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World Gold Council Singapore – 2022 In Review

By Andrew Naylor, Regional CEO, APAC (ex China) and Public Policy, World Gold Council

ANDREW NAYLOR joined the World Gold Council in 2016 and since 2020 has led the World Gold Council’s regional office in Singapore. Originally part of the central banks and public policy team, Andrew was responsible for the World Gold Council’s Islamic finance initiative, culminating in the launch of the AAOIFI Shari’ah Standard on Gold. Andrew started his career at international consultancy firm Cicero Group advising financial institutions on foreign investment and trade policy in Asia, and the global regulatory reform agenda.

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2022 was a major year for many reasons, not least the lifting of most pandemic restrictions and the resumption of international travel.

For the World Gold Council, it was also a year in which we launched a number of new initiatives in Singapore:

  • Retail Gold Investment Principles (RGIPs)
  • ASEAN Market Engagement
  • Professional Development Curriculum
  • Institutional Investor Outreach
  • Gold247TM – The World Gold Council’s Vision for the Gold Market

Retail Gold Investment Principles (Rgips)

Following the global launch of the RGIPs, and their ongoing roll-out in India, Germany, the USA, and others, we are now working with the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) on a local code of conduct for the retail gold industry, based on the international RGIPs. After a process of industry engagement, a retail market committee has been formed under the auspices of the SBMA. This Committee met for the first time in September, and is developing a local code of conduct.

The World Gold Council remains fully supportive, and we are confident that the RGIPs, and accompanying investor guidance, will help grow our industry. Research suggests that trust is a major barrier to buying gold and the RGIPs are designed to help give consumers confidence in the gold that they buy, and who they buy it from.

Asean Market Engagement

As travel has resumed, we have been able to increase our engagement with regional gold markets. In Thailand, we launched consumer research looking at perceptions of gold, motivations for buying, product preferences, and the role of gold in Thai households and society. Part of our global consumer insights programme, the research helps us and the gold industry better understand consumer behaviour, assisting the development of gold products and services that meet 21st century consumer needs.

In Indonesia, we have been working with the authorities and stakeholders on the development of the country’s bullion market. Connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia is vital, and SBMA members will be participating in a business and trade delegation at the end of November.

Finally, in Vietnam we partnered with the Vietnam Gold Traders Association and SBMA on the Hanoi Gold Forum, which took place on November 15. This was the first time in many years that industry participants, policymakers, and representatives of the State Bank of Vietnam have met to discuss the development of Vietnam’s gold market, and we look forward to continued engagement next year.

A major focus of all the discussions has been the role that gold plays in household finances. A new report by the World Gold Council developed in conjunction with The Economist, explores the role that gold plays in financial inclusion. Financial inclusion – access to formal financial services – is a key enabler of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and is a major objective of policymakers across the region. The report examines the role that gold currently plays (as a form of savings, source of credit, and as a method of payment) and advocates for greater retail banking participation in the gold market. The report was launched this year and is underpinning some of our engagement in the region, including at this year’s ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

Professional Development Curriculum

This year, we commenced the development of a CPD programme for gold. Designed for a broad range of employees in the gold industry, the curriculum covers the role of supply chain participants, the investment case for gold, gold and ESG, gold trading, and the various standards and principles that underpin the market. In partnership with the SBMA, the programme will be launched for the first time in January at Enterprise Singapore. Following this, we will be rolling out the curriculum globally, and conducting the programme annually in Singapore.

Institutional Investor Outreach

The World Gold Council has continued its outreach to institutional investors here in Singapore and internationally including in Australia and Japan. On average, investment accounts for almost 40% of annual demand for gold and to help institutional investors navigate gold as an asset class. We have a number of tools on goldhub.com including a portfolio optimiser, gold return attribution model, and valuation framework. We have also released new research looking at the strategic case for gold in Singapore, Australia, and Japan, and analysis on gold’s role in Australia’s superfund landscape.

Topping this off is our annual institutional investor-focused conference in Singapore. Complementing this has been our corporate communications and marketing efforts in the region, and hopefully you will have seen articles, op-eds, and marketing making the continued case for gold.

Gold 247tm – the World Gold Council’s Vision for the Gold Market

Underpinning our work internationally is the Gold247TM initiative – the World Gold Council’s vision for transforming the global gold market to meet the challenges of today’s consumers and investors. The way gold is currently traded and the way the supply chain is managed needs to evolve to ensure the gold market continues to meet the expectations of In order for gold to continue to remain relevant, it must meet three challenges, and digitalisation is key to achieving these aims:

  • First, the gold industry should operate with the highest integrity and proven provenance. Today’s consumers and investors demand to know where their gold comes from, who produced it, and whether it has been responsibly and sustainably sourced. Gold needs to have unimpeachable credentials, as maintaining the trust and confidence of consumers, investors and regulators is key to broadening participation and the unlocking of latent demand.
  • Second, physical gold has to be fully accessible, so that everyone can benefit from its wealth enhancing, risk mitigating and stabilising role as a financial asset. This includes gold being traded 24 hours a day and being fully accessible through contemporary channels such as digital investment accounts or simply one’s smart phone.
  • Third, we want to ensure gold is fully fungible, which means we should be working to harmonise regional silos, reduce market fragmentation and ensure that local and regional gold markets are fully interoperable.

