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 DMM

DMM FX is a Japanese-based forex broker that was founded in 2006 and has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The broker is regulated by the Japan Financial Services Agency and is a member of several financial associations such as the Japan Securities Dealers Association, Japan Financial Futures Trading Association, Japan Investor Protection Fund, and Japan Commodity Futures Trading Association.

DMM FX provides a range of financial products and services, including over-the-counter derivatives trading and investment-related business. The minimum deposit requirement is not specified, and account opening is free of charge, with a cashback program of up to 204,000 JPY. The maximum leverage available is 1:25 for forex trading, and spreads are quite competitive, with the USD/JPY pair starting from 0.5 pips.

DMM FX offers a range of trading platforms, including DMMFX PLUS, DMMFX Standard, Superchart, Smartphone App DMMFX, and more. The broker partners with approximately 340 affiliated financial institutions, making deposit and withdrawal services fast and easy. However, DMM FX has been associated with some negative reviews regarding difficulties in withdrawing funds, fraudulent money, and poor customer support, as reported by some clients.

In summary, DMM FX is a regulated forex broker that offers competitive spreads, a range of trading platforms, and fast deposit and withdrawal services. However, investors should be aware of the negative reviews concerning fund withdrawals and poor customer support.

Pros and Cons

Is DMM FX Legit or a Scam？

Based on the information provided by DMM FX, it appears that they are a legitimate forex broker and take measures to protect their customers' funds. They state that they segregate customer funds from their own assets and entrust them to trusted banks, including 日証金信託銀行 (Japan Securities Depository Center Trust Co., Ltd.), 株式会社SMBC信託銀行 (SMBC Trust Bank Ltd.), and SBIクリアリング信託株式会社 (SBI Clearing Trust Co., Ltd.). They also mention that these funds are protected by trust law and will remain separate from the banks' own assets, even if the banks themselves were to face financial difficulties.

Overall, based on the information provided, it appears that DMM FX is a legitimate forex broker that takes steps to protect their customers' funds. However, as with any investment, it is important to do your own research and exercise caution.

Markets Instruments

The market instruments of DMM FX include several forex currency pairs and CFDs:

Forex Currency Pairs:

· USD/JPY

· EUR/JPY

· GBP/JPY

· AUD/JPY

CFDs:

· Crude Oil

· Gold Spot

· Japan 225

· US Dow Jones 30

For each instrument, the bid and ask prices are provided, along with the current spread and the previous day's change. High and low prices for the day are also given, as well as the buying and selling swaps. Note that the spreads are not fixed and can widen during times of market stress, low liquidity, or around the announcement of economic indicators. Slippage may also occur with order fulfillment, where the execution price differs from the displayed price at the time of ordering.

DMM FX offers a variety of market instruments for trading, allowing customers to diversify their portfolio and take advantage of various market opportunities.

Products and Service

DMM offers a range of products and services in various industries, including financial services, e-commerce, and entertainment.

In terms of financial services, DMM provides a forex trading service called DMM FX. This service allows customers to trade 21 different currency pairs through an OTC trading system using the internet. The transaction unit is 10,000 currency units for each currency pair, and the maximum order quantity is 100 lots (1 million currency units). The leverage offered is up to 25x, and there are no transaction fees. DMM also offers deposits and withdrawals in JPY and provides various trading rules, such as loss cut rules and maintenance rules.

DMM also offers a cryptocurrency trading service called DMM Bitcoin. This service allows customers to trade Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, among other cryptocurrencies, using the internet. The transaction unit is one unit of each cryptocurrency, and there are no transaction fees.

Overall, DMM offers a diverse range of products and services in various industries, catering to the needs and interests of a wide range of customers.

Minimum Deposit

The minimum deposit for DMM payment depends on the payment method used. For quick deposit, there is no minimum deposit required. However, the maximum deposit amount for quick deposit is 500,000 JPY per transaction.

For bank transfer deposit, the minimum deposit amount is 10,000 JPY, and there is no maximum deposit amount.

It's important to note that the deposit amount required to open a DMM FX trading account may vary depending on the account type and country of residence. Customers should check the website or contact customer support for more information.

Spreads & Fees

DMM FX offers customers a trading environment with uniquely generated rates based on the rates received from multiple cover destinations. The standard spreads for various currency pairs are presented to customers, with fixed spreads starting from 0.2 sen. However, it's important to note that spreads are not always fixed and may widen due to sudden events, declining market liquidity, and other factors. Slippage may also occur with order fulfillment. DMM FX also provides offer rates, which are the actual values of rates delivered within the range of the standard spread offered to customers during a given period.

Leverage

DMM FX is a forex trading platform that offers a maximum leverage of 1:25 for forex trading. Leverage is a tool used in trading that allows traders to control a large amount of currency with a smaller amount of funds. In other words, leverage enables traders to open larger positions with a smaller amount of capital.

