Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

Overview of GMI Edge

Founded in 2018, GMI Edge is an offshore trading broker that provides online trading via MetaTrader4 (MT4) on a variety of different asset classes including forex, indices, precious metals, energies and CFDs. GMI Edge is the trading name of Global Prime Limited, a regulated and licensed dealer in securities by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC, suspicious clone), with regulatory license number: 14647. GMI Edge is part of the GMI Group of companies. The GMI brand was established in 2009.

Traders can access leverage ratios ranging from 1:500 to 1:2000, depending on the account type. However, explicit information about spreads is not readily available on the GMI Edge website. The broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which allows traders to customize their strategies, utilize expert advisors, and access a wide range of analytical tools. GMI Edge also provides the Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform for money managers to trade multiple accounts.

Deposits and withdrawals can be made through various methods, including local bank transfers, Neteller, and Skrill. The minimum deposit requirement varies based on the chosen method. GMI Edge has a mobile app for convenient account management and trading on the go. However, customer support contact information is limited to email and live chat, with no disclosed telephone numbers or company address.

Considering the lack of regulatory oversight and transparency, it is advisable for traders to approach GMI Edge with caution and consider alternative brokers with a solid regulatory status and more transparent operations.

Here is the home page of this brokers official site:

Pros and Cons

GMI Edge has both advantages and disadvantages that traders should consider. One of the pros is the availability of a wide range of market instruments, including commodities, major currency pairs, and indices, providing traders with diverse trading opportunities. Additionally, the broker offers different types of trading accounts with varying leverage options, catering to the individual preferences and risk tolerance of traders. The provision of the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and the additional Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform for money managers enhance the trading experience. Furthermore, GMI Edge provides a mobile app for convenient account management and trading on the go.

On the downside, GMI Edge lacks proper regulatory oversight, as it is not regulated by a recognized financial regulatory authority. The claimed regulatory license from the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) is suspicious and not considered valid, which raises concerns about the level of investor protection and oversight provided by the broker. Moreover, the broker does not disclose explicit information about spreads, which makes it difficult for traders to assess the trading costs upfront. Limited customer support options, with only email and live chat available and no disclosed telephone numbers or company address, can also be a drawback for some traders.

Is GMI Edge Legit？

GMI Edge is not regulated by a recognized financial regulatory authority. The claimed regulation by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) with license number 14647 is suspected to be a clone and is not considered valid. The VFSC is an offshore regulatory body, and trading with an unregulated broker carries significant risks. It is important to note that unregulated brokers may not provide the same level of investor protection and oversight as regulated brokers. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider alternative regulated brokers with a solid regulatory status when choosing a trading partner.

Market Instruments

GMI Edge offers a selection of market instruments for trading. These instruments include:

1. Gold, Oil, Silver: Traders have the opportunity to trade in commodities such as Gold, Oil, and Silver. These instruments are available for trading 23 hours a day, and GMI Edge aims to provide competitive costs in this regard.

2. Forex: GMI Edge enables traders to participate in the foreign exchange market. Major currency pairs such as the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, and Canadian Dollar are available for trading. GMI Edge offers high leverage and the option of Swap Free accounts.

3. Indices: GMI Edge allows traders to access global financial markets through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on various indices. Some of the indices available for trading include Dow Jones, NASDAQ, S&P, FTSE, DAX, CAC, NIKKEI, Hang Seng, and China A50.

Account Types

GMI Edge offers four different types of trading accounts: ECN, Cent, Standard, and Standard Bonus. Each account type has its own minimum deposit requirement, contract size, leverage options, and other features.

ECN ACCOUNT

The ECN account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and offers leverage up to 1:500. It has a commission fee of $4 per lot and allows for a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4 and 1,000 lots on GMI Edge. The ECN account does not offer a swap-free option.

CENT ACCOUNT

The Cent account has a minimum deposit requirement of $15 and provides leverage up to 1:1000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 200 lots on MT4. The Cent account also offers a swap-free option.

STANDARD ACCOUNT

The Standard account requires a minimum deposit of $25 and offers leverage up to 1:2000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4 and 1,000 lots on GMI Edge. The Standard account does not provide a swap-free option.

