Gold Dealer Assurance Standard
The Gold Dealer Assurance Standard (GDAS)™ is the first ever global best-practice framework for retail and wholesale gold dealers serving the retail gold market. Developed by the World Gold Council in consultation with industry and with the support of the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Standard helps dealers build customer confidence in gold products and services.
Upon the launch of the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme (GDAP)™ later this year, BSI will offer gold dealers the opportunity to be assessed against the Standard. This voluntary and independent assessment is designed to give customers confidence that audited gold dealers are observing high standards in these areas:
- Fairness and Integrity
- Transparency
- Protection of Customer Assets
- Regulatory Compliance
- Responsible Gold Sourcing
- Commercial Prudence
- Operational Professionalism
- Vaulted Gold Products and Services
Interested dealers can register their interest - see instructions below.
The Standard helps build trust
Over time, retail investment typically accounts for approximately 25% of global gold demand. Yet research sponsored by the World Gold Council found that seasoned investors across six countries lacked trust in gold dealers and gold products. A majority of the polled investors also said there is also a lack of reliable gold education. The Standard helps close those gaps.
For gold dealers, successful assessment under the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme (GDAP) is a clear way to demonstrate trustworthiness and stand apart in a competitive market. For customers - particularly those new to buying physical gold - the publicly available list of qualified gold dealers is a reference point when making the important choice of which dealer to trust. The list will go live late in 2026 or in 2027.
Gold dealers and wholesalers: Register your interest in the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme (GDAP)™
The assurance programme based on the Standard will be operated independently by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Visit the BSI programme website to find out more and pre-register interest.
Pre-register your interest (BSI)
gdap.bsigroup.com
Download / review the Standard
Gold Dealer Assurance Standard
Gold Dealer Assurance Programme FAQ
What is the World Gold Council’s role in the Standard and the assurance programme?
The World Gold Council maintains the Standard, but does not conduct audits, participate in audit delivery, administer the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme, or award the GDAP Trust Mark.
Who operates the assurance programme?
The British Standards Institution (BSI) operates the assurance programme independently, makes all assessment decisions, and manages issuance of the trust mark
When will the assurance programme open?
In the fall of 2026. In the meantime, interested dealers can pre-register their interest.
What are the benefits of pre-registration?
Pre-registration helps BSI manage the launch efficiently and deliver the best service to the gold dealer community. Where possible, BSI will consider the order of pre-registration when scheduling audits. There is no cost to pre-register and it does not commit you to taking an audit.
Who can apply for assurance?
Dealers that sell in-scope products and meet certain other requirements as defined in the Standard may apply. In-scope retail gold products include gold bars, coins, and rounds; graded coins that are not numismatics or collectibles; and vaulted gold products and services. A dealer that offers both in- and out-of-scope products is assessed only on its in-scope products.
Is assurance mandatory?
No. Gold dealers undertake assessment against the Standard on a voluntary basis.
Important notice
The World Gold Council does not verify or evaluate a company’s conformance with the Gold Dealer Assurance Standard, nor does the World Gold Council certify any company or assurance provider in connection with the Gold Dealer Assurance Standard. The Gold Dealer Assurance Programme is operated independently by the British Standards Institution (BSI). The World Gold Council has no involvement in decisions relating to audits, certification or the award or use of any trust mark under the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme. For further information on the Gold Dealer Assurance Programme, please refer to the BSI programme portal.
