GFI Company

GFI Securities Company: A Comprehensive Overview

1. Company Overview

Founding Date and Background

GFI Securities Limited, a prominent player in the financial services industry, was established in 1987. The company specializes in providing brokerage services, trade execution, market data, and trading platforms. It operates under the GFI Group, which was founded by Michael Gooch, who continues to serve as its executive chairman.

Parent Company/Ownership Structure

GFI Securities is a subsidiary of GFI Group, Inc., which is primarily owned by BGC Partners, Inc. Following a majority acquisition in March 2015, GFI Group operates as a division of BGC Partners, enhancing its capabilities in the financial markets.

Headquarters Location

The headquarters of GFI Securities is located at 1 Snowden St, London, UK. This strategic location places it at the heart of one of the worlds leading financial hubs.

Global Business Scope

GFI Securities operates globally, with a strong presence in major financial centers including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The company provides services to institutional clients across various markets, including fixed income, equities, financials, and commodities.

Main Regulatory Bodies

GFI Securities is regulated by various financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States. These regulatory bodies ensure that GFI complies with the necessary legal and operational standards in the financial services sector.

Back to top

2. Company History and Development

Key Milestones

• 1987: GFI Group, the parent company, was founded.
• 2001: Acquisition of Fenics Software Ltd, enhancing GFIs technological capabilities.
• 2005: GFI expanded its operations by acquiring North American operations of Starsupply Petroleum LLC.
• 2006: GFI acquired Amerex Energy, significantly boosting its presence in the energy brokerage sector.
• 2015: GFI was majority acquired by BGC Partners, leading to its delisting from the NYSE.

Business Expansion Journey

Since its inception, GFI Securities has strategically expanded its offerings and geographical reach. The acquisition of Amerex Energy marked a significant step in diversifying its service portfolio to include energy products, while the acquisition of Fenics Software Ltd allowed for advanced trading technology integration.

Customer Base Growth

GFI Securities serves a diverse customer base, primarily consisting of institutional clients such as investment banks, hedge funds, and corporations. The company has developed a reputation for reliability and expertise, which has contributed to steady growth in its client base over the years.

Platform Development History

GFI has continuously evolved its trading platforms to meet the demands of the market. This includes the introduction of electronic trading systems that facilitate efficient trade execution and real-time data analytics, enhancing the trading experience for its clients.

Important Awards or Recognitions Received

GFI Securities has received several accolades for its innovative services and contributions to the financial markets. The company has been recognized in industry awards, particularly for its leadership in the energy and fixed income sectors.

Back to top

3. Trading Services Offered

Forex Trading Options

GFI Securities offers a robust forex trading platform with access to a wide range of currency pairs. The company provides trading options for major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, catering to the diverse needs of its clients.

Stock Trading Options

Clients can trade a variety of stocks through GFI Securities, accessing major stock exchanges worldwide. The platform supports both cash and derivative stock trading, allowing for flexible investment strategies.

CFD Trading Products

GFI Securities provides Contracts for Difference (CFDs) across multiple asset classes, enabling clients to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets. This includes CFDs on indices, commodities, and equities.

Other Financial Instruments

In addition to forex and stock trading, GFI Securities offers a range of financial instruments, including:

• Cryptocurrencies: Access to major cryptocurrencies for trading.
• Commodities: Trading options for various commodities, including energy products and precious metals.

Special Services or Unique Advantages

GFI Securities distinguishes itself through its hybrid brokerage model, which combines both electronic and telephone trading options. This flexibility allows clients to choose the best execution method based on their trading strategies. Additionally, GFI provides advanced analytics and market data services, enhancing clients' decision-making processes.

Back to top

4. Regulatory and Legal Background

Detailed Regulatory Information

GFI Securities is subject to oversight from multiple regulatory bodies, including:

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US

Legal Entity Structure by Region

GFI operates through various legal entities across different regions to comply with local regulations. This includes GFI Securities Limited in the UK and GFI Group in the US.

Client Fund Protection Measures

GFI Securities adheres to strict client fund protection measures, ensuring that client funds are held in segregated accounts. This practice safeguards clients' investments and complies with regulatory requirements.

Countries/Regions Served

GFI Securities serves clients globally, with a particular focus on major financial markets in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This extensive reach allows the company to cater to a diverse clientele.

Compliance History

GFI Securities has maintained a strong compliance record, regularly engaging with regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to evolving financial regulations. The companys commitment to compliance has fostered trust among its clients and stakeholders.

Back to top

5. Competitive Landscape

3-5 Main Competitors

GFI Securities operates in a competitive landscape that includes several notable firms:

• Tullett Prebon: A leading inter-dealer broker with a strong presence in the financial services market.
• ICAP: A major player in the inter-dealer broking sector, offering a wide range of financial services.
• BGCP: As the parent company, BGC Partners also competes in the brokerage space.
• TradeWeb Markets: A technology-driven trading platform catering to institutional clients.

Positioning in the Industry

GFI Securities positions itself as a leading provider of brokerage services, particularly in the energy and fixed income markets. The companys hybrid trading model and advanced technology solutions give it a competitive edge.

Market Differentiation Factors

GFI differentiates itself through its comprehensive service offerings, including advanced analytics, a wide range of trading options, and a strong focus on client service. The combination of electronic and traditional trading methods allows clients to execute trades in a manner that best suits their strategies.

Back to top

In conclusion, GFI Securities Company has established itself as a reputable and innovative player in the financial services industry. With a solid foundation, a diverse range of trading services, and a commitment to regulatory compliance, GFI is well-positioned for future growth in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

For more information, please check the official website of GFI Group here.