Gold And Silver ETF Valuation To Shift From LBMA To Indian Spot Prices From April 2026

SEBI has changed how gold and silver ETFs calculate NAV. From 1 April 2026, valuation shifts from LBMA benchmarks to Indian exchange polled spot prices.

Why SEBI Reset Gold And Silver ETF Valuation?

Gold and silver ETFs in India track bullion prices, but their NAV depends on how mutual funds value the physical gold and silver held in custody. Till now, valuation has largely referenced LBMA benchmark prices and then applied Indian adjustments like INR conversion and local levies. 

SEBI has now directed mutual funds to use domestic spot prices published by recognised Indian stock exchanges, based on polled spot prices used for settlement of physically delivered bullion derivatives. The regulator’s aim is a valuation method that mirrors Indian market discovery more closely and reduces variation in NAV computation across fund houses. 

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What Changes From 1 April 2026 For Gold And Silver ETFs?

SEBI’s circular, titled “Valuation of physical Gold and Silver held by mutual fund schemes” dated 26 February 2026, mandates the shift effective 1 April 2026. The circular number is HO/(68)2026-IMD-POD-2/I/5780/2026, and it is available on SEBI’s website under Legal → Circulars (Feb 2026). 

For investors, this is a back-end change but it can alter day-to-day NAV behaviour. Instead of taking LBMA prices and building up a domestic value using layered adjustments, AMCs will use the polled spot prices published by recognised Indian stock exchanges. Reports also note that AMFI, in consultation with SEBI, will prescribe a uniform implementation policy, so valuation stays standardised across the industry. 

Before the comparison table, here is the simplest way to read the change.
 

After the shift, NAVs may feel more “local” during phases when Indian bullion trades at a premium or discount to global benchmarks, because the reference itself becomes domestic. (Reuters)

Previous Development On This?

The conversation around precious metal ETFs has been active since 2025, driven by sharp investor interest. In June 2025, gold and silver ETFs saw ₹4,085 crore net inflows, with ₹2,080 crore into gold ETFs and ₹2,005 crore into silver ETFs, as reported by Business Standard. That level of flows put a spotlight on how ETFs are valued and how closely NAV reflects the domestic bullion market.

LoansJagat also flagged a regulatory consultation angle earlier. In its report dated 19 July 2025, it stated SEBI had proposed moving valuation to domestic spot prices and that public feedback was open until 6 August 2025. This context matters because the final circular in February 2026 follows that direction, now with a fixed implementation date.

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Before the timeline table, this is the clean sequence of what happened.
 

After the announcement, multiple explainers across outlets pointed out that the shift is away from “international benchmark first” pricing and towards India’s own exchange-led spot discovery.

Statements By Stakeholders?

SEBI’s direction, as reported widely, is that domestic exchange spot prices should improve alignment with Indian market conditions and create a more consistent valuation framework for bullion held by mutual fund schemes. 

Industry updates also say AMFI will standardise the implementation policy in consultation with SEBI, signalling fewer valuation differences across AMCs once the rule starts.

Market-facing commentary expects narrower gaps between NAV and domestic trading cues for bullion-backed funds.
 

Conclusion

From 1 April 2026, gold and silver ETFs in India will compute NAV using domestic exchange polled spot prices, not LBMA benchmarks. Investors should track NAV behaviour around the transition, especially for tracking difference during volatile bullion phases.