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 BUX Markets

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated financial institution registered in the United Kingdom. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with license number 184333. The company has been regulated since December 2001, and its adherence to financial regulations is overseen by the FCA to ensure market integrity and investor protection. However, it is important to note that BUX Markets does not currently have a trading software available.

BUX Markets offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide two types of accounts: retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. The broker offers a demo account for practice trading and various educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos to support traders' learning.

The proprietary trading platform provided by BUX Markets is called “TradeHub®,” offering advanced indicators, charts, and one-click trading. The platform supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Customer support is available through phone and email during business hours, and there is a trading desk for trade-related inquiries.

Pros and Cons

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated trading platform based in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. BUX Markets has a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®” and offers educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos. Customer support is available via phone and email during business hours, and a trading desk is available for trade-related inquiries. While BUX Markets is regulated and offers a diverse range of trading options, it's worth noting that its spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Is BUX Markets Legit？

BUX Markets, operating under the licensed institution BUX Financial Services Limited, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company holds a Market Making (MM) license with license number 184333. The regulatory oversight provided by the FCA ensures that BUX Markets adheres to financial regulations and standards.

Market Instruments

BUX Markets offers a variety of market instruments for trading.

Indices: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities for various indices, including the UK 100 Future, Wall Street Future, US 500 Future, US Tech 100 Future, Germany 30 Future, France 40 Future, and other European and Asian indices.

Currencies: Traders can access the foreign exchange market through BUX Markets. They offer currency pairs such as AUDCAD, AUDCHF, AUDJPY, AUDNZD, AUDUSD, CADCHF, CADJPY, CHFJPY, EURAUD, and other combinations.

Shares: BUX Markets allows trading of shares from different countries. They offer shares in various market segments like the UK Blue Chip, UK Mid Cap, US Large Cap, France Large Cap, Germany Large Cap, and many more.

ETFs: BUX Markets provides access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track underlying indices or commodities. Some of the available ETFs include Powershares QQQ Nasdaq, SPDR DJIA Trust, SPDR Gold Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets, iShares FTSE 100, and iShares Silver Trust.

Commodities: Traders can participate in commodity markets through BUX Markets. They offer futures contracts for metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy commodities like US Light Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil. Additionally, there are futures contracts for soft commodities like Feed Wheat.

Interest Rates & Bonds: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities in interest rates and bonds. Traders can access products like 3-Month Short Sterling Future and Long Gilt Future in the United Kingdom, and Bund Future, Bobl Future, and Schatz Future in Germany.

Cryptocurrencies: BUX Markets also claims to offer trading options in cryptocurrencies.

Account Types

BUX Markets offers two types of accounts: one for retail traders and one for professional traders. The minimum deposit required to start trading is $100, which is in line with the standard in the industry. Additionally, BUX Markets provides demo trading accounts that allow users to practice trading online using virtual funds. These demo accounts serve as a way for traders to familiarize themselves with the trading platform and the services offered by the broker, while also allowing them to test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

In addition to the retail account, BUX Markets offers a premium service targeted towards traders who may qualify as Professional Clients. Professional Clients are exempt from certain product intervention measures introduced by ESMA. To be classified as a Professional Client, traders need to meet at least two out of the following three criteria: having executed significant leverage trades at an average frequency of 10 per quarter over the last 4 quarters, possessing a financial instrument portfolio (including cash deposits) exceeding €500,000, or having at least one year of professional experience in a financial sector position that requires knowledge of leveraged products.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with BUX Markets, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BUX Markets website and locate the “Start trading now” button.

2. Click on the “Start trading now” button to initiate the account opening process.

3. Fill in the required personal information, including your personal details such as name, date of birth, and nationality.

4. Provide your contact details, such as your email address and phone number, which will be used for communication purposes.

