As CEO of GORDON PWC, I’ve witnessed the whisky cask investment sector grow into a promising market, but it hasn’t been without its issues. For years, the WOWGR (Warehousekeepers and Owners of Warehouse Goods Regulation) system allowed some investment companies to hide behind regulatory loopholes, creating a lack of clarity for investors. These companies told clients they couldn’t open private accounts at warehouses without a WOWGR license, meaning the casks were held in the company’s name, not the investors’. This lack of transparency made it difficult to verify ownership, cask locations, and worse, it enabled companies to potentially sell the same cask to multiple investors, all while providing only internal confirmations of ownership.
However, with the recent scrapping of the WOWGR system, the landscape is changing for the better. This marks a significant shift towards full transparency and accountability in whisky cask investments. Moving forward, there’s no longer any excuse for companies not to open private client accounts at the warehouse, ensuring that cask ownership is clearly recorded. Investors will now receive official delivery orders from warehouse keepers, confirming their ownership 100%, leaving no room for ambiguity.
At GORDON PWC, we’ve always been committed to offering our clients secure and transparent investments, and we’re thrilled to see the sector evolve in this direction. The removal of WOWGR eliminates the chance for bad actors to operate under a veil of secrecy and makes it easier for investors to protect their interests. We believe that this new regulatory landscape presents an exciting opportunity for those interested in whisky cask investments, and it allows responsible companies like ours to deliver on our promise of clarity and professionalism.
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This change is a win-win for both investors and the industry. With clearer ownership, safer transactions, and greater accountability, whisky cask investments are entering a new era… one where investors can approach the market with confidence, knowing their investments are protected. At GORDON PWC, we’re proud to lead the way in providing transparent, reliable cask investments, and we’re excited to see the future of this market unfold.
Meet the Author
Samuel, CO-FOUNDER & CEO
As CEO and co-founder, Samuel carries forward a family legacy of passion for spirits. His journey began with Scotch whisky investments, expanding to encompass Irish and Japanese markets. Now, he brings his expertise to the US, pioneering tequila investment opportunities. Visit our blog for more insights from Samuel.