These are just some of our key initiatives and activities, many of which include valuable partnership with the SBMA. All of our research can be found on www.goldhub.com and I urge you to take a look.

ANDREW NAYLOR joined the World Gold Council in 2016 and since 2020 has led the World Gold Council’s regional office in Singapore. Originally part of the central banks and public policy team, Andrew was responsible for the World Gold Council’s Islamic finance initiative, culminating in the launch of the AAOIFI Shari’ah Standard on Gold. Andrew started his career at international consultancy firm Cicero Group advising financial institutions on foreign investment and trade policy in Asia, and the global regulatory reform agenda.

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Singapore Bullion Market Association Secretariat-Lee-Jia-Yi

Lee Jia Yi

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Before joining SBMA, Jia Yi worked as an Admin & Reporting Officer in her previous role. She holds a Diploma in Business & Social Enterprise from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Jia Yi is responsible for managing and maintaining physical and digital files in SBMA, supporting invoicing processes, reconciling receivables and payables, coordinating meetings and conferences. Additionally, she will provide support to the team and assist the Business Director in managing the Association’s office operations and general administrative activities.

SECRETARIAT SBMA-Emily-Oh

Emily Oh

OPERATIONS & ADMIN EXECUTIVE
Emily Oh is the Operations & Admin Executive, a seasoned professional who values teamwork and effective communication. She is skilled at adapting to new challenges and takes a proactive and resourceful approach to every task. Before joining SBMA, Emily had experience coordinating international travel arrangements and spearheading community initiatives. Her role at SBMA will be providing operational and administrative support for projects and other matters to the team.

SECRETARIAT SBMA Clara-Chang

Clara Chang

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
Clara Chang joins SBMA as the Marketing & Communications Executive, enriching the team with her extensive experience in content creation, social media management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining SBMA, Clara held the position of Marketing Executive at her previous job. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, one in International Trade and another in Geographical Information Science. Her core duties will include maintaining the SBMA website, managing the quarterly Crucible newsletter, among other responsibilities.

SBMA Committee-Photo-john-levin

Mr John Levin

Global Metals
TD Securities
John Levin is the Head of Metal Sales & Trading – APAC at the Toronto Dominion Bank’s Singapore office. Prior to this role, he devoted seven years to leading precious metal sales for the ANZ banking group in his home country, Australia. Notably, from 2009 to 2011, John played a significant role on the management committee of the London Bullion Market Association while serving as the Head of Precious Metals Sales for HSBC Global Banking and Markets in the UK.

SBMA Secretariat-Fabian-Lew

Fabian Lew

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Fabian was a Business Development and Marketing Associate before joining SBMA. He graduated from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

He has joined SBMA since February, 2022.

SBMA-margare-secretariat

Margaret Wong

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Margaret Wong, Business Director at SBMA (Singapore Bullion Market Association), brought valuable experience from her previous role at the World Gold Council (WGC). Her tenure at WGC provided her with extensive exposure to the gold community in Singapore and the broader region. This background has been instrumental in establishing strong working relationships within the industry.

Margaret’s role at SBMA encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. She oversees office management, business support processes, finance, and administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the team and management committee. Additionally, Margaret handles membership matters, member communications, and addresses public inquiries related to SBMA.

One of Margaret’s key responsibilities is coordinating with the Event Management Company for SBMA’s prestigious annual event, the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. This flagship conference plays a crucial role in the industry, making her involvement pivotal in its success.

Described as resourceful and self-motivated, Margaret Wong brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role at SBMA, ensuring efficient operations and effective engagement within the precious metals community in Singapore and beyond.

SBMA-Albert-secretariat

Albert Cheng

Chief Executive Officer

Albert Cheng joined the World Gold Council in March 1993 as a Regional Manager, becoming Managing Director, Far East in 2003. He retired at the end of March 2015 and was subsequently named its Advisor. He has also been an International Advisor to the Shanghai Gold Exchange since 2002.

His marketing career began with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, Hong Kong in the early 80’s. He began gold marketing in July 1985 when he joined the Royal Canadian Mint as a Regional Manager for Southeast Asia.

He was appointed honorary CEO of SBMA in November 2015. He is responsible for the success and strategic development of SBMA, represents the interests of the Association, and is responsible for all the legal and regulatory aspects of the work of the Association. He is the primary contact for regulators and government bodies on bullion market development.

