TRANCHE · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Gold Trading FAQ
Everything you need to know about buying or selling physical gold through Tranche. For anything not covered here, contact our concierge.
What is Tranche?
Tranche is an institutional-grade settlement and escrow service for physical gold and other high-value commodities. We connect verified buyers and sellers, provide independent assay, and handle bank-to-bank settlement — so both sides transact with confidence.
Who is Tranche for?
Tranche serves high-net-worth individuals, family offices, gold refineries, bullion dealers, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional traders who need a reliable, confidential counterparty for large physical gold transactions.
How does the escrow process work?
We hold the purchase amount in escrow until the gold passes independent assay. Once assay confirms purity and weight, funds are released to the seller via bank-to-bank wire. If assay fails, funds are returned to the buyer within 24 hours.
What is LBMA spot price?
The LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) sets the global benchmark price for gold twice daily. Most institutional gold transactions are priced at a premium or discount to this spot price. Our current mandate offers gold at USD 5,000 below LBMA spot per kg on assay date.
What gold are you currently buying or selling?
We have an active mandate for 10 kg of export-ready African gold, assay-certified, offered at USD 5,000 below LBMA spot per kilogram. Contact our concierge for a full compliance package and proof of product.
What assay process do you use?
We use independent third-party assay labs in the country of settlement. The assay covers fire assay for purity (typically 999.9 fine), XRF screening, and physical weight verification. Results are shared with both buyer and seller before funds are released.
How is pricing determined?
Pricing is agreed between buyer and seller before transaction, typically expressed as a fixed amount above or below LBMA AM/PM fix on the assay date. Tranche does not set prices — we provide neutral infrastructure for the agreed terms.
What currencies and payment methods do you accept?
We settle in USD, EUR, GBP, MYR, AED, and SGD via bank-to-bank wire transfer. We do not accept cash or cryptocurrency for gold settlement (regulatory requirement).
Is Tranche regulated?
Tranche operates through licensed financial institution partners for money movement. Our compliance framework covers AML, KYC, FATF travel rule, and OECD due diligence guidelines for conflict minerals. We partner with regulated custodians and banking institutions.
What KYC documents do I need to provide?
For individuals: valid passport, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement within 3 months), and source of funds declaration. For companies: certificate of incorporation, director list, ultimate beneficial owner declaration, and audited financials. KYC is handled through our secure document portal.
Do you handle gold import/export documentation?
We assist with documentation preparation including OECD chain of custody, customs declarations, and export permits where applicable. For African origin gold, we provide full provenance documentation. Customs compliance remains the legal responsibility of the buyer/seller.
What is the minimum transaction size?
Our minimum is 1 kg of gold per transaction. Most mandates start at 5 kg. There is no stated maximum — we have handled transactions up to 100 kg through our network.
How long does settlement take?
Typical timeline: Day 0 — escrow funded. Day 1-2 — gold delivered to assay lab. Day 2-3 — assay results issued. Day 3-5 — bank-to-bank settlement completed. Total: 3-5 business days from escrow funding.
Can I buy gold anonymously?
No. KYC/AML regulations require us to verify all parties. However, we operate with strict confidentiality — your identity and transaction details are not shared with third parties beyond what is legally required.
What is a gold mandate?
A mandate is a formal authorisation from a gold seller (or buyer) to find a counterparty for a specific lot of gold on defined terms. Our current mandate is for 10 kg of African gold at USD 5,000 below spot.
How do I become a verified buyer on Tranche?
Contact our concierge via WhatsApp or email. We will send you a buyer registration form and KYC checklist. Once verified, you receive access to active mandates and direct introductions to sellers.
Do you operate in Malaysia?
Yes. Malaysia is one of our primary markets. We work with Kuala Lumpur-based bullion dealers, family offices, and institutional gold buyers. Transactions can settle in MYR or USD depending on preference.
What regions do you cover?
We operate globally with concentration in Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, UK, Switzerland, and West Africa. We have active seller networks in Ghana, Mali, and Ivory Coast, and active buyer networks across Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
Can I sell gold I own through Tranche?
Yes. If you have gold you wish to sell, contact our concierge with the quantity, purity, and location of the gold. We will assess whether it fits an active mandate or can be introduced to our buyer network.
How does Tranche make money?
Tranche charges a settlement fee (percentage of transaction value) shared equally between buyer and seller. This covers escrow, assay coordination, documentation, and compliance. Fee structure is disclosed before any commitment.
Is my gold insured during transit?
We require sellers to carry transit insurance for any movement of gold. We can recommend specialist marine cargo insurers with experience in bullion. Tranche does not carry insurance on behalf of parties.
What happens if the assay fails?
If gold fails assay (wrong purity or weight), the transaction is voided. Escrowed funds are returned to the buyer in full within 24 hours. Sellers may face a penalty fee if the failure is due to misrepresentation.
Do you work with African gold sellers?
Yes. We have established relationships with compliant gold exporters in West Africa. All African origin gold must carry full OECD chain of custody documentation and conflict-free certification before we accept any mandate.
What is the difference between allocated and unallocated gold?
Allocated gold is specific physical bars/coins assigned to you, stored in your name. Unallocated gold is a claim against a pool. Tranche only handles allocated, physical, deliverable gold — no paper gold, no ETFs.
How do I contact Tranche?
WhatsApp: +60 19-873 8500 (fastest response). Email: [email protected]. We aim to respond to all serious enquiries within 2 business hours during KL business hours (9am-6pm MYT, Monday-Friday).
Ready to transact?
Active mandate: 10 kg African gold · USD 5,000 below LBMA spot per kg · assay-certified · export-ready
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