Gold Tokenization Development Services for Platforms Built on Real Custody Infrastructure

SpaceDev designs and builds gold tokenization platforms for bullion companies, commodity funds, fintech firms, and digital asset issuers that need a production-grade system, not a white-label template with your logo on it. We cover the full stack: token issuance contracts, vault custody integration, Proof of Reserves verification, KYC/AML onboarding, investor portals, and DeFi composability.

Or subscribe to our newsletter

What we deliver

What a Gold Tokenization Platform Requires, and What We Build

01

Gold-backed token smart contracts

ERC-20 with minting/burning tied to vault confirmations, transfer controls, and redemption logic

02

Proof of Reserves integration

Chainlink PoR adapter connecting vault API to on-chain supply verification

03

Vault custody integration

API connections to institutional vault providers for real-time holding data

04

KYC/AML investor onboarding

Identity verification, wallet screening, jurisdictional access controls

05

Minting and redemption workflows

Automated issuance on deposit confirmation, burn-on-redemption with vault release logic

06

Investor and issuer portals

Holding dashboards, redemption requests, reserve audit views, transaction history

07

DeFi protocol integrations

Listing on DEXs, collateral use in lending protocols, liquidity pool setup

08

Cross-chain bridge infrastructure

Multi-chain token availability across Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and BNB Chain

How Gold Tokenization Works at the Infrastructure Level

Most descriptions of gold tokenization stop at "physical gold in a vault equals a token on the blockchain." The operational reality is more complex, and the gaps between those two things are where most platform failures originate.

Vault Integration and Custody Verification

The platform must maintain a live, verified connection between physical gold holdings and minted token supply. This requires API integration with your vault provider, automated data feeds that trigger minting and burning events, and a reconciliation layer that catches discrepancies before they hit the on-chain state. Reputable vault providers include Brinks, Malca-Amit, Loomis International, and specialist custodians in Switzerland, Singapore, and London.

Proof of Reserves: On-Chain Verification That Investors Can Check

A periodic audit report in PDF format is not enough for platforms competing with PAXG or XAUt. Chainlink Proof of Reserves provides cryptographically verifiable, on-chain confirmation that the token supply is backed by gold held in custody. We implement the Chainlink PoR adapter, the vault-side data feed, and the smart contract logic that pauses minting if reserves fall below the token supply threshold.

Token Minting and Burning Tied to Physical Settlement

Every minting event must be triggered by a confirmed gold deposit, and every redemption must trigger a vault release. We build the workflow automation layer that connects these events, including pending state management, partial redemption logic, and exception handling for vault processing delays.

DeFi Composability Without Compromising Compliance

Platforms like Ondo Finance and the xStocks model (Backed Finance) have demonstrated that compliant tokenized commodities can be DeFi-composable without removing transfer restrictions entirely. We design the compliance layer to allow DeFi interactions while maintaining KYC/AML controls on the primary issuance and redemption layer, an architecture decision made at the start, not retrofitted after launch.

Gold Token Models: Choosing the Right Structure for Your Platform

Not all tokenized gold platforms are built the same way. The model you choose determines your custody requirements, regulatory exposure, and DeFi integration potential.

Unit of backing

Gram: 1 token = 1 gram of gold

Troy ounce: 1 token = 1 troy ounce of gold

Fractional: 1 token = fraction of 1 gram

Target audience

Gram: Retail and institutional

Troy ounce: Institutional, high-net-worth

Fractional: Micro-investors, emerging markets

Redemption complexity

Gram: Moderate

Troy ounce: Higher (physical bar minimums)

Fractional: High (aggregation required before redemption)

DeFi usability

Gram: Good

Troy ounce: Good

Fractional: Limited without aggregation layer

Examples

Gram: CACHE Gold (CGT)

Troy ounce: PAX Gold (PAXG), Tether Gold (XAUt)

Fractional: Custom platforms for retail access

The right denomination depends on your target user base, your vault provider's minimum lot sizes, and whether you intend to support physical redemption or cash-equivalent settlement. Our Product Discovery process maps these decisions before any development begins.

