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.

What is FirewoodFX？

FirewoodFX, established in 2014 and headquartered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, operates as an unregulated entity in the financial markets. FirewoodFX offers a wide array of market instruments. The platform extends the option for users to familiarize themselves with its services through a demo account.

If you are interested, we invite you to continue reading the upcoming article where we will thoroughly assess the broker from various angles and present you with well-organized and succinct information. By the end of the article, we will provide a concise summary to give you a comprehensive overview of the broker's key characteristics.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

- Demo Account Availability: FirewoodFX provides a demo account option, enabling traders to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platforms features without risking real funds.

- MT4 Trading Platform: Trading occurs through the widely acclaimed MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, known for its stability, versatility, and extensive range of trading tools, providing traders with a seamless trading experience.

- Multiple Account Options: FirewoodFX caters to traders of different experience levels by offering various types of trading accounts, each tailored to meet specific preferences and objectives.

- Zero commission for most accounts: Traders can enjoy cost-effective trading with no commissions on most accounts, reducing expenses and enhancing overall profitability.

- Convenient Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: The platform offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and e-payment systems, providing clients with flexibility and convenience in managing their funds.

Cons:

- Lack of Regulation: One of the most significant drawbacks of FirewoodFX is its unregulated status, which exposes traders to increased risks due to the absence of oversight from governmental or financial authorities.

- Regional Restrictions: FirewoodFX does not accept clients from the United States of America, North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These restrictions will stem from regulatory compliance issues or other factors specific to those regions.

Is FirewoodFX Safe ？

FirewoodFX's current lack of valid regulation signifies a concerning absence of oversight from governmental or financial authorities, heightening the inherent risks associated with investing through their platform. Without regulatory supervision, there exists a substantial potential for malfeasance, where the operators of the platform hold no accountability for their actions.

This absence of oversight leaves investors vulnerable to various forms of misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and fraudulent practices. Essentially, the absence of regulation exposes investors to significant risks, as there are no safeguards in place to protect their investments.

Moreover, the lack of regulatory oversight means that FirewoodFX's operators have the autonomy to dissolve the platform abruptly, leaving investors with no recourse or means of recovering their investments.

Therefore, engaging with FirewoodFX carries inherent risks that every investor should be cognizant of before committing any funds to the platform.

Market Instruments

FirewoodFX offers forex, gold, crypto, oil and more.

- Forex (Foreign Exchange): This includes major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic currency pairs such as EUR/GBP, USD/TRY, and many others.

- Gold (XAU/USD): Trading in gold allows investors to speculate on the price movements of this precious metal against the US dollar.

- Crypto: FirewoodFX likely offers trading in various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and others. Investors can trade cryptocurrency pairs against major fiat currencies like USD or EUR.

- Oil (Crude Oil): This typically involves trading contracts for difference (CFDs) on the price of crude oil, allowing traders to speculate on its price movements without owning the physical commodity.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Account Types

FirewoodFX offers various types of trading accounts tailored to meet the needs of different types of traders.

- Cent Account: This account is suitable for beginners or those who want to trade with smaller amounts of capital. With a minimum deposit of USD 10 (or equivalent in USC), traders can start trading with micro-lot sizes, allowing for precise risk management and lower exposure to the market.

- Micro Account: Similar to the Cent Account, the Micro Account is designed for traders who prefer smaller trade sizes. It also requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers micro-lot trading, but the base currency is USD instead of USC.

- Standard Account: The Standard Account is suitable for intermediate traders who are comfortable with standard lot sizes and require more flexibility in their trading. It requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers standard lot trading.

- Premium Account: The Premium Account is designed for more experienced traders who may require additional features or benefits. It also requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers standard lot trading like the Standard Account.

- ECN Account: The ECN (Electronic Communication Network) Account is tailored for advanced traders who require direct access to liquidity providers and prefer tighter spreads and faster execution. It requires a higher minimum deposit of USD 200 but offers the same standard lot trading as the Premium Account.

Furthermore, FirewoodFX offers demo accounts for traders who want to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform's features without risking real funds. Demo accounts replicate real market conditions, providing a risk-free environment for learning and honing trading skills.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with FirewoodFX, follow these steps.

1. Visit the FirewoodFX website. Look for the “Open Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

1. Sign up on websites registration page.

1. Receive your personal account login from an automated email

2. Log in

3. Proceed to deposit funds to your account

4. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

FirewoodFX offers a maximum leverage of 1:1000, which means traders can control positions up to 1000 times the amount of their initial investment. Leverage allows traders to amplify their potential returns by using borrowed capital, enabling them to enter larger positions with a relatively smaller amount of capital. This can be advantageous for traders looking to maximize their profit potential with limited funds. However, it's important to note that leverage magnifies both profits and losses, making it a double-edged sword.

