About GFT: History of GFT

Click the arrows above to scroll through our company timeline, from 1997 to now.

Global Forex Trading (GFT), Division of Global Futures & Forex, Ltd., was founded in 1997 by Gary L. Tilkin. GFT was created to address the increasing number of foreign currency trading demands Tilkin's clients had in the futures and spot forex markets. Tilkin also formed GFT to bring integrity in products and improved customer service to forex customers, an emerging market for individual speculation.

GFT's founding principles were aimed at creating the best technological infrastructure and forex trading software while delivering the best possible customer services. Its management team identified that the union between forex and the Internet would create a niche market ideal for individual forex speculators. The combination resulted in a new generation of brokerage firms competing for customers who demanded speed, accuracy and accountability in pursuit of forex pricing and trading.

While many other forex firms focused on developing a forex market and high-cost trading programs, GFT concentrated on building and perfecting forex trading software, technology and tools. Traders needed fast, accurate delivery of currency prices in order to make informed trading decisions on fast-moving forex markets, but most software had failed to keep up with the pace. GFT's turning point happened shortly after building its own proprietary forex trading platform followed by discontinuing its use of third-party software that did not meet its performance standards.

At the same time it leveraged relationships with experienced forex professionals, GFT employed a team of experts in software development to create a forex trading platform like no other. During this time, GFT's proprietary trading software platform for forex traders was called DealBook® FX, and it became validated by forex users around the world in 2001. Winning several industry awards, DealBook® FX led to GFT’s recognition as a world-leader in online forex trading by the end of 2001.

GFT's trading platform is unique because it's powered using many of the same tools once only available to interbank professionals, many of which GFT offers for free to its customers. Bundled into one program, the platform delivers resources such as real-time currency prices, real-time price charting, technical indicators and up-to-the-minute world and financial news. In 2003, GFT introduced a second generation of its software, DealBook® FX 2. In addition, GFT introduced DealBook® Mobile, a full-featured forex trading application for mobile devices. In 2007, GFT introduced DealBook® WEB, an easy-to-use web-based platform for streamlined trading. All of these products bolstered GFT’s reputation as a technology innovator.

In addition to software, another backbone of GFT's online currency trading services is found in its investment in technology. Traders who use GFT achieve maximum security and reliability to get the information needed for instant results. Its systems utilize a fast order execution and trading structure supported by multiple, redundant server clusters, Internet connections and backup power systems.

Serving customers in 100 countries worldwide, GFT also works with referring parties that introduce new traders to GFT and its services. GFT also offers private "white labeling" of its software for companies who are looking to build their own brand in the market. The key to GFT's popularity with independent affiliates is its ability to deliver reliable, competitive currency pricing* and quality in its products and services.

Top

Next: Management Team Biographies

Request More Information

*Click here to see our spread chart.