5. Enter your postal address to ensure accurate correspondence.

6. Proceed to provide the necessary financial information as requested by BUX Markets.

7. Share your trading experience details to give the broker an understanding of your level of expertise.

8. Finally, provide the required account details to set up your trading account with BUX Markets.

Leverage

BUX Markets offers leverage for different instruments based on specific ratios. For major currency pairs, the leverage provided is set at 30:1. When it comes to minor or currency pairs, the leverage ratio is 20:1. Odd currency pairs have a leverage ratio of 10:1. For gold, silver, and platinum futures, the leverage is set at 20:1. US light crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 5:1, while Brent crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 10:1. Lastly, UK, German, and other European bonds have a leverage ratio of 5:1. These leverage ratios determine the amount of exposure and risk that traders can take in their positions.

Spreads & Commissions

Nabtrade offers competitive spreads across various global markets, enhancing trading efficiency for investors. Key examples include:

• EUR/USD: Features a tight spread of 1.2 pips with a bid of 1.08796 and an ask of 1.08808.

• Gold: Trades with a spread of 2.0 points between the bid at 2,354.4 and the ask at 2,356.4.

• Germany 30 Rolling (24): Offers a minimal spread of 1.0 point, with a bid of 18,333.5 and an ask of 18,334.5.

These spreads reflect nabtrade's commitment to providing cost-effective trading options in forex, commodities, and indices.

Fees

Overall fees at BUX Markets are focused on keeping costs low to enhance performance. This includes minimizing spreads, rollover costs, and financing costs. Access to personalized customer service in London is provided free of charge, and there are no account charges.

Funding charges apply for overnight financing, typically at a rate of 0.0098% + ARR (0.0096% + ARR for GBP denominated assets). Long positions attract financing charges, while short positions may receive financial interest credited to the account. Cryptocurrencies may have significantly different financing charges, so it is advisable to review the specific details.

When futures are the reference market, BUX Markets charges only half of the bid offer for rollovers from one contract to the next. This means that the new position is only 50% of the standard spread for that market, reducing the cost for traders.

Inactivity fees are applicable if a trading account remains inactive for 180 days. After this period, an Inactivity Fee will be charged, and if the account continues to be inactive, the fee will recur in increments of £10 in subsequent periods of 30 calendar days. It's important to refer to the company's Terms and Conditions for more information, particularly regarding accounts held in currencies other than GBP.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Credit/Debit Card:

BUX Markets allows users to fund their trading account using both debit and credit cards. Deposits made through these payment methods are processed immediately. It is important to note that the name on the card must match the name on the trading account. Deposits made with credit/debit cards are generally free of charge, except for cards issued outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), which may incur a 1.75% transaction fee. However, BUX Markets only accepts card payments that are 3-D secure, which adds an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that BUX Markets does not accept third-party payments to maintain compliance with its internal policies.

Bank Wire Transfer:

BUX Markets also accepts deposits through bank wire transfer in various currencies such as EUR, GBP, USD, SEK, DKK, SGD, and CHF. To initiate a bank transfer, the account holder's name should match the name on the BUX Markets account. It is advisable to include the account holder's name and trading account number as a reference to ensure smooth allocation of funds. For the first deposit in GBP via bank transfer, BUX Markets may require a copy of a bank statement or transaction receipt. Cash deposits are not accepted due to money laundering regulations. Similar to credit/debit card deposits, third-party payments are not allowed, and users should ensure they fund their account with their own funds. Bank transfers may take up to 5 working days to appear in the trading account.

Withdrawing Funds:

The process of withdrawing funds from a BUX Markets account is straightforward. If a withdrawal is requested using a credit or debit card, the funds are debited from the trading account upon receipt of the request. BUX Markets returns funds only to their original source. Withdrawal requests made after 12:30 (GMT) are processed on the following working day. The withdrawal process generally takes up to 5 working days to complete. While it is possible to withdraw funds via bank wire transfer, debit/credit cards are the preferred method, and cheque refunds are not available.

Payment Methods:

BUX Markets accepts various payment methods, including VISA, Maestro, Mastercard, bank wire transfer, and Klarna. There is a minimum deposit requirement of 100 GBP/EUR/USD for credit card deposits, while there is no minimum deposit requirement for bank wire transfers.

