What is GSI Markets？

GSI Markets is a Forex trading broker operated by Media Force Limited, founded in 2013 and registered in the Marshall Islands. It claims to specialize in online Forex trading, converting on a leading FX and CFD broker for clients in more than 120 countries worldwide. Providing services through MetaTrader 4, It offers a demo account. The maximum leverage available is 1:100, and the minimum deposit required is $250, with margin requirements ranging from 0.20% to 5%. Notably, GSI Markets operates without any regulations.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Diverse Market Instruments: GSI Markets offers a wide range of market instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities, providing traders with various options for diversification.

Demo Account Availability: Traders can access a demo account, allowing them to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money.

Multiple Contact Channels: The broker provides multiple contact channels, including seven telephone numbers, email, and other social platforms, making it easier for traders to reach customer support when needed.

Cons:

No Regulation: GSI Markets operates without any regulatory oversight, which is a huge red flag for the safety of funds and the reliability of the broker.

Exposure Labeled as Unable to Withdraw: There are five pieces of exposure labeled as unable to withdraw, which indicates a risk that traders face issues with withdrawing their funds.

Is GIS Markets Safe or Scam？

The most glaring red flag is the complete lack of regulation. This raises significant concerns about the safety of your funds, the fairness of their trading practices, and the potential for scams or manipulative activities.

Furthermore, the existence of exposures labeled as “unable to withdraw” is incredibly alarming. This suggests that some users have encountered difficulties withdrawing their funds, raising the possibility of encountering similar issues yourself.

Market Instruments

GSI Markets offers a wide array of market instruments for traders to engage with, catering to the varying trading preferences and strategies of its clients.

Stocks: You can access shares of publicly traded companies, enabling them to invest in the performance of individual companies.

Cryptocurrencies: The platform offers trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, allowing traders to participate in the dynamic and evolving cryptocurrency market.

Indices: GSI Markets provides access to major stock market indices, offering exposure to broader market performance.

Forex: The broker facilitates trading in the foreign exchange market, allowing traders to trade currency pairs and take advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Commodities: You can also trade in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products, providing diversification opportunities beyond traditional asset classes.

Account Types

GSI Markets offers traders three different live account types: Silver ECN, Gold ECN, and Platinum ECN accounts.

The Silver ECN account requires a minimum deposit of 250 USD and has a withdrawal time of 7 days. To acquire a Silver Account, traders must either trade 300 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $1,000 to $10,000. To maintain the Silver Account, traders must continue to trade 150 lots quarterly.

The Gold ECN account offers a first deposit bonus of 10% up to 1,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Gold Account, traders must either trade 2,000 aggregated lots or reach total account equity of $10,000 to $75,000. Gold account holders must trade a minimum of 600 lots quarterly to keep the account in good standing.

The Platinum ECN account provides a first deposit bonus of 15% up to 2,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Platinum Account, traders must either trade 10,000 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $75,000 and above. The Platinum Account is targeted at traders with higher trading volumes and account sizes.

How to Open a GSI Markets Account？

Step 1: Open an account by going to the broker's website: https://www.gsimarkets.com/.

Step 2: All you have to do is fill in the information in the box that says QUICK START. Once this is done, click on OPEN A REAL ACCOUNT which will take you to a page that says REGISTER ACCOUNT.

Step 3: Fill in your details, create a password, check the terms and conditions box and all other related boxes then click on CREATE MY ACCOUNT.

Step 4: You are now on your home page and can make a deposit online using your credit card. All you need to do is complete the DEPOSIT INFORMATION and click on the DEPOSIT NOW button.

Leverage

GSI Markets offers leverage of up to 1:100 for you. Leverage allows you to control a larger position size with a relatively small amount of capital. For example, with a 1:100 leverage, you can control a position of $10,000 with a deposit of only $100. While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses, as losses are also magnified in proportion to the leverage used.

Spreads & Commissions

GSI Markets distinguishes itself by offering trading with zero commissions. This means that you will not incur additional charges for each trade placed through the platform. However, while there are no commissions, you should consider the impact of spreads on the trading costs, which is not present on the official website.

Trading Platforms

GSI Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and customizable features. It also offers automated trading capabilities through Expert Advisors (EAs) and a wide range of technical indicators.

Additionally, the GSI Markets mobile app provides traders with access to the mobile version of MT4. While the mobile version may lack some of the features found in the desktop version, it offers several benefits, including increased flexibility and the ability to trade on the go. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS systems, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade from their smartphones or tablets.

Trading Tools

GSI Markets provides traders with a comprehensive set of trading signals and tools designed to enhance their trading experience and improve decision-making.

