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 Swissquote

Swissquote is a leading online forex and financial trading broker headquartered in Switzerland. It was established in 1996 and has since grown to become a popular choice among traders worldwide. The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

Swissquote offers several account types, including Standard, Premium, Prime, and Professional, to cater to different trader needs. The minimum deposit for a Standard account is $1,000, which is relatively high compared to some other brokers. However, the broker's range of account types and trading conditions may appeal to professional traders who require higher leverage and tighter spreads.

Swissquote provides its clients with access to several trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, Advanced Trader, and their proprietary platform, Swissquote EDGE. The broker's platforms are user-friendly, feature-rich, and offer advanced trading tools and charting capabilities.

Is Swissquote legit or a scam？

Yes, Swissquote is a legitimate broker with four entities under respective jurisdictions:

Swissquote Bank Ltd, which is based in Switzerland, is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Swissquote Ltd, which is based in the United Kingdom, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Swissquote MEA Ltd, which is based in Dubai, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

SWISSQUOTE FINANCIAL SERVICES (MALTA) LTD, is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

These regulatory authorities ensure that Swissquote adheres to strict standards in terms of financial stability, transparency, and investor protection.

Pros & Cons

Swissquote is areputable and regulated broker, offering an array of financial instruments and account types for traders to choose from. As with any broker, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. In the following table, we present a summary of the key pros and cons of trading with Swissquote. Swissquote undoubtedly offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments and state-of-the-art trading platforms that are designed to cater to the diverse trading needs of both novice and experienced traders. However, despite its many strengths, it falls short in terms of customer support, as it does not provide round-the-clock assistance, which can be a major drawback for traders who require immediate assistance during off-hours or in emergency situations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this information can help you make an informed decision about whether Swissquote is the right broker for you.

Market Instruments

Swissquote offers a wide range of market instruments for trading, including over 130 currency pairs, commodities, stock indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. As a well-established Swiss broker, Swissquote is able to offer trading on several Swiss-specific instruments, such as the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swissquote Group Holding Ltd. (SQN) stock, as well as access to other global exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE. With such a broad range of market instruments, traders of different experience levels can find suitable trading options that align with their trading strategies and investment goals.

Account Types

Swissquote offers a range of account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its clients. The primary account types available are the Premium Account, Prime Account, Elite Account and Professional Account. Each account type comes with distinct features and benefits, such as different minimum deposit requirements, leverage ratios, and spreads. The Premium Account requires a minimum deposit of 1,000 CHF or equivalent, while the Prime Accounts require a higher minimum deposit of 5,000 CHF or equivalent. The Elite and Professional accounts ask for the highest minimum deposit of 10,0000 CHF or equivalent.

The Standard Account provides clients with access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, stocks, options, futures, and bonds. The Premium Account, on the other hand, is designed for high-volume traders and offers lower spreads and commissions, as well as personalized service. The Prime Account is designed for institutional clients and provides them with a dedicated account manager, as well as access to exclusive liquidity and pricing.

Moreover, Swissquote also offers an Islamic Account, which is compliant with Sharia law and is available to clients who follow the Islamic faith.

Demo Trading

Swissquote offers a free demo account for clients to practice trading strategies and test out the broker's trading platforms without risking any real funds. The demo account provides users with virtual funds to trade on the same live markets as the actual trading accounts. The account comes with real-time pricing and charting tools, allowing traders to simulate trading conditions as closely as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for traders to get familiar with the broker's platforms and trading environment before committing any real money. Moreover, the demo account is ideal for both novice and experienced traders who want to try new trading strategies or test their current trading strategies without incurring any financial risk.

Overall, demo accounts are a valuable resource for any trader who wishes to sharpen their skills and become more proficient in their trading activities.

How to open an account with Swissquote？

1. Visit the Swissquote website and click on the “Open your Account” button.

1. Provide personal information, such as name, email, and phone number, along with a valid identification document, such as a passport or driver's license.

1. After the account is created and verified, the next step is to select the desired account type and deposit funds, such as Premium, Prime or Elite accounts.

2. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

3. Swissquote offers several convenient deposit methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and online payment services. Once the account is funded, traders can access the trading platforms, begin analyzing the markets, and placing trades on a variety of financial instruments.

Leverage

Swissquote offers variable leverage levels depending on the financial instrument and the account type. For forex trading, the maximum leverage available is typically 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients who meet certain criteria. For CFD trading on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage ranges from 1:10 to 1:5, depending on the underlying asset.

Always keep in mind that high leverage can significantly increase the potential gains, but it can also magnify the losses, so it's important to use it with caution and always keep in mind the risks involved.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Swissquote offers competitive spreads and commissions to its clients. The exact costs depend on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. The Premium Account has variable spreads, with the EUR/USD spread starting from 1.3 pips, while the Prime Account offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips. The Elite Account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips, but it requires a higher minimum deposit and trading volume. The professional accounts provide spreads from 0.0 pips too.