STANDARD BONUS ACCOUNT

The Standard Bonus account also requires a minimum deposit of $25 and provides leverage up to 1:2000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4. The Standard Bonus account does not offer a swap-free option.

Traders should carefully consider their trading preferences and risk tolerance when choosing the most suitable account type for their needs.

Leverage

The specified leverage for different account types at GMI Edge varies between 1:500 and 1:2000. Clients on the Cent account can experience leverage of 1:1000, the Standard and Standard Bonus accounts can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:2000, while the ECN accounts have a leverage ratio of 1:500.

Keep in mind that using leverage ratios that high is very dangerous, especially for inexperienced traders. Margin trading is risky, so make sure you understand how leverage works before you lose everything.

Spreads & Commissions

Unlike most decent brokers who present their pricing and trading conditions, GMI Edge has not disclosed its spreads on the website. So, we had to register a demo account to see the trading costs with this broker. The benchmark EUR/USD spread of GMI Edge is well above 2 pips, which is not competitive pricing.

As for the commission, there is no commission on the Cent, Standard and Standard Bonus accounts, while 4 per lot on the ECN account.

Trading Platform

GMI Edge provides its traders with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. This widely recognized platform is available for all types of GMI Edge accounts. Traders can take advantage of the features and functionality offered by MT4 to enhance their trading experience.

MT4

With MT4, traders have the option to create their own algorithms or utilize expert advisors (EAs) to automate their trades. This allows for customized trading strategies and the ability to follow other traders. Traders can seamlessly connect to the trading platform through the GMI Edge app, ensuring a smooth trading experience across different devices. The GMI Edge app also provides a convenient way to fund trading accounts that use MT4.

MT4 offers a comprehensive range of analytical tools that traders can utilize to analyze various aspects of the markets they trade. These tools enable traders to perform in-depth market analysis and make informed trading decisions.

Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform.

In addition to MT4, GMI Edge also offers the Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform. This platform is designed for money managers who wish to trade multiple accounts with ease. With MAM, money managers can execute trades across multiple accounts with just one click. The platform also allows for automated performance fees billing and offers trade allocation options based on lot size, equity, or balance.

GMI Edge mobile app

To further enhance accessibility and convenience, GMI Edge has developed the GMI Edge mobile app. This app allows traders to access their trading accounts anytime and anywhere. Traders can trade various instruments including forex, gold, silver, and indices, among others, using the app. The GMI Edge app also offers easy ways to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds, providing traders with comprehensive account management capabilities in one place.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GMI Edge provides various options for depositing and withdrawing funds from your trading account. These options include Local Banks Transfer, Neteller, and Skrill. The minimum initial deposit requirement is $10 for Neteller and Skrill, while it is $15 for Local Banks Transfer.

The deposit processing time is typically instant, allowing you to quickly start trading after funding your account.

For withdrawals, the minimum withdrawal amount is 50 MYR for bank transfers, and the processing time is between 8am to 6pm daily. There is a 4% fee for withdrawals via Neteller and Skrill, with a minimum withdrawal amount of $10. Withdrawals made through these methods are also processed instantly.

GMI Edge provides customer support through various channels. Traders can reach out to their customer support team via email at cs.global@gmimarkets.com. Additionally, a live chat option is available for immediate assistance. For those who prefer to send a direct message, an online contact form is provided. However, it is worth noting that GMI Edge does not disclose additional contact information such as telephone numbers or a company address, which is commonly shared by more transparent brokers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMI Edge is an unregulated broker with a suspicious regulatory license and is not considered a legitimate trading option. Trading with an unregulated broker carries significant risks, as they may lack investor protection and oversight. Although GMI Edge offers a variety of market instruments and different types of trading accounts with varying leverage options, their lack of transparency regarding spreads and trading conditions is a disadvantage. Additionally, the absence of a recognized financial regulatory authority and limited customer support contact information further raise concerns. Traders are advised to exercise caution and consider alternative regulated brokers with a solid regulatory status and transparent practices when choosing a trading partner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview of Money Partners

Money Partners, headquartered in Japan, operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a selection of account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, each with specific minimum deposits and leverages. Traders can access a range of tradable assets encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Money Partners provides access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary platform. They offer various deposit and withdrawal methods and extend customer support through various channels, including inquiries, chat, email, and phone. However, the company appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese as per their website.

