[Finterest] You can invest in gold through EastWest Bank’s new partnership

MANILA, Philippines – Looking to throw in a little gold to your investment mix? High-net-worth investors can now tap into the precious metal through EastWest Bank Priority, the wealth management arm of the Gotianun-led bank.

EastWest Bank recently teamed up with Hong Kong-based bullion house J. Rotbart & Co. Through a referral partnership program, high-net-worth clients can connect with J. Rotbart & Co. to purchase gold directly, adding a tangible asset to their portfolios.

“This strategic collaboration opens doors for EastWest Priority clients to access innovative and exclusive solutions that diversify and strengthen their financial portfolios, providing them with a competitive edge in wealth management,” EastWest Bank said in a press release.

J. Rotbart & Co. is known for its expertise in alternative investments and tailored wealth strategies, offering growth for clients looking beyond traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds.

So how do you actually get your hands on some gold? First thing’s first — you’ll need to fork up a sizable amount of money. To qualify as a EastWest Priority client, you need to have at least P2.5 million in investible funds. Once you’re in, you can take advantage of the partnership.

“EastWest Priority clients can access physical gold investments through our partnership with J. Rotbart & Co,” the bank told Rappler. “By consulting their Relationship Manager, clients are referred to J. Rotbart & Co. for opportunities to diversify their portfolios.”

EastWest Priority clients also have greater access to foreign currency deposits, premium credit cards (like the travel-oriented EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard), unit investment trust funds, and time-deposit products. 

Clients also get relationship managers who act as financial advisors that are supposed to help make sense of global market trends and tailor their portfolios based on their needs.

Why gold is a useful investment

Investing in gold might sound like something straight out of a pirate movie, but in reality, it’s one of the oldest and most reliable hedges against market swings. When stocks dip and economic uncertainty looms, gold often holds or even increases in value, making it a key part of a well-diversified portfolio.

For instance, as the PSEi nears bear market territory, even blue-chip stocks have taken a hit, with San Miguel’s stock dropping 20% in a single day on January 31. Investors looking for more stability may turn to assets like gold, which historically acts as a safe haven during times of volatility.

“Gold serves as a hedge against market volatility and a potential growth asset, appealing to those seeking stability or expecting price increases over time,” EastWest told Rappler. 

“This diversification provides both protection and growth opportunities, particularly during periods of market uncertainty.”

Gold demand has also been surging as interest rates start to fall globally, including in the US and the Philippines.

When rates drop, interest-bearing assets like bonds become less attractive, shifting investor interest toward non-interest-bearing assets like gold. Central banks worldwide, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), hold gold as part of their reserves. Recently, the BSP took advantage of near-record prices by selling some of its gold holdings, a normal move that stirred misplaced panic among some Filipinos online. (READ: [In This Economy] Why Filipinos shouldn’t panic over the sale of gold)

Global uncertainty has continued to fuel gold’s rally. Gold prices have continued to surge to record highs, driven in part by uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s economic policies and tariffs, which could disrupt global markets. Previously, gold also peaked in October 2024, fueled by geopolitical tensions — including fears of a wider Middle East conflict and North Korea’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.

With today’s tumultuous political and economic climate, could gold be the stability your portfolio needs? – Rappler.com

Finterest is Rappler’s series that demystifies the world of money and gives practical advice on managing your personal finances.