Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.

What is ACY Securities？

ACY Securities is a multi-financial broker regulated by the Commonwealth of Australia Regulatory Authority (AUS) in Australia. Since 2011, the company has relied on its keen insight into the market, effective demand management, client-oriented & advanced technology, and perfect educational resources to help more institutional participants and retail traders integrate into the ever-changing financial derivatives industry.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

ACY Securities offers a comprehensive trading experience with access to multiple assets through the industry-standard MT4/MT5 platforms. It shines in stringent regulation in Australia, low minimum deposits required, competitive spreads and commissions, trading tools, educational resources, and more. However, some traders have reported issues with severe slippage and withdrawals. While ACY provides demo accounts for practice, it's crucial to evaluate the potential drawbacks alongside the benefits before committing to a live account.

Note: These pros and cons are based on the information provided and may not be exhaustive.

ACY Securities Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ACY Securities depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

RoboForex - A reliable broker with a wide range of trading platforms, but with high fees and a limited product portfolio.

Hantec Markets - A good choice for experienced traders seeking a range of markets and trading platforms, but with limited educational resources and high fees.

Key Way Investments - A decent broker for beginners with a strong focus on education and low fees, but with a limited product range and average customer service.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is ACY Securities Safe？

Currently, ACY Securities has two entities regulated by the Commonwealth of Australia Regulatory Authority (AUS) in Australia. The only difference lies in license type: ACY SECURITIES PTY LTD holds a Maket Making license under license no. 403863 and ACY CAPITAL PTY LTD holds a STP license under license no.474738.

Market Instruments

ACY Securities offers access to over 2200+ trading instruments, covering Forex, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, ETFs, Shares as well as Futures. This allows traders to diversify their trading portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions. With so many options, traders can find opportunities in multiple asset classes and take positions based on their trading strategies. The variety of instruments offered by ACY Securities makes it a versatile platform for traders looking for diverse opportunities in the financial markets.

Accounts

In terms of accounts offered, both demo accounts and live trading accounts are available on the ACY Securities platform.

Demo Accounts

ACY Securities demo accounts are funded with $100,000 in virtual funds, replicating the real trading experience. Traders can access over 2,200 tradable assets through the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the platform's features and functionalities before committing real capital.

Live Trading Accounts

For live trading accounts, ACY Securities presents three options: Standard, ProZero, and Bespoke. The Standard account requires an initial minimum deposit of $50, with subsequent minimum deposits set at $50 as well. Both the ProZero and Bespoke accounts mandate a higher initial minimum deposit of $200 and $10,000, respectively. Regardless of the account type, all three options allow traders to open positions with a minimum trading volume of 0.01 lot. Notably, while the Standard account offers swap-free (Islamic) trading, this feature is not available for ProZero and Bespoke accounts.

All account base currencies are available in USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, JPY, targeting traders from a broader range of areas.

Leverage

ACY Securities currently provides 50:1, 100:1, 200:1, 300:1, 400:1, and 500:1 leverage to meet investors' various needs. The maximum leverage for commodities and precious metals is 1:500, the stock index is 1:100, and for share CFDs is 1:25.

While leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses. Therefore, it's important for traders to understand the risks involved and use leverage responsibly, especially for beginner traders who should start with lower leverage until they gain more experience.

Spreads & Commissions

Spreads and commissions with ACY Securities are scaled with the accounts offered. Specifically, the spread is variable on the Standard account, and from 0.0 pips on the ProZero and Bespoke accounts.

Note that the ProZero and Bespoke accounts have a commission-based pricing structure, which means that while the spreads can be tighter, traders need to pay a commission on top of the spread. Specifically, $3 per lot per side on the Bespoke account, 2.5/lot per side on the Bespoke account. In contrast, there is no commission charged for the Standard account.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Trading Platforms

ACY Securities provides clients with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms for desktop, mobile, and web. These platforms are renowned for their user-friendly interfaces and advanced charting capabilities, as well as their extensive range of technical indicators and trading tools.