Spreads and Commissions

FirewoodFX offers competitive spreads across its range of account types. The spreads are variable and start from as low as 1 pip for certain account types. Variable spreads mean they fluctuate according to market conditions, providing traders with the opportunity to benefit from tighter spreads during times of high market liquidity. Additionally, FirewoodFX doesn't charge any commissions for standard trading accounts, making it attractive for traders who prefer not to pay additional fees per trade.

However, for the Micro account, FirewoodFX imposes a commission of $7 per lot traded. While this commission might seem nominal, it's essential for traders to factor it into their overall trading costs, especially if they engage in high-volume trading. The commission structure ensures that traders using the Micro account are aware of the costs associated with their trades upfront, allowing for better transparency and informed decision-making.

Trading Platforms

FirewoodFX provides its clients with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. With MT4, FirewoodFX users gain access to a powerful trading environment equipped with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and analytical resources, empowering traders to make informed decisions.

The platform offers a seamless trading experience across various devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, allowing traders to access their accounts and execute trades anytime, anywhere. MT4's compatibility with different operating systems ensures flexibility for traders who prefer trading on their preferred devices.

Trading Platforms

FirewoodFX's margin calculator is a practical trading tool designed to help traders accurately assess their margin requirements and pip values for different currency pairs.

By inputting key parameters such as the currency pair, leverage ratio, and trade size, the calculator swiftly computes the required margin in USD for each pair. This feature is invaluable for traders as it enables them to manage their risk effectively by ensuring they have adequate funds to cover their positions. Additionally, the calculator provides insight into the USD value per pip movement for each pair, aiding traders in understanding the potential profit or loss implications of their trades.

Deposits & Withdrawals

FirewoodFX offers a variety of convenient deposit and withdrawal methods to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. Clients can fund their accounts via bank transfer, QRIS, internet banking, virtual accounts (e-wallets), BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, USD Tether TRC20/BEP20, credit card, Perfect Money, and Fasapay.

For Deposits:

For deposits, clients can choose from options such as bank transfer, QRIS, internet banking, virtual accounts, and various cryptocurrencies like BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, and USD Tether TRC20/BEP20. For different ways, minimum amount and fees vary. For example, through Internet Banking, $10 of minimum amount is required. More details can be learned by clicking: https://www.firewoodfx.com/trading/deposit.

For Withdrawals:

Withdrawals from FirewoodFX accounts are also straightforward, with options including bank transfer, internet banking, and cryptocurrency withdrawals like BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, and USD Tether TRC20/BEP20. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the chosen method. Similarly, for different ways, minimum amount and fees vary. For example, through Internet Banking, IDR 50,000 of minimum amount is required. More details can be learned by clicking: https://www.firewoodfx.com/trading/deposit.

Education

FirewoodFX provides a comprehensive Forex Glossary covering everything traders need to know about Forex terms. Their educational resources offer clear and concise explanations of key concepts, ensuring traders have a solid understanding of the terminology used in the forex market to navigate the complexities of forex trading confidently, ultimately enhancing their trading skills and success.

Bonus

FirewoodFX offers an 88% Deposit Bonus, where traders can receive up to an 88% bonus on their deposits. This promotion is designed to increase trading capital and enhance trading opportunities for clients.

Customer Service

Customers can visit their office or get in touch with customer service line using the information provided below:

Telephone: +442036083558

Email: support@firewoodfx.com

Address: Suite 305, Griffith Corporate Centre, Beachmont. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FirewoodFX offers online messaging as part of their trading platform. This allows traders to communicate with customer support or other traders directly through the platform. Online messaging can be a convenient way to get real-time assistance or to engage in discussions with fellow traders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FirewoodFX offers a range of products and services, catering to traders seeking diversification in their investment portfolios. However, it operates without regulatory oversight, which poses inherent risks for traders. While the platform provides competitive leverage and a user-friendly MT4 trading platform, the absence of regulation raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the service.

FAQs

What trading platforms does FirewoodFX offer？

FirewoodFX offers the MetaTrader 4 platform across desktop, mobile, and web.

What types of accounts are available at FirewoodFX？

FirewoodFX provides several account types including Cent, Micro, Standard, Premium, and ECN.

Is FirewoodFX regulated？

No, FirewoodFX is not regulated by any recognized financial regulatory authority.

What is the minimum deposit required at FirewoodFX？

The minimum deposit starts at USD 10 for Cent, Micro, Standard, and Premium accounts, and USD 200 for ECN accounts.

Does FirewoodFX offer any bonuses？

Yes, FirewoodFX offers an 88% deposit bonus under certain conditions.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.