Global Financial Market Review (GFM) is a dedicated online news aggregation portal specializing in financial market news and industry updates. It combines original editorials with curated content from global news providers, reaching over 14 million readers annually. With a focus on reliability and depth, GFM has positioned itself as a trusted source in the financial sector, boasting a strong social media presence with over 180,000 Twitter followers.
As part of its coverage of this huge and multi-disciplined industry, GFM has developed a series of Awards. Using a wide range of criteria such as Transparency, Corporate Governance, Sustainability, Volume of Transactions, Innovation, Fintech and Customer Service, the Awards have been developed to recognise companies and institutions who have achieved notable success in their respective fields. This, in turn, has become a standard for reliability, performance and security within the financial community.
For the 2nd Week of October 2026, GFM Review's judging panel is proud to award the following institutions:
Future Forex SA (Pty) Ltd
Future Forex is a South African financial services company focused on international payments and foreign exchange. Its cross-border service supports individuals and businesses transferring money into or out of the country, combining an online platform and automated tools with assistance from account managers. The company also provides exchange-control and compliance guidance as part of the transfer process. It says it has processed more than R80 billion across over 260,000 foreign exchange transactions, serving individuals and small and medium-sized businesses seeking alternatives to traditional bank transfers. The company's approach connects digital tools with personal support, while its work to simplify international payments is relevant to the Best Cross-Border Payment Solution 2026 award. Its development of technology-led financial services also aligns with Best FinTech Innovation 2026. These awards recognize the importance of reducing friction in cross-border transactions and making the process more accessible to customers. Future Forex reports that it holds South African financial services and foreign exchange intermediary registrations, and has also obtained a Crypto Asset Service Provider licence. Its stated focus on transparency, compliance and customer assistance provides context for its role in the country's fintech sector.
X8 Investimentos
X8 Investimentos is a Brazilian investment manager focused on private equity and growth equity. The firm reports more than a decade of experience building and exiting companies. Its first fund, FIP BROPP 1, is fully realized; X8 reports a 32.3 percent gross internal rate of return, a 26.0 percent net internal rate of return and a 4.4 times multiple on invested capital. One portfolio exit was the sale of Mae Terra to Unilever Brasil. The team also reports more than 900 transactions and over 100 exits. X8's 8th Wave Fund invests in revenue-generating businesses connected to the blue economy, including marine renewable energy, circular economy, maritime infrastructure and logistics, marine technology, blue food and sustainable tourism. Its investment approach pairs minority stakes with an impact focus on ocean health, including support for Voz dos Oceanos and collaboration with marine scientist Alexander Turra. The Best Portfolio Management Firm 2026 and Best Investment Strategy 2026 awards recognize the management and investment approach represented by this record and thematic fund. The supplied award titles also reference Europe and Brazil, while the company's stated focus is Brazilian and Latin American markets.
About GFM Review
Global Financial Market Review (GFM) is an online news portal that is focused on the financial industry. It has been developed to deliver informative and independent news from around the world. The articles on GFM are both sourced from a number of independent news sources as well as written in-house. This is reflected in the quality and insight that the portal delivers to readers. GFM readership is comprised of decision makers from global businesses including FT100 and Fortune 500 companies as well as high net worth individuals.