Before investing your funds, the most important step is to thoroughly understand the broker you choose. Guangfa Securities (GF Securities) is well-known in the Chinese-speaking market, but what kind of company is it really? Is your money truly safe here? Let’s start by examining its background.
Key Insight: Choosing a broker is like selecting a business partner, the three foundational pillars are background strength, regulatory licenses, and fund security. GF Securities, as a long-established large broker, has inherent advantages in these areas, but the details still require careful examination.
Guangfa Securities Co., Ltd. was established in 1991 and is one of China’s first comprehensive securities companies. After more than thirty years of development, it has become an industry giant. Currently, Guangfa Securities has over 300 branches nationwide and a subsidiary in Hong Kong, with a broad business footprint.
In terms of scale and history, Guangfa Securities is undoubtedly a well-established large broker. It has weathered multiple bull and bear markets and remains standing, which itself is a testament to its strength. For investors who prefer stability and value brand reputation, such a background provides a sense of security.
This is the core concern for all investors. Guangfa Securities is primarily regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the most authoritative financial regulatory body in mainland China. Meanwhile, its Hong Kong operations (GF Securities (Hong Kong) Brokerage Limited) are regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Fund Security Mechanisms:
In summary, regarding compliance and fund security, Guangfa Securities has well-established protective measures. As long as you open an account and trade through official channels, the risk to your funds is extremely low.
After covering the background, the next practical question is—money. Trading costs directly impact your investment returns, so how competitive are Guangfa Securities’ fees in the market?
Guangfa Securities’ commission structure varies depending on region, asset size, and trading activity. Generally, the fee standards are as follows:
| Trading Market | Standard Commission Rate | Minimum Fee | Notes |
| A-Shares (Shanghai & Shenzhen) | Approximately 0.025% | Typically RMB 5 | Negotiable with the account manager; clients with large capital or frequent trading may receive discounts |
| Hong Kong Stocks | Approximately 0.05% – 0.25% | Typically HKD 100 | Fees may vary depending on the account opening channel (online/offline) |
Note: The above data reflects general market levels. Please confirm the actual commissions with your account manager when opening an account. Compared with some internet brokers that promote zero commissions, Guangfa Securities’ fees are not the lowest in the market, but its advantage lies in comprehensive services and strong research capabilities.
In addition to trading commissions, you should also pay attention to the following potential costs:
To save on trading costs with Guangfa Securities, you can try the following methods:
In the mobile internet era, a good trading app is at the core of broker services. Guangfa Securities’ main app is “Guangfa Yitaojin”. So how does it actually perform?
The interface design of “Guangfa Yitaojin” follows the traditional financial institution style, with a clear layout and comprehensive information. However, compared with newer internet brokers, it may appear slightly conservative in visual appeal and interactive innovation. For seasoned users accustomed to traditional broker software, it is very easy to get started. For beginners, it may take some time to become familiar with its wide range of functional modules.
Based on overall market feedback, we have summarized the following pros and cons:
Based on the above analysis, let’s summarize Guangfa Securities’ overall performance in the most straightforward way.
This is Guangfa Securities’ most notable moat. Its research team is highly regarded in the industry and delivers in-depth, forward-looking analysis reports. For investors who seek more than just trading and want to deeply understand the market and companies, this service is extremely valuable.
Although not the lowest in the market, Guangfa Securities’ commissions offer strong room for negotiation for investors with a certain level of capital. Combined with its comprehensive services, its fee structure delivers considerable value for money.
Compared with tech brokers like Futu and Tiger, “Guangfa Yitaojin” falls short in user experience, community interaction, and product innovation. If you are a user seeking a cutting-edge trading experience and social features, you may find it not “cool” enough.
As a large institution, Guangfa Securities’ customer service processes are relatively standardized. During peak hours, phone support may require waiting in line. Compared with some internet brokers that offer 24/7 online customer service, its flexibility and immediacy are somewhat weaker.
Returning to the initial question: “How is Guangfa Securities really?”
This article has provided a comprehensive review across multiple dimensions, including company safety, fees, app experience, and overall pros and cons. Guangfa Securities is a powerful, secure, and reliable traditional large broker with strong research capabilities. It may not be the trendiest option or the one with the lowest commissions in the market, but what it offers is a stable and professional comprehensive value.
Decision Recommendation:
The final decision is in your hands. The best approach is to download the app and try out the interface yourself before making a choice, and even consult their account managers about the latest commission policies, so you can make a decision that best fits your investment style.
Not complicated. Guangfa Securities now fully supports online account opening, and the process is very convenient. You typically only need to prepare your identification documents (such as ID card or passport) and a bank card under your name. The entire process takes about 10–15 minutes. Simply follow the app’s instructions to upload documents and complete a video verification. Once approved, you can start using the account.
Guangfa Securities is a comprehensive broker, mainly supporting markets including A-shares in mainland China (Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange) and Hong Kong stocks on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Some high-net-worth clients, or those trading through its Hong Kong subsidiary, may also be able to access US and other overseas markets. It is recommended to confirm specific permissions during the account opening process.
This is a relative question. For beginners, Guangfa Securities’ advantages lie in its extensive investor education resources and professional research reports, which can help establish proper investment concepts. However, the complexity of its app and slightly higher commission threshold may not be very beginner-friendly for those just starting out with smaller capital. It is recommended that beginners keep it as an option while also comparing internet brokers that offer simpler interfaces and lower commissions.
Very convenient. Guangfa Securities supports third-party custody or bank–broker transfer arrangements with many major banks. During trading hours, funds can be transferred in real time, with fast arrival speed and high security. Both deposit and withdrawal operations can be completed directly within its trading app, making the entire process smooth and convenient.
