, meaning that we are not dependent on functioning stock markets or banks. And if you need access to your metals – to sell, pick-up, or even take delivery of – they are immediately available.

Question 2

What is the connection between BFI Bullion and the BFI Capital Group?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion is a subsidiary of the BFI Capital Group, an internationally recognized wealth management firm founded in 1993. BFI Bullion is its own company, in business since 2009, but clients can benefit from the knowledge, services offered, and network behind the entire BFI Capital Group.

Question 3

Does BFI Bullion have a blog or regular newsletter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Being a subsidiary of the BFI Capital Group, we also regularly contribute to the Group’s blog, www.bficapital.com/groupblog. 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.

Question 4

Is there a benefit to working with BFI Bullion, as a Swiss company, when it comes to precious metals purchase and storage?"

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion is a 100% Swiss company operating under Swiss law and jurisdiction. The benefits are many, but we believe the highest benefit is our federalist and democratic system; it ensures that the Swiss people still have a say in and keep a key check over what the government can do. The Swiss highly treasure and respect the individual’s property rights. (See/link “10 arguments for Switzerland”)

Question 5

I live on a different continent/time zone than Switzerland. How will the client services be if I have questions or need help?

Accepted Answer

While it is true our clients live in different time zones across the world, BFI Bullion takes a great deal of pride in providing superior client service. Clients can reach us via phone or video call during our usual business hours and can email or write to us over our secure Client Login Portal at any time. You will communicate with real team members and not receive the often repetitive, annoying automated and computer-generated correspondence. We are dedicated to helping our clients; we do our best to make sure 5,000 kilometers feels more like 5.

Question 6

Does BFI Bullion pledge the metals held in storage? Are they leased to third parties?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion does not and cannot lease, pledge, or otherwise use the metals stored with BFI Bullion. Our Storage Contract was carefully crafted to avoid this and provide security that all our clients’ metals are in storage 100% of the time. We conduct monthly internal audits of the vaults, and all of BFI Bullion’s vaults are audited annually by one of the Big-4 auditing firms. A summary of the Audit Report is available upon request.

Question 7

What would happen to my gold if BFI Bullion went bankrupt?

Accepted Answer

As you have direct, allocated ownership of your metals, your metals are not part of our balance sheet. As such, if BFI Bullion were to go bankrupt, the creditors will not be able to put a claim on your metals. Since we do not pre-finance any purchases, nor do we hedge, pledge or speculate with your metals, our business model largely eliminates business risks.

Question 8

Are there any countries’ citizens that you refuse to take on as clients?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What type of clients does BFI Bullion accept? Can I open an account for my trust or company?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion accepts private, individual clients, as well as legal entities. Therefore, yes, we can accept a trust, foundation, partnership, or company, provided our anti-money laundering and KYC (Know Your Client) rules can be met. We also offer a unique option for Swiss investors as they benefit from no VAT on white metals when purchased and stored with us in Switzerland. And we offer unique, specialized services for Institutional clients.

Question 10

How do I become a client of BFI Bullion?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is Joint Ownership possible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is my Client Reference Account and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What can I do with my Client Login Portal?

Accepted Answer

Your Client Login Portal has a variety of tools and features that you can use, and those will continue to grow. New clients will be able to complete their application process, and existing clients will be able to submit Buy and Sell orders. You can see your holdings at any time, review current/past transactions, download the most important forms, or pay the annual storage fees via credit card. You can also communicate with us through our highly secure, Portal Messenger, which we recommend all of our clients use.

Question 14

Where does BFI Bullion purchase their clients’ metals from?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion purchases its precious metals directly from a specially select group of refineries, mints, and reputable wholesalers (for example, the Austrian Mint, Valcambi, and Argor-Heraeus). The actual provider used depends on where we can get the best pricing from at the time we are executing your trade.

Question 15

What products do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer only bullion products (no semi-numismatic or numismatic products), a list of which can be found at our website, www.bfibullion.com. If you are interested in a product that is not on our list, please do not hesitate to ask us, as sometimes we are able to source other bullion products.

Question 16

Are all products available in each storage location? Can I buy in one country and ship to another?

Accepted Answer

Not all the products we offer may be available for direct purchase at our other storage locations outside of Switzerland. The main reason for this is that we only offer the most liquid products in each storage location. However, as a client of BFI Bullion, we can also ship your current holdings at any time to any of the other storage facilities we use.

Question 17

How is the price calculated when buying or selling?

