Overall, GMI is considered a low-risk, trustworthy broker. With leverage from 1:200, 0.01 micro lot trading, 0.0 average spread with commission-free trading, and a minimum deposit of $15 USD / R 240 ZAR
GMI at a glance
| Broker's Name | GMI |
| 📍 Headquartered | Shanghai |
| 📅 Year Founded | 2009 |
| ⚖️ Regulating Authorities | VFSC |
| 📌 VFSC | registration number 14646 |
| 🌐 Countries not accepted for trade | United States |
| ⏳ Account types | Cent account, ECN Account, Standard account |
| ☪️ Islamic account (swap-free) | Yes |
| 👍 Demo Account | Yes |
| 🌐 Spreads | From 0.0 |
| 🌐 Commission | Commission Free trading |
| 🌐 Fees | Determined on Account selected |
| 🌐 Leverage | 1:2000 |
| 💰 Sign up Bonus | Not offered |
| 📌 Deposit bonus | 30% up to $500 |
| 📊 Institutional Accounts | No |
| 📊 Managed Accounts | No |
| 📈 Maximum Leverage | 1:400 |
| 💰 Minimum Deposit | $2,000 |
| 💳 Deposit Options | Bank Wire Transfer Credit/Debit Cards Skrill |
| 💳 Withdrawal Options | Bank Wire Transfer Credit/Debit Cards Skrill |
| 💻 Platform Types | Metatrader 4 |
| 📈 Tradable assets offered | Forex Indices Cryptocurrencies CFDs on crude oil CFDs on metals CFDs on indices |
| 📱 OS Compatibility | Web browsers, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, tablets, iPads |
| 👨💼 Languages supported on Website | English, Simplified Chinese |
| 👥 Customer Support Languages | English, Simplified Chinese |
| 📆 Customer Service Hours | 24/5 |
Min Deposit USD 15 Regulators VFSC Trading Platform MT4 Crypto Yes Total Pairs 40+ Islamic Account Yes Trading Fees Low Account Activation 24 Hours
GMI Review – 20 key points quick overview:
GMI at a glance- GMI Overview
- GMI, Safe or Scam?
- GMI Leverage
- GMI Accounts
- GMI Market Instruments
- GMI Fees
- GMI Deposit and Withdrawal
- GMI Trading Platforms
- How to open a GMI account
- GMI vs eToro – A Comparison
- GMI Pros and Cons
- GMI Customer Reviews – TrustPilot
- GMI Customer Support
- GMI Education
- GMI Research
- GMI Awards
- GMI Conclusion
- GMI Disclaimer
- Frequently Asked Questions
GMI Overview
According to research in South Africa, Global Market Index or GMI Edge is a well-known online leveraged Forex trading provider.
The company was established in Shanghai and then due to expansion opened several representative offices within China, Auckland, and London.
The company profile is described as a technology-driven brokerage solution along with transparent pricing, cutting-edge systems, multiple customer support, and numerous proposals of software.
The product offering states an ECN, STP connection that brings direct, light-fast connectivity to multiple top-tier liquidity providers with deep liquidity and tailor-made trading solutions.
GMI Edge’s multi-platforms perform ultra-low latency and FIX API connectivity, while the range of trading instruments includes FX, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs for Crude Oils, Metals, and Indices.
Besides the retail traders offering, GMI brings an advanced proprietary software that includes MT4 and MT5 bridges, tailored partnership programs for Institutional Trader, Money Managers, White Label, and APIs via FIX connectivity network.
It is obvious that the main aim of GMI Edge is technology and software, which also was recognized by many awards received for special achievements within the industry and overall ratings.
Global Market Index is a respected name in online leveraged Forex trading and is the company is committed to providing a market-leading service based on fair and transparent pricing, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional customer support.
Due to the super-developed technology of GMI Edge, this broker should rather be considered a choice for professionals or active traders.
GMI, Safe or Scam?
The GMI Edge Group of companies includes the firms and entities that are registered in several jurisdictions while using the shortcut-trading name of Global Market Index Limited.
GMI Edge UK is a trading name of the Global Market Index that is based in London and authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Other brands include GMI NZ, a trading name of the company registered in New Zealand, while GMI Edge VN is a company registered in Vanuatu, and GMI Limited is registered in Hong Kong.
