Video News/In Focus with Jeremy Szafron

Josh Phair, CEO of Scottsdale Mint, joins Kitco News in an exclusive interview from the Texas State Capitol to discuss the launch of Texas’ state-branded gold and silver bullion program. The initiative allows residents to purchase physical precious metals directly through an official state platform connected to the Texas Bullion Depository. Phair outlined how the program integrates distribution with state infrastructure, marking a shift from passive custody toward active state-level participation in the bullion market. Phair detailed the mechanics behind the issuance of Texas gold and silver products, including their relationship to the state’s depository system. He also discussed how Basel III regulations, which classify physical gold as a 100% risk-weighted asset for banks, may influence broader institutional interest in bullion. The interview examined how Texas compares with other states, including Wyoming, as policymakers explore expanded roles for physical metals within state-level financial frameworks.