VIA MAT, an international vault service provider, closes its service to US citizens.

[Magenta]

http://www.goldmoney.com/faq/are-us-residents-allowed-to-hold-metal-with-goldmoney-at-via-mat-vaults.html?gmrefcode=gata

Dear Sirs

As you are aware VIA MAT INTERNATIONAL has been providing a service for the storageof bullion items at its vault not only to institutions like yourselves but also to privatecustomers. We would like to thank you for the confidence and trust you have placed in thisservice.

We are currently experiencing rapid and substantial changes in the general regulations withinthis business. These changes mainly relate to the tax structures and taxation systems ofvarious countries.As a consequence of these changes VIA MAT INTERNATIONAL has taken the decision tostop offering this service at its vault outside of the US to private customers with potential UStax-liability. This will come into effect by mid 2013. 

[Tate]

Wow. 

So, if I own physical precious metal, what would be the best way to protect it?

[Magenta]

 

Wow. 

So, if I own physical precious metal, what would be the best way to protect it?

 

I'm still reviewing this myself. VIA MAT is one of the largest PM storage companies, IIRC. This does not bode well for the long-term future of our ability to store PMs offshore.

Here is a list of storage companies that GoldMoney uses: http://www.goldmoney.com/partners.html

Here is a Singaporean storage company that seems good: https://www.silverbullion.com.sg/default.aspx

There are a few options for companies not based in the US and that store outside of the US. The ones I know of are:

1) GoldMoney (allocated, but not segregated storage)

2) Silver Bullion Singapore (segregated)

3) Global Gold (Segregated, Min Purchase = 50,000 Swiss Francs)

4) Gold Switzerland (Segregated, Min Purchase = 250,000 Swiss Francs)

5) Kitco's Canadian Allocated Storage Program (segregated)

[TenguNation]

 The fence is getting higher and higher.  The days of doing things "off the grid" is about to go by-by.

 

Buy lots of gold, buy lots of guns.  It's about to get rowdy in the live-stock pen.