Rich people hiding money in luxury safes; Bunker like security: Biometric entry, capacity to store 500 tonnes of gold and 10 thousand tonnes of silver

For the world’s ultra-rich, old, dark and ordinary bank lockers are now a thing of the past. They have been replaced by state-of-the-art ‘private vaults’. – symbolic photo

Such a luxurious place, where there is an impenetrable circle of state-of-the-art security all around. Diamonds worth crores of rupees, gold ingots and priceless paintings are kept next to you. There is a rooftop garden in front and you are enjoying food prepared by the world’s most expensive chef. This is not a film scene, but the reality of 2026.

For the world’s ultra-rich, old, dark and ordinary bank lockers are now a thing of the past. They have been replaced by state-of-the-art ‘private vaults’. These are not just limited to the protection of valuable property, but have also become private museums equipped with luxurious facilities, which symbolize the lifestyle of the rich. The most interesting example of this change is ‘The Reserve’ located near Singapore’s Changi Airport. In this impenetrable vault spread over 18 lakh square feet, a luxurious ‘Onyx Room’ with 40 seats has been built for the rich. There is also a beautiful rooftop garden along with it.

According to Gregor Gregersen, CEO of Silver Bullion Group, this vault has been designed to provide a premium experience along with security. Guests dine while viewing their gold and silver in the vault from the viewing platform on the fifth floor. It has the capacity to store 500 tonnes of gold and 10 thousand tonnes of silver.

London’s Mayfair and Park Lane areas are also not far behind. ‘IBV International Vaults’ provides a unique experience to VIP customers. Guests leaving valuables are offered luxury car service with a private driver and a special ‘Afternoon Tea’ at the renowned Dorchester Hotel. In terms of security, this place is no less than a bunker. According to Sean Hoey, Managing Director of IBV Gold, the special glass installed here can withstand even AK-47 bullets.

New destinations emerging around the world

Christopher Sanderson, cofounder of trend forecasting firm ‘Future Laboratory’, says London alone is not the traditional center of this industry. Artefacts worth about Rs 9.5 lakh crore are kept safe in Geneva’s freeport, while Dubai is rapidly building a network of bunker-grade safes. Hong Kong and Milan are also attracting the wealthy due to their luxury lifestyle and strong financial structure.

Tourists are renting private vaults for short term

According to Europe’s International Tax Observatory, 15 years ago the total wealth of the world’s billionaires was Rs 427 lakh crore, which has now increased to about Rs 1889 lakh crore. With this huge wealth, the demand for secure storage has also increased rapidly. Following London’s infamous ‘Hatton Garden’ robbery and many traditional banks discontinuing locker services, wealthy people are turning to private vaults. On the other hand, looting of luxury watches has increased in London and other big cities of Europe. Criminals use these as ‘underworld currency’, so tourists and the local affluent class have started renting short-term lockers.

Make Dainik Bhaskar your favorite source on Google ➔