The current problems in financial markets and the high level of volatility in most asset classes require investors to maintain the utmost vigilance against risks that the world has not experienced for many decades. In the USA and Europe, central banks are flooding the market with liquidity in order to prop up a banking system which is fighting for survival. Many major as well as smaller banks are virtually bankrupt but are being kept alive by central banks for systemic reasons. In the last few decades, investors have not had to worry about the safety of banks. Today, this is an essential part of Wealth Planning. It is not a question of major banks being too big to fail. Any bank can fail. Also, investors need to understand that risks are not just linked to deposits of funds. Equally important is the custodial risk. If a bank fails an investor might not get access to his assets such as equities, bonds or precious metals held by the bank as custodian. Historically, even with a small percentage, gold has provided that critical balance with a very low correlation to rates and equities. It is extremely important to have a wealth preservation plan which considers all risks, be they financial, economic, or geopolitical. A precious metals strategy is a vital part of this plan too.