Regulation

The authorized status employed by Money Partners involves regulation by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Their license number 2028 signifies compliance with Japanese financial regulations pertaining to forex and CFD brokerage services. This regulatory authority oversees the financial activities of the company within Japan and enforces adherence to established financial laws and guidelines.

The FSA-regulated license status signifies that Money Partners operates under the supervision of the Japanese government's financial regulatory body. This type of regulation aims to maintain the financial stability and transparency of financial service providers, ensuring their compliance with legal and operational standards. Advantages associated with this regulation include increased oversight, which can contribute to investor confidence and the prevention of financial misconduct. It also aligns the brokerage with national financial regulations, providing a level of assurance to traders operating within the Japanese market.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Regulated Brokerage: Money Partners operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations and enhancing trader confidence.

Multiple Account Types: The company offers various account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, accommodating different trading preferences and minimum deposit requirements.

Range of Tradable Assets: Money Partners provides access to a range of tradable assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.

Accessible Trading Platforms: Traders can choose from multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform, offering flexibility and choice.

Customer Support Options: The brokerage offers various customer support channels, such as inquiries, chat, email, and phone, ensuring accessibility for clients seeking assistance.

Cons:

Japanese-Language Only: Money Partners appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese, potentially limiting accessibility for non-Japanese-speaking traders.

Limited Leverage for Cryptocurrencies: While the broker offers leverage for other assets, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is relatively low at 1:2, potentially restricting trading opportunities for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Withdrawal Fees: Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, such as the ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer, which could affect the cost-effectiveness of transactions.

Inactivity Fee: Money Partners imposes a ¥1,000 inactivity fee per month for accounts with no trading activity for six months or more, which may discourage occasional or inactive traders.

Monolinguistic Website/Services

Money Partners' website operates exclusively in the Japanese language, limiting access and usability for individuals who do not comprehend Japanese. The absence of multilingual support or translation options could pose a considerable barrier to international users seeking to navigate the platform effectively. This language restriction may hinder the accessibility of vital information and services, potentially deterring non-Japanese-speaking traders from utilizing Money Partners' offerings.

Market Instruments

Money Partners offers forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies for trading. Details are as follows:

Forex: Money Partners provides access to the forex market, allowing traders to engage in currency trading. This involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. Examples of forex products offered include major and minor currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD.

Stocks: The brokerage offers trading in stocks, which are ownership shares of publicly-traded companies. Traders can invest in individual stocks, potentially benefiting from price fluctuations.

Indices: Money Partners enables trading on indices, which are a collection of stocks representing a particular market or sector. Traders can speculate on the performance of these indices, such as the Nikkei 225, S&P 500, or the DAX 30.

Commodities: Commodities trading allows users to speculate on the prices of raw materials like oil, gold, and agricultural products. Money Partners may offer access to various commodities.

Cryptocurrencies: Money Partners caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by facilitating trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin. However, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is limited to 1:2, potentially affecting trading opportunities.

Here is a table comparing Money Partners to other brokers in this regard:

Account Types

Money Partners offers four account types: Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic. Specifics are as follows:

Standard Account: The Standard Account offered by Money Partners is tailored to beginner traders with a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000. This account type features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher, offering favorable conditions for trading various assets.

Raw ECN Account: Money Partners' Raw ECN Account is designed for experienced traders seeking tight spreads. It necessitates a higher minimum deposit of ¥100,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

MT4 ECN Account: The MT4 ECN Account is aimed at traders who prefer the MetaTrader 4 platform and tight spreads. It requires a minimum deposit of ¥10,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

Islamic Account: Money Partners offers an Islamic Account designed for Muslim traders, providing a swap-free option. This account type shares a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000 and features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher.

How to open an account？

1. The first step would be to navigate to the red “Open Checking Account” button, which is located at the top right side of the screen.

2. After inputting personal information and contact information, there will be a verification of the phone number or email.

