LBMA accreditation – what is it and what information does it contain?

Below, we explain how the LBMA system increases investment security and facilitates the free movement of capital.

Table of contents

• What is LBMA accreditation and why is it important?
• What quality standards does LBMA accreditation guarantee?
• What are the requirements for obtaining LBMA Good Delivery accreditation?
• Which refineries and mints are LBMA accredited?
• What are the benefits of choosing LBMA-accredited gold?

What is LBMA accreditation and why is it important?

LBMA accreditation is a prestigious certificate awarded by the London Bullion Market Association, which confirms the highest quality of products manufactured by precious metal refineries. The organization was founded in 1987 in London and currently brings together around 200 entities operating on the global precious metals market.

The main objective of the LBMA is to ensure transparency, security, and uniform standards in international precious metals trading. A key element of this system is the Good Delivery list, which includes only producers who meet the most stringent quality, technical, and ethical standards.

For investors, LBMA accreditation guarantees the authenticity and credibility of the precious metal, which significantly facilitates its subsequent sale worldwide. This certificate also strengthens confidence in suppliers operating on the wholesale market. Interbank trading is based on standard Good Delivery bars — approximately 400 ounces for gold and approximately 1,000 ounces (approx. 31.1 kg) for silver. The standardized parameters of these bars ensure high market liquidity and transparent pricing rules.

What quality standards does LBMA accreditation guarantee?

LBMA accreditation sets the highest quality standards in the precious metals industry. For gold, a minimum purity of 995 parts per thousand is required. Bars designated as "Good Delivery" must weigh between 350 and 430 ounces and meet strict standards for shape and markings. This standard applies to wholesale bars, but refinery accreditation covers the entire production process, so smaller investment bars produced by a certified mint also meet the same stringent quality requirements.

Each bar is uniquely identified by:

• unique serial number,
• refinery sign,
• fineness mark.

This identification system, based on rigorous physical and procedural controls, forms the foundation of trust in the market. In addition, the LBMA Gold Price (formerly London Fix) mechanism serves as a global benchmark for the valuation of precious metals, ensuring transparency and widespread acceptance of prices in international trading.

What are the requirements for obtaining LBMA Good Delivery accreditation?

The process of obtaining LBMA Good Delivery accreditation is multi-stage and goes far beyond the assessment of product quality alone. It involves a comprehensive verification of all refinery operations. In order to meet the requirements, entities must demonstrate, among other things:

• a documented, long-standing history of activity,
• stable and repeatable production,
• implemented procedures for responsible sourcing of raw materials,
• compliance with the Global Precious Metals Code,
• a positive result of a detailed audit of quality control systems.

The purpose of meeting these criteria is to eliminate the risk of abuse and ensure the ethical and transparent origin of the precious metal.

Which refineries and mints are LBMA accredited?

The current list of LBMA-accredited entities, known as the Good Delivery List, is dynamic and regularly updated. It includes leading refiners from around the world that produce gold and silver bars for interbank trading.

A complete and up-to-date list of accredited refineries is available on the official website of the LBMA. Inclusion on this list is key evidence of a producer's credibility and is essential for operating in the global precious metals market.

What are the benefits of choosing LBMA-accredited gold?

Investing in gold from refineries on the Good Delivery list has a number of significant advantages. First and foremost, it ensures a high level of capital security and ease of exit from the investment. LBMA accreditation, widely recognized by banks, financial institutions, and dealers, confirms the authenticity of the bullion and minimizes the risk of counterfeiting.

The most important advantages include:

• global liquidity,
• the ability to quickly cash in bars anywhere in the world,
• no complicated formalities when reselling,
• A predictable and universal form of storing value.

As a result, LBMA-accredited gold remains one of the most stable and trusted assets on the investment market.