What does chain of integrity mean?
The possibility exists that a bar of gold, silver or platinum may not contain the weight of metal it is said to contain. To mitigate this risk, firms within the bullion industry establish a chain of integrity. Only companies that meet certain criteria for operational performance and financial soundness can participate within the chain. For example, a bar from outside the chain can only be entered into the chain if it is first melted down. Then the new bar fabricated by an approved refiner who attests to the new bar’s weight and metal content is entered into the chain.
