Our History

We've come a long way since our first data feed went live in 1997

From our roots in 1997 providing free currency exchange information over the internet to launching an award-winning global trading business, we work together to drive the future of currency data solutions and trading technology.

Co-founded by Dr. Stumm, a computer scientist and Dr. Olsen, an economist, the company was born out of the belief that the Internet and technology would open up the markets for both currency data and trading.

TMS - History

2020

Acquiring TMS Brokers

OANDA enters into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of leading Polish multi-asset class broker, Dom Maklerski TMS Brokers, creating a base from which to grow across the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

New leadership - History

2019

New leadership

Combining a deep-seated knowledge of financial technology with an unparalleled understanding of the trading sector, industry leader Gavin Bambury joins OANDA as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer.

The future is now - history

2018

The future is now

Introducing a new era for the firm, OANDA is acquired by CVC Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm that currently manages in excess of USD70 billion in assets around the world.

Market domination - History

2017

Market domination

We are named Singapore’s No. 1 FX Broker for the fourth year in a row by the Investment Trends 2017 Singapore CFD & FX Report. We also become one of the largest FX brokers operating in the US at the time.

Institutional-grade execution

2016

Institutional-grade execution

Having invested heavily in achieving institutional-grade execution, we launch a new state-of-the-art platform called V20. In the same year, we're named the world’s Best Retail FX Platform at FXWeek’s prestigious eFX awards.

Biggest FX broker in Japan

2015

Biggest FX broker in Japan

We become the largest foreign FX broker in Japan, and we also sided with our clients during the Swiss National Bank crisis.

Entering Australia - History

2014

Entering Australia

Having opened an office in Sydney, we are honoured with the Investment Trends Highest Overall Customer Satisfaction awards in the US, UK, Singapore and Australia. We also announce free developer access to fxTrade via a cutting-edge Rest API the same year.

Improved functionality -  History

2013

Improved functionality

We upgrade fxTrade mobile app with customisable charts, overlays, indicators and price alerts. OANDA announces a partnership with Autochartist, offering automated technical analysis.

Multi-asset broker - History

2012

Multi-asset broker

In 2012, we add several additional CFDs to our portfolio, enabling clients in certain markets to trade additional commodities, precious metals, indices and bonds. WIRED magazine adds us to the list of 10 Non-California Tech Companies You Wished You Worked For.

Global expansion - History

2011

Global expansion

A significant year for our global footprint, in 2011 we open a London office that acts as our European headquarters. Meanwhile, over in Asia, our partnership with MyGaika becomes OANDA Japan.

A mobile world - History

2010

A mobile world

We launch the first version of the fxTrade mobile app for IOS and Android, while also acquiring a majority stake in Japanese broker MyGaika in the same year.

An award-winning broker - History

2009

An award-winning broker

The first of many, in 2008 we win Treasury Today's Adam Smith Award and are named Best Trading Platform by World Finance.

International recognition - History

2008

International recognition

We are shortlisted in Euromoney’s 2008 Award for Excellence for Best Global Foreign Exchange House, earning special mention because the firm, “Has democratised FX in a way the banks simply have not.” The same year, Silicon Alley Insider ranks us among the world's top ten most valuable private digital start-ups alongside Facebook, Wikipedia and Mozilla.

Entering Asia

2007

Entering Asia

We receive USD100 million investment from venture capitalists and expand into the Asia-Pacific region for the first time, opening an office in Singapore.

Insightful market commentary - History

2006

Insightful market commentary

In 2006, we launch the first version of MarketPulse, which provides traders with in-depth insights into key events that could impact the markets. In the same year, several banks begin white-labelling our trading engine to support their own retail clients.

Bill of Rights - History

2005

Bill of Rights

We launch the Forex Trader’s Bill of Rights – a trading manifesto that outlines several key principals designed to make forex trading more transparent, efficient and fair.

Introducing pipettes - History

2004

Introducing pipettes

Creating greater pricing flexibility and further reducing spreads, we become the first broker to introduce fractional pips quoted to the fifth decimal place.

Automated trading technology - History

2003

Automated trading technology

A tech firm at heart, we develop an API for the fxTrade platform, enabling clients to automate their trading and hedging strategies.

Ongoing media attention - History

2002

Ongoing media attention

The Globe and Mail writes, ": A reliable and convenient FX calculator...This site is definitely worth a bookmark."

Changing the world - History

2001

Changing the world

In 2001, we launch a trading platform that helps pioneer the development of Internet-based currency trading around the world, enabling forex investors to trade the markets with as little as USD1.

A new millennium - History

2000

A new millennium

We offer FX conversion, localisation, decision support and forecasting services for corporate clients, surviving the Y2K bug thanks to our cutting-edge technology.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) - History

1999

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

Developed in conjunction with NOKIA, we launch one of the first Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) services in the world and also release our latest currency converter for AOL.

Accurate, reliable FX data - History

1998

Accurate, reliable FX data

Several tax authorities and leading audit firms around the world begin to subscribe to our corporate solution, OANDA Rates.

Revolutionising currency data - History

1997

Revolutionising currency data

In 1997, we become the first company to share exchange rate information on the Internet, free of charge. The same year, Time magazine reviews the firm, saying "Converting currencies can be unnerving...No more."

1996 History

1996

A new dawn

We are co-founded by Dr Michael Stumm, a professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, and Dr Richard Olsen of The Olsen Ltd, a leading econometric research and development firm. The company is incorporated in the state of Delaware.

Meet our leadership team

Our executive committee is responsible for driving company growth, empowering technological innovation and strengthening our reputation.

Media centre

Access executive bios, the latest company press releases and a library of useful downloads in our interactive media centre.

See what’s new

Catch up on the latest developments at OANDA, from recent appointments to platform enhancements and new trading features.