3. Last, in order to complete the accout creation process, the user is required to possess a Japanese ID, meaning that the services of Money Partners are not available to international customers.

4. Once Money Partners verifies the information, the account creation is completed.

Minimum Deposit

Money Partners offers varying minimum deposit rates across its account types to cater to different trading preferences. The Standard and MT4 ECN accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000, while the Raw ECN account demands a higher deposit of ¥100,000. The Islamic account also requires a ¥10,000 minimum deposit. These distinct deposit rates allow traders to choose an account type that aligns with their trading goals and financial capacity, promoting flexibility within the brokerage's offerings.

Leverage

Money Partners provides varying leverage options for different market instruments. The company offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading, 1:20 for stocks, 1:100 for indices and commodities, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies. This range of leverage ratios caters to traders with varying risk appetites and preferences, allowing for different levels of leverage depending on the asset class being traded.

The following table compares Money Partners to competing brokerages in terms of maximum leverage:

Spread

Money Partners provides spreads for its trading services that are determined by factors such as the currency pair and prevailing market conditions. In the case of the Raw ECN and MT4 ECN accounts, spreads commence at 0 pips, which can be appealing to traders looking for narrower spreads. Conversely, the Standard account offers spreads starting at 1.5 pips or higher, providing an option with wider spreads.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Money Partners offers a selection of deposit and withdrawal methods to facilitate transactions for its clients. These methods include bank transfers, credit/debit card payments, PayPal, Bitcoin, and various other e-wallet options. While the brokerage does not charge deposit fees, it is important to note that withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods, such as a ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer. The availability of multiple payment options provides flexibility for clients to choose the most convenient method for their financial transactions, depending on their preferences and location.

Trading Platforms

Money Partners provides traders with access to multiple trading platforms, offering flexibility and choice. These platforms include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are widely recognized in the industry and favored for their comprehensive trading features and technical analysis tools. Money Partners' proprietary platform likely offers a unique trading experience.

The following table compares the trading platforms offered by Money Partners to those of other competing brokerages:

Customer Support

Money Partners offers multiple customer support options, including phone support, an inquiry form, and a chat feature, allowing clients to choose the most suitable channel for their inquiries and assistance needs.

Phone Support: Money Partners offers phone support through the number 0120-860-894, available during limited hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This channel allows clients to make direct inquiries and receive assistance over the phone.

Inquiry Form: Clients can utilize an inquiry form on Money Partners' website to submit their queries or requests. This method provides a written channel for communication and is accessible for clients seeking assistance.

Chat Feature: Money Partners provides a chat service for clients to engage in real-time conversations with support representatives. This live chat feature is available during specified hours and offers a convenient way to receive immediate assistance.

Conclusion

Money Partners emerges as a regulated forex and CFD brokerage with a clear focus on providing financial services to a Japanese clientele. Founded over a decade ago, the company boasts a track record of compliance with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, underscoring its commitment to adhering to stringent regulatory standards. Offering a range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as their proprietary platform, Money Partners caters to traders seeking various tools for their financial endeavors. Additionally, the broker extends multiple customer support options, enabling clients to access assistance through phone inquiries, inquiry forms, and live chat services during specified hours.

While their trading account options cater to a variety of trading preferences, the lack of website accessibility in languages other than Japanese and the requirement for a Japanese address during registration suggest a primary focus on serving domestic traders. This geographical limitation, coupled with potential language barriers, may deter international traders seeking their services.

FAQs

Q: What is Money Partners' main regulatory status？

A: Money Partners is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan.

Q: Can clients outside of Japan access Money Partners' services？

A: Money Partners appears to primarily serve a Japanese clientele, limiting accessibility for international traders.

Q: What are the available trading platforms at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary trading platform.

Q: How can clients contact Money Partners' customer support？

A: Clients can reach out through phone support, an inquiry form, or a live chat feature during specified hours.

Q: Are there deposit fees at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners does not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods.

Q: What are the minimum deposit rates for Money Partners' accounts？

A: Money Partners provides varying minimum deposit rates, starting at ¥10,000 for some account types and ¥100,000 for others.