Gold’s elevation to Tier 1 asset status under Basel III regulations is igniting speculation of a major price revaluation—potentially reshaping the global financial order overnight.
At a Glance
- Gold reclassified as a Tier 1 “risk-free” asset under Basel III
- Analysts predict price surge to $10,000 per ounce
- U.S. gold reserves seen as key to national debt strategy
- Central banks ramp up gold buying in anticipation
- Weekend revaluation scenario could blindside markets
Gold’s New Status and What It Means
Gold is now recognized as a Tier 1 asset, on par with cash and U.S. Treasury bonds, under global Basel III banking regulations. According to the WLT Report, this designation allows banks to treat physical gold as a zero-risk asset, marking a radical shift in its monetary relevance. This structural change could enable large-scale revaluations and increase financial institutions’ appetite for gold as a reserve instrument.
Some market commentators foresee a dramatic price recalibration, suggesting that gold could jump as high as $10,000 per ounce. They argue such a spike would reflect years of underpricing and the increasing global demand now driven by central bank accumulation and financial uncertainty.
Watch expert analysis at Gold Becomes a Tier 1 Asset.
Revaluing U.S. Gold Reserves
The U.S. Treasury holds over 261 million ounces of gold, officially valued at just $42.22 per ounce—a Cold War-era price that hasn’t changed in decades. Analysts point out that revaluing this gold to reflect modern market rates could instantly create hundreds of billions in liquidity. As outlined in Fortune, such a revaluation could support new financial tools, like gold-backed bonds, to offset growing national debt.
Financial experts like Andy Schectman have suggested this could be used to shore up the Treasury General Account or even stabilize the U.S. dollar. The idea borrows from past economic playbooks, where hard asset backing was a pillar of monetary credibility.
The Global Gold Grab
Central banks are not waiting. China, Russia, and others have dramatically increased their gold reserves in the past year. The WLT Report notes that global gold buying hit multi-decade highs in early 2025, as monetary authorities hedge against inflation, currency instability, and geopolitical shocks.
The growing accumulation hints that many governments are preparing for a possible revaluation scenario. Such a shift could happen quickly—over a weekend, as some insiders warn—mirroring historic moments like Nixon’s 1971 gold window closure.
A revalued gold market would not only transform national balance sheets but could also upend investment strategies, inflation forecasts, and central bank policies worldwide. While skeptics caution against hyperbole, the current trajectory suggests that gold’s new regulatory status is more than symbolic—it could be the catalyst for a monetary turning point.
