The Custodian is HSBC Bank USA, N.A., or HSBC. The Custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the
Trust’s gold bars transferred to it in connection with the creation of Baskets by Authorized Participants. The
Custodian also facilitates the transfer of gold in and out of the Trust through gold accounts it maintains for
Authorized Participants and the Trust. The Custodian is a market maker, clearer and approved weigher under
the rules of the London Bullion Market Association, or LBMA.
Detailed descriptions of certain specific rights and duties of the Sponsor, Marketing Agent, Trustee and the
Custodian are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated herein by reference.