GFT, officially known as Global Forex Trading, was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Ada, Michigan, USA. Initially a private entity, GFT has evolved into a well-known name in the forex trading industry, primarily serving retail and institutional clients.
Over the years, GFT has established itself as a significant player in the forex market, with a focus on providing advanced trading platforms and tools to its customers. Notable milestones in GFT's history include the launch of its proprietary trading platform, DealBook 360, which has garnered praise for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive charting capabilities. In 2015, GFT was acquired by Gain Capital, the parent company of Forex.com, which allowed it to expand its reach and service offerings.
GFT operates primarily in the retail forex market, providing services to individual traders looking to engage in currency trading. It also caters to institutional clients, offering various financial solutions tailored to their needs. The business model includes retail forex trading, spread betting, and contract for differences (CFDs), which positions GFT as a versatile broker in the financial services landscape.
GFT is regulated by several key authorities, ensuring that it adheres to strict industry standards. The primary regulatory bodies include:
The licenses held by GFT remain valid and cover a range of services offered to clients. The broker has transitioned its U.S.-based clients to Forex.com, following its decision to cease operations in the U.S. retail forex market as of December 2012.
GFT maintains a robust client fund segregation policy, ensuring that client deposits are held separately from the company's operational funds. This practice enhances the security of client investments. Additionally, GFT participates in investor compensation schemes, providing further protection to its clients.
To comply with regulatory requirements, GFT implements rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures. These protocols are designed to prevent financial crimes and ensure that the broker operates within the legal frameworks set forth by regulatory authorities.
GFT offers a diverse range of trading products, catering to various trading styles and preferences. The broker provides access to over 60 currency pairs, including major pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. In addition to forex trading, GFT offers CFDs on indices, commodities, and stocks, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.
The broker frequently updates its product offerings, ensuring that clients have access to the latest financial instruments. GFT also provides retail trading services, with a focus on individual traders seeking to engage in the forex market. For institutional clients, GFT offers tailored solutions, including white-label services and asset management options.
GFT's unique trading features include the ability to trade binary options, which adds another layer of flexibility for traders looking to capitalize on market movements. The broker's commitment to providing a comprehensive trading experience is evident in its diverse product lineup.
GFT supports the widely-used MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is favored by many traders for its advanced charting capabilities and automated trading options. In addition to MT4, GFT has developed its proprietary platform, DealBook 360, which offers a customizable trading environment with a range of technical analysis tools.
The broker also provides a web-based trading platform, allowing clients to trade from any device with internet access. For traders on the go, GFT offers mobile applications compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring that users can manage their accounts and execute trades anytime, anywhere.
GFT operates under a market-making execution model, which allows for quick trade execution. The broker's servers are strategically located to minimize latency and enhance trading performance. For more advanced traders, GFT offers API access, enabling automated trading and integration with third-party trading systems.
GFT offers several account types to cater to different trading needs:
GFT also offers a demo account for traders to practice their strategies without risking real capital. The leverage options vary based on the account type and trading instrument, with a maximum leverage of 1:50 for forex trading.
Traders should be aware of the rollover fees applicable to positions held overnight, which are not explicitly stated on the broker's website but are common in the industry.
GFT supports various deposit methods, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic wallets. The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type, with the standard account starting at $250.
Deposit processing times are typically swift, with funds usually credited to accounts within a few business days. While GFT does not charge deposit fees, clients should verify any potential fees from their payment providers.
Withdrawal options are similar to deposit methods, with clients able to withdraw funds through bank transfers and credit cards. The processing time for withdrawals generally takes a few business days, depending on the method used. GFT has a transparent fee structure for withdrawals, although specific fees may apply based on the chosen method.
GFT provides comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including phone, email, live chat, and social media. The support team is available during business hours, ensuring that clients can receive assistance when needed.
The broker supports several languages, including English, German, French, Italian, and Chinese, making it accessible to a diverse clientele.
In terms of educational resources, GFT offers a variety of materials, including webinars, tutorials, and eBooks, designed to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge. Additionally, GFT provides market analysis services, including daily reports and research articles, to keep clients informed about market trends and opportunities.
Trading tools such as calculators, economic calendars, and signal services are also available to assist traders in making informed decisions.
GFT primarily serves clients in markets across the globe, with a strong presence in Europe and North America. The broker has regional offices in the UK, Australia, and Singapore, allowing it to cater to a diverse clientele.
However, GFT does not accept clients from certain jurisdictions, including the United States, following its transition to Forex.com. This restriction is in place to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure that the broker operates within the legal frameworks of the regions it serves.
In summary, GFT has established itself as a reputable broker in the forex trading industry, offering a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of both retail and institutional clients. With a focus on compliance, customer support, and educational resources, GFT continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of forex trading.