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

Ms Pawan Nawawattanasub

CEO
YLG Bullion Singapore Pte Ltd

Pawan is the CEO of YLG Bullion Singapore and founder of YLG Bullion International. She has almost 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry and established YLG in Thailand in 2003. In 2012, she brought YLG to Singapore. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Thailand Gold Traders Association, the Thailand Futures Exchange’s Arbitration Committee, and the Rotary Bangkok committee. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.

SBMA-Shaokai-Fan

Mr Shaokai Fan

Head of Asia-Pacific (ex China) and Global Head of Central Banks
World Gold Council
Shaokai Fan is the Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, responsible for advising governments on gold matters, and enhancing the gold market through engagement, dialogue, and thought leadership. He works directly with central banks and sovereign wealth funds on investment considerations. Prior to this position, Shaokai held multiple roles at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director for Asia Strategic Initiatives and Associate-Director for Public Sector coverage. Shaokai holds a Masters of Public Administration from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics from New York University.

SBMA-Committee-Alan-Liew

Mr Alan Liew

Head of Bullion & Commodities Trading
United Overseas Bank Limited
Alan is Head of Bullion and Commodities Trading for Group Trading in Global Markets, United Overseas Bank (UOB). Alan joined UOB and started the bank’s commodities trading business in 2014, previously he spent eight years in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) trading both precious and base metals. During his tenure at SCB, he obtained the SGE gold trader licence and was part of the pioneering team for the SGE business and the FX quantitative trading team. Prior to trading, he worked for Monetary Authority of Singapore in the Financial Risk Management Division. He holds a BSc (Hon) in Computer Science at National University of Singapore and a MSc in Financial Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.

SBMA-Committee-Nikos

Mr Nikos Kavalis

Managing Director
Metals Focus Singapore Pte Ltd
Nikos Kavalis is a founding partner of Metals Focus. He has over 20 years of experience in precious metals, having previously worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and GFMS. Since September 2019, Nikos has been based in Singapore, where he also runs the local subsidiary of Metals Focus.

SBMA-Committee-khun nuttapong

Mr Nuttapong Hirunyasiri

CEO
MTS Gold Global Trading Pte Ltd
Nuttapong Hirunyasiri is the CEO of MTS Gold Group, one of Thailand’s top 10 companies and top 3 bullion companies. He started MTS Gold Group’s first overseas office in Singapore and has been expanding the group business internationally. He focuses on product development and innovation for gold investment, with the aim of being a leader in providing the full suite of gold investment services in the ASEAN region.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Raman-Walia

Mr Raman Walia

Executive Director, Head of Commodities Sales – APAC
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.

Raman is Executive Director and Head of Commodities Sales, APAC, for J.P. Morgan. He joined JPMorgan in 2008 in New York, moved to Singapore in 2011, and helped expand the precious metals business in the region. Raman has an MBA from Cornell University, and likes to travel in his spare time.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Andrew-Clarke

Mr Andrew Clarke

Head of Brink’s Global Services
Brink’s Global Services Pte Ltd

Andrew Clarke is the Head of BGS (Brink’s Global Services) for Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career in secure logistics and risk management with Brink’s, which started in Hong Kong in 2010. Andrew relocated to Singapore in 2018 to expand the precious metals line of business along with Brink’s portfolio of services and industries.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Kazuya-Naoki

Mr Kazuya Naoki

Head of Metals, Asia
ICBC Standard Bank Plc, Singapore Branch

Kazuya (Kaz) Naoki is the Head of Metals, Asia of ICBC Standard Bank in Singapore and is responsible for the precious & base metals sales and trading in the region. He joined Standard Bank Plc Tokyo Branch in 2008 and was relocated to its Singapore Branch in 2013 whose controlling stake was acquired by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in 2015. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Kaz spent 11 years focusing on commodity trading and risk management with Mitsui & Co in Tokyo, Sydney and London. Kaz has been serving on the SBMA Management Committee since 2016.

SBMA Committee-Photo-Vinh-Nguyen

Mr Vinh Nguyen

Head of Precious Metals, Asia
StoneX APAC Pte Ltd

Vinh Nguyen joined StoneX Group in Singapore at the beginning of 2008 and responsible for its APAC precious metals activities since 2019 until now.

SBMA Committee-KL-Yap

Mr KL Yap

General Manager, Singapore Refining Business Unit
Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd
KL YAP is the General Manager of Metalor Technologies (Singapore) Pte Ltd’s Singapore Refining Business Unit. He joined Metalor in 2013, initially in Refining Sales. In 2014, he became Refining Business Unit Manager, leading the development of a new precious metal refinery. KL was Vice Chairman of SBMA from 2017 to 2021, now serving as Chairman. With a degree in business commerce, finance, and marketing, he brings prior experience from refinery and heavy industries.