GMG Markets Review 2025

Trust

GMG Markets Regulations

In our reviews, we examine the licenses and regulations of each entity operated by a broker, allowing us to compare their different levels of protection. We rank licenses by various regulatory bodies on a three-tier system, where Tier-1 licensing indicates the highest level of regulation.

This is what I discovered about the single entity operating under the GMG Markets trade name:

• Global Markets Group Limited is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the UK under license number 744501. We rate the FCA as a Tier-1 regulator.

Understanding the Regulatory Protections of Your Account

Brokers operate multiple entities to serve clients worldwide. However, licenses obtained from regulators in different jurisdictions do not always entail the same degree of protection.

Some regulators mandate compliance with the strictest financial frameworks, while others are less rigid. That is why traders must familiarize themselves with the safety mechanisms ensured by the entity they want to open an account.

Here is what you need to be looking for in a broker in terms of safety mechanisms:

• Segregation of client funds: Keeping client funds in segregated bank accounts from the ones used for the broker’s corporate capital negates the risk of accounting errors. GMG Markets keeps client funds in segregated accounts.
• Negative balance protection: This safety mechanism removes the risk of trading losses exceeding the account balance. In other words, the losses you incur from trading are capped at the amount you have put in your trading account. GMG Markets guarantees negative balance protection.
• Compensation scheme: A compensation scheme protects traders against the broker’s liabilities if the company becomes insolvent. GMG Markets clients are insured by up to GBP 85,000 under the FSCS.
• Maximum leverage: Capping the maximum leverage restricts the extent of market exposure to retail traders. The higher the leverage, the higher the potential profits and potential losses. The maximum retail leverage with GMG Markets is 1:30.

Stability and Transparency

In our Trust category assessments, we evaluate factors tied to stability and transparency, including the broker’s longevity, company size, and information transparency.

I assessed GMG Markets as a fairly transparent and trustworthy broker. I appreciated it for its strong Client Categorization Policy. During account creation, the broker collects all essential data to ensure that its new clients receive the appropriate services based on their experience, goals, and needs.

I also learned that GMG Markets has issued a ‘best execution policy,’ which is a legal mandate to provide the most optimal price feeds depending on the underlying market sentiment.

Finally, I went over GMG Markets’ legal documents and Client Agreement and discovered that everything was in order. Information is readily available and presented in an easy-to-understand language.

Is GMG Markets Safe to Trade With?

I determined that GMG Markets can be considered a safe broker to trade with due to the following factors:

• Licensed and regulated by the FCA
• Keeps client funds segregated
• Guarantees negative balance protection
• Has issued a ‘best execution policy’

Fees

GMG Markets Trading Fees

GMG Markets Spreads

I tested GMG Markets’ spreads on 31 March 2025 during the London and the New York open. The results are shown in the table below:

Broken down by asset class and compared to the industry average, I assessed that GMG Markets charges low spreads on indices, average spreads on currency pairs, and average-to-high spreads on commodities. More competitive spreads can be found on the Raw Spread account.

GMG Markets Swaps

A swap fee is a trader’s cost for holding an open position overnight because of changing interest rates. Swap long refers to the charge deductible or credit receivable for holding a buy position open overnight. In turn, swap short relates to the charges/credits deductible or receivable for holding a selling position open overnight.

The values listed below are for one full base currency contract (100,000 units).

My tests indicate that GMG Markets’ overnight charges are average-to-high compared to the industry benchmark. These values fluctuate over time due to changing market volatility.

GMG Markets Non-Trading Fees

Deposits and withdrawals with GMG Markets are free. Moreover, the broker does not impose an inactivity fee on dormant accounts.

Are GMG Markets’ Fees Competitive?

GMG Markets’ trading fees vary, with spreads mostly ranging from average to high. Its lowest spreads are on indices, which can also be traded with zero commissions. Another great perk is that GMG Markets does not charge any non-trading fees.

Platforms and Tools

GMG Markets MT5 Desktop

The desktop version of the MetaTrader 5 platform features multiple essential tools, such as one-click trading, an alarm setting option, and a market depth tool. These allow traders to examine various market developments from different angles and to exploit the underlying trading opportunities in multiple ways.

MT5 is arguably best suited for automated trading via its Expert Advisors (EAs). The platform also has an intuitive strategy tester, allowing experienced algo traders to tweak the parameters of their strategies so that they can be used under different market conditions.

MetaTrader 5 Features

The MetaTrader platform is easy to navigate. Even beginner traders can quickly learn where the charts, account info, and watch lists are. However, its cumbersome charts make the platform somewhat difficult to use.

