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IIBS 2026 commenced on a high note in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, global thought leaders, and key stakeholders from the bullion, jewellery, banking and finance sectors to chart the future of India’s precious metals ecosystem. Held at The Westin, Mumbai on 27^th– 28^th Feb 2026, the summit was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, who highlighted India’s expanding role in the global bullion and gold landscape.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished industry leaders including David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council; Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at the National Stock Exchange of India; Shivanshu Mehta, Head – Bullion at the Multi Commodity Exchange of India; Prithviraj Kothari, National President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association; and Aksha Mohit Kamboj, National Vice-President, IBJA, among others.

Adding glamour and recognition to the summit was the 4th Edition of the Golden Girls Award, which celebrated exceptional women redefining excellence across the gems and jewellery (GJ) industry. The awards were presented by Chief Guest Amruta Fadnavis — social activist, singer, former banker and spouse of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Golden Girls Award honours women who exemplify leadership, innovation and impact — true “Shining Stars” dazzling from boardrooms to showrooms and shop floors.

High-impact panel discussions further enriched the summit, addressing critical themes such as silver’s evolving role alongside gold, digital gold regulations, wealth creation amid rising bullion prices, the growth of the organised jewellery sector, the fiat versus bullion versus crypto debate, hedging strategies in volatile markets, and the Gold Outlook 2026. Here’s below a brief of the outlay of the coverage by JewelBuzz at IIBS 2026.

Panel Discussion: Is Silver a Substitute for Gold?

Industry leaders debated silver’s rising prominence. The consensus was clear: Silver is poised for significant price appreciation and increasing retail adoption, especially among Gen Z due to affordability and design flexibility.

However, gold’s cultural significance and safe-haven status ensure it retains its premier position. As one panelist aptly summarized:
“Silver is a sprinter; gold is a marathon runner.”

Panel Discussion: Digital Gold Regulations – Building Trust in a Growing Market

Experts emphasized the urgent need for balanced regulation in digital gold. While the segment attracts younger investors due to ease of access, the absence of structured regulatory mechanisms compared to gold ETFs raises concerns.

The panel recommended the formation of an industry-led Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) to establish uniform standards, improve transparency, and enhance consumer trust.

Panel Discussion: Wealth Creation & Rising Gold Prices – Impact on Developing Nations

Rising gold and silver prices have strengthened jewellers’ balance sheets and enhanced household wealth through asset appreciation. Gold continues to function as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

However, panelists noted that India’s estimated 35,000 tonnes of household gold remains largely idle. Accelerating monetization and financialization of personal gold holdings was identified as critical to unlocking liquidity, reducing import dependence, and contributing meaningfully to GDP growth.

Panel Discussion: Growth of the Organised Jewellery Sector in Challenging Times

Retail leaders stressed that volatility must be viewed as an opportunity for transformation.

Key takeaways included:

• Transparency and ethics are non-negotiable.
• Robust systems, compliance frameworks, and financial discipline are essential.
• Legacy is both an advantage and a responsibility.
• Smaller jewellers must leverage trust and build structured growth strategies.

The underlying message: sustainable growth requires integrity, strong teams, and long-term vision.

IBJA–IGM Benchmark Price Initiative

In a landmark announcement, the India Bullion and Jewellers Association and India Gold Metaverse formed a joint venture — IBJA-IGM Benchmark Price Pvt. Ltd. — to establish a transparent, tradable gold benchmark price for India.

This initiative aims to provide a realistic reference spot price and strengthen pricing integrity across the bullion ecosystem.

Keynote: Digital Vision – Gold: Beat the Bitcoin 2026

Jignesh Shah outlined IGM’s vision of merging gold with programmable technology.

Built on four pillars — Elanzia (virtual marketplace), BullionX (next-gen bullion platform), RamMudra (gold-backed digital coin), and the Digital Al Karatometer — the initiative aims to bring transmissibility, transparency, and fractionalization to gold ownership.

Panel Discussion: Fiat Currency vs Bullion vs Crypto

The panel agreed the debate is not about choosing one asset class over another. A diversified allocation strategy aligned with investor objectives is prudent.

While fiat currencies remain foundational to global finance, tokenized gold is gaining traction for its accessibility and liquidity. Digital assets were recognized for cross-border efficiency, but bullion continues to anchor long-term stability.

Panel Discussion: Is Hedging an Effective Tool in the Current Scenario?

Hedging is no longer optional — it is a necessity.

Jewellery companies adopting structured hedging strategies are viewed as stronger, more resilient brands, while unhedged entities remain vulnerable to volatility.

However, effective hedging depends on reliable benchmark prices — reinforcing the importance of the IBJA-IGM initiative.

Panel Discussion: Gold Outlook 2026

Geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, speculative flows, and global political uncertainty are driving gold’s bullish trajectory.

Forecasts for 2026 ranged widely, with some experts projecting significant upside potential. The consensus: volatility will remain high, and businesses must build structures that factor in risk mitigation.

Interestingly, the recent correction in crypto markets has redirected capital flows into bullion — reaffirming gold’s enduring appeal in uncertain times.

IIBS 2026 Key Note Indian Market Initiative

Sachin Jain encapsulated India’s strength through the concept of the 5 Ds — Democracy, Diversity, Demography, Diaspora, and Digital natives. As India navigates a period of significant demographic transition, the World Gold Council (WGC) is spearheading a strategic transformation of the gold industry to align with modern consumer expectations and national economic goals, with a critical focus on how the next generation intends to acquire and utilize gold.

Under its Key WGC Initiatives and Roadmap 2047, the strategy aims to deepen gold financialization through higher Gold ETF adoption, boost domestic mining to meet 20–30% of demand, establish a Global Gold Innovation Centre near Mumbai, and prioritize the welfare and upskilling of traditional karigars.

IIBS 2026 reinforced its position as India’s most strategic bullion dialogue platform. By combining policy discourse, innovation, risk management strategies, and industry leadership, the summit underscored one clear reality:

In an era of volatility and digital disruption, gold remains the anchor — but its ecosystem is evolving faster than ever before.