Sebi Warns: Digital Gold Investment Carries Hidden Risks

India’s digital gold craze has captured the imagination of millions, allowing anyone to invest in gold with as little as Rs 100 through smartphone apps. With real-time price tracking and the promise of redeeming coins or bars later, these platforms have made gold more accessible than ever. But this glittering convenience now comes with a warning.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued a caution to investors, pointing out tha  t “Digital Gold” or “E-Gold” products offered online are unregulated. Unlike Gold ETFs or Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), these platforms operate outside Sebi’s jurisdiction. This means if a platform fails to deliver the gold or collapses, investors have no legal recourse.

Digital gold platforms claim to store purchased gold in secure vaults and often offer options to convert digital holdings into physical gold. Yet there is no uniform audit system or regulatory oversight ensuring the gold exists or is safely stored. This introduces risks such as counterparty default, delayed redemption, or even operational mismanagement.

In contrast, regulated gold products like Gold ETFs or EGRs operate under Sebi’s strict supervision. Gold ETFs, for example, are mutual fund schemes backed by physical gold stored with authorized custodians, audited regularly, and traded on stock exchanges through demat accounts. These frameworks provide transparency, security, and investor protection that digital gold apps cannot guarantee.

Despite the warning, not all digital gold platforms are fraudulent. Some are backed by established names like MMTC-PAMP or Augmont, offering a degree of credibility. Yet, the absence of regulation leaves investors guessing about which platforms are genuinely safe.

India’s affinity for gold remains unshaken, but the way people invest is changing rapidly. The Sebi warning is a reminder that while digital gold is convenient, convenience cannot replace regulation and safety. For those seeking long-term exposure to gold without unnecessary risk, sticking to Sebi-regulated products remains the safest path.