BRICS nations are significantly increasing their gold reserves, accumulating 663 tonnes in just the first nine months of 2025, an acquisition valued at approximately $91 billion. This strategic move has propelled the bloc to a significant milestone of 6,000 tonnes, representing 17.4% of global central bank reserves. In comparison, this share stood at merely 11.2% in 2019. According to data from the World Gold Council, central banks within the bloc acquired 1,045 tonnes of gold in 2024, marking the third consecutive year where purchases exceeded the 1,000-tonne threshold.
Russia, China, and India bear primary responsibility for this accumulation. Russia holds 2,335.85 tonnes, while China possesses 2,298.53 tonnes, with India contributing 879.98 tonnes. Collectively, Russia and China account for 74% of BRICS’ gold reserves, underscoring a coordinated strategy for diversifying reserve assets.
The acceleration in gold acquisition signals a strategic repositioning amid monetary uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. This movement reflects a growing questioning of the dollar’s role in international transactions and a concerted effort to diminish reliance on the financial system dominated by the American currency.
In the long term, this strategy could catalyze the emergence of a multipolar financial system, wherein gold, local currencies, and alternative assets play central roles. The choices made by BRICS nations possess the potential to influence global monetary policies and reshape economic power dynamics.
What are the implications? Should the dollar lose its standing as the global reserve currency, the cost of imports, foreign exchange, and international credit will shift profoundly. Brazil, a key BRICS member, finds itself at the heart of this unfolding contest. Monitoring this development transcends abstract geopolitics: it is about understanding who will dictate the rules of global finance in the coming decade.