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.

Overview of Bell Potter Securities

Based in Australia, Bell Potter Securities is a full-service internet trading broker that offers a wide variety of financial instruments. They pioneered the e-commerce space when they launched in 2015 and have been at the forefront ever since. Currency, indices, metals, equities, and commodities are the primary areas of focus of Bell Potter Securities, which is home to a highly regarded and feature-rich trading platform.

Bell Potter Securities is a broker dedicated to empowering investors and traders with tailored financial solutions. It is a full-service internet trading broker. Since their 2015 inception, they've amassed a clientele of over 10,000 users. Bell Potter Securities currently holds a full license authorized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (license number: 243480). The minimum deposit to open an account is $5. Bell Potter Securities provides customer support to assist traders with various channels and traders can typically contact customer support through email or phone.

Is Bell potter a legit or a scam？

One of the main considerations in evaluating a brokerage, such as Bell Porter Securities, is to assess the broker's regulatory status and administrative body. Brokers operating without supervision from a regulatory authority are free to make their own rules, which may pose a risk to investors.

Instead, brokers operating under the supervision of regulators are bound by strict guidelines that prohibit them from manipulating market prices for their own benefit. Regulatory oversight ensures that brokers operate in an honest, fair, and transparent manner, protecting investors' deposits.

Established in 2015, and in operation for 8 years Bell Potter Securities Limited have a head office in Australia. Bell Potter Securities Limited are supervised by and is checked for conduct by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulatory bodies under license number 243480.

Bell Potter Securities Limited are held accountable for their actions and may face severe consequences if they violate any financial regulations. By partnering with a trustworthy broker like Bell Potter Securities Limited, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on your trading activities without worrying about the safety of your funds. If Bell Potter Securities Limited violate any regulatory rules their regulated status could be stripped.

Pros & Cons of Bell Potter

Some advantages and disadvantages of Bell Potter are clearly listed below:

Bell Potter offers several advantages as a regulated brokerage firm. Firstly, being regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) provides a level of assurance and protection for clients, ensuring that the company operates in compliance with industry standards and regulations. Additionally, Bell Potter offers competitive commissions for trading, allowing clients to execute trades at a reasonable cost. The brokerage also provides a diversified range of services, including access to various financial instruments, which enables clients to diversify their investment portfolios. Moreover, Bell Potter maintains tight spreads, which can benefit traders by reducing their trading costs.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Bell Potter does not provide negative balance protection, meaning that in the event of significant market volatility, clients may be responsible for any losses beyond their initial investment. Another limitation is the absence of guaranteed stop-loss orders. Additionally, Bell Potter Securities imposes high withdrawal fees, which may be a consideration for clients who frequently need to access their funds. Finally, it's worth noting that Bell Potter Securities does not offer cryptocurrency trading, limiting the investment options available for those interested in digital assets.

Products & Services

Bell Potter Securities is a stockbroking firm, which provides a full service offering to retail, corporate, and institutional clients. The business comprises Retail Equities, Institutional Equities, International Equities, Equity Capital Markets, Portfolio Administration and Super Solutions, and Research. The foreign exchange service includes spot and forward foreign exchange, foreign currency options, tailored forwards, research and foreign currency accounts. Specific product information is as follows:

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Bell Potter Securities, you can follow the steps outlined below:

1. Research and Gather Information: Before opening an account, it is essential to familiarize yourself with Bell Potter Securities and their services. Visit their official website or contact their customer service to gather information about the account types they offer, fees, requirements, and any specific documentation you may need to provide.

2. Contact Bell Potter Securities: Reach out to Bell Potter Securities through their customer service channels, which may include phone, email, or an online contact form. Request information about opening an account and express your interest in becoming a client. The customer service representatives will guide you through the process and provide any necessary forms or documents.3. Complete the Application: Bell Potter Securities will provide you with an account application form. Fill out the application accurately and provide all requested information. This typically includes personal details such as your name, contact information, date of birth, and tax identification number.

4. Submit Required Documents: Along with the application form, you will likely need to submit certain documents to verify your identity and comply with regulatory requirements. Commonly requested documents include a copy of your identification (such as a passport or driver's license), proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes financial statements or employment information.

5. Review and Sign the Agreement: Carefully review all the terms and conditions, as well as any contractual agreements presented by Bell Potter Securities. Ensure you understand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations associated with opening an account. If you have any questions or concerns, seek clarification from the company's representatives before proceeding. Once satisfied, sign the necessary agreements.

6. Fund Your Account: To start trading or investing, you will need to fund your account. Bell Potter Securities will provide you with instructions on how to deposit funds into your account, which may include bank transfers or other accepted payment methods. Follow these instructions and transfer the desired amount to your newly opened account.

