From the navy to bullion trading: Start-up founder builds wealth through precious metals, discipline

Ian Chan invested a significant portion of his personal savings and profits from previous investments to start precious metals trading company Big Bullion in December 2025, along with financial support from his family.

SINGAPORE – Former naval officer Ian Chan enjoyed his time at sea, although he sometimes struggled with seasickness.

“I eventually decided not to continue along that path, which was a difficult decision because serving the nation was something I genuinely wanted to do,” he said.

The 25-year-old subsequently invested a significant portion of his personal savings and profits from previous investments to start precious metals trading company Big Bullion in December 2025, along with financial support from his family.

The company has generated about $1.5 million in revenue thus far, comprising $1.2 million from investment-grade gold and silver bullion and the remainder from buying back precious metals jewellery for refining.

However, getting the business off the ground came with its own challenges, from establishing relationships with reliable suppliers, to sourcing gold and silver inventory, to developing hedging strategies to manage fluctuations in bullion prices.

“The experience has taught me the importance of managing business finances carefully, particularly cash flow and working capital,” said Chan.

The final-year student at NUS Business School added that he hopes to make investing in precious metals more accessible to younger Singaporeans through social media and educational content that explains how gold and silver pricing, premiums and buyback values work.

“Ultimately, our goal is not just to sell precious metals, but also to help customers better understand what they are buying, how pricing works and how physical gold and silver may fit into their broader financial plans,” he said.

Chan is engaged to his 25-year-old fiancee, who also helps him with his business.

Apart from precious metals, I also invest in a broad range of stocks, including exposure to the US market through indexes such as the S&P 500.

Equities give me exposure to businesses around the world and the potential for long-term capital growth.