Updated on January 3, 2024
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In our rigorous review process, a team of seasoned financial specialists, boasting more than 20 years of experience in Forex trading, carries out an exhaustive evaluation of various trading services. Our team delves deep into the investigation of fees, assesses the trading platforms, and verifies adherence to regulatory standards. We also interact directly with customer support and conduct actual trades to gain a real-world understanding of the trading conditions. This comprehensive approach enables us to provide informed insights and advice on why we recommend avoiding GCG Asia due to the issues we've identified.
Is GCG Asia Scam or Legit Broker? ▲
Guardian Capital AG, also known as GCG Asia, emerges as a dubious entity in the realm of Forex brokerage. The fundamental absence of any form of licensing from globally recognized and serious Forex regulatory bodies casts a large shadow of doubt over its operations. This missing regulatory oversight implies that GCG Asia has not undergone the rigorous checks typically required for compliance and operational safety before commencing its operations. Consequently, without any form of monitoring or adherence to standard regulatory frameworks, GCG Asia possesses unfettered freedom in its business dealings, raising significant concerns about its legitimacy and the safety of its trading environment.
Guardian Capital AG, trading under the moniker GCG Asia, positions itself as a premier platform offering services in online foreign exchange (FX) trading, CFD trading, among other related financial services. The firm alleges to operate under the stringent supervision of FINMA, suggesting that it is a regulated entity. However, a closer examination and verification efforts reveal a startling contradiction; GCG Asia is notably absent from the list of FINMA-regulated brokers. Instead, it finds a place on the regulator's warning list, a stark indicator of its questionable operations.
The claim by GCG Asia of being located in Zurich, Switzerland, and operating under Guardian Capital AG, does not reconcile with the fact that it lacks the requisite licensing from the local Swiss authority. The issuance of a warning against GCG Asia by the Swiss regulator in March 2019 serves as a glaring red flag. Moreover, the additional warning by Swiss Bank Dukascopy underscores the severity of the situation. Dukascopy Bank has publicly disavowed any association with GCG Asia, despite the latter's fraudulent claims of a partnership. This misuse of Dukascopy's name and logo for attracting clients, without permission, has prompted legal action from Dukascopy Bank, emphasizing the need for extreme caution towards GCG Asia.
The culmination of our findings strongly advises traders and investors to steer clear of GCG Asia along with other brokers lacking proper regulation. The void of crucial information regarding GCG Asia's regulatory status, trading conditions, and even basic contact details, serves as a significant warning signal for anyone considering investment with this entity. Typically, entities that operate in such an opaque manner are involved in investment scams, thus jeopardizing the safety of investor funds.
Despite the discovery that GCG Asia's website is currently inactive, indicating a cessation of its trading services, we persist in our recommendation to avoid engaging with or investing in this broker. The potential for resurgence or engagement in proposals under different guises remains a pertinent risk, urging continued vigilance and caution. Investors are better served trading with brokers that are thoroughly regulated by reputable authorities, such as those in the UK or Australia, where platforms like XM and Exness represent safer and more reliable alternatives for trading activities.
When considering alternatives, brokers like Interactive Brokers, City Index, and AvaTrade stand out. They not only offer the security of stringent regulation but also bring to the table comprehensive trading solutions that can meet the needs of both novice and seasoned traders.