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 eXcentral

eXcentral, founded in 2018 and based in South Africa, is a financial services company that has had its regulation revoked. The firm requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 and offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices.

eXcentral provides various account types including Classic, VIP, and Gold, catering to different levels of traders. The company offers leverage of up to 1:30 and boasts competitive trading conditions with spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, without charging commissions.

Traders have access to both MT4 and MT5 platforms, popular choices for their robust features and user-friendliness. A demo account is also available for practice trading. Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.

For deposits and withdrawals, eXcentral accepts bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and third-party payments. However, the revocation of its regulation takes about its credibility and the safety of client funds.

Is eXcentral Limited Legit or a Scam？

eXcentral, operating under the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, had its regulatory status revoked by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.

The company, which held the license number 48296 since June 6, 2017, was categorized as a Financial Service Corporate. The revocation of its license raises significant concerns regarding its compliance with financial regulatory standards and the overall safety and legitimacy of its operations.

The licensed institution is located at UNIT 6C3, 159 Rivonia Road Sinosteel Plaza, Morningside Ext 39 Sandton, and can be contacted at the phone number 27072 216 2542. However, given the revocation of its regulatory status, caution is advised when considering any engagement with eXcentral.

The reason for the revocation and the current operational status of the company would require further investigation for anyone considering their services.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Diverse Market Instruments: Offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices, providing a range of options for traders.

2. Multiple Account Types: Availability of Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts caters to different levels of traders, offering flexibility and tailored trading experiences.

3. Competitive Spreads: Claims to offer low spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, which can be beneficial for cost-effective trading.

4. Access to MT4 and MT5 Platforms: Both platforms are well-regarded in the trading community for their advanced features and user-friendly interfaces.

5. Demo Account Availability: Provides a demo account, allowing new traders to practice and get acquainted with the platforms without financial risk.

Cons:

1. Regulation Revoked: The revocation of its regulatory status by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa is a major red flag, indicating potential issues with compliance and reliability.

2. High Minimum Deposit: A minimum deposit of $1,000 might be relatively high for beginner traders or those looking to test the waters with smaller investments.

3. Uncertain Operational Status: The revocation of its license raises questions about the current operational status and the safety of client funds.

4. Limited Information on Licensed Institution: Lack of detailed information about the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, including its website and email address, hinders transparency.

5. Potential Risk to Investors: Given regulatory concerns, there is a heightened risk for anyone considering investing or trading with eXcentral.

Market Instruments

eXcentral offers trading in a range of market instruments, which include:

1. Forex: This includes a variety of currency pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the changing values of currencies against each other.

2. Commodities: These typically involve trading in natural resources such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Commodities trading can be a way to diversify a trading portfolio beyond forex and indices.

3. Indices: Trading in indices involves speculating on the price movements of index funds, which represent the aggregated performance of a selection of stocks. Indices usually reflect the performance of a particular sector or the broader market.

Account Types

Classic Trading Account:

The Classic Trading Account at eXcentral is designed for entry-level traders, offering leverage up to 1:30. It features a 2.5 spread on EUR/USD and a $0.10 spread on Crude Oil, catering to those who prefer trading in major forex pairs and commodities.

This account includes negative balance protection, which can be a safety net for traders against going into debt. Additionally, it comes with free trading education, providing resources for beginners to learn and develop their trading skills.

VIP Account:

eXcentral's VIP Account is tailored for more advanced traders, maintaining the same leverage of up to 1:30. It offers narrower spreads, with 0.9 on EUR/USD and $0.06 on Crude Oil, which can be appealing for more frequent or experienced traders.

This account enhances the trading experience with added features like educational webinars, SMS MTE trading signals for timely market insights, and weekly account overviews for a regular summary of trading performance.

The VIP Account is a step up for those seeking more in-depth market analysis and educational support.

Gold Account:

The Gold Account at eXcentral is geared towards serious, committed traders, providing leverage up to 1:30. It offers competitive spreads of 1.8 on EUR/USD and $0.08 on Crude Oil.

Alongside the benefits found in the VIP Account, the Gold Account introduces a monthly account overview for comprehensive performance tracking and the services of a dedicated senior account manager for personalized trading support.

Exclusive one-on-one sessions are a standout feature, offering bespoke guidance and strategy discussion, making this account suitable for those seeking a highly tailored trading experience.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with eXcentral typically involves the following four steps:

1. Account Selection:

   Begin by choosing the type of trading account that best suits your trading needs and experience level. eXcentral offers Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts, each with different features and spreads.

2. Registration Process:

   Complete the registration form on eXcentrals website. This process usually requires providing personal information such as your name, address, contact details, and possibly some financial information to assess your trading experience and risk tolerance.

