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 Darwinex

Darwinex is a UK-based financial services firm that offers a range of investment and trading services to clients. The company was founded in 2012 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Darwinex is known for its unique trading platform that allows traders to develop and sell their trading strategies to other investors.

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares, which can be traded on its proprietary trading platform, as well as on MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). The company offers both fixed and variable spreads, with the latter starting from 0.0 pips. Darwinex does not charge any commissions on forex trades.

Darwinex offers several account types to cater to the different needs of traders, including a Standard Account, a Professional Account, and a Corporate Account. The Standard Account has a minimum deposit requirement of €500 and offers leverage of up to 1:30 for forex trading.

Is Darwinex Legit or a scam？

Darwinex is a legitimate and regulated broker. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and it also holds an MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) passport for the European Union. Additionally, Darwinex uses segregated bank accounts to hold client funds, which provides an extra layer of security for traders. However, as with any broker, it is important for traders to conduct their own due diligence and research before opening an account with Darwinex or any other broker.

Market Instruments

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments in various asset classes, including:

• Forex currency pairs: Darwinex provides access to major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Some popular pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD.

• Stock CFDs: Darwinex allows trading on a variety of popular stock CFDs, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Tesla, among others.

• Commodity CFDs: Traders can also access commodity CFDs such as gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

• Index CFDs: Darwinex provides trading on popular index CFDs, such as the US30, UK100, and GER30.

• ETFs: Darwinex also allows trading on a selection of ETFs, including SPDR S&P 500 ETF, iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF.

Account Types

Darwinex provides its clients with the flexibility to choose from three different types of accounts, each designed to cater to specific needs. The first account type is designed for traders who are more involved in the day-to-day activities of the market. The second and third account type, on the other hand, is designed for investors who prefer to take a more hands-off approach and let their investments grow over time. The minimum deposit to open either account is $10,000.

How to open a live account？

1. Visit the Darwinex website and click on the “Open a live account” button.

1. Fill out the registration form with your personal information, such as name, email, phone number, and address.

1. Select the account type you want to open, either Classic, DARWIN or MetaTrader, and choose the currency of your account.

2. Complete the verification process by providing a copy of your ID and proof of address. You can upload the documents through your account dashboard.

3. Choose your preferred deposit method and fund your account with a minimum deposit of $500.

4. Download and install the trading platform of your choice, either MT4 or MT5.

5. Start trading by placing your first order.

Leverage

Darwinex offers varying levels of leverage to suit the needs of different traders. The maximum leverage available for forex trading is 1:200, while for stock trading it is 1:20. However, it's important to note that leverage can be a double-edged sword and while it can magnify potential profits, it can also magnify potential losses. Therefore, traders should exercise caution and use appropriate risk management strategies when trading with leverage. Darwinex also offers negative balance protection, ensuring that traders do not lose more than their account balance in the event of significant market movements.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Darwinex operates a variable spread model, meaning that the spread on its trading instruments may vary depending on market conditions. The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price of a trading instrument, and it represents the cost of trading with the broker. The typical spreads offered by Darwinex are competitive, and they start from as low as 0.5 pips on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD.

In terms of commissions, Darwinex charges a commission on trades executed on its MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. The commission charged depends on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. For example, on the Classic account, the commission charged on forex trades is 0.0035% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 2.5 units of the account currency. On the other hand, the commission charged on stocks trades on the DarwinIA account is 0.1% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 4 units of the account currency.

Non-trading Fees

Darwinex charges a few non-trading fees, such as inactivity fees and withdrawal fees. The inactivity fee is charged when the account has been inactive for more than 60 days and amounts to €/$/£ 36 per month.However, the inactivity fee is waived for clients with a balance of €500 or more. It is important to note that the inactivity fee may be subject to change, and clients are advised to check the Darwinex website for the latest information on fees and charges.The withdrawal fee varies depending on the payment method, and the minimum withdrawal amount is set at €/$/£ 100.

