According to the World Gold Council, at the start of 2025, central banks reported 18 tonnes of net gold purchases, reinforcing the metal’s strategic role in official reserves amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. But how is gold demand evolving across key markets like Southeast Asia, China, India, and Japan? Shaokai Fan, Head of Asia-Pacific (excluding China) and Global Head of Central Banks at the World Gold Council, weighs in on current developments and shares insights into emerging trends; from central bank gold reserves to digital gold platforms and what they signal for the future of gold.