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.

Risk Warning

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

General Information

What is BlackBull？

BlackBull is an STP (Straight Through Processing) forex broker that provides online trading services to retail and institutional clients. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. BlackBull is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand and offers over 26,000 tradable instruments including forex, energy, indices, cryptocurrencies, equities, and metals. The broker provides clients with multiple trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4/5 and various trading tools. The company also provides educational resources to assist traders in their trading journey.

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

Pros & Cons

BlackBull appears to be a reliable and well-regulated broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, platforms, and educational resources. The broker's emphasis on security and transparency, such as offering segregated accounts and holding funds in Tier 1 New Zealand banks, is also a positive aspect.

However, there have been some negative reviews regarding difficulties in withdrawing funds and claims of the broker being a scam, which is a cause for concern.

It's important to note that this is just a general overview of the pros and cons, and individual experiences may vary.

BlackBull Alternative Brokers

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

• UFX - provides a user-friendly trading platform and a wide range of educational materials, but there are some concerns about its regulation and customer service.

• Valutrades - offers competitive spreads and multiple account types, but its product offerings are limited and its customer service could be improved.

• Z.com Trade - offers low spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees, but its product offerings are limited and it is only regulated in one jurisdiction.

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

Is BlackBull Safe or Scam？

It's difficult to make a definitive determination on whether BlackBull is safe or a scam as there is no clear consensus on the matter. While the broker is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority and claims to hold client funds in safe, Tier 1 New Zealand-based banks with segregated accounts, the negative reviews from some clients who report issues with withdrawing their funds raise concerns. It's important for individuals to conduct their own research, carefully evaluate the broker's features and services, and exercise caution when investing their money.

Market Instruments

BlackBull offers a diverse range of 26,000+ financial instruments across various asset classes, including forex, energy, indices, cryptocurrencies, equities, and metals. Traders have access to a wide range of currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics, and can also trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. Additionally, the broker provides access to a variety of equity CFDs, including those from major markets like the US, Europe, and Asia. Traders can also trade popular indices like major US and the NASDAQ, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas. Lastly, BlackBull provides access to precious metals like gold and silver, which are often used as safe-haven assets during times of market volatility. Therefore, both beginners and experienced traders can find what they want to trade on BlackBull.

Accounts

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

Live Account: BlackBull offers a total of 3 account types: ECN Standard, ECN Prime and ECN Institutional. The minimum deposit to open an account is $0, $2,000 and $20,000 respectively. If you are still a beginner and don't want to invest too much money in Forex trading, the ECN Standard account will be the most suitable option for you.

Leverage

BlackBull offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500, 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

BlackBull spreads and commissions depend on the account type. We can see that the spread starts from 0.8 pips on the ECN Standard account, from 0.1 pips on the ECN Prime account, while only the ECN Institutional account can enjoy raw spreads from 0.0 pips.

There is no commission for the ECN Standard account, a commission of 6 USD per lot for the ECN Prime account and 4 USD per lot for the ECN Institutional account.

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

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

Trading Platforms

As for the trading platform, BlackBull provides its clients with many options. There are public platforms including TradingView, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), BlackBull Trader, and BlackBull Shares.

TradingView is a popular charting and social trading platform that allows traders to connect with other traders, access a wide range of charting tools, and share trading ideas. MT4 and MT5 are well-known platforms in the forex industry, offering advanced charting capabilities, customizable indicators, and algorithmic trading options. BlackBull Trader is a proprietary platform developed by BlackBull that offers advanced charting and trading tools, while BlackBull Shares is a social trading platform that allows clients to automatically copy the trades of experienced traders.

Overall, BlackBull's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

BlackBull offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) trading to its clients, which is a useful tool for traders who use automated trading strategies or expert advisors. The broker also provides access to other trading tools such as FIX API Trading, which allows traders to connect their own custom software to the BlackBull liquidity pool, as well as Autochartist, which provides market analysis and trading signals. ZuluTrade and MyFxbook are also available for those who want to follow and copy trades of other successful traders. Overall, BlackBull offers a range of trading tools to assist traders in their trading activities.

Deposits & Withdrawals

BlackBull offers its clients multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, including bank wire, POLi, and credit/debit card (Visa/MasterCard). The base currencies are USD and NZD.

No minimum deposit requirement. No fees for deposits and withdrawals. Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours.

BlackBull minimum deposit vs other brokers

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on the payment method used. It's always recommended to check with the broker for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

To withdraw funds from your account, visit the “My Wallet” tab found on the left-hand side of the portal.

Find the ‘WITHDRAW FUNDS’ tab along the top of this portal page. Within this tab, you will be presented with a 4-step process to request a withdrawal.

Step 1: Select the method by which you want to make a withdrawal. Only methods that you are approved to use will show up as an option to select.

Step 2: Select the wallet from which you want to make a withdrawal. Please note: Each withdrawal request is restricted to one wallet.

Step 3: Specify the amount you want to withdraw.

Step 4: Finally, confirm your request within the Secure Client Area, and the status of your request will change to pending.

Customer Service

Below are the details about the customer service.

• Languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Italian, Thai language, Korean, Arabic, Vietnamese, etc.

• Service Hour: 24/7

• Live chat

• Email: support@blackbull.com

• Phone: +64 9 558 5142

• Address: BlackBull Markets, Level 20, 188 Quay Street, Auckland, 1010

• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram

Overall, BlackBull's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: The information is based on online research and may be subject to change.

Education

A series of educational resources is available at BlackBull, such as webinars, market analysis, and trading videos that cover various topics related to trading.

The educational materials are categorized based on the clients level of experience, with Forex Beginner, Forex Intermediate, and Forex Advanced categories. The educational articles cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of trading to advanced strategies and technical analysis. These resources are designed to help traders develop a better understanding of the markets and improve their trading skills, which can ultimately lead to more successful trades.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported unable to withdraw and scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, BlackBull appears to be a well-regulated broker that offers a wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes, as well as a variety of trading platforms and tools. The broker's educational resources and customer service are also noteworthy.

However, there are some negative reviews from clients regarding difficulty with withdrawals and accusations of being a scam platform, so traders should proceed with caution and do their own research before investing with BlackBull.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)