Uncirculated Australian banknotes – both pre-decimal (1910–1965) and decimal paper series (1966–1992) – represent a niche but increasingly recognised alternative asset class. Unlike bullion or equities, their supply is fixed and declining due to natural attrition. With structured short-term agreements (3–18 months) and pre-agreed buyback
Uncirculated Australian banknotes – both pre-decimal (1910–1965) and decimal paper series (1966–1992) – represent a niche but increasingly recognised alternative asset class. Unlike bullion or equities, their supply is fixed and declining due to natural attrition. With structured short-term agreements (3–18 months) and pre-agreed buyback options, investors can capture returns while mitigating downside risks.
For financial advisers, these agreements provide a compliant, tangible, and diversifying asset to offer wholesale clients seeking short-term gains and portfolio protection.
This report explains how The Sanctuary functions as a disciplined alternative allocation in the context of the 2026 investment environment, and why it may be relevant for advisers seeking diversification, portfolio resilience, and defensible implementation.
The current investment environment is characterised by elevated macro uncertainty, shifting correlations between traditional asset classes, pressure on income generation, and increased scrutiny of alternative investments.
While diversification remains a core principle, many portfolios experience reduced diversification benefits during periods of market stress. Advisers are therefore seeking solutions that are not dependent on market direction, leverage, or valuation subjectivity.
The Sanctuary is a process-led trading operation, not a fund or pooled investment vehicle.
It operates by acquiring and releasing physical, widely recognised assets using a strict pricing framework known as Fair Market Value (FMV). FMV is derived from observable market evidence, not forecasts, internal models, or narrative assumptions.
The strategy focuses on execution and pricing discipline rather than capital appreciation driven by market cycles.
The Sanctuary is not:
There is no reliance on market timing or directional market calls.
Returns are generated through:
Performance is the result of process consistency, not market prediction.
Within an advised portfolio, The Sanctuary is intended to function as a satellite allocation.
Its role is to:
It is not designed to replace core allocations such as equities, fixed income, or property.
The Sanctuary does not present itself as risk-free. Its approach is risk-controlled through structure and discipline.
Liquidity Risk
Mitigated by focusing on widely recognised assets with established dealer and collector demand and controlled release channels.
Pricing Risk
Mitigated by strict buy-below-FMV entry rules and release at observable market pricing.
Market Risk
Mitigated by generating returns through pricing discipline rather than reliance on broader market movements.
Execution Risk
Mitigated by documented batch processes, reconciled transactions, and exception reporting.
Concentration Risk
Mitigated through batching, turnover targets, and avoidance of story-dependent assets.
Operational Risk
Mitigated through documented procedures, separation of reporting and execution, and verifiable inventory movement.
Advisers receive:
This supports adviser due diligence, auditability, and file-note defensibility.
The Sanctuary is not positioned as an alternative asset class, but as an alternative discipline.
In an environment where traditional diversification is less reliable, disciplined execution becomes a meaningful portfolio tool.
The Profession of Independent Financial Advisers exists to provide leadership to the financial advisory community and to the public at large on the provision of genuinely independent financial advice in this country.