GFI Group Builds Next Generation Trading Infrastructure with Violin Memory

Cutting edge technology to increase speed and data storage

New York, May 21, 2013GFI Group Inc. (NYSE: “GFIG”), a leading provider of wholesale brokerage, electronic execution and trading support products for global financial markets announced it will deploy Flash Memory Arrays from Violin Memory to increase the speed and capacity of its trading platforms across all assets classes.

Replacing spinning disks with solid state storage is part of a larger project GFI is implementing to prepare its electronic trading infrastructure for its planned Futures Exchange “DCM” and Swap Execution Facility “SEF”.

Jerry Dobner, Chief Technology Officer at GFI Group said, “We looked to increase the speed, capacity, and density of our shared data storage platform and turned to Violin Memory to assist us. By embracing this new technology, our clients will benefit from faster transaction speeds and a highly scalable electronic trading infrastructure”

                                                                     

We are excited about GFI’s choice of Violin Memory, as it continues to prove that purpose built memory based solutions are the next step in IT infrastructure evolution”, said Don Basile, CEO of Violin Memory. “Real time information access is today’s reality and Violin is building solutions to enable organizations like GFI, which rely on timely information access, to achieve their business goals.

Violin Memory delivers storage at the speed of memory, accelerating business critical applications and enabling fully virtualized and optimized IT infrastructures.  Violin’s Flash Memory Arrays are all-silicon shared storage systems built from the ground up to harness the full power of flash memory and deliver industry leading performance and ultra-low data access latencies. With support for latencies in the 100s of microseconds sustained and 1 Million IOPS in a single 3 Rack Unit (RU) form factor, Violin is driving economics through performance.

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About GFI Group Inc.

GFI Group Inc. (NYSE: “GFIG”) is a leading provider of wholesale brokerage services, clearing services, electronic execution and trading support products for global financial markets. GFI Group Inc. provides brokerage services, market data, trading platform and analytics software products to institutional clients in markets for a range of fixed income, financial, equity and commodity instruments.

Headquartered in New York, GFI was founded in 1987 and employs more than 2,100 people with additional offices in London, Paris, Nyon, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Cape Town, Santiago, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Dubai, Dublin, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles and Sugar Land (TX). GFI Group Inc. provides services and products to over 2,600 institutional clients, including leading investment and commercial banks, corporations, insurance companies and hedge funds. Its brands include GFISM, GFInet®, CreditMatch®, GFI ForexMatch®, EnergyMatch®, FENICS®, Starsupply®, Amerex®, Trayport® and Kyte®.

About Violin Memory, Inc.

Violin Memory is pioneering a new class of high-performance flash-based storage systems that are designed to bring storage performance in-line with high-speed applications, servers and networks. Violin Flash Memory Arrays are specifically designed at each level of the system architecture starting with memory and optimized through the array to leverage the inherent capabilities of flash memory and meet the sustained high-performance requirements of business critical applications, virtualized environments and Big Data solutions in enterprise data centers. Specifically designed for sustained performance with high reliability, Violin’s Flash Memory Arrays can scale to hundreds of terabytes and millions of IOPS with low, predictable latency. Founded in 2005, Violin Memory is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information about Violin Memory products, visit www.vmem.com.

Forward-looking statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “might,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of GFI Group Inc. (the “Company”) and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: economic, political and market factors affecting trading volumes; securities prices or demand for the Company’s brokerage services; competition from current and new competitors; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel, including highly-qualified brokerage personnel; the Company’s ability to identify and develop new products and markets; changes in laws and regulations governing the Company’s business and operations or permissible activities; the Company’s ability to manage its international operations; financial difficulties experienced by the Company’s customers or key participants in the markets in which the Company focuses its brokerage services; the Company’s ability to keep up with technological changes; uncertainties relating to litigation and the Company’s ability to assess and integrate acquisition prospects. Further information about factors that could affect the Company’s financial and other results is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For any queries or additional information please contact:

Patricia Gutierrez
Vice President – Public Relations
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Tel: (212) 968 2964
Mob: (646) 717 4379
patricia.gutierrez@gfigroup.com

Eastwick
Jayne Scuncio
415.820. 4164
violin@eastwick.com

GFI Group Acquires Team from Phoenix Partners Group

Economies of Scale and Seamless Integration expected

New York, May 8, 2013 – GFI Group Inc. (NYSE: “GFIG”) announced today that it has agreed to acquire certain assets of Phoenix Partners Group, an independent interdealer broker operating mainly in the international credit and equity markets. As part of the transaction, GFI will be taking on approximately 32 brokers (divided between New York and London offices) and additional operational and management staff.

Headquartered in New York with an additional office in London, Phoenix Partners Group provides a range of intermediary services to a largely institutional, financial client base, in credit and equities. In credit, Phoenix follows a hybrid business model, combining voice broking with electronic execution.

Colin Heffron, CEO GFI Group, commenting on today’s announcement, said: “We are very pleased to welcome the team from Phoenix Partners into GFI Group. Nick Stephan and Marcos Brodsky and their team share with us the same commitment to providing customers with an execution model that allows for experienced brokers to work hand in hand with the most sophisticated trading technology. This transaction presents numerous synergies and opportunities that we look forward to executing alongside our new colleagues”.

Nick Stephan, CEO of Phoenix Partners Group said: “This is an exciting moment for our team. We are very happy to be joining GFI, who has a highly focused business model and a firm belief in the critical role experience and technology provide. GFI is an innovator in the brokerage space and we will work to contribute to expanding its presence in the market”.

