Tanaka Kikinzoku Expands Internet Trading for Retail Precious Metals; New Members Quadruple Since 2023

## Tanaka Kikinzoku Expands Internet Trading for Retail Precious Metals; New Members Quadruple Since 2023

Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) has announced that internet-based transactions in retail precious metals are experiencing a significant surge. In response, the company plans to introduce a mandatory membership system for all retail precious metals transactions by the end of 2027.

### Growing Demand for "Gold as an Asset" and Expansion of Internet Trading

Amid global economic shifts and heightened inflation concerns, interest in "gold as an asset" has intensified. Consequently, the company has seen growth in its internet-based trading, complementing traditional store-based transactions. New memberships for the company's "Tanaka Kikinzoku Comprehensive Account," which supports internet trading, saw a significant increase in 2020. Internet trading offers more favorable prices compared to over-the-counter transactions and allows users to trade via PCs or smartphones, eliminating the need to visit stores. As a result, it has become a widely used wealth-building tool that is not constrained by time or location. The trend of rising new memberships has continued, expanding approximately fourfold in 2026 compared to 2023, the year when the retail price of gold exceeded 10,000 yen per gram.

Furthermore, the proportion of new members aged 30 and under rose from approximately 23% in 2023 to 36% in 2026, indicating increased interest in precious metals as a means of wealth accumulation among younger generations.

### Membership System Planned for All Retail Precious Metal Transactions by 2027

The "Tanaka Kikinzoku Comprehensive Account" is a membership service that allows users to manage various precious metal transactions, including accumulation, spot purchases, and bullion/coin purchases, all through a single account. Both internet and in-store services are available, allowing users to complete transactions and manage assets online through the dedicated member site.

To support customers' wealth building and ensure market integrity, the company plans to implement a membership system covering all individual precious metal transactions by the end of 2027. This will require all customers, including those using over-the-counter services, to register for a Comprehensive Account. Registration will enable online trading alongside traditional in-store services, providing a more flexible wealth-building experience. Those already registered do not need to sign up again.

This membership system will evolve the current Comprehensive Account into a centralized platform for managing customer information and transaction features. As retail precious metals trading grows, it is crucial to provide a secure environment and improve convenience across both in-store and online channels. As part of this effort, identity verification for account registration will be transitioned to a system using My Number Cards, ensuring both security and smooth processing. This move aims to strengthen anti-money laundering and compliance measures while providing customers with smoother and more consistent services.

As a leader in the precious metals industry, Tanaka Kikinzoku remains committed to forming a transparent and reliable market and will continue to strive to provide services that customers can use with peace of mind.