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 Deriv

There are two brokers named Deriv, which can cause confusion:

One company is registered in Malta and is commonly known as Deriv.com, with its company name: Binary.com. In 2013 Binary.com rebranded to Deriv. They are a legitimate online trading platform offering forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more, with regulation from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and other regulatory bodies.

The other company, also named Deriv (FX) Ltd, is suspected to be a clone or fake broker. There is limited information available about this company, and it is not clear whether they are regulated or offer legitimate trading services.

Is Deriv legit or a scam？

Please note that this Deriv is the trading name of Deriv (FX) Ltd, and this company is not regulated or authorized by any other regulatory authorities. More clearly, this broker is using another legit Deriv's url website to confuse people and it is a clone broker.

Trading with a cloned forex broker carries a high risk as these brokers are not authorized or regulated by any legitimate regulatory body. These cloned brokers often use the names, logos, and websites of established and reputable brokers to deceive traders into believing that they are dealing with a legitimate broker.

Cloned brokers often offer attractive trading conditions such as low spreads, high leverage, and bonuses to lure unsuspecting traders into depositing funds into their accounts. Once traders deposit their funds, they may find that it is impossible to withdraw their money or receive any support from the cloned broker.

Pros and Cons

Based on the available information, it has been reported that Deriv is a suspected clone broker, which means that it is not a legitimate or regulated financial entity. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid trading with this broker. It is important to trade with a regulated and reputable broker to ensure the safety of your funds and investments. In conclusion, as there are no pros to trading with an unregulated and potentially fraudulent broker, it is advisable to consider reputable alternatives.

Market Intruments

Deriv offers a wide range of market instruments for traders to trade on, including forex currency pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and synthetic indices. Forex currency pairs include major, minor, and exotic pairs, while commodities include precious metals, energies, and agricultural products. Traders can also trade on popular indices such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225. Deriv also offers trading on popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Additionally, traders can trade on synthetic indices, which are proprietary indices designed to simulate the behavior of real-world markets.

Account Types

Deriv offers different account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of traders.

Synthetic Account: This account provides access to synthetic markets, which are artificial markets that simulate real-world market conditions. It requires a minimum deposit of $1 and offers leverage of up to 1:1000.

Financial account: Deriv also provides a financial account, which is specifically designed for trading on financial instruments. This account offers a higher leverage of up to 1:1000, allowing traders to maximize their trading potential. Additionally, traders can access a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, and commodities.

Financial STP Account: This account is designed for traders who prefer to trade with Straight Through Processing (STP) execution. It requires a minimum deposit of $100 and provides access to over 50 tradable assets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The account also offers leverage of up to 1:100.

Demo Account

Deriv offers a demo account for traders who want to practice trading without risking real money. The demo account is a simulation of the live trading environment, and it comes with $10,000 in virtual funds that can be used to place trades in a risk-free setting. The demo account allows traders to test the trading platform, try out different trading strategies, and get a feel for the market conditions before investing real money. The demo account is available for all account types, including financial account. It is a great way for new traders to learn how to trade and for experienced traders to test out new strategies.

How to open an account？

1. Go to the Deriv website and click on “Create free demo account” or “Sign up for free” to create a demo or real account, respectively.

1. Fill in your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number.

2. Choose the account type that you want to open, such as a real or demo account.

3. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

4. Once your application is approved, you can fund your account and start trading.

Leverage

Leverage is a critical component of trading that allows traders to control more significant positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. Deriv offers various leverage options for traders, depending on the type of account and trading instrument. For forex trading, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:1000 for professional clients and 1:30 for retail clients. For commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:200 for professional clients and 1:5 for retail clients.

It's essential to understand the risks involved with leverage trading and how to use it properly to avoid significant losses. Deriv provides education and resources for traders to understand leverage and its impact on trading. Traders can also adjust their leverage levels according to their risk appetite and trading strategies. It's crucial to note that high leverage comes with high risks, and traders should exercise caution when using leverage in their trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

The exact spreads and commissions vary depending on the account type and trading instrument. Here's a brief overview of the spreads and commissions offered by Deriv:

For forex trading, the spreads start from 0.5 pips for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. The spreads for minor and exotic currency pairs are slightly higher, ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 pips.

For commodities, the spreads start from as low as 0.01 pips for Gold and 0.03 pips for Silver. For other commodities such as Crude Oil and Natural Gas, the spreads range from 0.3 to 3.0 pips.

For indices trading, the spreads start from as low as 0.5 pips for major indices such as the US 500 and Germany 30. For other indices, the spreads range from 1.0 to 3.0 pips.

Deriv charges a commission of $1 for forex trading and $0.50 for commodities and indices trading. However, the commission is only applicable to certain account types such as the Financial and Synthetic Indices account types.

Non-Trading Fees

Deriv does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, there are some non-trading fees that clients need to be aware of. For instance, an inactivity fee of $5 per month is charged on accounts that have been inactive for more than 12 months. There is also a fee of $10 for each returned deposit or withdrawal, and a $25 fee for withdrawals to international bank accounts. Moreover, clients may incur additional fees for using certain payment methods such as credit cards or e-wallets. It is recommended that clients thoroughly review the fee schedule provided by Deriv before opening an account.