Trading Platforms

BUX Markets offers traders a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which differentiates itself from the popular MT4/MT5 platforms.

TradeHub® provides advanced indicators and charts for market analysis and allows for one-click trading directly from the charts. The platform's lifecycle costs are presented neutrally, including spreads, funding, and rollover costs.

Traders can opt for variable margin levels, ranging from low to 100%, to manage risk. Notional value trades allow users to input specific amounts for trades, providing options to adjust positions based on individual needs, strategies, or investment goals.

TradeHub® supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices through the iOS and Android app. The platform offers a 24-hour dealing desk and emphasizes fast and accurate execution. Telephone trading is available without charge. Personal client service is based in London to provide support and assistance to traders.

Trading Tools

The trading tools offered by BUX Markets encompass various features to support traders in their activities. One of these tools is the TradeHub® charting package, which allows users to trade directly from the charts. The charts in TradeHub® provide persistent indicators that apply to the new instrument when it is changed, maintaining consistency. Traders have the option to customize technical indicators' parameters according to their preferences and strategies.

The TradeHub® charting package also includes pattern recognition capabilities, enabling users to identify market patterns and trends. The charts support bid, offer, and mid-prices for different timeframes and instruments. Users can choose from a variety of chart types and studies to analyze market data.

The charting package is compatible with mobile devices, allowing traders to access and monitor their trades. Simple filters are available to facilitate quick and accurate searches. The charts are browser-based, eliminating the need for additional software downloads.

Educational Resources

BUX Markets provides educational resources to help clients enhance their performance in CFD Trading and Spread Betting. These resources include webinars, guides, and videos, which are available to clients at no cost. These materials can simplify the learning process and provide insights into BUX Markets' products.

Additionally, customers have access to expert client services teams based in London. These teams can offer further assistance and support to clients.

The educational resources cover topics such as Spread Betting and CFDs, and include frequently asked questions (FAQs), a glossary of relevant terms, and useful dates related to trading activities. These resources are designed to provide clients with information and knowledge to make informed decisions in their trading endeavors.

Customer Support

BUX Markets provides customer support services during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 17:00 UK time. Clients can reach out to the service team through phone or email for assistance with their inquiries. The company aims to respond to customer queries as promptly as possible.

For trade-related inquiries, BUX Markets offers support through their trading desk. The trading desk's phone lines are open from 22:15 on Sunday until 22:15 on Friday, UK time. Clients can direct their trading-related questions to the trading desk via phone or email.

BUX Markets is headquartered in London, specifically at the following address: BUX Financial Services Limited, 3rd Floor, Canvas, 35 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4LH, United Kingdom. Clients can contact the company's London office through the provided phone number or email address for any support needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BUX Markets is a registered company, BUX Financial Services Limited, operating in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). With over 20 years of experience, BUX Markets offers a variety of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which offers advanced charting and one-click trading capabilities. BUX Markets offers two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. They also provide a demo account for practice trading and offer customer support through phone and email during business hours. However, it should be noted that BUX Markets does not have a trading software available, and their spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Educational Resources

Webinars, trading manuals, a dictionary of words, frequently asked questions, and instructional videos are all available. It's awesome that you can get them at no cost from the site. This is great since it makes learning about internet trading accessible to complete novices. To put it another way, they want you to make well-informed trading decisions, and this is evidence of that. The benefits of the broker's products and how they can help you can be researched as well. CM Trading has an extensive library of learning resources available if you feel you need some additional guidance.

FAQs

Is BUX Markets a legitimate company？

Yes, BUX Markets is a legitimate company registered in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

What trading platforms does BUX Markets offer？

BUX Markets offers a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®”

What are the available account types at BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers retail and professional accounts to cater to different types of traders.

What markets and instruments can I trade with BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers a wide range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with BUX Markets？

The minimum deposit requirement is $100.

What is the maximum leverage offered by BUX Markets？

The maximum leverage is set at 1:30 for most instruments.