SmartGold has partnered with tokenization platform Chintai Nexus to bring $1.6 billion worth of vaulted gold assets onto blockchain networks. The partnership allows US investors to hold tokenized gold in self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts for the first time.
The collaboration addresses a long-standing problem for retirement savers who own physical gold. Traditionally, gold provides stability but generates no income while sitting in storage.
Under the new structure, investors purchase and store vaulted gold through SmartGold self-directed IRAs. Chintai then creates digital tokens that represent the physical gold holdings one-for-one.
These gold tokens can serve as collateral on decentralized finance lending platforms including Morpho and Kamino. Investors can borrow US dollars against their tokenized gold holdings.
The borrowed funds can be reinvested into other yield-generating strategies. The underlying gold remains in secure storage throughout the process.
Self-directed IRAs offer the same tax benefits as traditional or Roth accounts. They allow retirement planners to invest in a wider range of assets beyond typical stocks and bonds.
According to Pacific Premier Trust, self-directed IRAs represent 2% to 5% of the $10.8 trillion held in US retirement accounts. These accounts can include investments in cryptocurrencies, private equity, and real estate.
The SmartGold-Chintai launch comes as demand for tokenized gold products increases across the industry. Several companies have introduced blockchain-based gold offerings this year.
Here's what we know. Rates are going to 1%, the USD is going down, and the Fed's independence is gone forever. Long term US debt is uninvestable. The Treasury will unleash billions of YCC and new versions of QE. Gold is the only safe haven. https://t.co/zp0gt5wiwv
— Garrett Goggin, CFA & CMT (@GarrettGoggin) August 27, 2025
The International Precious Metals Bullion Group has launched tokenized products throughout its supply chain. Stablecoin issuer Tether has seen growth with Tether Gold, which reached $800 million in value during summer 2024.
Tether Gold has continued expanding and now holds $1.3 billion in total value. The product allows investors to hold gold-backed tokens without storing physical metal.
Medical technology company BioSig recently shifted focus toward tokenization through a merger with real-world asset platform Streamex. The combined company secured $1.1 billion in growth financing to tokenize gold and other commodities.
Gold prices have performed strongly throughout 2024, reaching record levels and attracting investor attention. Comex gold futures hit a record high of $3,557 per troy ounce on Monday.
The precious metal has gained 34% year-to-date, outperforming many traditional investments. Several factors have contributed to gold’s rally this year.
Geopolitical uncertainty and political developments have increased demand for safe-haven assets. Central banks have been heavy buyers of gold throughout 2024.
Inflation concerns and broader economic uncertainty have also supported gold prices. Questions about Federal Reserve policy have added to the metal’s appeal.
At the Jackson Hole symposium last month, Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated that rate cuts could begin in September. The Fed has been monitoring labor market conditions as it considers policy changes.
SmartGold managing director Aaron Haley said the partnership transforms gold from a passive asset into an active investment tool. The structure maintains the security benefits of physical gold ownership while enabling yield generation through DeFi protocols.
The post Game-Changing Gold Tokenization Unlocks DeFi for $1.6 Billion in US IRAs appeared first on CoinCentral.
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