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.

BDSWISS Information

BDSwiss is an offshore-regulated forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012 and is registered in Seychelles. The broker offers a range of trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including forex, commodities, shares, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

Pros & Cons

BDSWISS offers a wide range of trading instruments across multiple asset classes, making it a versatile platform for traders. The absence of deposit and withdrawal fees is a definite advantage for those who prioritize low-cost trading. Additionally, the broker's extensive educational resources can be beneficial for novice traders who want to improve their trading skills.

However, some traders may find the offshore Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) license to be a drawback.

Note that this table is not exhaustive and there may be additional pros and cons to consider.

Is BDSWISS Legit?

These measures help to ensure that BDSWISS provides a safe and secure trading environment for its clients.

Our Conclusion on BDSWISS Reliability:

Based on the information provided, BDSWISS appears to be a reliable and reputable online broker. It is offshore regulated by Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), offers negative balance protection and segregates client funds.

Market Instruments

BDSwiss offers 250+ trading instruments across various asset classes, providing traders with numerous options for diversification. Forex traders can access over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The platform also offers CFD trading on precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas. Additionally, traders can choose from a range of popular stock CFDs, including shares of leading companies in the US, Europe, and Asia. BDSwiss also provides access to a range of global stock indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and Nikkei 225. Finally, the platform offers trading on popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Account Type

Demo Account: BDSWISS provides a demo account that allows you to try out the financial markets without the risk of losing money.

Live Account: BDSWISS offers a total of 4 account types: Cent, Classic, VIP, and Zero-Spread. The minimum deposit to open an account is $10, $10, $250 and $100 respectively. The threshold to open an account at BDSWISS is quite low. However, we should also realize that too little capital not only reduces losses, but also reduces profitability. Therefore, you may find it “unexciting” or unprofitable. In addition, accounts with smaller initial deposits tend to have poorer trading conditions.

Leverage

BDSWISS offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:2000 for all account types, which is a generous offer and ideal for professional traders and scalpers. However, since leverage can magnify your profits, it can also result in a loss of capital, especially for inexperienced traders. Therefore, traders must choose the right amount according to their risk tolerance.

Spreads & Commissions

BDSwiss offers variable spreads and commissions based on the type of trading account.

Trading Platforms

As for the trading platform, BDSWISS provides its clients with many options. There is a public platform - MT5 that has served many clients worldwide, also BDSWISS's own platforms - BDSwiss Mobile APP, BDSwiss WebTrader. If you didn't want to spend time familiarizing yourself with a new platform, you could choose MT5. But BDSWISS's own platform provides better compatibility with businesses, as they are specially developed and customized platforms. The choice is yours.

Trading Tools

BDSWISS provides a range of trading tools to help its clients in their trading activities.

The economic calendar allows traders to keep track of important upcoming events that can affect the markets.

The VPS service provides fast and reliable connection to BDSWISS servers for traders who use automated trading strategies.

The Trade Companion is a trading assistant that provides users with insights and trading signals.

The Trends Analysis tool helps traders to identify trends and make better trading decisions.

Trading Central provides technical analysis and market insights.

The Autochartist tool analyzes charts and helps traders to identify trading opportunities.

Trading Alerts notify users of important market events.

The Currency Heatmap tool allows traders to see the relative strength of different currencies.

Finally, the Trading Calculators help traders to manage their risk and calculate their potential profits and losses.

Deposits & Withdrawals

BDSWISS offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, including Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Wire, Pay Retailers, cryptocurrencies, AstroPay, Globepay, MPESA, airtel tiGo, korapay, and more.

The broker does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals.

BDSWISS minimum deposit vs other brokers

Most deposits are processed instantly. For withdrawals, BDSWISS strives to process most requests within 24 hours, although the processing time may vary depending on the payment method used and the verification requirements.

Fees

BDSWISS charges overnight fees on all positions that are held open overnight, and the rates depend on the instrument being traded. The broker also charges a currency conversion fee for deposits made in a currency different from the account currency. Moreover, if no trading activity occurs for over 90 days, a monthly fee of $30 will be deducted from your account balance, until the account balance is 0. This charges covers the maintenance/administration expenses of such inactive accounts. It is important for traders to keep these fees in mind when planning their trading activities, as they can impact the overall profitability of their trades.

Customer Service

• Languages: English, polish, German, Italian, French, Arabic, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Indonesian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Danish, Norwegian, Korean, Czech, Malay, Vietnamese, etc.
• Service Hours: 24/5 multilingual live chat
• Phone Number: +44 2036705890
• Email: support@global.bdswiss.com
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram
• Address: Suite 3, Global Village, Jivans Complex, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles.
• Help/Support Centre are also available.

Education

BDSWISS provides a range of educational resources to assist traders in improving their trading knowledge and skills. They offer a variety of educational materials, including Forex eBooks, LIVE Education, Forex Basic Lessons, Forex Glossary, Educational Videos, and Seminars.

Their Forex eBooks cover various topics, such as trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management, to help traders develop a well-rounded understanding of the Forex market.

They also provide live education through webinars, which are hosted by industry experts, and interactive training sessions.

The Forex Basic Lessons are designed to help beginner traders learn the basics of Forex trading.

Additionally, they offer educational videos that cover different aspects of trading, and traders can attend in-person seminars held in different locations globally.

Conclusion

All in all, BDSWISS offers a diverse range of trading instruments with competitive spreads and commissions on different account types. The broker provides a variety of deposit and withdrawal options with no fees charged, and fast processing time. BDSWISS also offers various educational resources and trading tools. However, is offshore regulated by Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and there are some negative reviews from their clients saying that they have met severe slippage and unable to withdraw. Every trader should be cautious before trading or investing with a broker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)