GMG Markets’ desktop MT5 is available for Windows and Mac. Its mobile app version is available for Android and iOS. The platform supports 52 different languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, and more.

In addition to the above-mentioned depth of markets tool, MT5 also features:

• Alerts-setting option: Traders can set alerts for when the price of a given instrument falls/rises to a predetermined level, which could potentially signal a viable entry opportunity.
• Watchlist customization: Traders can populate watchlists with their favorite instruments, which helps them track market changes more easily.
• One-click trading: One-click trading allows for instant market entries at the spot price. This feature is invaluable for high-precision traders, such as scalpers.
• Trading from the chart: Traders can also place conventional trading orders directly from the chart. They can specify the entry price, volume level, stop and take-profit levels, and more.

Charts

I consider the charts screen a platform’s most important feature. It facilitates technical analysis by providing an overview of price action behavior. Chart artists use many analytical tools and chart configuration possibilities to examine it from multiple angles. In my experience, the really important aspect of a chart is how easy it is to scale price action up and down.

As shown above, the problem with MetaTrader is that the charts can be crowded quite easily, even when you add no more than 2 indicators. This obscures price action behavior and makes it more difficult to conduct probing technical analysis.

I have broken down the available analytical tools and chart configurations below:

• 38 technical indicators: The platform supports trend-based, volume-based indicators, oscillators, and more. These can be applied to study price action behavior and determine the underlying market sentiment. In general, technical indicators are used to gauge where the market is likely to head next.
• 24 drawing tools: Drawing tools, such as Fibonacci retracement levels and Elliott waves, are used to study repeatable price patterns. Additionally, they can be applied to determine key support and resistance levels and potential breakout or breakdown levels. Despite the rather large collection of drawing tools, MT5’s ruggedness makes it difficult to discern price action behavior.
• 21 timeframes: One of MetaTrader 5’s standout features is its vast array of timeframes. MT5 allows multi-timeframe analysis of price action behavior. The more timeframes available, the more intricate examinations can be carried out across the short-term and long-term.
• 3 chart types: Price action can be represented as a line, bars, or candlesticks. This diversity allows traders to examine potential trading opportunities from different angles.

Orders

MetaTrader 5 features three types of order execution: market, pending, and one-click trading (top-left corner). One-click trading allows immediate entries at the spot price.

I have broken down the available order types on the MetaTrader 5 platform below:

• Market orders: Market orders are used for immediate entry at the best possible price. If triggered, they guarantee volume filling, though there could be a discrepancy between the requested price and the price at which the order is filled.
• Limit orders: Unlike market orders, limit orders guarantee exact price execution. However, a limit order will not be filled if the price action does not reach the pre-determined execution price.
• Stop orders: They are used to support open positions by limiting the maximum loss that can be incurred if the market turns in the opposite direction. A stop-loss order is placed at a fixed price below or above the spot price. If the market does indeed turn and triggers the stop-loss, it will transform into a market order and get filled at the best possible price.

MT5 Desktop: My Key Takeaways

MetaTrader 5 is a good option for fast and simple order execution. However, its dated and rugged design falls short compared to newer, sleeker platforms. As a trader who prioritizes flexible charts that are easily scalable, I find MT5’s charting capability too rigid and less effective.

GMG Markets MT5 Mobile

The MT5 mobile app affords quick and easy access to the market on the go. It is very useful for opening, terminating, and adjusting open positions.

You can also use the app to place market, limit, and stop orders, as well as to adjust the exposure of your open trades.

MT5 App: My Key Takeaways

The MetaTrader app stands out for its convenience, making it an indispensable tool for adjusting trades, especially during periods of heightened volatility. However, it can feel cumbersome and, in my experience, is not well-suited for analyzing price action.

GMG Markets’ Execution Model

GMG Markets operates as a Matched Principal Broker. It serves as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, matching their orders.

Tradable Instruments

Compared to the industry average, GMG Markets offers an average number of currency pairs and a high number of commodities and indices.

What Are CFDs?

Contracts for difference (CFDs) are derivatives that speculate on the underlying asset’s price without physical ownership.

For example, a long position on gold would generate profit as the price rises or incur a loss as it falls, all without the need to purchase actual gold bars.

One of the biggest advantages of trading CFDs is that traders can get in and out of the market almost instantaneously, thereby catching even minute changes in the price of the derivative.

What Can You Trade With GMG Markets?