• Indicators

Impulse MACD: This indicator combines three moving averages to visually represent market momentum on a chart. It helps traders identify potential buy or sell signals based on the convergence or divergence of these moving averages.

SHI Channel True: This indicator displays dynamic moving channels on a chart. It identifies fractal points in price history, connects them with lines, and draws parallel lines to create channels. You can use these channels to identify potential support and resistance levels.

Stretch Breakout Channel: This indicator helps you identify breakout opportunities by plotting channels based on recent price action. Breakouts above or below these channels may signal potential trading opportunities.

Variation Index: This indicator measures the variation in price movements over a specified period. It helps you gauge the volatility of an asset and can be used to identify potential trend changes.

ZeroLag MACD: This indicator is a modified version of the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator that aims to reduce lag and provide more timely signals. It can help you identify trend reversals and momentum shifts.

• Economic Calendar

This tool provides you with a schedule of important economic events and announcements that may impact financial markets. It includes key indicators such as GDP releases, interest rate decisions, and employment reports, helping you make informed trading decisions based on fundamental analysis.

• Technical Signals

These signals are generated by technical analysis tools and indicators, such as those mentioned above. They provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities based on price movements, trends, and other technical factors.

• Calculators

Profit Calculator: This tool helps you calculate potential profits or losses based on their trading position size, entry price, and exit price.

Margin and Pip Calculator: These calculators help you determine the margin required for a trade and calculate the value of a pip, which is the smallest price movement in a currency pair.

• BTC Signals

These signals are specific to Bitcoin (BTC) trading and provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities in the Bitcoin market. You can use these signals to make informed decisions when trading Bitcoin.

Deposits & Withdrawals

To deposit money into your GSI Markets trading account, you can log in to your account using the email and password you provided during registration. Once logged in, navigate to the Members Area and click on the “Deposit” tab. From the dropdown menu, select your preferred deposit method, which can include Credit Cards, e-Wallets, or Wire Transfers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit process.

Withdrawing money from your GSI Markets account is also straightforward. Log in to your account and navigate to the Members Area. Click on the “Withdraw” tab to access the withdrawal section. Fill out the withdrawal form with the required information, ensuring that all your verification documentation is in order. Withdrawals will be returned to the credit cards from which the charge was made, and profits above the invested amount will be transferred to your personal bank account. Wire transfers will take up to 7 business days due to intermediary financial processors.

Customer Service

The broker provides multiple contact options, including telephone support with dedicated numbers for various regions.

• +(44) 203 150 1767 (United Kingdom)

• +(55) 213 50 01808 (Brazil)

• +(56) 229 381 559 (Chile)

• +(57) 601 5141319 (Colombia)

• +(502) 237 84653 (Guatemala)

• +(52) 558 421 0153 (Mexico)

• +(507) 833 7744 (Panama)

In addition to telephone support, traders can also contact the customer support team via email at info@gsimarkets.com.

For traders who prefer real-time assistance, GSI Markets offers a live chat feature on their website.

GSI Markets also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Telegram. These platforms serve as additional channels for traders to interact with the customer support team, stay updated on news and announcements from the broker, and engage with other traders in the community.

Conclusion

GSI Markets provides a range of trading instruments and account options, but there are significant issues that impact your trading experience. The lack of regulatory oversight and reports of exposure labeled as “unable to withdraw” are both red flags that jeopardize your financial security. We advise against using GSI Markets and it is better to choose a broker with a clear track record and regulation from a reputable financial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is GSI Markets regulated？

A: No.

Q: What trading platforms does GSI Markets offer？

A: GSI Markets offers MetaTrader 4, including a desktop version, a web-based version, and a mobile trading app.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with GSI Markets？

A: $250.

Q: Does GSI Markets offer a demo account？

A: Yes.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by GSI Markets？

A: 1:100.

Q: What are the available methods for deposit and withdrawal？

A: GSI Markets offers various methods for deposit and withdrawal, including Credit Cards, e-Wallets, and Wire Transfers.

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 provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

Overview of Avatrade

Avatrade is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2006. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and is regulated by several financial authorities around the world, including ASIC, CBI, FSA, FSCA, FSC, CBI, FFAJ.

As a market maker broker, Avatrade offers a range of tradable assets including forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker provides clients with access to multiple trading platforms, including AvaTradeGO, MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaOptions, and DupliTrade. Mobile trading is also available.

Avatrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open an account, and clients can choose from a variety of payment methods including credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallets, and Rapid Transfer.

Customer support is available via live chat, phone, email, and a knowledge base. The broker also provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, trading videos, and articles.