Trading Platform

Deriv offers its clients a variety of trading platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. The DTtrader platform is a browser-based platform that is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginner traders. It offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and stocks. The platform also comes with a built-in economic calendar and technical analysis tools to help traders make informed trading decisions.

The Deriv platform is a comprehensive trading platform that is suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. It offers advanced charting tools, customizable layouts, and a wide range of technical indicators. The platform is available as a desktop, web, and mobile application, providing traders with access to the markets from anywhere in the world.

For traders who prefer automated trading strategies, Deriv offers the DBot platform. This platform allows traders to create and test their own trading bots using simple drag-and-drop tools. It also provides access to pre-built trading bots that have been developed by other traders.

Trading Tools

Deriv offers a range of trading tools to help traders analyze the markets and manage their trades effectively. Some of the trading tools available on the platform include:

• Swap calculator: This tool helps traders to calculate the swap fees incurred when holding positions overnight. It provides traders with the required swap rate and the amount of swap to be charged or credited to their accounts.

• Margin calculator: The margin calculator is used to calculate the required margin for opening a new position based on the instrument traded, leverage, and trade size.

• Pip calculator: This tool helps traders to calculate the value of a pip for a given currency pair, allowing them to estimate their potential profits or losses on a trade.

• PNL for margin: The Profit and Loss calculator for margin is used to calculate the profit or loss of a trade based on the margin used. It takes into account the instrument traded, leverage, and trade size to provide an accurate estimate of the potential profit or loss on a trade.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deriv offers various deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. The available payment options may vary depending on the client's country of residence.

For deposits, clients can use bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), and e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Jeton, Perfect Money, and Qiwi). Deposits made via e-wallets and credit/debit cards are usually processed instantly, while bank wire transfers may take a few business days to reflect in the trading account.

For withdrawals, clients can use bank wire transfers, e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Jeton, Perfect Money, and Qiwi), and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin). Withdrawals made via e-wallets and cryptocurrencies are usually processed within a few hours, while bank wire transfers may take up to 7 business days to reflect in the client's account.

It's important to note that some payment methods may have fees associated with them, and the processing time may also vary depending on the payment method and the client's country of residence. Deriv does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, but clients may be subject to fees charged by the payment provider or the intermediary bank.

Customer Support

Deriv offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. The customer support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any questions or issues they may have. Additionally, Deriv has an extensive FAQ section on its website, which covers a wide range of topics, including account registration, deposits and withdrawals, trading platforms, and more.

One of the advantages of Deriv's customer support is its multilingual support team. The customer support team can assist traders in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and more. This allows traders from around the world to communicate effectively with the support team.

Another benefit of Deriv's customer support is its responsiveness. The live chat support team is typically available within seconds, and email and phone support requests are usually addressed within a few hours. Overall, Deriv's customer support is highly rated by traders, and the broker is committed to providing exceptional customer service.

However, one potential downside of Deriv's customer support is that it does not offer support through social media channels. Some traders may prefer to communicate through social media, and the lack of this option could be seen as a limitation.

Educational Resources

Deriv offers various educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills. Some of the educational resources offered by Deriv include:

• Trading guides: Deriv provides detailed trading guides that cover various topics such as forex trading, digital options trading, and contracts for difference (CFDs).

• Video tutorials: The broker also offers video tutorials on its website that cover a wide range of topics such as how to use the trading platforms, technical analysis, and trading strategies.

• Webinars: Deriv conducts regular webinars that cover a variety of topics related to trading. These webinars are conducted by experienced traders and are designed to provide traders with valuable insights and tips.

• Economic calendar: Deriv provides an economic calendar that displays important upcoming economic events and their impact on the financial markets.

• Trading contests: The broker also conducts trading contests that provide traders with an opportunity to test their skills and win prizes.

Conclusion

Based on the information available, Deriv (FX) Ltd is a suspected fake clone broker. It is important for traders to be cautious when dealing with such brokers and to thoroughly research and verify the legitimacy of a broker before opening an account or depositing funds. It is always recommended to choose a regulated broker with a good reputation in the industry to ensure the safety of your investments.

FAQs

• Q: Is Deriv a regulated broker？

A: No, this Deriv is the trading name of Deriv (FX) Ltd, which is not regulated by any regulatory authority.

• Q: What trading instruments does Deriv offer？

  A: Deriv offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, stock indices, and synthetic indices.

• Q: What are synthetic indices on Deriv？

  A: Synthetic indices on Deriv are proprietary financial instruments that simulate real-world market movements using algorithms. They are available for trading 24/7, unlike regular market indices that have trading hours.

• Q: Does Deriv offer educational resources for traders？

  A: Yes, Deriv offers a range of educational resources such as video tutorials, trading guides, webinars, and market analysis to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

• Q: Is customer support available on Deriv？

  A: Yes, Deriv offers customer support via live chat, email, and phone in multiple languages.