With MT4 and MT5, traders can customize their trading experience to suit their individual needs, and execute trades quickly and efficiently. The mobile and web versions of the platforms allow traders to access their accounts on-the-go, ensuring that they can always stay up-to-date with market conditions and execute trades at their convenience.

Overall, the availability of these well-established trading platforms can be a significant advantage for traders who are looking for a reliable and versatile trading experience.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

ACY Securities offers a variety of trading tools to enhance clients' trading experience. Capitalise.ai is a trading automation platform that enables traders to automate their strategies using natural language. MetaTrader Scripts are designed to help traders automate some repetitive actions in the MT4 and MT5 platforms, such as opening multiple orders or closing all positions at once.

Signal Start is a platform that provides signals from third-party signal providers, which traders can use to make informed trading decisions. Forex VPS is a virtual private server service that allows traders to run their trading platform and expert advisors (EAs) 24/7 without interruptions. With these trading tools, traders can optimize their trading strategies, improve efficiency, and potentially increase profitability.

Deposits & Withdrawals

ACY Securities offers approximately 20 funding options including China Union Pay, QR codes, credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayTrust, DragonPay, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies (USDT, BTC, ETH). Minimum deposits range from $50 to $1,000 depending on the method. No deposit fees are charged, and processing time is typically within 24 hours. The platform targeting traders globally with multi-currency support.

ACY Securities minimum deposit vs other brokers

You can make 3 free withdrawals per month, and after that, you will be charged $25 per withdrawal in your base currency, or you can wait for the new month to get your free withdrawals again. The amount you withdraw must be the same as the deposit, and you must withdraw within 20 days of the transaction.

ACY Securities processes withdrawal requests on the same day if received before 16:00 AEST; requests received after that time will be processed on the next business day. The speed of receiving and clearing funds depends on the withdrawal method chosen. Bank transfers take 2-3 business days, while card withdrawals take 3-5 business days.

See the deposit/withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Please note that the fees may vary depending on the specific payment method used and the country of the trader. It is important to check the broker's website for the most up-to-date information on fees and charges.

Customer Service

ACY Securities provides multiple channels for clients to get in touch 24/5, including phone, email, live chat, and an online messaging system. Clients can also follow the broker on various social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok. In addition, an FAQ section is available on the website to answer common questions. Overall, ACY Securities' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note that these pros and cons are based on user feedback and experiences, and may not necessarily be representative of everyone's experience with ACY Securities' customer service.

Education

ACY Securities places great emphasis on forex education, providing a wide range of learning resources to help traders improve their trading skills and strategies. The broker offers a variety of educational materials, including webinars, e-books, and premium training resources, catering to traders at all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals.

The Market Analysis Webinar provides insight into market trends and helps traders stay up to date with the latest news and events affecting the forex market. The Forex E-books are comprehensive guides that cover various trading strategies, tools, and techniques. The Premium Training Resources are designed to provide traders with personalized education tailored to their individual needs, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the forex market and improve their trading performance.

Conclusion

As a whole, ACY Securities is a regulated and reputable broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and various trading platforms. The broker also provides traders with educational resources, trading tools, and excellent customer support. However, there have been some reports of slippage and withdrawal issues, which should be taken into consideration.

ACY Securities may be a suitable broker for experienced traders looking for a diverse range of trading options and strong support, but potential investors should be aware of the risks involved and exercise caution before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ACY Securities regulated？

Yes. It is regulated by the (AUS) in Australia.

Does ACY Securities offer demo accounts？

Yes. Demo accounts funded with $100, 000 in virtual funds are offered.

Does ACY Securities offer the industry-standard MT4 & MT5？

Yes. Both MT4 and MT5 are available.

What is the minimum deposit for ACY Securities？

The minimum initial deposit to start trading is $50.

Is ACY Securities a good broker for beginners？

No. ACY Securities is not a good choice for beginners. Though it advertises very well, there are too many complaints on the Internet.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.