Is Go Markets Regulated by FINMA as of 2024?

Published :
Written by

Go Markets is a forex and CFD broker offering online trading services to traders and investors worldwide. The broker provides a diverse range of trading instruments, including Forex, Commodities, Metals, Indices, Shares, Cryptocurrencies, Treasuries, ETFs. It also supports multiple trading platforms and tools such as MT4, MT5, WebTrader,CTrader.

Go Markets is regulated by several authoritative bodies such as ASIC, FCA, JFSA, SFC (Hongkong), FSCA, MAS, FMA, GmbH, FINMA. However, Go Markets is not regulated by the FINMA ( The Financial Market Supervisory Authority). In this article, we will explore Go Markets’ regulations, and its features, and provide a list of alternative brokers that are regulated by FINMA.

Does Go Markets Operate Under FINMA?

No, Go Markets does not operate under FINMA (The Financial Market Supervisory Authority) regulation. However, the broker is regulated by several other reputable financial authorities including ASIC, FCA, JFSA, SFC (Hongkong), FSCA, MAS, FMA, GmbH, FINMA. These regulatory bodies ensure compliance with various standards for financial stability, transparency, and investor protection, though they do not provide the specific protections offered by the FINMA  in Switzerland.

What Other Regulations Does Go Markets Have?

FCA:

Go Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK under license number 684312. The FCA, established in 2013, is responsible for regulating financial markets and firms in the United Kingdom.

The FCA requires Go Markets to adhere to strict guidelines for financial conduct, including maintaining adequate capital, safeguarding client funds, and ensuring transparency in its operations. This includes keeping client money separate from company funds and providing regular financial reports. FCA regulation helps ensure that Go Markets operates securely and fairly, offering a high level of protection and trust for clients in the UK and across Europe.

ASIC:

Go Markets is regulated by ASIC under AFSL number 414530. Founded in July 1998, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s national corporate regulator, overseeing corporations, markets, and financial services in accordance with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001. Being based in Australia, ASIC regulation ensures that the broker complies with Australian laws on financial services, including responsible conduct, risk management, and financial reporting. Client money is kept in segregated accounts, and there is an emphasis on risk disclosure and trader protection.

FSA (Japan)

FSA regulation refers to the rules and oversight provided by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Established in 2000, the FSA supervises financial institutions including banks, insurance companies, and forex brokers to ensure the stability and fairness of Japan’s financial system. It works to protect investors and maintain confidence in the market.

Financial service providers, such as forex brokers, must be licensed by the FSA to operate in Japan. The FSA enforces strict standards on capital requirements, risk management, and transparency. It requires firms to segregate client funds to ensure their protection and implement robust measures to prevent financial misconduct. By enforcing these regulations, the FSA plays a key role in upholding market integrity and safeguarding investor interests.

SFC (Hongkong)

SFC regulation refers to the rules and oversight provided by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong. Established in 1989, the SFC regulates financial markets, including brokers, investment firms, and asset managers, to ensure a stable and transparent financial environment in Hong Kong.

To operate in Hong Kong, financial service providers, including forex brokers, must obtain a license from the SFC. The SFC enforces strict capital requirements, risk management standards, and transparency rules. It mandates that firms maintain segregated client accounts to protect investor funds and implement measures to combat financial misconduct. By overseeing these regulations, the SFC plays a crucial role in maintaining market integrity and safeguarding investor interests in Hong Kong.

FSB:

Go Markets is regulated by the Financial Services Board (FSB) of South Africa under license 

number 45052. The FSB, established in 1990, was the financial regulatory authority in South Africa responsible for overseeing non-banking financial institutions before being replaced by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in 2018.

Under FSB regulations, Go Markets was required to maintain strict standards, including holding adequate capital, protecting client funds by segregating them from company assets, and ensuring transparency through regular financial reporting. This regulation helped ensure that Go Markets operated securely and reliably, offering a safe trading environment for clients in South Africa.

MAS:

Go Markets is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under license number XYZ. MAS, founded in 1970, is the government body responsible for overseeing financial institutions in Singapore, ensuring financial stability and investor protection.

Under MAS regulation, Go Markets must follow strict rules, including maintaining enough capital, keeping client funds separate from company assets, and providing regular financial reports. MAS supervises forex trading and limits the maximum leverage to 1:20 to manage risk. Although there is no specific protection scheme, MAS’s oversight ensures that Go Markets operates safely and transparently. For more details, you can visit their website: http://www.mas.gov.sg.

FMA

Go Markets is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand under license number FSP493926. The FMA, established in 2011, is responsible for overseeing financial markets and ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient operations in New Zealand.

The FMA requires Go Markets to follow strict guidelines, including maintaining sufficient capital, protecting client funds by keeping them separate from company assets and providing regular financial reporting. This regulation ensures that Go Markets operates securely and fairly, offering a reliable and transparent trading environment for clients in New Zealand.

GmbH,

Go Markets operates under the regulatory framework of a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) in Germany, which translates to a company with limited liability. This legal structure provides important protections for shareholders and clients alike, ensuring that the company’s liabilities are limited to its assets.