GMG Markets’ Instruments: My Key Takeaways

I concluded that GMG Markets’ instrument offering is rather limited. Notably, the broker does not provide any share CFDs or futures. On the other hand, it offers a fairly large amount of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.

In my estimation, the broker’s instruments offering is geared towards speculative traders. However, the lack of lower-risk securities, such as ETFs and bonds, makes it unsuitable for more risk-averse traders.

Customer Support

Customer Support Channels

Customer Support Test

When we test a broker’s customer support, we evaluate the agent’s knowledge of their own website, how long it takes them to respond to questions, and how detailed their answers are.

I conducted my test on 7 October at around 11:01 a.m. CET by calling GMG Markets. I asked about their minimum deposit, Islamic accounts, and payment methods.

The agent was quick to respond and very polite on the phone. She answered my questions in a straightforward manner and even elaborated on some connected issues. My overall impression is a decidedly positive one.

Deposit and Withdrawal

GMG Markets Deposit Methods

GMG Markets Withdrawal Methods

Account Types and Terms

GMG Markets Account Opening Process

To open an account with GMG Markets, follow these simple steps:

1. Click ‘Trade Now’ from the left-hand side of the main page.
2. Choose account type, base currency, and platform.
3. Enter your personal information.
4. Provide your address and personal ID information.
5. State your employment and financial background.
6. Explain your educational background.
7. State your trading background.
8. Elaborate on your trading frequency and volume.
9. Explain how you plan to use your trading account with the company.
10. Agree to the company’s terms and conditions.
11. Confirm your email address.
12. Upload proof of ID and proof of address to verify your account.

GMG Markets Account Types

According to my findings, the pricing mechanisms of the two account types are generally in line with the industry average. However, the Raw Spread account offers more competitive pricing. The broker also has set a relatively low minimum deposit requirement, making the two quite affordable.

Demo Accounts

GMG Markets offers demo accounts that introduce traders to the broker’s services and allow them to tweak their strategies in a risk-free environment. The market is continually evolving and never static, so it is important to hone your skills in a safe environment. You can set up a demo account for yourself before or alongside your live CFD account.

Islamic Accounts

GMG Markets offers Islamic accounts for swap-free trading, as mandated under Shariah law. To open one, please contact GMG Markets’ customer support.

What is CFD Leverage?

Leverage determines a trader’s overall market exposure. When trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), positions can be opened for a fraction of their value because of leverage. Essentially, the broker lends the trader money so that they can open bigger positions. Leverage multiplies the profits a trader generates from winning positions but also the losses incurred from failed trades.

Maximum Leverage By Asset Class

In the table below, I have listed the maximum retail leverage available with GMG Markets for instruments from different asset classes:

GMG Markets Allowed Countries

GMG Markets accepts as clients residents of Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Guinea, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Isle of Man, Jersey, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Shri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, British Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Research

GMG Markets provides an economic calendar that is accessible through the client portal. While it lists upcoming economic releases, it lacks explanations of the events, forecasted figures, and actual results.

The broker also offers featured trading ideas by Autochartist, which day traders can use to exploit viable trading opportunities. The ideas are supported by charts and typically contain an explanation of the opportunity (how and why the market is behaving a certain way) and several key price levels (stop-loss, take-profit, etc.).

GMG Markets Research: My Key Takeaways

I appreciated GMG Markets’ research content for its sophistication and diversity. Day traders and swing traders can use it to stay on top of the latest market developments and exploit viable trading opportunities in the short and long term.

Education

GMG Markets provides several instructional videos on using the MetaTrader 5 platform, focusing on creating and implementing Expert Advisors (EAs) and utilizing VPS for low-latency trading.

The broker also offers free educational content on its website, covering the basics of technical and fundamental analysis and general trading principles.

As part of its recent updates, GMG Markets hosts live webinars and events. The last webinars were dedicated to momentum trading and using indicators like MACD to identify price patterns.

The Bottom Line

GMG Markets is a London-based financial derivatives broker regulated by the FCA UK and aligned with the industry’s strictest safety standards.

The broker offers MetaTrader 5, free VPS hosting, and advanced market research powered by Autochartist. Based on my assessment, GMG Markets’ fees are in line with the industry average, with spreads ranging from average to high on the Standard account, and more competitive pricing available on the Raw Spread account.

On the downside, the broker has a limited range of tradable instruments, and payment methods are restricted to bank wire and bank cards.

Overall, GMG Markets is a solid choice for day traders and algo traders who value low-latency execution and access to raw spreads.

FAQ