Kilo Reserve – Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Kilo Reserve FAQ.

This resource answers detailed questions about Kilo Reserve’s custody structure, pricing model, storage locations, audit process, tax treatment, and legal ownership framework. Written for serious investors, their advisors, and family office staff. If your question is not covered here, contact our team directly.

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Basics

What is Kilo Reserve?

Kilo Reserve is an institutional metals firm providing physically backed beneficial ownership in investment-grade industrial metals — copper, aluminum, iridium, ruthenium, tungsten, rhodium, and other critical metals. Metals are held in pooled institutional storage at secure, audited facilities. All transactions are executed through our metals desk. Clients hold beneficial ownership in the metal they purchase, with holdings tracked and reconciled through Kilo Reserve’s records.

Why may Kilo Reserve be more affordable than other options?

Spreads vary by metal and are agreed with the desk at time of execution. There are no management fees, performance fees, or hidden charges beyond the published spread and storage fee. Contact our desk to discuss pricing.

How do I know the metal I purchase is mine?

All metal is investment-grade, stored on your behalf in secure, third-party facilities with independent audits to verify holdings. While storage is pooled, your ownership is tracked and reported individually.

How does Kilo Reserve pricing work?

Our metals desk provides pricing transparently before each transaction. The spread — the difference between buy and sell price — reflects our wholesale transaction costs, market liquidity, and custody and logistics expenses. There are no hidden fees or third-party commissions beyond the agreed spread and storage fee. The spread adjusts with market conditions. This is how Kilo Reserve generates revenue from transactions. Storage fees are separate and published in our Fee Schedule.

Spreads vary by metal and are agreed with the desk at time of execution. Our spreads are significantly lower than retail dealers and competitive with institutional desks. There are no management fees, performance fees, or hidden charges beyond the agreed spread and annual storage fee. Storage fees are published in our Fee Schedule. Contact our desk or email info@kiloreserve.com to discuss pricing.

How do I know Kilo Reserve is trustworthy?

We partner with regulated financial institutions and experienced logistics providers. Institutional storage facilities are independently audited under institutional security and insurance arrangements. The firm operates with institutional-grade security and compliance oversight.

Account & Settings

Why verify my account?

Verification (KYC) is required to enable funding, trading, and withdrawals.

Can I add a beneficiary?

Not currently available. Contact our team to discuss estate planning considerations for your account.

Can I have a joint account?

Yes. Joint accounts are available. Contact our team to discuss setup requirements during onboarding.

Can I buy metals in my LLC?

Yes. LLC accounts are available. Contact our team or email info@kiloreserve.com to discuss setup during onboarding.

Can I buy metals in a trust account?

Yes. Trust accounts are available. Contact our team to discuss documentation requirements and setup during onboarding.

Can I open an account from outside the U.S.?

Currently, accounts are only available to U.S.-based individuals due to compliance requirements. If you are based outside the US and interested, please contact our team to discuss.

Funding

Are there fees for funding?

Wire transfers: no fee for incoming wires. $25 per outbound wire.

What payment methods are accepted?

Accounts are funded via wire transfer only. Minimum $100,000. Contact our team for wire instructions. We do not accept cash, credit cards, ACH, Western Union, or equivalents.

How long does funding take?

Funding times vary based on banking rails and compliance review. Estimated processing times may be shown on the Website, but funds are available for transactions only after they have cleared and settled in accordance with the Customer Agreement.

Trading

What is the buy/sell spread?

Kilo Reserve operates on a market-based spread:

  • The spread is the difference between the buy price and the sell price quoted by our metals desk.
  • It adjusts with market conditions such as global copper liquidity, wholesale premiums, and tariffs.
  • Spreads are disclosed transparently by the desk before each transaction.

How do I sell my metals?

Call the trade desk to sell any portion of your holdings. The desk provides the current buyback price before execution. Proceeds are credited to your Kilo Reserve cash balance and available for wire withdrawal.

How does trading work?

Kilo Reserve operates as a fully concierge metals firm. All trades are executed through our metals desk, available 8:30am to 4:30pm EST, Monday to Friday. Our clients have direct access to the desk for execution, pricing, and portfolio guidance.

What are the trading hours?

Our trade desk is available 8:30am–4:30pm EST, Monday–Friday. All trades are executed by our desk. Clients with time-sensitive requirements outside these hours should contact their relationship manager directly.

Does Kilo Reserve have an online trading portal?

No. Kilo Reserve is a fully concierge service. All trades are executed through our metals desk. We made a deliberate decision to operate this way, our clients value expert execution over self-service convenience. Your secure client portal is used for account registration, KYC/AML documentation during onboarding, and wire transfer instructions.

Storage & Delivery

Who is Cotecna?

