OCBC new investors triple as bank braces for 2026 gold, silver uptick

The bank sees sustained growth on the back of industrial use and recent price rallies.

OCBC expects continued growth in its precious metals business throughout the year, on the back of strong demand, structural factors behind the recent price rally, and sustained industrial consumption.

The bank reported that the number of new investors tripled month-on-month as of January, despite higher gold and silver prices.

In 2025, two in three retail customers began their investment journey with the bank through gold or silver, shifting from previous preferences for equities and unit trust funds. This contributed to a 2.5-fold increase in OCBC’s precious metals investors year-on-year.

Moreover, the number of investors under 40 doubled compared to 2024, representing half of all investors, with those in their 20s showing the fastest growth in gold and silver holdings.

“Typically, once an asset becomes mainstream, hype can often creep in. The recent volatility is a reminder that sharp price swings can happen,” said Tan Siew Lee, OCBC’s Head of Group Wealth Management.

Tan noted that whilst precious metals play a stabilising role in a portfolio, allocations should stay measured.

“Those with little or no exposure may consider building positions gradually — taking advantage of dips and staying focused on their long-term goals rather than reacting to short-term market noise,” Tan added.