# Asian expansion of global metal storage hubs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/asian-expansion-of-global-metal-storage-hubs > Updated: 2026-08-13T03:07:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Asian financial centers are expanding their roles as global hubs for precious metals and industrial storage. In Singapore, the Monetary Authority has increased official gold reserves to 197 tonnes. This growth supports the upcoming launch of a secure storage hub at Changi Airport in October 2026, intended to challenge London’s position as a primary gold-holding center. Additionally, Singapore has become a major logistical gateway for lead, holding approximately 98% of the London Metal Exchange’s lead inventory, much of which originates from India. Concurrently, Hong Kong is marketing itself as a strategic alternative for central banks seeking to diversify risk. The government is working to build a comprehensive gold ecosystem by expanding refining capabilities, secure logistics, and specialized insurance services. Officials are actively engaging with gold-producing nations to promote Hong Kong’s unique access to mainland Chinese markets and its distinct geopolitical profile. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Hong Kong promotes gold storage hub to diversify central bank risks Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global gold storage and trading hub, aiming to provide central banks with a diversified alternative to London through expanded refining, logistics, and insurance services. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hong-kong-promotes-gold-storage-hub-to-diversify-central-bank-risks ### 2026-08-05: Singapore emerges as global hub for gold and lead storage Singapore’s Monetary Authority lifted gold reserves to 197 t and opened a Changi hub, while the city‑state now stores 98 % of LME lead, underscoring its rise as a global metal‑storage centre. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singapore-emerges-as-global-hub-for-gold-and-lead-storage --- Cite as: Asian expansion of global metal storage hubs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/asian-expansion-of-global-metal-storage-hubs