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.

Note: This company has been voluntarily dissolved.

Overview of AGEA

AGEA, a financial services company, has been operating in the trading industry for 5-10 years. Based in Montenegro, the company provides trading opportunities primarily through Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Despite its years in the industry, AGEA operates in an unregulated environment, meaning it may not be subject to oversight by financial regulatory authorities.

Traders can choose between two types of trading accounts: Standard and Cent. With a minimum deposit requirement of USD 100. The company offers a maximum leverage of 1:100.

AGEA provides traders with two trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4. Additionally, traders can access live support for real-time assistance with any inquiries or issues they may encounter.

In terms of funding options, AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

For educational resources, AGEA provides the latest news to keep traders informed about market developments and trends.

Regulatory Status

AGEA operates as an unregulated trading platform. Unregulated financial institutions are not bound by the rules and regulations designed to protect consumers' interests. This leaves customers vulnerable to various risks such as fraud, mismanagement of funds, and unfair treatment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Experienced Institution: With 5-10 years of industry experience, AGEA brings a solid foundation and understanding of the trading landscape.

2. Account Variety: AGEA offers a variety of account types, including Standard and Cent accounts.

3. Low Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit requirement of USD 100 makes trading accessible to individuals with varying capital sizes.

4. Multiple Trading Platforms: AGEA provides traders with a choice of trading platforms, including Streamster and MetaTrader 4.

5. Different Deposit/Withdrawal Options: AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods, providing flexibility and convenience to traders.

Cons:

1. Unregulated: One significant drawback of AGEA is its unregulated status, consumer protection and the security of funds may be concerning.

2. Limited Educational Resources: AGEA may lack comprehensive educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge, potentially hindering traders' ability to make informed decisions.

3. Higher Risk: The unregulated nature of AGEA introduces a higher level of risk for traders, as there may be fewer safeguards in place to ensure the stability and security of the financial institution.

4. Potential for Longer Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes with AGEA may be more challenging and time-consuming due to the lack of regulatory oversight, leading to delays and frustrations for traders seeking resolution.

5. Limited Market Instruments: While AGEA offers CFD trading across various asset classes, it may have fewer market instruments compared to some other brokers, limiting trading opportunities for certain traders.

Market Instruments

AGEA offers Contract for Difference (CFD) instruments as part of its market offerings. CFDs are derivative financial products that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets, without actually owning the assets themselves.

With CFDs, traders can take positions on a wide range of financial instruments, including currencies, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This flexibility enables traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on market opportunities across different asset classes.

Account Types

AGEA offers two distinct account types: Standard and Cent.

For the Standard account, the minimum balance requirement is set at USD 100, ensuring accessibility for traders with varying capital levels. On the other hand, the Cent account presents a lower entry point with balances ranging from USD 6 to 5,000, ideal for those starting with smaller amounts.

Both account types share identical leverage options, ranging from 1:1 to 1:100, initially set at 1:100. This flexibility allows traders to adjust their positions relative to their capital, amplifying their potential gains or losses accordingly.

Neither account type imposes commissions, providing traders with a cost-effective trading environment. Additionally, trade sizes are consistent across both accounts, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 units, enabling traders to execute trades according to their strategies and risk preferences.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with AGEA is a straightforward process that can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the AGEA website and click “Open Account.”

2. Fill out the online application form: The form will request your personal information Be sure to have your identification documents (passport or ID card) and proof of address handy for uploading.

3. Fund your account: AGEA offers various deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Choose your preferred method and follow the instructions to complete the deposit.

4. Verify your account: Once your account is funded, you'll need to verify your identity and address. This typically involves submitting scanned copies of your ID documents and proof of address.

5. Start trading: Once your account is verified, you're ready to explore the AGEA trading platform and start making trades.

Service / Product Fees

1. Withdrawal by Wire Fee - $10.00: This fee is applicable when you make a withdrawal transaction through bank wire transfer. We charge $10.00 for each withdrawal processed via wire transfer.

2. Withdrawal by Electronic Money Fee - $7.00: For withdrawals processed through non-wire processors, such as electronic money services, we charge a fee of $7.00 per transaction.

3. Inactivity Fee (SUSPENDED) - $30.00 per Month: Please note that the Inactivity Fee of $30.00 per month, which applies for each 1-month period without account activity, is currently suspended. We'll notify you in advance if there are any changes to this policy.