Trading Platform

Darwinex offers its clients two popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Both platforms are available in desktop, web, and mobile versions, providing traders with the flexibility to choose the platform that best suits their trading needs and preferences.

MetaTrader 4 is one of the most widely used trading platforms in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting capabilities. MT4 supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of automated trading systems, also known as Expert Advisors (EAs). Traders can access a range of technical indicators and charting tools, as well as real-time news and market analysis. MT4 also provides a secure and stable trading environment, with fast and reliable trade execution.

MetaTrader 5 is the successor to MT4 and is considered to be an even more advanced platform, with additional features and capabilities. Like MT4, it also supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of EAs. MT5 offers more advanced charting tools, with additional timeframes and more technical indicators. It also supports more types of pending orders, including Buy Stop Limit and Sell Stop Limit. Additionally, MT5 provides a built-in economic calendar and a customizable news feed, allowing traders to stay up-to-date with the latest market news and events.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by Darwinex, Exness, and IC Markets:

Deposit & Withdrawal

Darwinex offers several deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. The available deposit methods are Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and UnionPay. It's worth noting that deposits made by bank transfer may take longer to process compared to other deposit methods.

Minimum Deposit

When it comes to the minimum deposit requirement, Darwinex may not be the most cost-effective option in the market as it requires a minimum deposit of $500, which can be perceived as relatively high compared to some of its competitors in the industry. However, it is worth noting that the minimum deposit amount varies among brokers and is often influenced by various factors such as the type of account, the trading platform, and the financial instruments offered.

When it comes to withdrawals, Darwinex processes them through the same deposit method used. There are no fees charged for withdrawal requests, but it's worth noting that the receiving bank or payment provider may apply their own fees. Darwinex does not charge any inactivity fees, which is a plus for traders who may not be active in their accounts for a certain period of time.

Customer Support

Darwinex offers several customer support channels to its clients. The broker provides customer support in English and Spanish through email, phone, and live chat.

Clients can reach out to Darwinex's customer support team through email at support@darwinex.com. The broker also has a phone line that clients can use to contact customer support during market hours. Additionally, clients can get in touch with Darwinex's support team through live chat, which is available on the broker's website.

Darwinex also has an extensive FAQ section on its website, which covers a range of topics such as account opening, funding and withdrawals, trading, and more. The broker's website also features a knowledge base that clients can use to learn about various aspects of trading and investing.

Educational Resources

Darwinex offers a range of educational resources to help traders develop their skills and knowledge. They provide regular webinars, articles, and trading guides covering a range of topics such as trading psychology, risk management, technical analysis, and more. They also offer a blog where traders can keep up to date with the latest market news and analysis.

In addition, Darwinex has a community section where traders can share ideas and interact with each other. This provides a platform for traders to learn from each other, share experiences, and get support from the community.

Conclusion

Darwinex is a regulated online broker that provides access to a range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and futures. The broker offers a choice of trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5, and competitive spreads and commissions. However, the minimum deposit requirement of $500 may be considered high compared to some other brokers, and the range of payment methods is limited. Darwinex also offers some educational resources and customer support in multiple languages, although some traders may find these to be limited. Overall, Darwinex may be a suitable choice for experienced traders looking for a range of instruments and competitive trading conditions, but beginner traders may find the broker's high minimum deposit and limited educational resources challenging.

FAQs

• Q: What is Darwinex？

  A：Darwinex is a UK-based online broker that provides access to forex, stock, and commodity markets. It also offers social trading services where traders can buy and sell trading strategies.

• Q: Is Darwinex regulated？

  A：Yes, Darwinex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

• Q: What trading platforms does Darwinex offer？

A： Darwinex offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms.

• Q: What account types are available at Darwinex？

A：Darwinex offers three types of accounts, including Classic, Stocks Darwin and Futures Darwin.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account at Darwinex？

A：The minimum deposit required to open a Classic account is $500.