3. Verification (KYC Process):

   As part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, submit the necessary documents for identity verification. This typically includes a government-issued ID (like a passport or drivers license), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and possibly additional financial documents.

4. Fund Your Account:

   Once your account is verified, deposit funds to meet the minimum deposit requirement, which is $1,000 for eXcentral. Choose a suitable deposit method from the options available, such as bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

After completing these steps, youll be able to access the trading platform (MT4 or MT5) provided by eXcentral and start trading with the chosen account type.

Leverage

eXcentral offers leverage of up to 1:30 across its trading accounts, which includes the Classic, VIP, and Gold account types. This level of leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a relatively smaller amount of capital.

For example, with a leverage of 1:30, a trader can hold a position worth up to 30 times their account balance. While this can amplify potential profits, it also significantly increases the risk of losses, especially in volatile market conditions.

Therefore, it's important for traders to use leverage cautiously and understand its implications fully. Leverage is a powerful tool in trading, but it requires a good understanding of risk management to use effectively, particularly for less experienced traders.

Spreads & Commissions

eXcentral offers trading conditions with competitive spreads and no commission fees. The specifics of their spreads and commissions are as follows:

• Spreads

eXcentral advertises spreads as low as 0.06 to 2.5 pip, which is quite tight and can be beneficial for traders looking to minimize their trading costs.

For example, the spread for EUR/USD ranges from 0.06 pip in the VIP account to 2.5 pips in the Classic account. Similarly, the spread for Crude Oil varies from $0.06 in the VIP account to $0.10 in the Classic account.

Such low spreads are particularly advantageous for high-frequency traders or those who trade large volumes.

• Commissions:

The company states that it charges no commissions on trades. This means that traders don't have to pay a separate fee for each trade they execute, which is a cost-effective feature for active traders.

While these trading conditions appear attractive, especially for those looking to keep their trading costs low, it is crucial for traders to consider the overall context of the brokerage, including its regulatory status and reliability.

Trading Platform

eXcentral offers its clients two well-regarded trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

1. MT4 Platform: MT4 is one of the most popular trading platforms in the forex and CFD trading community. It is known for its user-friendly interface, robust technical analysis tools, a wide array of charting options, and support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs).

2. MT5 Platform: As the successor to MT4, the MT5 platform offers extended features and capabilities. It supports more types of trading orders and has additional timeframes for analysis. MT5 also provides access to more indicators and analytical tools, along with enhanced charting capabilities.

Both platforms offer mobile versions, allowing traders to manage their accounts and trade from anywhere. The choice between MT4 and MT5 typically depends on the trader's preference, trading style, and the specific instruments they wish to trade.

Deposit & Withdrawal

eXcentral offers various options for deposit and withdrawal, including a specific minimum deposit requirement:

1. Minimum Deposit: The minimum amount required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000. This sets a relatively high entry barrier, especially for novice traders or those who prefer to start with a smaller capital investment.

2. Payment Methods:

1. Bank Transfer: Allows for direct transfer of funds from a trader's bank account to their trading account. This method is typically secure but may take several days to process.

2. Debit/Credit Card: Offers a quick and convenient way to deposit funds using widely accepted cards like Visa and MasterCard.

3. Third-Party Payment: Accepts deposits via various third-party payment systems, which could include digital wallets or online payment services. These methods often provide quick and easy transactions.

Customer Support

eXcentral provides customer support through multiple channels, aiming to assist clients with their queries and issues. Customers can reach out via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com, offering a direct line of communication for support, queries, or feedback.

Additionally, they provide phone support at +278 71 951005, which can be beneficial for immediate assistance or for discussing more complex issues. The availability of these support options suggests a commitment to maintaining accessible customer service.

Conclusion

In summary, eXcentral, based in South Africa and founded in 2018, offers Forex, commodities, and indices trading on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with account options including Classic, VIP, and Gold. They provide leverage up to 1:30 and competitive spreads with no commission fees.

However, a significant concern is their revoked regulatory status, which poses serious questions about the firm's credibility and the safety of client investments.

While they offer a minimum deposit of $1,000 and multiple channels for customer support, potential clients should approach with caution and thoroughly evaluate the risks due to the regulatory concerns.

FAQs

Q:What trading platforms does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms for trading.

Q:What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral？

A:The minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000.

Q:What types of trading accounts does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers three types of accounts: Classic, VIP, and Gold, each with different features and spreads.

Q:What leverage does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers leverage up to 1:30 across all its trading accounts.

Q:How can I deposit or withdraw funds from eXcentral？

A:Deposits and withdrawals can be made via bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

Q:How can I contact eXcentral's customer support？

A:Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.