For example, if a trader has $1,000 and a leverage of 1:30, they can control a position of up to $30,000. The trader is essentially borrowing money from the broker to increase their trading potential. However, while leverage can magnify profits, it can also magnify losses, and traders need to be cautious when using leverage.

DMM FX's maximum leverage of 1:30 is lower than the maximum leverage offered by some other forex brokers, which can be as high as 1:500 or more. This lower leverage may appeal to more conservative traders who want to limit their risk exposure.

Trading Tools

DMM FX offers a range of trading tools to assist traders in their activities. These tools include:

1. DMMFX PLUS: This is a PC version trading tool that allows traders to customize the layout, technical settings, and other features to suit their trading style. It comes with a pop-out function that displays necessary items in a separate window.

2. DMMFX STANDARD: This is a smartphone version trading tool that offers a smart operation screen for transactions, information collection, and analysis. It features a FIFO order function and payment simultaneous order function, making it ideal for those who want to trade in their own style.

3. Premier Chart: This is a computer-based trading aid tool that comes equipped with 29 technical tools. It also has convenient functions that support customer transactions, making it ideal for traders who make more strategic transactions.

4. Transaction Report: This is an analysis tool that allows traders to graph and analyze their trading results in an easy-to-understand manner. It visualizes a wide variety of transaction data, making problems obvious at a glance.

These trading tools are accompanied by quick guides and operation manuals to help traders learn how to use them effectively.

Deposit and Withdrawal

DMM FX offers several deposit and withdrawal methods to its clients. The following is an overview of the deposit and withdrawal options:

Deposit Options:

· Quick Deposit: This service allows for instant deposit reflection using internet banking. It has 24-hour real-time deposit reflection, no fees, and can be done through a PC or smartphone.

· Transfer Deposit: This is a bank transfer method of depositing money to the DMM FX account. In general, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reflect the deposit in the account.

Withdrawal Options:

· Withdrawal Account: Funds deposited in the DMM FX account can be withdrawn to a registered “withdrawal account” using the trading tool. There are no withdrawal fees, and the fees are paid by the company.

· Fund Transfer: Funds can be transferred between services provided by DMM FX, DMM CFD, DMM Bannussi, and DMM Stock.

Customer Service

In terms of customer service, DMM FX offers various support options to their clients. Here are some details:

· Customer Support: DMM FX provides customer support services 24 hours a day, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Chinese. Traders can contact the support team via phone, email, or live chat on the company's website.

· Educational Materials: DMM FX offers a range of educational materials to help traders improve their skills and knowledge of the financial markets. These resources include webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis.

· Trading Tools: DMM FX provides its clients with various trading tools to help them make informed trading decisions. These tools include charting software, economic calendars, and real-time news updates.

· Trading Hours: DMM FX allows traders to access the market 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, there are times when the platform is not available, such as during system maintenance or when the markets are closed.

Overall, DMM FX appears to offer a robust customer service experience with multiple support options and educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. The availability of 24/5 trading hours is also a plus for traders who want to take advantage of global market opportunities.

Conclusion:

DMM FX is a reputable broker that offers a diverse selection of financial instruments for trading. Their user-friendly and feature-rich trading platforms cater to the needs of both novice and experienced traders. One of the notable advantages of DMM FX is their policy of not charging fees for deposit and withdrawal transactions, which is highly beneficial for traders. Additionally, the ability to transfer funds between their services adds flexibility in managing clients' funds. The leverage and margin maintenance rate provided by DMM FX enable traders to effectively manage their risk. Overall, DMM FX is a reliable brokerage firm that offers excellent trading conditions and customer support services. However, it is important to note that DMM FX does not provide Islamic accounts, which may be a drawback for traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I open an account with DMM FX？

A: To open an account with DMM FX, you can apply online by filling out the registration form on their website. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, contact details, and some identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license.

Q: What is the trading hours for DMM FX？

A:DMM FX provides trading services 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday. The trading hours vary for each financial product, and it is important to check the trading hours for each product before placing any trades.

Q: What types of financial products can I trade with DMM FX？

A: DMM FX offers a wide range of financial products that can be traded, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Q: What are the fees and charges for trading with DMM FX？

A: DMM FX does not charge any commission fees for trading. Instead, they earn revenue from the difference between the bid and ask prices, which is called the spread. There may be other fees, such as rollover fees and overnight swap fees, depending on the trading conditions and the financial products traded.

Q: What is the maximum leverage ratio offered by DMM FX？

A: The maximum leverage ratio offered by DMM FX is 25:1 for forex trading. The leverage ratios for other financial products, such as indices and commodities, may vary.

Q: How can I contact DMM FX customer support？

A: DMM FX provides customer support services through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. The customer support team is available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday. The contact details for customer support can be found on the DMM FX website.

Q: Does DMM FX provide educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, DMM FX offers a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, seminars, e-books, and video tutorials. These resources cover a variety of topics, such as market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.