Crypto Gold Rush: 4 Tokens Changing the Investment Landscape

Vinn
5 min readApr 15, 2024

With gold hitting consecutive all-time highs this year, investors are increasingly turning to alternative methods to gain exposure to the precious metal. Traditional avenues like physical gold or gold derivatives often come with entry barriers, geographical limitations, and high costs. However, the advent of gold-backed cryptocurrencies is changing this landscape, offering investors more accessible and convenient options. Among the notable contenders in this space are Tether Gold (XAUt), PAX Gold (PAXG), and ComTechGold (CGO), each providing a unique approach to tokenizing gold.

As of the latest data, gold prices have soared to new heights, with the TradingView index marking a record high of $2,424 per ounce. Experts predict further upward momentum, with Bloomberg Intelligence forecasting a potential surge to $3,000 per ounce. This bullish trend has spurred a surge in demand for gold investment, prompting investors to explore innovative solutions.

One such solution is the tokenization of gold, which enables investors to buy and trade fractions of gold in a digital form. This not only lowers the entry barrier but also enhances portability and liquidity, making gold more accessible to a broader range of investors. In this article, we’ll delve into three prominent gold-backed cryptocurrencies that are gaining traction in the market.

1. Tether Gold (XAUt):

Tether, a leading stablecoin issuer, introduced Tether Gold (XAUt) as a means for investors to access gold on the blockchain. With Tether’s vast experience in the cryptocurrency space and a market cap of over $583 million, XAUt offers a reliable option for investors seeking exposure to gold. Trading slightly above the TradingView index at $2,367 per ounce, Tether Gold boasts a market cap of $583 million, positioning it as a significant player in the market.

Each XAUt token represents one fine troy ounce of gold, with the physical gold assets held securely by TG Commodities Limited.

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/tether-gold/

2. PAX Gold (PAXG):

PAX Gold (PAXG) is another prominent player in the gold-backed cryptocurrency space, issued by Paxos, a regulated blockchain infrastructure provider. With its reputation for trust and transparency, Paxos has garnered attention for its gold token, which trades at a slight premium against the index, currently priced at $2,374 per ounce. With a market cap of $433 million, PAXG offers investors a regulated and reliable option for investing in gold through cryptocurrency. Pax Gold (PAXG) is a gold-backed cryptocurrency that is 100% backed by physical gold.

Each PAXG token is backed by one fine troy ounce of a London Good Delivery gold bar.

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/pax-gold/

3. ComTechGold (CGO):

ComTechGold (CGO) stands out as a promising contender in the gold-backed cryptocurrency market. Built on the XDC Network, ComTechGold leverages the robust infrastructure and capabilities of XDC to offer investors a secure and efficient platform for accessing gold on the blockchain. The XDC Network, known for its high throughput and low transaction costs, provides a seamless environment for tokenizing assets like gold. By utilizing the XDC Network, ComTechGold enhances scalability, reduces transaction fees, and ensures faster settlement times compared to other blockchain platforms. This integration with XDC Network not only improves the efficiency of gold transactions but also enhances transparency and security, making CGO a compelling investment option in the gold-backed cryptocurrency space.

One token represents one pure gram of gold stored with Transguard, a reputed secured Vault operator in the UAE. CGO owners have ownership rights to that gold under the custody of XDC Trust Company.

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/comtech-gold/

4. Kinesis: KAU (gold) and KAG (silver)

Another noteworthy player in the gold-backed cryptocurrency space is Kinesis. Kinesis offers KAU (gold-backed) and KAG (silver-backed) tokens, providing investors with exposure to both precious metals. Kinesis Money is set to introduce a groundbreaking partnership that combines the stability of precious metals with the efficiency of the XDC Network. In the first phase of this collaboration, XDC and XRC20 tokens will be listed on the Kinesis Exchange, offering XDC holders the unique opportunity to trade against Kinesis’ precious metals-backed tokens — KAU (gold) and KAG (silver). These fully allocated physical assets provide real-world utility, serving as secure options for saving or spending as a global currency.

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/gold-kau/

In conclusion, gold-backed cryptocurrencies offer investors a compelling alternative to traditional gold investment avenues. While PAXG may seem like a solid gold-backed cryptocurrency, its regulatory issues and lack of liquidity make it a risky investment. On the other hand, CGO, built on the XDC Network, offers higher liquidity, Shariah compliance certification for 100% gold-backed tokens, and zero regulatory issues, making it a more substantial investment option. Additionally, Kinesis provides an innovative platform with its KAU and KAG tokens, offering exposure to both gold and silver in a transparent and secure digital ecosystem. Investors should consider these alternatives to traditional gold investment avenues to minimize risks and maximize returns as the market for gold-backed cryptocurrencies continues to grow. It’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and understand the risks involved before investing in these assets. As with any investment, capital is at risk, and investors should exercise caution and seek professional advice when necessary.

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies and gold-backed assets carries inherent risks, and investors should carefully evaluate their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making any financial decisions.

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