Tokenized Gold: How the Crypto Technology Works That Allows You to Buy a Gram of Precious Metal Without Holding It in Your Hand

Gold is the most traditional investment and, for many, the most conservative in times of crisis. Various ways to purchase it now include blockchain technology in Argentina, the same technology used by cryptocurrencies. Tokenized gold means that you can invest in the precious metal represented digitally but backed 100% by physical gold. The platform that will offer this service for the first time in the Argentine market will combine, at international prices, the custody, marketing, tokenization, and liquidity of gold. It was created by Prosegur Crypto, the digital assets unit of the traditional cash logistics company. The first phase will sell 2,000 tokens, each equivalent to 1 gram of certified physical gold of the highest purity, stored in high-security facilities. The tokens reflect the international gold price and can be transferred or sold within the platform. The entire operation works with blockchain technology, allowing for traceability and verification.

The operation to invest in tokenized gold is simple. You just need to register on a website and enter credit card and bank account details. There, you can buy "one gram of gold at the same price as a kilo," as explained by Prosegur, since the platform uses the London market price updated every 6 hours. Additionally, liquidity is guaranteed, as it can be sold 24 hours a day and transferred immediately to the registered account. A key point is the commissions. Although liquidity is guaranteed, it is understood that this is a medium- to long-term investment. The commission is 4% at the time of purchase and 6% at the time of sale, making it less convenient for "trading," for entering and exiting all the time, something more typical of a gold ETF. In this case, with the backing of physical gold, it is an investment to hold over time. "The great advantage is that Prosegur handles the entire process; there are no breaks in the custody chain. We bring gold closer to more people, combining the solidity of the physical world with the efficiency and accessibility of technology. And the benefit that tokenization brings in itself: paying for one gram at the same price as large quantities," explained José Ángel Fernández Freire, corporate director of Innovation at Prosegur Cash and CEO of Prosegur Crypto, to Infobae. Prosegur Crypto's business opened in the context of regulatory changes in Argentina to favor transactions in the crypto ecosystem. The company, which operates in 36 countries, registered in the country as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the registry managed by the National Securities Commission (CNV). Its focus is on the corporate segment, with wholesale services for banks aimed at the tokenization of instruments and real world assets (RWA), traditional assets that can be digitized and operated with blockchain technology. This strategy allows you to buy a gram of physical gold without holding it in your hand, with the same security as large investors and the international price. "We are not a retail exchange but offer infrastructure for high-value individuals," explained Fernández Freire. Prosegur's goal is for its tokenized gold product to be incorporated by Alycs, wallets, or banks within the investment portfolios they offer to their clients. It assures that it has advanced conversations in this area with several entities. The company opened a "crypto asset custody bunker" in Argentina, an infrastructure designed to store digital assets in "a completely isolated environment, without internet connection, with multiple layers of physical and cryptographic protection." This type of facility, the company noted, combines military-grade security protocols, cold storage, and advanced key management systems, which "consolidates a model that integrates Prosegur's historical experience in value custody with the demands of the digital ecosystem." "From an operational standpoint, Prosegur Crypto is responsible for the purchase and storage of gold bars, as well as the issuance of digital tokens. For each bar, 1,000 tokens are generated, physically backed by the stored metal. These digital assets are stored using cold storage technology, combining physical security and advanced cybersecurity," they explained.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.