A service that enables consumers to purchase their own platinum bars within existing financial plans has been launched in Canada.

The 'Millennium Bullion Fund', which was originally launched in Ontario in January of 2002, has now been approved by the Canadian security regulators for sale in all provinces.

According to Bullion Management Services the fund is simply structured, with a fixed investment policy of purchasing the prevailing spot price, each day.

They claim that the fund represents a 'dramatic departure' from traditional precious metals instruments, by investing directly in physical bullion, rather than shares of mining companies, certificates, derivatives or futures contracts.

Analysts are predicting that the concept may now spread to other countries as consumers seek to invest money in more tangible areas amid a struggling global economy.