In terms of commissions, the Premium Account and Prime Account charge zero commission. The Elite Account and the Professional Account charge a commission of EUR2.5 per side per lot traded. Overall, Swissquote is often seen as competitive in terms of spreads and commissions when compared to other major brokers.

Below is a comparison table illustrating the spreads of EUR/USD, UK100, Gold, and Silver offered by Swissquote and three other brokers - FXTM, XM, and Plus500:

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are fees that Swissquote charges its clients for services that are not directly related to trading activities. Swissquote has a relatively low level of non-trading fees compared to other brokers. Swissquote does not charge deposit fees, but it charges withdrawal fees, which depend on the method used. Swissquote also charges an inactivity fee of CHF 50 per quarter if no trades have been made during the last six months. This fee is lower than the industry average, which is around $15 per month.

Besides, Swissquote also charges overnight swap fees, also known as rollover fees or financing fees, on positions that are held overnight. The amount of the fee depends on the currency pair, the size of the position, and the prevailing interest rates in the respective countries.

Trading Platform

Swissquote offers a range of trading platforms suitable for both beginner and advanced traders. Its flagship platform is the Advanced Trader, which is a user-friendly and customizable platform that provides access to multiple markets and a wide range of trading tools. Additionally, the broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, which are favored by many traders for their advanced charting capabilities and expert advisor features.

Advanced Trader

Swissquote Advanced Trader is a proprietary trading platform developed by Swissquote. It is a fully customizable platform designed to cater to the needs of professional traders. The platform offers advanced charting tools, a variety of technical indicators, and the ability to create and backtest trading strategies using the integrated programming language. Swissquote Advanced Trader also offers real-time news and market analysis to keep traders up-to-date with market events. The platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

Swissquote offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform to its clients, which is widely recognized in the industry for its reliability, speed, and advanced charting tools. MT4 is available for download on desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing traders to access their accounts and manage their trades from anywhere at any time. Swissquote also offers a range of customized tools and indicators, allowing traders to personalize their trading experience on the platform. Additionally, Swissquote provides free access to Autochartist, a popular technical analysis tool that helps traders identify potential trading opportunities.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Swissquote offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform to its clients, which is the successor to the popular MT4 platform. MT5 has several advanced features such as improved charting capabilities, additional order types, and an economic calendar. Clients can also use MT5's algorithmic trading capabilities through the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies. Swissquote's MT5 platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it easily accessible for traders on the go.

Here is a table comparing the trading platforms offered by Swissquote, IG, and IC Markets：

Deposit & Withdrawals

Swissquote offers two primary deposit methods: wire transfer and debit card deposit. With wire transfer, clients can make deposits in various currencies, but the process may take longer, typically taking one to two business days to reflect on their account. On the other hand, debit card deposits are processed faster, typically within a few minutes, and they are available in CHF, EUR, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, PLN, CZK, HUF and USD.

Minimum Deposit

Swissquote, a prominent brokerage firm in the financial market, has set its minimum deposit threshold at a noteworthy sum of CHF 1,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, which may be considered relatively high compared to other brokers in the industry.

Below is a comparison table depicting the minimum deposit prerequisites of Swissquote, Exness, and IG:

For withdrawals, Swissquote typically processes requests within one to two business days. Clients can withdraw funds using the same methods they used to deposit funds. However, it's important to note that some withdrawal methods may incur fees, so it's essential to check with the broker first before initiating a withdrawal request.

Customer Support

Swissquote offers customer support via various channels to ensure its clients receive timely and efficient assistance. Clients can reach Swissquote's customer support team via phone, email, and live chat, available during business hours. However, Swissquote's customer support is not available 24/7, which may be a disadvantage for clients who require immediate assistance outside of business hours. Nonetheless, the broker offers a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which provides answers to some common questions, and clients can also seek assistance by submitting a ticket through the website. In addition, Swissquote offers support in several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, to cater to its global client base.

Educational Resources

Swissquote offers a plethora of educational resources to help traders of all levels enhance their knowledge and skills. The broker provides various learning materials, including webinars, seminars, online courses, and e-books. Additionally, Swissquote offers market analysis and news to keep clients informed about the latest developments in the financial markets. This valuable information can help traders make informed decisions when executing their trades.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swissquote is a well-established and highly regulated forex broker offering a wide range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to security, transparency, and innovation, which has made it a preferred choice for traders looking for a reliable and trustworthy trading partner. While the broker's high minimum deposit requirement may be a challenge for some traders, its educational resources and excellent customer support help to offset this disadvantage.

FAQs

• Q: Is Swissquote a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Swissquote is regulated by several financial authorities, including the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK

• Q: What trading platforms are offered by Swissquote？

A: Swissquote offers several trading platforms, including the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, the Advanced Trader platform, and a mobile trading app.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote is $1000.

• Q: Does Swissquote offer a demo account？

A: Yes, Swissquote offers a free demo account with virtual funds for traders to practice trading strategies.

• Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds from my Swissquote account？

A: You can deposit and withdraw funds from your Swissquote account using wire transfer or debit card.