Trading Platform

1. Streamster: Streamster is a user-friendly trading platform suitable for traders of all levels. Streamster stands out with its unique international multi-channel chat, allowing traders to discuss market trends and receive real-time customer support. It also seamlessly integrates live and virtual trading desks within a single account, ensuring consistency between demo and live trading experiences. With no balance limits or commissions, Streamster covers Crypto, Currency, Index, and Commodity CFDs, operating from Sunday 22:15 to Friday 21:00 GMT, and offers leverage ranging from 1:10 to 1:100.

2. MetaTrader 4 (MT4): MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a customizable trading platform designed for proficient traders. It provides tools for price analysis, trade execution, and automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). MT4 offers various chart timeframes and built-in indicators for technical analysis. With its proprietary programming language, MQL4, traders can develop custom EAs tailored to their strategies. Supporting currency, index, and commodity CFDs, MT4 operates within the same trading hours as Streamster. Margin interest, execution types, and position limits vary between standard and cent accounts on MT4, providing flexibility for traders with different risk levels. Additionally, MT4 supports multiple account currencies, enhancing accessibility for global traders.

Deposit & Withdrawal

AGEA offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

1. Bank Wire Transfer: Traders can securely transfer funds to and from their AGEA accounts using bank wire transfers, providing a traditional and reliable method for depositing and withdrawing funds.

2. Credit/Debit Cards: AGEA accepts major credit and debit cards, offering a convenient and widely used method for instant deposits and withdrawals, facilitating seamless transactions for traders.

3. E-wallets: Traders can utilize various e-wallet services to deposit and withdraw funds from their AGEA accounts, providing a fast, secure, and convenient payment solution for managing their trading accounts.

4. Local Payment Methods (Sofort Banking and iDEAL): AGEA supports local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

Customer Support

Customer support at AGEA is comprehensive and easily accessible, ensuring traders receive assistance whenever needed.

Live Support: Traders can engage with AGEA's support team in real-time through the Live Support feature, allowing for immediate assistance with any inquiries or issues.

Phone Support: AGEA provides phone support through two contact numbers: +382 (20)664-320 and +382(20)664-320. Traders can directly reach out to speak with a representative for personalized assistance.

Email Support: For non-urgent inquiries or detailed requests, traders can contact AGEA's support team via email at support@agea.com. This allows for thorough communication and resolution of queries.

Educational Resources

AGEA offers valuable educational resources through its Latest News section, keeping traders informed about important developments and events. This section provides updates on various company announcements and actions, including notices to shareholders, invitations to general meetings, updates on voluntary dissolution procedures, and more.

By staying updated with the Latest News, traders can gain insights into the company's operations, corporate decisions, and regulatory compliance. This information can help traders make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.

Here are some examples of educational resources provided by AGEA through its Latest News section:

1. Notice to Shareholders on the Payment of Dividends: Traders can learn about dividend payments and their impact on the company's financial performance.

2. Invitation to General Meetings: Traders can stay informed about upcoming general meetings and participate in discussions regarding company matters.

3. Update on Voluntary Dissolution: Traders can understand the implications of voluntary dissolution procedures and how they may affect the company's future operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AGEA has its ups and downs:

On the positive side, AGEA has solid experience in trading, offering various account types and a low minimum deposit of USD 100, making it accessible to traders.

But there are drawbacks to consider. AGEA operates without regulation, which might worry some traders about the safety of their funds. Plus, their educational resources are limited, which could affect traders' success. The lack of regulation also means there's more risk involved, and resolving disputes may take longer.

FAQs

Question: What documents do I need to provide to verify my account？

Answer: To verify your account, you'll need to provide a copy of your identification document (such as a passport or driver's license) and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

Question: What trading platforms does AGEA offer？

Answer: AGEA offers two main trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Streamster is user-friendly and suitable for traders of all levels, while MT4 is more advanced and customizable, ideal for experienced traders.

Question: How can I deposit funds into my AGEA account？

Answer: You can deposit funds into your AGEA account using various methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking and iDEAL.

Question: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account？

Answer: The minimum deposit required to open an account with AGEA is USD 100. This ensures accessibility for traders with varying capital levels.

Question: Does AGEA offer educational resources for traders？

Answer: Yes, AGEA provides educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. These resources include articles, tutorials, webinars, and market analysis tools.

Question: How can I contact AGEA's customer support？

Answer: You can contact AGEA's customer support team through live chat, phone (+382 (20)664-320), or email (support@agea.com). Our support team is available to assist you with any inquiries or issues you may have.