The findings from the London-based think tank underscore a growing global debate regarding the dollar’s status as the primary reserve currency. While the greenback has rallied 3% this year, driven by high interest rates and its role as a traditional safe haven, nearly 80% of central banks now believe the international monetary system is shifting toward a multipolar model.

Gold has emerged as a primary beneficiary of this sentiment, moving to the center of reserve management. A net 30% of surveyed institutions plan to increase their gold holdings in the next two years, seeking stability amid what they perceive as permanent market volatility. Beyond precious metals, these institutions are diversifying into assets like the Norwegian crown, the New Zealand dollar, and sterling, even as structural hurdles continue to limit the appeal of the euro and the Chinese renminbi.

Simultaneously, public investors are aggressively adopting artificial intelligence to manage these complex environments. More than 66% of central banks plan to integrate AI into their operations, primarily for data analysis and back-office functions. The adoption rate is significantly higher in developed economies, where 89% of central banks utilize the technology, compared to 44% in emerging markets. As these institutions oversee $10 trillion in assets, the move toward automated data processing and asset diversification marks a significant departure from traditional reserve strategies.