The United Kingdom’s FCA regulates GMI Edge, which means that traders can have peace of mind, knowing the broker is fully compliant with regards to the operations and how it manages traders.
Furthermore, the client’s funds are always secured, kept with leading banks in segregated accounts and protected by the compensation schemes in case of insolvency.
GMI Leverage
Leverage levels offered by GMI Edge depend on the regulatory requirements and the entity of GMI Edge you are trading with. This is due to various safety measures each authority applies in order to eliminate the risks, specifically for retail traders.
Therefore, trading when with the UK entity the set of rules established by the European ESMA applies and allows only lower leverage levels of up to 1:30 for Forex instruments, 1:20 for minor currency pairs and 1:10 for Commodities.
However, if you open an account with Hong Kong or Vanuatu entities levels jump to a high leverage of up to 1:200 or even 1:300. Traders must carefully check with customer support under which regulation you will fall.
GMI Accounts
GMI Edge has multiple account types to choose from. It has ultra-tight floating spreads, flexible leverage and flexible trade sizes that will satisfy the needs of novice and experienced traders.
MT accounts gives you a choice between Standard, ECN & Cent
Standard Account
- Minimum deposit: $ 25 / R 400 ZAR
- Leverage: 1:50 – 1:200
- Minimum order distance: 2.4
- Minimum order size: 0.01 lot
- Trading type: No restrictions
ECN account
- Minimum deposit: $100 / R 1600 ZAR
- Leverage: 1:50 – 1:100
- Minimum order distance: 0
- Minimum order size: 1 000 contracts
- Trading type: No restrictions
CENT account
- Minimum deposit: $15 / R240 ZAR
- Leverage: 1:1000
- Minimum order distance: 0
- Minimum order size: 1 000 contracts
- Trading type: No restrictions
| 💠Feature | 📈 ECN Account | 📈 CENT Account | 📈 Standard Account |
| 💵 Minimum Deposit | $100 / R 1600 ZAR | $15 / R240 ZAR | $25 / R400 ZAR |
| 💳 Max. Lot | 500 | 200 | 500 |
| 💰 Commission | $4 per lot | No | No |
| 📌 Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 | 1:2000 |
GMI Market Instruments
- GMI Edge deals in Forex, Metals, and CFDs.
- Forex trading includes a vast amount of currency pairs that also contain some specials as FX Minors, which gives an opportunity to gain flexibility by matching strategy for both long and short positions with high investments potential.
- The foreign exchange market is the largest over-the-counter (OTC) decentralized market worldwide for online trading.
- According to the Bank for International Settlements, and their 2016 Central Bank Survey of Foreign Exchange and OTC Derivatives Markets Activity, trading in foreign exchange markets averaged $5.09 trillion per day in 2016.
- Compared to other financial asset classes such as stocks, the Forex market has its own distinct advantages.
- For example, the market is available for 24 hours, 5.5 days a week, there is clear transparency on price drivers, abundant liquidity from top-tier international banks and financial institutions, flexible leverage options, and competitive trading costs.
- GMI provides investors with more than 40 currency pairs to trade with, including FX Majors such as USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, AUD, and CAD.
- FX Minors are currency pairs that contain some country’s currency. Minors are not as popular as Majors but maintain special investing values to meet diversified investment needs.
- Some Minor pairs are combinations of a popular Major like Euro on one side such as EUR/TRY and US Dollar such as USD/MXN, and some are combinations of two exotic currencies like NOK/SEK which is Norwegian Krone versus Swedish Krona.
- In Metals, GMI deals in gold and silver, although on their website traders can’t get into either of the links for information. Neither can you get into CFD’s to the links for Indices and Crude Oil.
Min Deposit USD 15 Regulators VFSC Trading Platform MT4 Crypto Yes Total Pairs 40+ Islamic Account Yes Trading Fees Low Account Activation 24 Hours
GMI Fees
GMI Edge’s trading accounts were designed through ultra-customizable mode, while you may choose between flexible leverage and trading size along with ultra-tight floating spreads and rapid connectivity to the market.