Accepted Answer

With a purchase, the price is calculated by using the spot price, plus the premium on the particular metal/format, and the BFI Bullion brokerage fee. If you sell your metals, the price is normally slightly above, at, or slightly below spot plus the BFI Bullion brokerage fee. Actual pricing is determined at the point of the trade.

Question 18

When is the price ﬁxed? Is it when I send the Buy Order forms?

Accepted Answer

Once we have your Buy Order and funds, the price is fixed at the time we execute the trade. All trades are done during our usual business hours. Limit orders with a minimum value of CHF 250’000 can be placed where a maximum price can be set by you. Pricing (updated every 30 seconds) can be found on the “Products” page of our website or in the Client Login Portal. These prices are not binding but are only indicative of the current pricing based on the terms mentioned on the Products page of the website.

Question 19

What happens to any residual value after the purchase?

Accepted Answer

Since BFI Bullion is purchasing only allocated metals, there will always be a cash residual after purchase. Any cash residual to come from a transaction will be wired back to your “Client Reference Account” on file immediately after the trade has been executed.

Question 20

Can I place an order after hours?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion only trades during our usual business hours from 8am – 5pm (Swiss time). If we receive a trade outside of those hours, we execute it the following morning.

Question 21

Is there a minimum initial investment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the initial investment is CHF 50’000 (or equivalent in USD, EUR, or GBP). Thereafter, an investment of at least a particular metal’s format lot size is required.

Question 22

Why do you sell by lot sizes?

Accepted Answer

For coins, the reason is the packaging – it is important that they are properly packed and protected e.g., against scratches. For example, you can buy gold coins in lot sizes of 10, e.g., 10, 20, 50, etc. Alternatively, for bars, after having initially purchased the minimum lot size (e.g., the lot size for 100g gold bars is 4), you may buy singular bars additionally as part of that order.

Question 23

Can I pay by check or with credit card? In which currencies can I buy?

Accepted Answer

No. We only accept bank wires for purchases at this time. Trades can be executed in CHF, USD, EUR, and GBP. The annual storage fees can be paid via credit card or bank wire in the same currencies.

Question 24

Do you charge VAT on purchases?

Accepted Answer

No, VAT is not applicable for metals purchased and/or stored within our storage facilities. However, if the metals leave the physical storage facility of BFI Bullion, the VAT regime of the destination country would be due.

Question 25

Are all offered products normally available for immediate delivery into storage?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

If I want to sell my gold, what guarantee is there that someone will buy it?"

Accepted Answer

We work with a select network of partners, including reﬁneries and metals providers. The status and business volume we generate with these partners regularly ensures that we are able to ﬁnd a buyer promptly.

Question 27

Can I have my metals delivered to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can ship your metals to your requested destination at any time. Because your metals are physically held in storage, there are no fabrication delays or costs. The metals are fully insured when being delivered. BFI Bullion can help you organize the delivery of your metals, or you can also arrange the delivery yourself.

Question 28

Can I pick up my metals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

If I wanted to, could I visit the vault where my gold is stored?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. A visit to the storage facility can be arranged. BFI Bullion will need at least a 48-hours’ notice to organize. Because of the strict security procedures, there are fees for the visit.

Question 30

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, generally you can ship anywhere in the world. However, there might be some different rules or restrictions depending on the country. Please contact BFI Bullion for pricing.

Question 31

Is it possible to move my existing metals into the custody of BFI Bullion?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is subject to the minimum value of the metals moved in being CHF 250’000 (or equivalent). Because Swiss regulations dictate that such a transaction could create certain risks, we require additional information from you that will allow us to conduct this transaction, and the metals are likely to need assaying in order to be allowed into the BFI Bullion storage facilities. We will guide you through the process. At the moment, we only conduct the complete in-kind process in Switzerland. If you chose to store in any of our non-Swiss storage facilities, we would transfer the metals after assaying and acceptance with additional delivery fees to the final storage destination.

Question 32

How do you ensure that the metals and coins are real when accepting such transfers?

Accepted Answer

All metals not purchased directly by BFI Bullion are subject to assaying. Once the metals arrive, they are kept separate until assayed by an independent, registered assayer. Once verified, they are accepted and moved to the BFI Bullion storage vault.

Question 33

What storage options does BFI Bullion offer?