Is Avatrade Legit or a scam？

Avatrade is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands, and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and The Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ). These regulatory bodies ensure that Avatrade operates with transparency, integrity, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Ava Capital Markets Australia Pty Ltd - authorized by ASIC (Australia) registration no. 406684

• AVA Trade EU Ltd - authorized by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)

• Ava Capital Markets Pty Ltd - authorized by FSCA (South Africa) registration no. 45984

• Ava Trade Japan K.K. - authorized by FSA (Japan) registration no. 2010401081157 and FFAJ registration no. 1574

• Ava Trade Middle East Ltd - authorized by FRSA (Abu Dhabi Global Markets) registration no. 190018

• AVA Trade EU Limited - authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), holding a license of European Authorized Representative (EEA), registration no. 504072

Pros and Cons of Avatrade

When it comes to choosing a broker, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons to determine which one is right for you. Some potential advantages of a broker may include competitive fees and spreads, a user-friendly platform, and a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. Additionally, a regulated broker can provide peace of mind knowing that your funds are protected.

However, there may also be potential downsides to consider, such as limited trading instruments, customer support options, and research tools. A high minimum deposit requirement and limited bonus offers may also be a drawback for some traders.

Market Intruments

Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments across various markets, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, spread betting, FX OPtions. Here's a breakdown of the market instruments available:

• Forex: Avatrade offers more than 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

• Stocks: Traders can trade stocks from major global exchanges, such as NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE, and more.

• Commodities: Avatrade offers trading in precious metals like gold and silver, energy commodities like oil and gas, and agricultural commodities like wheat and coffee.

• Cryptocurrencies: This broker offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, as well as lesser-known coins like Dash, Monero, and NEO.

• Indices: Avatrade provides access to major indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and more.

• FX options allow traders to take advantage of currency movements while limiting their risk. With FX options, traders can set a specific strike price at which they want to buy or sell a currency pair, and the option will be exercised only if the market reaches that price. This allows traders to potentially profit from market movements while limiting their potential losses.

• Spread betting is a tax-free way to speculate on the direction of various financial markets, including forex, commodities, and indices. With spread betting, traders can bet on whether the market will rise or fall and potentially profit from both upward and downward movements.

Account Types

When it comes to account types, Avatrade only offers a standard account. This means that all clients will have access to the same features and trading conditions, regardless of the size of their deposit.

The standard account provides access to all of Avatrade's trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This means that traders can diversify their portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions, all within the same account.

Avatrade has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is relatively low compared to other brokers in the industry. For example, brokers like IG and Saxo Bank have a minimum deposit requirement of $300 and $10,000, respectively. However, there are other brokers that have a lower minimum deposit requirement than Avatrade. For instance, Pepperstone and XM have a minimum deposit requirement of $0 and $5, respectively.

Demo Accounts

Avatrade offers demo accounts for traders who want to practice their trading skills or test out the trading platform without risking real money. The demo account allows traders to access the full range of trading instruments and features on the Avatrade platform using virtual funds. It is a useful tool for new traders to get familiar with the platform and for experienced traders to test new strategies before using them in live trading. The demo account is available for 21 days and can be renewed upon request.

How to open an account？

When it comes to the process of opening an account with Avatrade, rest assured that it is one of the most streamlined and user-friendly experiences out there. Not only is the process simple and straightforward, but it is also designed to ensure that new traders can start their journey with ease.

• First, you need to visit the Avatrade website and click on the “Register” button, which is prominently displayed on the homepage.

• Then, you will then be taken to a registration form where you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to create a password and select your account currency.

• After filling out the registration form, you will need to verify your identity by submitting a copy of your government-issued ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement. This is a standard requirement for all regulated brokers and is done to ensure the security and integrity of the trading platform.

• Once your account is verified, you can fund your account using one of the many payment options available, such as credit/debit card, bank transfer, or electronic wallets like Neteller or Skrill. After funding your account, you can download the Avatrade trading platform or use the web-based version to start trading.

Leverage

Avatrade offers leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading and up to 1:200 for other instruments such as commodities and indices. This means that traders can control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. However, it's important to keep in mind that leverage can magnify both profits and losses, and traders should use it responsibly and with caution.

Avatrade also offers a range of leverage options for different account types, including 1:30 for retail clients in compliance with ESMA regulations and 1:400 for professional clients. It's important to note that professional clients must meet certain criteria to qualify for higher leverage.

Overall, Avatrade's leverage offerings are competitive with other brokers in the industry and can provide traders with greater trading opportunities. However, traders should always consider their risk management strategies and use leverage responsibly.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Avatrade offers competitive spreads and charges no commission fees for trading on its platform. The spreads offered by Avatrade vary depending on the trading instrument and market conditions. For example, the typical spread for EUR/USD is 0.9 pips, while for GBP/USD, it is 1.5 pips. Spreads for other instruments, such as indices and commodities, also vary.