Cotecna is an independent inspection, testing, and certification firm operating in over 160 countries, providing commodity inspection and verification services to governments, institutions, and private clients worldwide. Cotecna conducts independent physical inspections and inventory reconciliation of Kilo Reserve’s metal holdings.

How are metals stored?

Metals are held in pooled storage at institutional depositories or via LME/COMEX warrants at exchange-approved warehouse networks. We typically work with Access World for core metals in direct physical custody and Delaware IDS for specialty metals. The specific facility and custody structure depends on the metal, lot size, and your preferences, and is confirmed during account opening. All facilities are independently verified quarterly under procedures appropriate to each custody structure, and are subject to strict physical security protocols.

What does pooled storage mean?

You own a proportional share of the total pool of metal. Your ownership is tracked, recorded, and auditable, but not tied to a specific bar or cathode.

Can I take delivery of my metals?

Yes. Delivery is available upon request once you meet the applicable minimum delivery quantity. Delivery-related costs, including handling, freight, and transit insurance, are the customer’s responsibility. Risk transfers when the metal is released to your carrier or authorized representative at the storage facility.

Is storage insured and audited?

All metals are held under institutional storage and insurance arrangements appropriate to each custody structure. Holdings are independently verified quarterly. Audit reports are available to clients on request.

Withdrawals & Cash Balances

How do I withdraw funds?

Contact our team to initiate a wire withdrawal to your verified bank account.

Are there withdrawal fees?

Wire withdrawals: $25 per outbound wire.

Can I withdraw without KYC?

No. Withdrawals require full identity verification.

How are cash balances held?

Cash balances are held through Kilo Reserve’s banking and payment partners and are reflected in your account balance. Funds are used to support transactions, fees, and withdrawals in accordance with the Customer Agreement.

Taxation

Does Kilo Reserve withhold taxes?

No. Tax obligations are the responsibility of the investor. Kilo Reserve does not withhold taxes.

What tax forms does Kilo Reserve provide?

Kilo Reserve issues IRS Form 1099-B to clients each year reporting gross proceeds from metal sales. Form 1099-B is delivered electronically by the IRS reporting deadline. Cost basis is calculated on a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) basis, which is the IRS default method for collectibles. Clients are responsible for accurate tax reporting based on Form 1099-B and their own records. We recommend consulting your tax advisor regarding your specific situation. Kilo Reserve does not provide tax advice.

What is the tax treatment for physical copper and aluminum?

Physical copper and aluminum are classified as collectibles for US federal income tax purposes, similar to gold and silver. Long-term capital gains on collectibles held for more than one year are subject to a maximum federal rate of 28%. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. We recommend consulting your tax advisor regarding your specific situation and reporting obligations.

Products

What type of copper is offered?

Investment-grade copper cathode meeting internationally recognized delivery and purity standards. Held via COMEX warrants at exchange-approved warehouse networks or in direct physical custody at institutional depositories.

Is the copper responsibly sourced?

Kilo Reserve is committed to responsible sourcing across all metals. Our standards are aligned with the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Our independent auditors support our custody and verification processes. All metals are sourced from internationally recognised producers and trading counterparties meeting our quality, compliance, and provenance standards.

What metals does Kilo Reserve currently offer?

Our core products are investment-grade copper cathode and industrial-grade aluminum. Both are held via COMEX warrants at exchange-approved warehouse networks or in direct physical custody at institutional depositories (typically Access World). LME warrants are available for clients requesting European positioning. We also source specialty metals including iridium, ruthenium, tungsten, and rhodium, held in direct physical custody at Delaware IDS. Beyond these, we can source virtually any investment-grade industrial metal through our institutional network. Contact our desk to discuss your specific requirements.

What is industrial-grade aluminum?

Investment-grade primary aluminum in ingot or T-bar form, produced to a higher specification than the exchange minimum delivery standard. Used globally across aerospace, construction, EV manufacturing, and energy infrastructure.

Why does aluminum have a premium above the benchmark price?

Exchange-traded futures contracts allow delivery of any approved brand to any approved warehouse globally, introducing uncertainty about form, brand, and location. Our aluminum is sourced to a higher specification, with recognized brands, consistent form factor, and storage at institutional depositories. Physical industrial-grade aluminum consistently trades above the global benchmark in preferred locations. This premium reflects genuine quality and location advantages and is standard in the physical aluminum market.

Can I hold both copper and aluminum in the same account?

Yes. Your Kilo Reserve account supports multiple metals, all tracked and reported in your account statements.

AML / Compliance

Why do you verify identities?

To comply with U.S. AML/KYC regulations and maintain the security of our operations.

What happens if I don’t complete verification?

Funding, trading, and withdrawals will remain restricted.