As a GmbH, Go Markets must adhere to strict corporate governance standards, including maintaining adequate capital, ensuring transparency in its financial reporting, and complying with regulatory requirements specific to financial services. This structure not only enhances the trust and confidence of clients but also reinforces Go Markets’s commitment to operating with integrity and professionalism. The GmbH designation signals a commitment to regulatory compliance and sound business practices, ensuring that clients can trade with peace of mind in a secure environment.

FINMA:

Go Markets is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under its relevant license. FINMA, established in 2009, is Switzerland’s independent financial regulatory body responsible for supervising banks, insurance companies, and financial intermediaries to ensure the stability of financial markets.

FINMA requires Go Markets to comply with strict standards of financial security, including maintaining sufficient capital, protecting client funds by segregating them from company assets and ensuring transparent and accurate financial reporting. FINMA’s oversight ensures that Go Markets operates with integrity and reliability, providing a secure trading environment for clients in Switzerland.

Best FINMA Regulated Forex Brokers: Alternatives to Go Markets

Go Markets is one of the leading forex and CFD brokers. The broker is not regulated by FINMA. It is regulated by other top-tier regulators including ASIC, FCA, JFSA, SFC (Hongkong), FSCA, MAS, FMA, GmbH, FINMA. There are several FINMA  regulated brokers that can serve as alternatives to Go Markets. These brokers include: 

Affiliate Table: 5 FINMA-Regulated Forex Brokers

These brokers operate under FINMA regulation. According to FINMA rules, they offer leverage up to 30:1 and provide negative balance protection for retail traders. To learn more about FINMA-regulated forex brokers, you can read our content on the best FINMA -regulated forex brokers.


How Can I Verify If My Broker is regulated by FINMA or Not?

How Can I Verify If My Broker is FINMA Regulated?

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to verify if your broker is regulated by FINMA, with expanded paragraphs under each subheading:

1. Find the Broker’s Name:

The first step in verifying your broker’s regulatory status is identifying their legal name. This information is typically available on the broker’s official website under sections like “About Us” or “Legal Information.” Make sure you’re using the broker’s full legal name, not just the brand name, as companies often operate under multiple names or subsidiaries. Having the exact name ensures an accurate search when you look up their registration with FINMA.

2. Visit the FINMA Website:

Once you have the broker’s legal name, visit the official website of FINMA. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority maintains a public register where you can find all authorized institutions and individuals. This register is a reliable source for confirming the legitimacy of brokers and other financial institutions operating under FINMA’s supervision. You can access it through this link: FINMA Licensed Institutions and Persons Page.

3. Enter the Broker’s Name:

On the FINMA website, you will find a search bar designed for checking the authorization status of financial firms. Enter the broker’s full legal name in this search bar. Make sure you input the name exactly as it appears on the broker’s official website. A precise search is crucial to ensure you are checking the correct entity, as some brokers may have similar or overlapping names.

4. Select the Category:

To refine your search and get the most relevant results, choose the appropriate category from the drop-down menu. For forex brokers, you should select “Banks and Securities Firms” as the category. This narrows down the search to firms that are authorized to offer forex and other securities trading services under FINMA’s regulation. Selecting the right category helps avoid confusion with other types of financial service providers.

5. Check the Broker’s Information:

Once the results are displayed, examine the broker’s profile on the FINMA website. Compare the information provided by FINMA with what’s available on the broker’s website. Look for details like the broker’s full name, address, and license status. It’s important to confirm that the broker is authorized as a bank or securities firm by FINMA, as this is a key requirement for offering forex trading services in Switzerland. If the broker is not listed or does not hold the necessary license, you should be cautious, as they may not be legally allowed to provide forex services. In such cases, it’s advisable to avoid dealing with that broker

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)

What is Go Markets?

Established in 2006, GO Markets is an experienced and regulated Australian broker. It gives traders access to trade more than 1,000 forex and CFDs on its MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms. The broker’s GO Plus+ account comes with raw spreads and low commissions which is great for pro traders. Autochartist, Trading Central, free VPS, MetaTrader Genesis, market news, and analysis are provided.

Is Go Markets Considered Safe?

Yes, Go Markets is considered safe. Go Markets is not regulated by FINMA. However, The broker is regulated by other reputed regulatory authorities including ASIC, FCA, JFSA, SFC (Hongkong), FSCA, MAS, FMA, GmbH, FINMA. These regulations ensure strict compliance with industry standards and provide protection for client funds.

Written by

Jason Paine is a forex trader, researcher, and tech enthusiast. He is passionate about financial markets and cutting-edge technology. With a dynamic 16-year trading career, he's on a mission to guide fellow traders. Having navigated diverse forex brokers, Jason shares his insights at Brokersway to bridge the gap between traders and the right brokerage.

Disclosure:  At Brokersway we're committed to delivering unbiased information. our opinions are our own and are not influenced by the payment we receive from our advertising partners. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money.

Leave a Comment