However, it's important to note that spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility. Additionally, Avatrade charges commissions on certain trading instruments such as CFDs, which can impact the overall cost of trading. Traders should compare the spreads and commission rates of Avatrade with other brokers to determine if it meets their trading needs and preferences.

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are the fees that a broker charges for activities other than trading, such as deposit and withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and account closure fees. These fees can significantly impact the profitability of a trader, and it's important to be aware of them when choosing a broker.

Avatrade has several non-trading fees that traders should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Overall, Avatrade's non-trading fees are reasonable compared to other brokers in the industry. The deposit fee is free, which is a significant advantage, but the withdrawal fee can be relatively high, depending on the payment method used. The inactivity fee is also something to keep in mind, as it can add up quickly if there is no trading activity. However, it's important to note that the inactivity fee is only charged after 12 months of inactivity, which is longer than some other brokers.

Trading Platform

Avatrade offers a selection of trading platforms that are designed to meet the needs of different types of traders. Here are some of the trading platforms offered by Avatrade:

1. AvatradeGO: This is a mobile app that is available on both iOS and Android platforms. It allows traders to access their accounts and trade on the go.

2. MT4: Avatrade offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by traders around the world. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a range of custom indicators and expert advisors.

3. MT5: Avatrade also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is the successor to MT4. MT5 has several new features, including more advanced charting tools, a wider range of order types, and improved back-testing capabilities.

4. WebTrader: Avatrade's WebTrader platform allows traders to access their accounts and trade directly from their web browser. The platform is easy to use and offers a range of trading tools and indicators.

5. AvaOptions: This is Avatrade's platform for trading options. It offers a range of options trading tools, including risk management tools, and a range of customizable trading strategies.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. The methods available may vary depending on the client's location and the currency used.

Deposit options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. The processing time for deposits is usually instant or up to one business day.

Withdrawal options include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, and others. Withdrawals usually take 1-2 business days to process.

Avatrade does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, but clients may incur fees from their payment provider or bank.

To withdraw funds from your Avatrade account, you need to follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Avatrade account.

2. Click on the “Withdraw Funds” tab located in the main menu.

3. Choose your preferred withdrawal method from the list of available options, such as bank wire, credit card, or electronic payment systems like Skrill or Neteller.

4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and any necessary payment details.

5. Review and confirm the transaction details.

6. Submit your withdrawal request.

It's important to note that Avatrade requires you to withdraw funds using the same payment method that you used to deposit funds into your account. The processing time for withdrawals varies depending on the payment method, but Avatrade strives to process all withdrawal requests within 24 hours.

Customer Support

Avatrade offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone support, email, and an online contact form. They have customer support available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, and Chinese.

Their customer support team is available 24/5, meaning that they are available Monday through Friday to help with any questions or concerns that traders may have. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, which covers a wide range of topics related to the platform and trading.

Avatrade's customer support has received positive reviews for their responsiveness and helpfulness. They also offer free educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

Educational Resources

Avatrade offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. They have a comprehensive educational section on their website that includes a range of materials such as e-books, video tutorials, webinars, and trading courses.

The e-books cover a range of topics, from basic trading concepts to advanced strategies. The video tutorials are easy to follow and cover a variety of topics, including trading platforms, technical analysis, and risk management.

Avatrade also offers webinars that are conducted by experienced traders and cover a variety of topics. These webinars are interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and receive feedback from the presenter. Additionally, they offer a range of trading courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced traders.

Conclusion

Avatrade is a well-established broker with a long history of providing trading services to traders worldwide. They offer a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with competitive spreads and leverage options. Their trading platform is user-friendly and provides a range of advanced tools and features for traders of all skill levels. Additionally, they provide excellent customer support, educational resources, and a demo account for traders to practice their strategies. However, there are some downsides to consider, such as higher non-trading fees and limited account options.

FAQs

• Q: Is Avatrade regulated？

A: Yes, Avatrade is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

• Q: Does Avatrade offer a demo account？

A: Yes, Avatrade offers a free demo account for traders to practice and test their strategies before trading with real money.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade？

A: The minimum deposit requirement for Avatrade is $100.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a wide range of trading instruments including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Avatrade？

A: The maximum leverage offered by Avatrade is 1:400.

• Q: Does Avatrade charge any trading fees？

A: Yes, Avatrade charges spreads and commissions on certain trading instruments.

• Q: What deposit and withdrawal methods are available on Avatrade's platform？

A: Avatrade offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

• Q: Does Avatrade provide educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, Avatrade provides a range of educational resources including webinars, e-books, trading courses, and more.

• Q: What kind of customer support does Avatrade offer？

A: Avatrade offers 24/5 customer support through phone, email, as well as an extensive FAQ section on their website.