Gold Tokenization Tech Stack

Token Standards

ERC-20 (primary), ERC-1400 for regulated issuance, SPL Token-2022 for Solana

Networks

Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain, Solana, Base

Smart Contract Infrastructure

Solidity, Hardhat, Foundry, OpenZeppelin, upgradeable proxy patterns

Proof of Reserves

Chainlink PoR, custom vault API adapters, on-chain reserve circuit breakers

Oracle and Price Feeds

Chainlink XAU/USD price feed, Pyth Network for Solana, custom LBMA gold price integrations

KYC/AML and Identity

Sumsub, Jumio, Onfido, wallet screening via Chainalysis or Elliptic

DeFi Integrations

Uniswap V3/V4 liquidity pools, Aave and Compound collateral listings, cross-chain bridges via LayerZero or Wormhole

How We Build Gold Tokenization Platforms

  1. Token Model and Custody Scoping

    We define the denomination structure, custody model, vault integration requirements, redemption mechanics, and regulatory framework before any architecture decisions are made, coordinating your legal advisors, vault provider, and compliance team.

  2. Smart Contract Development

    We build the token contract with minting and burning logic tied to custody events, transfer controls appropriate to your compliance requirements, and circuit breaker mechanisms that pause issuance if reserve verification fails.

  3. Proof of Reserves and Vault Integration

    We implement the Chainlink PoR adapter or custom reserve verification layer connected to your vault provider's API, covering real-time holding data, minting authorization logic, and public-facing reserve dashboards.

  4. KYC/AML Onboarding and Compliance Controls

    We build the investor onboarding flow with identity verification, wallet screening, and jurisdictional access controls, handling different accreditation requirements across markets from day one.

  5. Investor Portal, Issuer Console, and DeFi Integrations

    We build the product layer: investor dashboards with real-time gold price tracking, issuer consoles for minting authorization and redemption management, and the DeFi integrations required for your token to be usable beyond the primary platform.

  6. Security Review and Audit

    Gold tokenization platforms are high-value targets. Every contract and integration goes through structured security review before launch, with BlockAudit available for independent validation focused on minting authorization bypasses and oracle manipulation attacks.

Real Work, Real Results

Explore our portfolio to see the engineering behind the platforms we've shipped.

See Our Work

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gold tokenization?

Gold tokenization is the process of representing ownership of physical gold as a digital token on a blockchain. Each token corresponds to a specific quantity of gold held in an institutional vault. Token holders can buy, sell, transfer, and in many cases redeem their tokens for physical gold or cash equivalent, without needing to store or transport physical bullion themselves.

How does a gold-backed token maintain its 1:1 backing?

The platform mints tokens only when a corresponding quantity of gold is confirmed in custody, and burns tokens when gold is redeemed. Proof of Reserves systems, typically implemented via Chainlink PoR, provide on-chain verification that the total minted supply never exceeds the verified vault holdings. This confirmation is publicly accessible and auditable, unlike periodic third-party reports that can be manipulated or delayed.

What is the difference between PAXG, XAUt, and a custom gold token platform?

PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUt) are pre-existing tokenized gold products operated by their respective issuers. Building a custom platform means you control the issuance, the custody arrangements, the fee structure, the redemption terms, and the DeFi integrations. The tradeoff is that you build liquidity from scratch rather than inheriting an established market. Custom platforms make sense for bullion dealers, commodity funds, and fintechs that want to offer gold tokenization under their own brand and operational model.

Do gold tokens require regulatory approval?

This depends on jurisdiction and token structure. In the US, gold-backed tokens typically fall under CFTC commodity regulation rather than SEC securities oversight, unless structured to provide investment returns beyond price exposure. In the EU, the MiCA framework applies to asset-referenced tokens. In Singapore and the UAE, specific licensing applies to digital payment tokens backed by commodities. SpaceDev builds the technical infrastructure your legal advisors define. We do not provide regulatory or legal advice.

Can tokenized gold be used in DeFi protocols?

Yes. DeFi-composable gold tokens can be used as collateral in lending protocols, traded in liquidity pools on decentralized exchanges, and bridged across chains for use in different ecosystems. The key architectural challenge is maintaining compliance controls on the primary issuance layer while allowing DeFi interactions on the secondary market. This is a design decision that must be made at the start of the project, not after launch.

How long does it take to build a gold tokenization platform?

A focused MVP with token contracts, Proof of Reserves integration, basic KYC onboarding, and an investor portal can be delivered in 10 to 16 weeks. Full platforms with multi-chain deployment, DeFi integrations, and institutional-grade custody connectivity require a scoping phase first. Our Product Discovery process gives you accurate timelines before any development commitment.

Build Your Gold Tokenization Platform with SpaceDev

The infrastructure layer for tokenized precious metals is being built by serious financial companies, not speculative token issuers. If your organization has gold in custody and a clear distribution model, the technical architecture to bring it on-chain is well understood.

Product Development that Sparks Innovation