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About GFI Group Inc.

GFI Group Inc. (NYSE: “GFIG”) is a leading provider of wholesale brokerage services, clearing services, electronic execution and trading support products for global financial markets. GFI Group Inc. provides brokerage services, market data, trading platform and analytics software products to institutional clients in markets for a range of fixed income, financial, equity and commodity instruments.

Headquartered in New York, GFI was founded in 1987 and employs more than 2,100 people with additional offices in London, Paris, Nyon, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Cape Town, Santiago, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Dubai, Dublin, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles and Sugar Land (TX). GFI Group Inc. provides services and products to over 2,600 institutional clients, including leading investment and commercial banks, corporations, insurance companies and hedge funds. Its brands include GFISM, GFInet®, CreditMatch®, GFI ForexMatch®, EnergyMatch®, FENICS®, Starsupply®, Amerex®, Trayport® and Kyte®.

Forward-looking statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “might,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of GFI Group Inc. (the “Company”) and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: economic, political and market factors affecting trading volumes; securities prices or demand for the Company’s brokerage services; competition from current and new competitors; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel, including highly-qualified brokerage personnel; the Company’s ability to identify and develop new products and markets; changes in laws and regulations governing the Company’s business and operations or permissible activities; the Company’s ability to manage its international operations; financial difficulties experienced by the Company’s customers or key participants in the markets in which the Company focuses its brokerage services; the Company’s ability to keep up with technological changes; uncertainties relating to litigation and the Company’s ability to assess and integrate acquisition prospects. Further information about factors that could affect the Company’s financial and other results is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For any queries or additional information please contact:

Patricia Gutierrez
Vice President – Public Relations
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Tel: (212) 968 2964
Mob: (646) 717 4379
patricia.gutierrez@gfigroup.com

Fenics And E.SUN Commercial Bank Agree To Extend Use Of Fenics Professional™

Premier Taiwanese bank to extend roll-out of market-leading FX options system

New York, May 6, 2013 – FENICS® Software Ltd, a GFI Group Inc. (NYSE:”GFIG”) company, announced today that E.SUN Commercial Bank Ltd., a leading Taiwanese Commercial Bank, has extended its license for the use of FENICS Professional™.

FENICS Professional provides E.SUN Commercial Bank with capabilities such as volatility surface management, Internal RFQ (request for quotes) and automatic term sheet generation. The bank has been a customer of FENICS® since 2004.

“We are very proud that E.SUN Commercial Bank has chosen to expand their usage of our software and renew its contract with us for the use of FENICS Professional. Our excellent relationship with the bank goes back almost 10 years”, said Elliott Hann, Commercial Director of FENICS, and added, “This is an exciting time for us as we continue to bring new and innovative capabilities to market through our FENICS Professional service”.

Mr. Peter Shih, Executive Vice President & General Manager, at E.SUN Commercial Bank Treasury Division commented: “E.SUN Commercial Bank encourages innovation in all areas and FENICS Professional fits our strategy in helping to streamline procedures and support innovation in our Foreign Exchange products. E SUN Commercial Bank is pleased to expand and continue this long standing partnership with FENICS”.

Headquartered in Taipei, E.SUN Commercial bank was founded in 1989 under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Yung-Jen Huang and commenced operations in 1992. The passage of the Financial Holding Company Law in 2001 paved the way for birth of E.SUN Financial Holding Company Ltd, on January 28, 2002. E.SUN Commercial Bank provides complete financial services inclusive of corporate, personal, wealth management, credit card, and treasury division.

FENICS Professional is a suite of pricing, trading, risk management and STP (straight-through processing) components allowing customers to control, monitor and oversee a comprehensive range of FX option trading and lifecycle management from one single interface.

FENICS has been providing leading FX derivatives software since 1987. Its products are licensed to over 350 institutions worldwide with thousands of users benefiting from its solutions. Clients include banks, multinational corporations, brokers, and hedge funds.

 

About FENICS®

FENICS® Software Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of GFI Group Inc., a leading provider of wholesale brokerage services and trading support products in a multitude of global cash and derivatives markets.

FENICS has more than 25 years’ experience of providing intuitive price discovery software to currency derivative markets. Its ability to deliver powerful and accurate price discovery and revaluation is enhanced by GFI’s presence as an important independent intermediary in OTC markets. FENICS analytics is supported with an abundance of independent market data sourced directly from GFI’s trading systems. FENICS’ leading foreign exchange option pricing and analysis tool is licensed for use at over 350 client sites worldwide. FENICS operates from offices in London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney.

Forward-looking statement

Certain matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “might,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of GFI Group Inc. (the “Company”) and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: economic, political and market factors affecting trading volumes; securities prices or demand for the Company’s brokerage services; competition from current and new competitors; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel, including highly-qualified brokerage personnel; the Company’s ability to identify and develop new products and markets; changes in laws and regulations governing the Company’s business and operations or permissible activities; the Company’s ability to manage its international operations; financial difficulties experienced by the Company’s customers or key participants in the markets in which the Company focuses its brokerage services; the Company’s ability to keep up with technological changes; uncertainties relating to litigation and the Company’s ability to assess and integrate acquisition prospects. Further information about factors that could affect the Company’s financial and other results is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For any queries or additional information please contact:

Patricia Gutierrez
Vice President – Public Relations
GFI Group Inc.
55 Water Street, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Tel: (212) 968 2964
Mob: (646) 717 4379
patricia.gutierrez@gfigroup.com