Is Go Markets Regulated by the MAS as of 2024

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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 MAS ( Monetary Authority of Singapore). In this article, we will explore Go Markets’ regulations, and its features, and provide a list of alternative brokers that are regulated by MAS.

Does Go Markets Operate Under MAS?

No, Go Markets does not operate under MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) 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 MAS in Singapore.

What Other Regulations Does Go Markets Have?

FCA:

Go Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. 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 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. 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). 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: https://www.mas.gov.sg.

FMA

Go Markets is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand. 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). 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 MAS Regulated Forex Brokers: Alternatives to Go Markets

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

Affiliate Table: 5 MAS-Regulated Forex Brokers

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


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

To verify if your broker, such as Go Markets, is regulated by the MAS, follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain the Broker’s License Number or Name

The first step in verifying whether a broker is MAS-regulated is to gather the necessary details from the broker’s official website. Look for the broker’s licensed or reference number, which is typically listed in the footer, legal section, or “About Us” page. If the license number is not available, the broker’s name can also be used for verification. Having the correct license number or name ensures a more accurate search when checking the broker’s regulatory status.

Step 2: Search the MAS Financial Institutions Directory

Once you have the broker’s license number or name, visit the official MAS Financial Institutions Directory at https://eservices.mas.gov.sg/fid. Enter the license number or the broker’s name into the search bar and hit enter. This directory contains all MAS-regulated entities, and your search results should show the broker’s profile if they are indeed regulated. This step is critical for confirming that the broker you are considering operates legally under MAS oversight.

Step 3: Check License Type and Status

After locating the broker in the MAS directory, carefully review their profile. Look specifically for the license type and status to ensure that the broker is authorized to offer the services you need. If you are trading forex, verify that the broker is licensed to provide “Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts for Leveraged Forex Trading” under “Dealing in Capital Markets Products.” This step confirms that the broker has the necessary permissions to legally offer forex trading and other related financial products.

Step 4: Verify Broker Contact Details

Another essential step is to ensure that the contact details listed on the MAS website match those provided by the broker on their own site. Pay close attention to details such as the broker’s website URL, email address, and phone number. If the contact details differ, it could indicate that you are dealing with an unauthorized broker or a clone firm that is pretending to be MAS-regulated. Verifying these details helps protect you from potential scams or unauthorized firms.

Step 5: Stay Away from Unlisted Brokers

If you cannot find the broker in the MAS directory, this is a red flag. Brokers that are not listed are likely unauthorized, and trading with them can put your funds at serious risk. Unauthorized brokers often operate without regulatory oversight, meaning they may not adhere to client fund protection rules, leaving your investments exposed. Always stay away from brokers that are not listed in the MAS directory to ensure your money remains safe.

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. Though Go Markets is not regulated by MAS, it 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.

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