There are 4 account types designed by GMI Edge, while three of them are MT4 Accounts with STP connection, and the last one is offering ECN bridging technology.
Each of the accounts is diversified by the initial deposit, and trading size accordingly allows the trader to choose the best suitable version along with more competitive pricing built into the spread only or with interbank spread and commission per order.
There are different costs applied according to your trading account and the volumes you operate.
Nevertheless, GMI Edge’s spread is considered the lowest spread offering on the market. Traders can compare GMI to other popular instruments, as well as compare fees to other popular brokers.
Lastly, always keep in mind the rollover or overnight fee as a cost, which is about 2% for short positions held longer than a day.
GMI Deposit and Withdrawal
In order to start Live trading, you should deposit the initial balance requirement, which is set at different levels according to the account type you chose. Transfer options include various payment methods like Credit and Debit Cards, Bank Transfers, and e-payment Skrill.
The minimum deposit amount starts at $2 000, which is quite high for beginning traders, but a reasonable amount for professionals.
GMI Edge does not charge any additional fees for deposits. The payment provider might treat the deposit as a cash advance which will lead to added fees. Traders should check this beforehand.
GMI Trading Platforms
GMI Edge provides traders with a choice of 5 platforms as the technology-driven executions require a sophisticated tool.
They are divided by connection type while STP supports GMI MT4 and GMI Alpine Trader platforms, and ECN connection is performed via GMI ClearPro, GMI MTF, and GMI Currenex.
MT4
GMI Edge MT4 allows great stability and is the most popular global retail platform. In addition to its powerful chart features and enabled EA trading, GMI enhanced it with VPS hosting and collocation configuration for smart order routing.
Alpine Trader
GMI Edge Alpine Trader is an intuitive interface platform with the ability to trade in fixed dollar amounts with OCO orders and server based trailing stops pip-by-pip. However, this platform is not available for GM IUK clients.
ClearPro
GMI Edge ClearPro is an institutional platform with VWAP (Value Weighted Average Pricing) that allows traders to choose order size, with the interbank daily settlement and one-click order reversal.
MTF
GMI Edge MTF is designed for the ECN accounts for multiple asset classes and flexible connectivity. It is also enhanced by an ultra-high order acceptance rate and low latency with no rejections.
Currenex
GMI Edge Currenex is an automatic matchmaking system with a wide selection of order types, ESP quote system and deep liquidity pool. This platform is not available for GMI UK clients.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
How to open a GMI account
1. Step 1 – Register an account
Visit the website and register your account with GMI
2. Step 2 – Complete information
Complete information requested and select continue.
3. Step 3 – Complete registration
Once all information is completed and “KYC” process has been completed you will be able to start trading.
Min Deposit USD 15 Regulators VFSC Trading Platform MT4 Crypto Yes Total Pairs 40+ Islamic Account Yes Trading Fees Low Account Activation 24 Hours
GMI vs IC Markets – A Comparison
| 🔎 Broker | 🥇 GMI | 🥉 IC Markets |
| 📌Minimum Deposit | $ 15 / R 240 ZAR | $200 / R3200 ZAR |
| 📌 Year Founded | 2-5 years | 10-15 years |
| 📌 Regulator | VFSC | ASIC / CYSEC |
| 💻 Forex Trading | Yes | Yes |
| 🛑 Cryptocurrency (CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 💳 Average Spread | Variable | floating |
| 💵 Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| 📌 MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| 📌 Accounts | Standard / ECN / Cent / | MT4 / ECN Account / cTraders / Standard Account |
| ✔️ Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| 💰Android App | Yes | Yes |
GMI Pros and Cons
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Well-regulated | No US Clients |
| Variety of accounts offered | High minimum deposits |
| STP and ECN models | Wide spreads on some accounts |
| MetaTrader 4 offered | Limited tradeable instruments |
| No demo account and no Islamic Account option offered | |
| Not recommended for beginners |
GMI Customer Reviews – TrustPilot
I have actually used It is very good…
I have actually used It is a very good website with various functions. Best low spreads and the most important thing is free to swap.
GMI Customer Support
The only customer support is found on their website.
GMI Education
No educational support is available on the website.