Minimum Deposit

In order to get started with Bell Potter Securities, a $5 minimum deposit is required. For a person just getting started, this is a reasonable sum. With more coordination, you can make deposits of greater complexity. Before investing a substantial sum of money, though, make sure you know how to maximize its potential.

Commissions & Fees

Brokerage firms like Bell Potter Securities Limited may charge commission fees as compensation for executing trades on behalf of traders on their trading platforms. Commission fees can vary depending on the type of financial asset being traded and the Bell Potter Securities Limited trading account level held by the trader.

Generally, Bell Potter Securities doesn't charge high fees in comparison to other online brokers. For operations other brokers charge for, they do not charge a brokerage fee, or they charge a lesser amount. This is beneficial for those who regularly exchange, such as weekly or daily trading.

Bell Potter Securities Limited may charge commission fees for fulfilling, modifying, or canceling an order on behalf of its clients. However, if a market order is not fulfilled, no commission fee is usually charged. Reviewing Bell Potter Securities Limited terms and conditions to understand the commission fees and any other charges that may apply is essential.

Inactivity Fee

When a client of Bell Potter Securities does not make a trade for a certain period of time, the broker will assess an inactivity fee. You should close your Bell Potter Securities account if it is dormant, even if the brokerage has not yet notified you of any fees. Many financial services, not only brokerages, include inactivity fees.

The inactivity cost on other trading platforms will vary based on the type of account you have. There are a number of caveats that apply to the inactivity fee that the broker should make plain to the client before they agree to pay it.

Trading Platform Available

Bell Potter uses the most popular MT4 trading platform for traders today, with powerful charting tools, a large number of technical analysis indicators, with expert advisors to run automated trading, which can help traders get ahead in the financial markets.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Bell Potter supports traders to fund their investment accounts via credit/debit cards of Visa, Diners, MasterCard, Visa Electron, PayPal, etc. Usually, it takes a few business days to withdraw funds from Bell Potter Securities. It may take up to 7 business days before the funds show up in the investor's account based on the chosen withdrawal method.

Withdrawals are free of charge at Bell Potter Securities. From your Bell Potter Securities account, you can withdraw money at any time. With the margin set aside, you can withdraw amounts up to your account balance. Keep in mind that you can get by without actually having any cash in your account.

The funds withdrawn will be transferred instantly to the deposit accounts you specify. Because of this, withdrawals made using a credit card will also be made using the same card, though Bell Potter Securities may request other withdrawal methods if your information has changed. For each withdrawal, a minimum quantity must be met. A currency conversion fee is also relevant if you intend to withdraw funds in a currency other than US dollars. Your withdrawal will be subject to a currency conversion fee based on the currency you select.

Customer Support

If clients have any inquiries, they can get in touch with Bell Potter by calling them, or just visiting their office. besides, There is also a contact form for clients to fill ip their questions. or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube.

Conclusion

To summarize, Bell Potter Securities is a renowned online brokerage firm that provides a diverse range of account options catering to various trading requirements. The broker offers an extensive range of tradable instruments and competitive trading fees. The user-friendly trading platforms come equipped with advanced trading tools, enabling traders to make informed trading decisions. The broker also offers excellent customer support, with multiple channels available for assistance.

While Bell Potter Securities presents an excellent trading opportunity, it is crucial to exercise caution and implement proper risk management strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I try Bell Potter Securities before I buy？

A: Yes, you can most definitely try Bell Potter Securities before you buy. Bell Potter Securities offers demo accounts for the ease of beginner traders.

Q: Is Bell Potter Securities safe？

A: You can drop all of your worries since we believe that Bell Potter Securities is totally safe to use. It's in compliance with all the rules of Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

Q: What funding methods do Bell Potter Securities accept？

A: There are a number of methods to finance your accounts with Bell Potter Securities. You can use debit or credit cards ranging from Visa, Diners, and Maestro to MasterCard and Visa Electron. Other deposit methods you can adopt are Neteller, Skrill, Rapid Transfer, and iDeal.

Q: Which Countries do Bell Potter Securities support？

A: Bell Potter Securities operates across the world. However, due to regulations Bell Potter Securities can't accept clients from Brazil, Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syrian Arab Republic, Japan, and United States of America.

Q: What is the minimum deposit for Bell Potter Securities？

A: The minimum deposit to open a live account with Bell Potter Securities is $5

Q: How long do Bell Potter Securities withdrawals take？

A: Normally, withdrawal of money from Bell Potter Securities is completed within a couple of working days but depending on the withdrawal method chosen, it could take up to 7 working days for a withdrawal from Bell Potter Securities to show in your bank account.

Q: When was Bell Potter Securities founded？

A: Bell Potter Securities was founded in 2015 in Australia. Bell Potter Securities is regulated by Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).