GMO Trading review evaluates this now-rebranded European forex and CFD broker, formerly operated by Royal Forex Ltd under CySEC oversight. Previously targeting retail clients across the EU, GMO Trading offered leveraged trading on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies via a simple web-based platform. It has since transitioned operations to the “Royal” brand, with GMOTrading.com no longer active.

Regulation and Safety

GMO Trading was operated by Royal Forex Ltd, regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license number 269/15. During its operation, GMO Trading adhered to MiFID II standards, providing client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and access to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) covering up to €20,000 per eligible claimant. Although the brand is inactive, its regulatory entity remains licensed and operational under a different trading name.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

GMO Trading used a market maker execution model with no dealing desk (NDD) features advertised. It did not support MetaTrader platforms. Instead, clients used a proprietary web-based platform and mobile app focused on user-friendly execution and basic charting. No VPS or FIX API services were available. The platform catered mainly to beginner and intermediate retail traders, rather than institutional or high-frequency users.

Markets and Instruments

GMO Trading offered CFDs across more than 200 instruments, including:

• Forex (major and minor pairs)
• Indices (S&P 500, DAX 30, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225)
• Commodities (gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas)
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin)
• Shares (global stock CFDs)

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

Account types included Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, with benefits such as tighter spreads, dedicated support, and educational resources. Spreads started from 1.5 pips on major forex pairs in the Silver account and went as low as 0.7 pips on Platinum. No commissions were charged. Leverage was capped at 1:30 for retail clients under ESMA rules. Minimum deposits started from €250. Stop-out levels were set at 50%.

Funding and Base Currencies

Funding methods included credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, Skrill, and Neteller. Accepted base currencies were EUR, USD, and GBP. Deposits were processed within 24 hours, while withdrawals took 1–3 business days, subject to identity verification. GMO Trading did not charge internal deposit or withdrawal fees but third-party fees could apply.

Client Protections and Features

As a CySEC-regulated entity, GMO Trading offered negative balance protection, segregated client accounts, and ICF eligibility. SSL encryption, secure client portals, and compliance with EU data protection regulations were also enforced. Clients had access to basic market news, economic calendars, and one-on-one account manager support depending on account tier.

Institutional and Retail Offering

GMO Trading was a retail-only broker with no institutional services. It did not offer FIX API, white-label, or prime brokerage solutions. Its platform and account structure were geared toward newer traders seeking simplified access to leveraged CFD trading, primarily across Europe and the Middle East.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• CySEC-regulated with ICF coverage
• Simple web platform for beginner traders
• CFDs on forex, crypto, stocks, and commodities
• Multiple account tiers with custom support
• Negative balance protection enforced

Cons

• Brand is no longer active as GMO Trading
• No MetaTrader support or advanced tools
• Limited educational content and analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GMO Trading still operating?

No, GMOTrading.com is no longer active. The broker has transitioned to the Royal Forex brand, regulated by CySEC.

Was GMO Trading regulated?

Yes, GMO Trading was operated by Royal Forex Ltd, licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), license number 269/15.

What platforms did GMO Trading offer?

It offered a proprietary web-based trading platform and mobile app but did not support MT4 or MT5.

Was leverage available for retail traders?

Yes, leverage was capped at 1:30 for retail clients in accordance with ESMA regulations.

What happened to GMOTrading.com?

The website has been deactivated, and the broker’s services have been rebranded under the Royal Forex group.