GMI Research
GMI Edge offers professional trading platforms that contain a variety of front-line functions. You can easily access the deep liquidity pool and obtain bespoke price feeds, which support multiple API connectivity options.
GMI Edge’s liquidity depth reaches 10+ levels deep, with up to 50 million contract size per click on certain instruments.
GMI Edge offers a win-win best-in-class Introducing Broker program. Being a B2B broker only, GMI does not compete with its IBs for business. The broker provides them with wide of range of reporting tools, super flexible trading terms, and the highest rebates in the industry.
GMI Edge’s money management program is designed to ensure both investors and money managers have the best trading experience.
GMI Edge provides top-tier technology, such as MAM system, automated allocation positions, EA trading support, precise price order execution, and customized online reports.
GMI Edge’s White Label program is designed to help you to establish your own brokerage with comprehensive solutions for your business needs.
This includes liquidity pool customization, white-label platform assembly, back office management, technology support, and professional training on all aspects of broker operations.
A 24-hour real-time interbank pricing is obtained via a dedicated FIX connectivity network, which allows for tight spreads and fast execution, allowing full automation for all order processing.
GMI Awards
GMI Edge has received several awards since its inception:
- 2017 – Best IB support broker, Best liquidity provider broker, Best trading environment.
- 2016 – Best trading platform provider, Best introducing broker service plan, Best forex broker, fastest-growing broker, best forex trading platform, best white label service provider Best EA trading platform.
- 2014 – Best forex broker
- 2013 – World Finance Foreign Exchange Award
- 2012 – Best forex broker, best forex trading platform
- 2011 – best fore broker
- 2010 – World Finance Foreign Exchange Award
GMI Conclusion
Overall, GMI is considered a low-risk, trustworthy broker. With leverage from 1:200, 0.01 micro lot trading, 0.0 average spread with commission-free trading, and a minimum deposit of $15 USD / R 240 ZAR
Global Market Index or GMI Edge is a reputable, well-regulated firm, which serves offices in world-leading financial centers and offers transparent conditions through technological connectivity.
However, there are some drawbacks, namely the lack of information on the website, no educational support along quite a high deposit of $2 000.
A plus point is GMI Edge’s widely diverse platform offering, which brings numerous solutions to almost any trader, beginner or experienced, institutional or retail.
Their systems and connectivity have gained them numerous world awards allowing to enhance trading capabilities and adjust strategies.
Min Deposit USD 15 Regulators VFSC Trading Platform MT4 Crypto Yes Total Pairs 40+ Islamic Account Yes Trading Fees Low Account Activation 24 Hours
GMI Disclaimer
Trading forex, CFDs, and any financial derivative instruments on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors, as you could sustain losses in excess of your deposits.
Leverage can work for you as well as against you, please be aware and fully understand all risks associated with the market conditions and trading terms.
Please carefully consider your financial situation and investment experience prior to proceeding in trading any products offered by Global Market Index Limited (GMI Edge).
GMI Edge assumes no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions; does not warrant the accuracy, completeness of information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials.
Read and understand the Terms and Conditions on GMI Edges’s website prior to initiating your leveraged investment, according to research in South Africa.
You might also like: GMI Account Types Overview
You might also like: GMI Demo Account – Step by Step
You might also like: GMI Fees and Spreads
You might also like: GMI Minimum Deposit
You might also like: GMI Sign up Bonus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GMI a fake or scam broker?
GMI is not a fake or scam as it adheres to the rules and regulations as stipulated by one of the strictest financial oversight authorities in the world, the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the United Kingdom.
What are the advantages of trading with GMI?
Advantages of trading with GMI includes their low minimum deposit requirement of $15 USD / R 240 ZAR, the availability of the very easy to use GMI Social Trading Edge technology and the institutional pricing nature of its ECN account which is very attractive to short-term traders.
Which trading platforms are supported by GMI?
GMI supports these platforms incl: GMI MT4 and GMI Alpine Trader platforms, GMI ClearPro, GMI MTF, and GMI Currenex.
What is the overall score for GMI out of 10?
The overall rating is 9/10.
How many traders does GMI have?
GMI has more than 1 million traders.
Top 4 Brokers