Accepted Answer

BFI Bullion offers three storage services: Collective Storage (COL), Segregated Storage (SEG) and Key Box Storage (KBS).  With Collective storage, your metals are held collectively with other clients’ metals of the same type and format. Collective storage is our least expensive and most popular option. In Segregated storage, your metals are held physically separate from the holdings of any other BFI Bullion clients. Storage fees are higher than with the COL option. Key Box Storage has you purchasing your own Key Box, with lock and keys. The storage fees are the same as with SEG storage. With KBS, only you have access to your metals. Thus, withdrawing or selling metals from your personal box will require you to be present personally, or to give powers to a third party for access to the box. Under the COL and SEG storage, BFI Bullion can sell your metals based on your instructions at any time. (See/link to “High Security Storage”)

Question 34

How much does it cost to store metals with BFI Bullion?

Accepted Answer

The list of storage fees for our different storage options can be found under the Storage page of our services. The storage fees are paid annually in arrears, and the fees charged vary depending on the value of your holdings. The storage fee calculations are based on the average daily spot price of the storage period (January 1st to December 31st, pro-rated if the services were used only part of the year).

Question 35

Are my metals insured?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 36

What is the storage invoicing process?

Accepted Answer

The storage fees are paid annually in arrears. We contact you at the beginning of each year and invoice you for our storage service during the prior fiscal year. Your storage invoice is uploaded to your password-protected Client Login Portal. Once you log in, you can pay the storage fees directly online via credit card or find the bank details to make a bank-to-bank wire transfer to settle the storage invoice.

Question 37

How can I find out the current value of my holdings is at GG?

Accepted Answer

Each client has access to their own Client Login Portal which shows the holdings you have with us. Current and historical values are available.

Question 38

Can I change the location of my storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is possible. You can change the location of your storage within the storage locations we offer. The price for having the metals shipped depends on the quantity and on the location. Please contact us to find out more about the costs involved.

Question 39

Does BFI Bullion offer unallocated storage?

Accepted Answer

No. BFI Bullion only offers fully allocated storage.

Question 40

What is the beneﬁt of “oﬀshore” and diversifying my assets outside of my home country?

Accepted Answer

Much in the same way you wouldn’t invest all of your hard-earned assets into one single stock, it is important to consider holding at least part of your assets outside of your home country. History has taught us that the more a country is indebted, the higher the risk of confiscation of the wealth of its citizens will be! Therefore, an important part of any individual risk assessment must address the necessity of international wealth diversification into different jurisdictions.

Question 41

How do I choose which format I should buy?

Accepted Answer

Which product you purchase depends largely on your personal preferences. Bars come with lower premiums, and thus can be purchased “cheaper” per ounce than intricately detailed coins. However, coins can afford you more flexibility when liquidating vs. a large bar or can used more easily in the ultimate fiat currency crisis. Your investment goals and the reasons for purchasing metals should be reviewed. If you are looking for guidance on which product(s) are right for you, please feel free to call/email us with your questions. Or, have a look at a blog post we wrote on the subject.

Question 42

Is it possible to change the ownership of my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. First, it is important that the “new” owner has submitted an application kit and has its own BFI Bullion client number if not a client already. Then, a Change of Ownership form, signed by both “old” and “new” owners will facilitate the change. Note that storage fees from January 1st to the point the metals change ownership need to be paid prior to the move.

Question 43

Is it possible to give a Power of Attorney to a third party to act on my BFI Bullion account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can name a Power of Attorney. The PoA gives the third party a right to purchase, sell, and give other instructions on your behalf, so it is a powerful right to give. A notarized copy of the valid passport of the Attorney would need to be provided, plus an original-signed form confirming all parties’ agreement on the PoA.

Question 44

Are U.S. IRAs accepted as BFI Bullion clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the IRA custodian agrees to allow for BFI Bullion in the IRA and signs the application accordingly. We are aware that some US IRA custodians allow for foreign precious metals storage. This is something you might have to check on with your custodian or specialized US-based companies.

Question 45

If I am a US person, do I need to be reporting my GG holdings on the FBAR?"

Accepted Answer

We work with international clients and keeping up on the reporting requirements for all of them is quite difficult. We have a limited knowledge of the FBAR, or FiNCEN form 114, but know there are reasons as to why or why not a US person should report BFI Bullion holdings. We recommend contacting a US tax expert for a qualified, final answer.

Question 46

When Covid became a problem in Europe in the early spring of 2020, how did it affect your business?"

Accepted Answer

While Covid was certainly problematic with lockdowns, disrupted supply chains, home-office rules, temporary shutdowns of refineries and mints, etc., our commitment remained with our clients. We kept a regular contact with our clients through direct communications, blog posts, and our usual personalized service. Thanks to our select network of metals and storage providers, we were able to always source metals and the different formats for our clients, as well as sell or arrange delivery even in the hardest times.

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Frequently Asked Questions

BFI Bullion in Brief

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