Tokenized gold IRA: SmartGold and Chintai are moving $1.6 billion of vaulted bullion onchain, issuing one-for-one gold tokens that can be held in self-directed US IRAs and used as DeFi collateral to access US dollar liquidity while preserving physical storage and tax-deferred status.
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$1.6B of vaulted bullion tokenized for self-directed IRAs.
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One-for-one gold tokens are issued against physical bullion and can serve as DeFi collateral on platforms such as Morpho and Kamino.
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Comex gold futures hit a 2025 record of $3,557/oz; tokenized gold products like Tether Gold exceed $1.3B in value.
Tokenized gold IRA: SmartGold and Chintai move $1.6B of vaulted gold onchain for self-directed IRAs, enabling DeFi-backed collateral and yield opportunities.
The partnership allows US investors to hold vaulted gold in self-directed IRAs, providing exposure to regulated DeFi strategies.
What is a tokenized gold IRA?
Tokenized gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account structure where vaulted physical bullion is tokenized one-for-one and held as digital tokens within a US IRA, giving investors regulated exposure to gold while enabling the tokens to be used as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
How does the SmartGold–Chintai tokenization process work?
The structure begins with an investor purchasing vaulted bullion inside a SmartGold self-directed IRA. Chintai Nexus then issues digital tokens representing each unit of physical gold stored in secure vaults. Those tokens are compatible with DeFi lending markets, allowing holders to borrow US dollar–denominated liquidity without removing the bullion from custody.
Gold-backed IRA provider SmartGold is moving $1.6 billion of vaulted assets onchain through a partnership with tokenization platform Chintai Nexus, potentially opening the door to tokenized gold investments inside US self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts.
Each gold token is backed one-for-one with physical bullion and can be deployed as collateral across decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocols, the companies said on Tuesday. The design preserves physical custody while creating a digital, onchain representation of the asset.
The mechanism works by investors purchasing and storing vaulted gold through a SmartGold self-directed IRA. Chintai then tokenizes the holdings, issuing digital representations tied directly to the physical metal. These tokens can be used as onchain collateral while the bullion remains in vault custody.
Those tokens can be used as collateral on platforms such as Morpho and Kamino, giving investors access to US dollar–denominated liquidity. The borrowed capital can be reinvested into other yield-generating strategies while the underlying gold remains stored and the account’s tax-deferred status is preserved.
Self-directed IRAs carry the same tax benefits as traditional or Roth accounts but give retirement planners access to a broader range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, private equity and real estate. According to Pacific Premier Trust, they represent about 2% to 5% of the $10.8 trillion held in US IRAs.
The SmartGold–Chintai launch comes amid rising demand for tokenized gold. The International Precious Metals Bullion Group has rolled out tokenized products across its supply chain, and stablecoin issuer Tether’s Tether Gold surpassed $1.3 billion in total value earlier this year.
Medical technology company BioSig has recently pivoted toward tokenization through a merger with a real-world asset platform, securing $1.1 billion in growth financing to bring gold and other commodities onchain.
Related coverage: Why tokenized gold beats other paper alternatives — Gold DAO
Why is gold gaining momentum now?
While Bitcoin is often called “digital gold,” physical gold has been a standout performer in 2025. Comex gold futures rose to a record high of $3,557 a troy ounce on Monday, extending year-to-date gains to roughly 34%.
Demand has been driven by geopolitical uncertainty, central bank purchases and inflation concerns. Reporting in major financial outlets has highlighted market debates over central bank policy and political pressure on institutions such as the Federal Reserve.
At the Jackson Hole symposium last month, Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated rate cuts could be possible as policy focus shifts toward labor market conditions. Market participants view potential rate easing as supportive for gold prices and for collateralized strategies that borrow in dollars.
Related coverage: Dollar stability questioned as Trump ousts Federal Reserve governor
Frequently Asked Questions
How can US investors access tokenized gold in an IRA?
Investors open a SmartGold self-directed IRA, purchase vaulted bullion, and accept tokenization by Chintai Nexus. The resulting tokens can be held in the IRA or deployed as collateral on compatible DeFi platforms to access liquidity while maintaining tax benefits.
Is physical gold still held in storage after tokenization?
Yes. Each token is backed one-for-one by physical bullion stored in secure vaults; tokenization creates a digital claim on the stored metal without relocating the asset.
Key Takeaways
- Onchain custody with physical backing: SmartGold and Chintai issue one-for-one tokens tied to vaulted bullion.
- DeFi liquidity access: Tokenized gold can be used as collateral on lending platforms to borrow US dollars.
- Preserved IRA benefits: Self-directed IRAs retain tax-deferred status while enabling broader asset exposure.
Conclusion
The SmartGold–Chintai partnership represents a significant step toward mainstream tokenized bullion within retirement accounts, combining physical custody with onchain liquidity. Investors and advisors should evaluate custody, counterparty and regulatory frameworks as tokenized gold tools expand into self-directed IRAs. Follow COINOTAG for updates and detailed coverage.
