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.

General Information

ADS Securities LLC (“ADSS”) is a limited liability company incorporated under United Arab Emirates law. The company is registered with the Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi (No. 1190047) and has its principal place of business at 8th Floor, CI Tower, Corniche Road, P.O. Box 93894, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADSS is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. ADSS began operations from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2011. Today, the broker has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, UK. It boasts of over 150,000 individual clients and about 400 institutional clients from all over the world.

With tradable assets such as indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities, traders can diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market opportunities. The company provides multiple account types, including Classic, Elite, and Elite+, to cater to traders with different preferences and capital sizes. Traders can choose between the ADSS Platform and the MT4 platform for their trading activities.

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing traders with a level of trust and security. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked,” which may raise concerns for some traders.

Pros and Cons

ADSS has its strengths and weaknesses. It offers a range of features and services that may appeal to traders, while also having certain limitations that need to be taken into account. It's important for traders to assess the overall picture and consider these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

Is ADSS Legit？

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Regulation No. 577453) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (Regulation No. AXC847). However, the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (license number: AXC847) is abnormal, the official regulatory status is Revoked. Please be aware of the risk!

Market Instruments

ADSS offers a wide range of trading instruments to cater to different market preferences. Traders can access global markets and choose from various options to diversify their portfolios.

Indices: Traders can trade indices CFDs on ADSS's platform, providing exposure to major indices like Nasdaq, S&P, FTSE, and Dax. With competitive spreads and leverage of up to 333:1, traders can take advantage of market moves and trade on both long and short positions.

Forex: ADSS allows traders to trade forex pairs with their user-friendly trading platform. With no hidden fees and competitive spreads, traders can access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, such as EUR/USD and NZD/CHF. The market-leading leverage of 500:1 on FX majors offers increased trading power.

Equities: Traders can take positions on equities listed on global stock exchanges, including major players from the GCC region. By trading CFDs on equities like Netflix, Tesla, and Apple, traders can capitalize on volatility and benefit from favorable spreads.

Cryptos: ADSS enables traders to participate in the cryptocurrency market by offering CFDs on leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Traders can take advantage of 24/5 trading, competitive spreads, and the opportunity to go long or short on the price movements of cryptocurrencies.

Commodities: Traders can benefit from market volatility by trading CFDs on spot commodities, futures, and commodity-linked ETFs. With 0% commission on trades, traders can access popular commodities such as gold, oil, and coffee. Trading commodities on ADSS provides a simplified approach compared to commodity futures.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:：

Account Types

ADSS provides a range of account types to suit the diverse needs of traders, including Classic Account, Elite Account, and Elite+ Account.

Classic Account:

The Classic account is designed for traders who want to start with a minimum deposit of $100. This account offers market spreads, allowing traders to participate in the financial markets at favorable rates. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders can potentially amplify their trading positions. The Classic account also includes 24/5 support and access to training courses, providing traders with the necessary resources to enhance their trading skills.

Elite Account:

For traders with larger capital and seeking additional benefits, the Elite account requires a deposit of $100,000. With this account, traders enjoy spreads that are 25% lower compared to the Classic account, resulting in potentially reduced trading costs. Similar to the Classic account, the Elite account offers a maximum leverage of 500:1, enabling traders to take advantage of larger trading positions. Elite account holders receive dedicated support from a Senior Manager, ensuring personalized assistance and guidance. They also gain access to exclusive Elite events and have the flexibility of multi-base currency options.

Elite+ Account:

For elite traders with significant capital, the Elite+ account requires a deposit of $250,000. Elite+ account holders benefit from ultra-low spreads, which can further minimize their trading costs. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders have the potential to engage in larger trading positions. In addition to personalized support from a Manager and Sales Trader, Elite+ account holders enjoy exclusive Elite events and the convenience of multi-base currency options.

ADSS offers these different account types to accommodate traders with varying capital sizes and provide them with tailored features and benefits that suit their trading objectives and preferences.

How to Open an Account？

1. Visit the ADSS website. Look for the “Open Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

2. Open your account by providing the required information. For UAE residents, ADSS offers the option to register with UAE Pass, making the account setup process convenient and efficient.

3. After filling out the application and uploading documents, the system will open a personal account for the client.

4. Deposit funds into your account using options such as UAEPGS, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay. These payment methods offer flexibility and security, allowing you to easily and securely fund your trading account.

5. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

ADSS offers leverage for trading in different instruments:

Indices: Trade major indices such as FTSE, S&P500, Dow Jones, German Dax, Nasdaq, and CAC 40 with leverage of up to 333:1.

Forex: Access major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic pairs with leverage of up to 500:1.

Equities: Take positions on UK shares, US shares, German shares, Saudi shares, and other euro shares with leverage ratios varying from 4:1 to 20:1.

Cryptos: Trade popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin with leverage ratios ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.

Commodities: Engage in trading commodities such as US Crude, Gold, Silver, Coffee, Natural Gas, and Copper with leverage ratios ranging from 20:1 to 200:1.

Note: Leveraged trading involves risks and should be carefully considered.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spread & Commissions

ADSS, like most brokers, makes a profit from spreads instead of charging commissions. Prices are competitive and traders can view current prices at any time. For CFDs and forex pairs, you can view the value, the change, the percent change, the open, the high, the low, and the previous. You can also view the required margin in percentage.

The broker does offer variable or fixed spreads. The target spreads for EUR/USD range from 1.6 to 2.4 pips depending on account type.

The Classic Account with a minimum deposit of $100 makes it more affordable for the most conservative traders, yet it carries higher spreads than the Elite account type. In the Classic account, target spreads drop to 1.6 pips on the EUR/USD. In contrast, ADSSs most competitive offering is the Elite account which requires a $200 000 deposit or a trading volume of more than $500 million per month. It comes with perks beyond discounted spreads.

