Global Market Index, commonly referred to as GMI, is a well-established online leveraged forex trading provider that was founded in 2009. The broker is headquartered in Shanghai, with additional representative offices in major financial hubs, including London and Auckland. GMI operates as a private entity and has grown to become one of the largest forex and CFD brokers in the region, boasting over 1 million clients across more than 30 countries.
GMI's development journey is marked by its commitment to providing technology-driven brokerage solutions, characterized by transparent pricing and cutting-edge systems. The company has made significant strides in expanding its services and enhancing client experience, which has been pivotal to its growth. GMI operates under a business model that caters to both retail and institutional clients, offering a range of services from forex trading to advanced institutional solutions.
The firm is structured under the umbrella of Global Market Index Limited, which is its parent company, emphasizing a robust operational framework that supports its diverse service offerings. GMI's business model focuses on retail forex trading and institutional services, including providing liquidity solutions and advanced trading technologies.
GMI is regulated by two primary authorities: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. The FCA regulation number is 677530, while the FSC registration number is C118023454. These regulatory bodies ensure that GMI adheres to strict compliance and operational standards, thereby enhancing the broker's credibility.
The regulatory licenses held by GMI are valid and cover a broad range of services, providing traders with a secure trading environment. The company operates through different legal entities in various regions, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Client funds are maintained in segregated accounts, which means that they are kept separate from the company's operational funds, enhancing the safety of traders' investments.
GMI also participates in investor compensation schemes, which provide additional protection for clients in the event of the broker's insolvency. The firm follows stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance measures, ensuring that all client identities are verified and that transactions are monitored to prevent fraudulent activities.
GMI offers a diverse range of trading products, primarily focusing on forex and CFD trading. The broker provides access to over 70 trading instruments, including major and minor currency pairs, commodities, indices, and precious metals. The forex trading options include popular pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
In addition to forex, GMI provides trading in various CFD products, including indices (like the S&P 500 and FTSE 100), commodities (such as gold, silver, and oil), and other asset classes. However, it is noteworthy that GMI does not currently offer cryptocurrency trading, which may limit options for traders looking to diversify into digital assets.
The broker's product offerings are regularly updated, although the frequency of new additions may vary. GMI's services cater to both retail traders and institutional clients, with additional features such as white label solutions and asset management services available for institutional partners.
GMI supports multiple trading platforms to cater to different trader preferences. The most prominent platforms are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both known for their user-friendly interfaces, robust charting capabilities, and support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs).
In addition to MT4 and MT5, GMI has developed its proprietary platform, GMI Edge, which offers advanced trading features and tools for real-time market analysis and order execution. This platform is designed to enhance the trading experience for both novice and experienced traders.
GMI also provides a web-based trading platform that allows users to trade from any device with internet access. Furthermore, the broker offers a mobile trading app, GMI Edge, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, enabling traders to manage their accounts and execute trades on the go.
The broker operates on an ECN and STP model, providing direct access to liquidity providers and ensuring fast execution speeds. The technological infrastructure is supported by strategically located servers that enhance trading performance and reduce latency.
GMI offers three primary account types to cater to different trading styles and experience levels: Standard, Cent, and ECN accounts.
All accounts are swap-free, catering to traders who wish to avoid overnight fees. GMI also provides a demo account for traders to practice without financial risk. The leverage offered varies by account type, with the Standard account allowing up to 1:2000, while the ECN account offers leverage of up to 1:500.
GMI supports several deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller. The minimum deposit requirements vary by account type, with the Cent account requiring just $15, the Standard account requiring $25, and the ECN account requiring $100.
Deposits are processed quickly, typically within 1-3 business days, depending on the method chosen. GMI does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals; however, there may be fees imposed by payment providers, particularly for deposits treated as cash advances.
Withdrawal options include bank transfers and e-wallets, with processing times generally ranging from 24 hours to 5 business days depending on the method used. GMI's fee structure is transparent, and traders are encouraged to manage their accounts actively to avoid potential inactivity fees.
GMI provides customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and a contact form on their website. The support team is available 24/5, ensuring that traders can receive assistance during trading hours. The broker also offers multilingual support, catering to a diverse client base.
Despite the availability of customer support, GMI does not provide extensive educational resources or training materials on its website. This lack of educational content may be a drawback for beginners seeking guidance. However, traders can still access market analysis and research tools to aid their trading decisions.
GMI serves clients globally, with a presence in various regions, including Asia, Europe, and beyond. However, the broker is not allowed to accept clients from the USA, EU, and other sanctioned jurisdictions due to regulatory constraints.
The broker's regional offices are strategically located in key financial centers, enhancing its ability to serve a diverse clientele. GMI's operational model is designed to comply with local regulations, ensuring that clients receive the appropriate level of service and support based on their location.
In conclusion, GMI is a well-regulated broker that offers a range of trading products and services, competitive pricing, and advanced trading platforms. While it may not provide extensive educational resources, it remains a solid choice for traders who prioritize low spreads and reliable trading conditions.