Financial Advisor & Family Office

Is Kilo Reserve appropriate for clients with existing gold and silver holdings?

Yes. Industrial metals are designed to complement precious metals holdings, not replace them. Gold and silver serve as monetary metals and currency hedges. Copper and aluminum are industrial metals driven by structural demand from infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, different price drivers, genuine non-correlation. Many Kilo Reserve clients already hold gold and silver and are adding industrial metals for diversified real asset exposure.

What is the tax treatment for clients?

Physical copper and aluminum are classified as collectibles for US federal income tax purposes, similar to gold and silver. Long-term capital gains on collectibles held for more than one year are subject to a maximum federal rate of 28%. Many of our storage arrangements are structured to avoid US sales tax; specific sales tax treatment is discussed with the desk. We recommend clients consult their tax advisor.

What due diligence materials are available?

We can provide: Customer Agreement and Terms and Conditions; published Fee Schedule; Cotecna audit reports on request; custody facility details; and our responsible sourcing policy. Contact info@kiloreserve.com to request a due diligence package.

What are LME and COMEX warrants?

A warrant is a legal, electronic document of title issued by an exchange-approved depository, recognized by the exchange (COMEX, operated by CME Group, or the London Metal Exchange), representing entitlement to a specific lot of exchange-grade metal held at that depository. For copper on COMEX, a standard lot is approximately 25,000 pounds of cathode meeting exchange specifications. Warrants are legally enforceable documents of title under the Uniform Commercial Code in the United States, and the equivalent legal frameworks in the LME jurisdictions. As the holder of a warrant, the client has three options at any time: keep the metal on-warrant within the exchange’s storage network, transfer or sell the warrant to another party, or request a load-out for physical shipment. The warrant is the institutional standard for physical metal ownership globally — used by industrial buyers, hedge funds, and sovereign trading desks.

How are trade disputes handled?

All trade desk calls are recorded, and trade confirmations are sent by email on the same business day. If you believe a trade was not executed in accordance with agreed terms, please notify us by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the trade execution date. We will review the recorded conversation and email confirmation, and resolve the matter transparently. Disputes not raised on the trade execution date are considered waived, except in cases of clear mathematical or systemic error. Please refer to our Customer Agreement for full details.

Custody & Storage

Where is my metal stored by default?

Your storage facility and custody structure are determined during the trade desk consultation based on the metal, your preferences, and operational considerations. Specific storage details are confirmed in trade documentation.

Is there sales tax on my purchase?

Sales tax treatment varies by custody structure and storage facility. Metals held via warrants at exchange-approved warehouse networks are generally not subject to US sales tax while on warrant. Metals held in direct physical custody may be subject to sales tax depending on the facility and your state. Many of our storage arrangements are structured to avoid US sales tax. The trade desk will discuss specific sales tax implications for your selected custody structure before transaction commitment. We recommend consulting your tax advisor regarding your specific obligations.

How is my purchase price determined?

Our prices are referenced against globally recognized wholesale benchmark rates for each metal. The indicative prices shown on our site reflect prevailing international market rates. Your actual transaction price reflects current physical market conditions, our spread, and any applicable physical market premium. All prices are agreed with the desk before execution.

What happens to uninvested cash in my account?

Uninvested cash is held in your Kilo Reserve account balance and is available for future metal purchases or withdrawal. Cash balances do not currently earn interest. We recommend maintaining a sufficient cash balance to cover ongoing storage fees, which are deducted from your account balance automatically.

Is physical delivery available?

Yes. Physical delivery is available for qualifying positions. Kilo Reserve can organize delivery logistics including shipping, transit insurance, and receiving coordination. Full lot delivery is standard; partial lot delivery may be available depending on the metal. The client bears all costs including shipping, insurance in transit, customs, and import duties. Lead times vary by metal and storage location and are confirmed by our desk. For high-value specialty metals, Kilo Reserve can recommend trusted storage partners for your receiving facility. Contact our trade desk to discuss physical delivery before making any commitment.

How are storage fees charged?

Storage fees are deducted automatically from your Kilo Reserve cash account balance in accordance with our published Fee Schedule. We recommend maintaining a cash balance sufficient to cover ongoing storage costs. If your balance is insufficient, our team will contact you to arrange a top-up via wire transfer.

How does Kilo Reserve compare to a physical copper trust or ETF?

Physical trusts and ETFs hold financial instruments or fund units, not the metal itself. When you buy units in a physical copper trust, you own a fund unit, not beneficial ownership in physical metal. These products typically charge ongoing management fees, may trade at a premium or discount to NAV, and offer no concierge relationship or origination capability. Kilo Reserve is structurally different: clients hold physically backed beneficial ownership in their metals from settlement. Held in pooled institutional storage for the exclusive benefit of clients. Independently audited quarterly, executed through our institutional metals desk, with no management fees beyond our published spread and storage fee. For investors seeking beneficial ownership in physical metal rather than fund exposure, the distinction is significant.