Other spreads that traders can expect when trading with ADS Securities are:

GBP/USD Average: 1.1 pips

USD/JPY Average: 1.1 pips

AUD/USD Average: 0.8 pips

USD/CHF Average: 2.3 pips

Non-Trading Fees

There is a $15 processing fee per withdrawal, plus additional fees may be applied on the bank's side. The broker does not charge commissions for depositing funds, and there are no fees for inactivity on the account.

Trading Platforms

ADSS provides two trading platforms for its clients: ADSS Platform and MT4 (MetaTrader 4)

1. ADSS Platform: The ADSS platform offers essential functionalities such as a product page, order ticket, charting tools, blotters, account summary, and funding options. It provides traders with an overview of relevant information, including price evolution charts, daily statistics, instrument overviews, and product access details. By expanding the view, traders can access additional trading information such as order sizes, margin requirements, commissions (if applicable), and overnight holding costs. The platform also displays any active working orders for efficient position management.

2. MT4 (MetaTrader 4): ADSS offers access to the widely recognized MT4 platform, known for its advanced charting capabilities, fast trade execution, and extensive range of technical analysis tools. Traders can benefit from the features and flexibility of MT4, including its user-friendly interface and robust functionalities. ADSS has customized the MT4 platform to ensure a secure and efficient trading experience for its clients.

Both platforms provide traders with the necessary tools and features to meet their trading needs. They offer charting options, order placement capabilities, and execution efficiency to enhance the overall trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

ADSS offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. Deposits can be made using methods such as bank wire transfer, credit card, online bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and Cash U. Notably, ADSS stands out as the only broker in the UAE that provides funding through UAEPGS, a local payment gateway. Clients can also withdraw funds using the same options available for deposits.

While ADSS offers a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal methods, it's important to consider that the broker applies a withdrawal fee of $15 for all withdrawal transactions. This withdrawal fee has had a negative impact on the broker's overall rating. On the other hand, ADSS does not impose any charges on deposits, although clients should be aware that their payment providers may apply fees.

There are many ways to deposit funds into ADSS accounts, so clients will have enough options to choose from. As a MENA-focused broker, ADSS provides the opportunity to use the local UAEPGS (UAE Payment Gateway Services) solution. Traders should note that there is no deposit fee at ADSS.

The same options that are available for deposits can be used for withdrawals. Traders should note that ADSS charges a $15 withdrawal fee for all withdrawal methods.

Customer Support

The ADSS customer support team is multilingual and can be reached 24/5. The quickest way to get support is to use the instant web chat facility on the website. There is also an 'Enquiry form' on the 'Contact us' page of the website. A support representative will respond by email or by calling the enquirer. There are several phone lines provided by the support team. They can also be reached through email and fax. On social media, ADSS is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Client Enquiries:

Email: ts@adss.com

Phone: +971 2 657 2414

Address:

8th floor, CI Tower

Corniche Road, PO Box 93894

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Educational Resources and Community Support

ADSS provides a range of educational resources and community support to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge:

1. Learning Materials: ADSS offers a variety of learning materials, including trading guides, video tutorials, and a comprehensive financial glossary. These resources empower traders by providing them with the necessary information and understanding of trading terms and concepts.

2. Seminars and Webinars: ADSS organizes seminars and webinars conducted by industry experts. These events serve as valuable learning opportunities for both beginner and experienced traders. Participants can gain insights, learn new strategies, and stay updated on market trends.

3. FAQ Section: ADSS has a dedicated page that addresses common questions and provides answers related to ADSS, trading account information, and trading basics. This section aims to assist prospective clients and beginner traders by addressing their queries and providing helpful information.

4. MT4 Platform Tutorials: ADSS offers tutorials specifically designed for traders who are new to the MT4 platform. These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on using the platform effectively, helping traders navigate its features and functions.

5. Educational Webinars: ADSS conducts educational webinars that cover various topics, including the risks and rewards of trading. These webinars provide valuable insights and guidance to traders, enabling them to make informed trading decisions.

6. Training Workshops: ADSS organizes training workshops in the UAE and UK, offering traders the opportunity to enhance their trading skills through practical training sessions.

These expert educational resources, seminars, webinars, tutorials, and workshops collectively support the ADSS trading community, fostering continuous learning and improvement among traders.

User Experience and Additional Features

ADSS offers a range of user experience enhancements and additional features to support traders in their trading activities. Traders can access exclusive market analysis provided by the research team, which includes daily and weekly market emails. These emails provide insights into market trends, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment on widely traded instruments. This information can assist traders in staying informed about the market conditions.

Furthermore, ADSS offers daily analysis and trading ideas delivered directly to traders' inboxes. This feature keeps traders updated on the latest market developments and provides potential trading opportunities. Additionally, ADSS provides technical data, including forex analysis via Autochartist trade set-ups, which can help traders analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

These user-friendly features and additional resources aim to enhance the trading experience for ADSS clients. By providing market analysis, trading ideas, and technical insights, ADSS supports traders in their decision-making process and helps them stay informed about market conditions.

Conclusion

ADSS is a regulated brokerage company that provides traders with access to various financial markets and a range of account types to suit their needs. While it offers advantages such as competitive spreads, leverage, and multilingual support, there are also disadvantages to consider, including the abnormal regulatory status of the SFC and the withdrawal fee. Traders should carefully evaluate these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

FAQs

Q: Is ADSS regulated？

A: ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC). However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked.”

Q: What are the tradable assets offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities as tradable assets.

Q: What are the different account types offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS provides Classic, Elite, and Elite+ account types to cater to traders with different capital sizes.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS is $100.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers leverage of up to 500:1.