Focus Markets vs GMG Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or GMG Markets?
Our pick: GMG Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - GMG Markets looks preferable to Focus Markets.
GMG Markets scored 4/5 and ranks 56 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is GMG Markets suitable for?
GMG Markets suits active Forex traders and scalpers who value FCA regulation, MT5, and low spreads; however, it may feel restrictive for investors and stock enthusiasts.
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and GMG Markets
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2015 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | Focus Markets Review | GMG Markets Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
GMG Markets Review
GMG Markets is a niche broker primarily designed for active FX traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who only need two well-optimized accounts. The MT5 platform provides a comprehensive toolkit for both manual and automated trading, Autochartist supplements basic technical analysis, and 24/5 support responds swiftly and effectively.
This broker is ideal for those who appreciate transparent fees, swift fund withdrawals, and FCA regulation but do not require an extensive product lineup or copy trading services. Novice traders can test the live markets and undergo basic training via webinars, whereas professionals can access leverage up to 1:200 under Pro status. Investors, diversification enthusiasts, or those needing a multitude of platforms and services might be better served by more versatile providers.
Pros and Cons of GMG Markets
Pros
- Robust regulation — FCA license, segregated accounts, FSCS protection.
- Transparent fee structure — Standard account with zero commission, Raw account with zero spreads and fixed fee.
- MT5 + Autochartist — comprehensive desktop, web, and mobile platforms, algorithm support, integrated chart pattern scanner.
- VPS hosting — complimentary with required monthly turnover.
- 24/5 tech support — chat, phone, and e-mail typically respond within minutes.
Cons
- Limited instrument selection — only Forex, a few indices, and commodities.
- Single platform offering — no MT4, cTrader, TradingView, or proprietary web terminal.
- No e-wallets or cryptocurrencies available for transactions.
- Investor services are lacking — no copy trading, PAMM, contests, or comprehensive fundamental analysis.
GMG Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2015 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
GMG Markets
Since 2016 under FCA oversight, GMG Markets holds client funds in segregated accounts and qualifies for FSCS protection.
Pros
- FCA License — Tier-1 regulator
- Funds segregation + FSCS compensation up to £85,000
- STP/NDD model without dealer intervention
Cons
- Single jurisdiction (FCA), no additional licenses
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
GMG Markets
GMG Markets onboarding is quick and efficient: registration takes 5–7 minutes, with verification under 1 business day.
Pros
- Online registration in 5–7 minutes
- Document verification within 1 day
Cons
- Detailed KYC form
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
GMG Markets
Only two main accounts — Standard and Raw Spread — cater to basic requirements, but the absence of cent or fixed-spread accounts, copy trading, PAMM, and contest services limits variety.
Pros
- Commission-free Standard, and zero-spread Raw account
- Islamic account and spread-betting options for niche segments
- Complimentary VPS with required turnover
Cons
- No cent/fixed-spread account
- Lack of copy trading, PAMM, contests
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $3.5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
GMG Markets
GMG Markets offers a transparent fee structure: one account includes all charges within the spread, while another charges a small fee with a minimal spread. Deposits and withdrawals are free, no inactivity fee is applied, though swaps are slightly above average.
Pros
- No inactivity fees
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Swaps are above average
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
GMG Markets
Card and bank transfers are swift and fee-free, but the absence of e-wallets and cryptocurrencies limits options.
Pros
- Commission-free transactions
- Instant card funding
Cons
- No e-wallets
- No cryptocurrencies
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 64 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 13 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 3 |
| Indices | 8 | 17 |
| Stocks | 500 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | - |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
GMG Markets
The instrument range is limited: primarily currency pairs, indices, and commodities; with no stocks, cryptocurrencies, or a broad commodity selection, diversification falls short compared to competitors.
Pros
- 64 currency pairs
- Major indices and metals
Cons
- No CFDs on stocks
- No cryptocurrencies
- Limited commodity selection
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
GMG Markets
The sole available platform, MT5, offers rich functionality, but the lack of alternatives reduces flexibility.
Pros
- Fully featured MT5
- Desktop, web, and mobile applications
Cons
- No MT4, cTrader, TradingView
- Essentially a single platform option
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
GMG Markets
Autochartist and a daily news feed provide basic analysis, but the lack of proprietary research and in-depth fundamental analysis diminishes overall utility.
Pros
- Complimentary Autochartist
- Market news
Cons
- No proprietary research
- Weak fundamental analysis
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
GMG Markets
The foundational materials (webinars, articles, videos) are sufficient for beginners, but for in-depth learning and advanced coursework, external resources may be needed.
Pros
- Regular free webinars
- Novice-oriented article base
- Recordings available 24/7
Cons
- No advanced courses
- No podcasts or multilingual programs
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | GMG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
|
|
| Hotline Phones | — |
|
| Social Media | — |
Facebook
LinkedInFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
GMG Markets
The broker provides 24/5 support via chat, phone, and e-mail, with responses typically within minutes.
Pros
- Online chat and phone support 24/5
- Rapid response
- Competent representatives
Cons
- No weekend support
- Delays during peak demand
Comparisons of Focus Markets and GMG Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
GMG Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
GMG Markets scored 4/5 and ranks 56 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or GMG Markets?
GMG Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4/5, position 56) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or GMG Markets?
GMG Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or GMG Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and GMG Markets?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. GMG Markets: MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and GMG Markets?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. GMG Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and GMG Markets?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. GMG Markets: Standard, RAW Spread. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and GMG Markets?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. GMG Markets: Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or GMG Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