How do I open an account?

Click ‘Register to Invest’ on our website and enter your basic details. You will receive an email with instructions to complete your full application through our secure client portal. Alternatively, if you have already spoken with our team and shared your details, we can initiate your portal invitation directly. Account activation typically completes within 1 to 3 business days of receiving all required KYC documents. Our team reviews each application personally to ensure accuracy and confirm requirements. Once approved, we will send you wire instructions to fund your account. Minimum funding is $100,000 via wire transfer. Upon receipt of funds your account is active and your trade desk direct line is provided.

Do I need to be an accredited investor?

No. We do not require clients to meet accredited investor or qualified purchaser thresholds. We conduct KYC/AML verification on all clients as part of our standard onboarding process.

How long does the application process take?

Typically a few business days from submission of your completed application documentation. Our team will keep you informed throughout the process.

Can international investors open an account?

Kilo Reserve currently serves US-based investors. Eligibility for investors in other jurisdictions is handled case by case. If you are based outside the US and interested in Kilo Reserve, please contact our team to discuss.

What happens to my position outside of trade desk hours?

Physical metals markets do not trade 24/7. Trade desk hours align with primary commodity market hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm EST, Monday to Friday. Your holdings remain in institutional custody at all times, independently verified quarterly under institutional storage and insurance arrangements. The trade desk is available for execution during market hours.

Is my account covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance?

No. Kilo Reserve is not a bank or broker-dealer. Account balances and metal holdings are not eligible for deposit insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or insurance by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Metals are held in institutional storage facilities. See our Customer Agreement for full details of custody arrangements.

What is the legal structure of my ownership?

Clients hold beneficial ownership in the metal they purchase. Holdings are tracked and reconciled through Kilo Reserve’s records on an individual basis. While storage is pooled, your ownership interest is recorded, reportable, and backed 1:1 by physical metal. Please refer to our Customer Agreement and Terms and Conditions for the full legal framework.

Is Kilo Reserve a regulated entity?

Kilo Reserve LLC sells physical hard assets, investment-grade industrial metals. The sale of physical commodities is not a regulated securities activity. Kilo Reserve LLC is not registered with the SEC, CFTC, or FINRA. We conduct KYC/AML compliance on all clients in accordance with applicable law. Clients are encouraged to consult their own legal and financial advisors regarding the regulatory and tax treatment of physical commodity ownership.

What is the minimum account size?

$100,000 minimum. Accounts are funded via wire transfer only.

Who do I contact for different types of questions?

For trade execution, pricing, spread, and settlement queries, contact our trade desk. Once your account is established, you will be provided with our trade desk direct line, available 8:30am–4:30pm EST, Monday–Friday. For account management, portal access, statements, and onboarding queries, contact our product team. For general enquiries, call 1-866-593-2815 or email info@kiloreserve.com.

How do I get the trade desk direct number?

Our trade desk direct line is provided to clients upon completion of onboarding. It is not published publicly. This ensures our desk is available exclusively to active clients for time-sensitive execution queries.

What custody structures are available for core metals?

For copper and aluminum, Kilo Reserve offers two custody structures: COMEX warrants at exchange-approved warehouse networks, or direct physical custody at institutional depositories. Both represent your beneficial ownership of physical metal — warrants are exchange-issued documents of title, not derivative instruments. LME warrants are available for clients requesting European positioning. The trade desk recommends the structure that fits your allocation size, holding period, and operational requirements.

What are LME and COMEX warrants?

A warrant is a legal, electronic document of title issued by an exchange-approved depository, recognized by the exchange (COMEX, operated by CME Group, or the London Metal Exchange), representing entitlement to a specific lot of exchange-grade metal held at that depository. For copper on COMEX, a standard lot is approximately 25,000 pounds of cathode meeting exchange specifications. Warrants are legally enforceable documents of title under the Uniform Commercial Code in the United States, and the equivalent legal frameworks in the LME jurisdictions. As the holder of a warrant, the client has three options at any time: keep the metal on-warrant within the exchange’s storage network, transfer or sell the warrant to another party, or request a load-out for physical shipment. The warrant is the institutional standard for physical metal ownership globally — used by industrial buyers, hedge funds, and sovereign trading desks.

Can metal be held in my name?

Yes. Depending on the metal, lot size, and custody structure, Kilo Reserve can arrange for metal to be held directly in the client’s name rather than as a tracked allocation within pooled institutional storage. This is discussed with the trade desk based on your specific situation and preferences.