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 FXTF

FXTF, also known as Goldenway Japan Co., Ltd., is a regulated financial entity based in Japan. With a history of 15-20 years, it operates under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency of Japan. FXTF offers trading services in the forex market, providing margin trading on 30 currency pairs and commodity CFDs. The company has a spread on various currency pairs, allowing traders to execute trades with relatively tight differences between buying and selling prices.

FXTF provides two trading platforms: the MT4 trading system and the GX trading system. The MT4 system offers PC and mobile versions for download. On the other hand, the GX trading system is designed for beginners and features a user-friendly interface.

Customer support is available through phone, email, and the LINE messaging platform. Deposits and withdrawals can be made through bank transfers, and FXTF offers quick deposit services with no additional costs. The company also provides various trading tools such as the Future Chart, Technical Analysis Commentary, Margin Calculator, and an email magazine to enhance the trading experience.

Pros and Cons

FXTF (ゴールデンウェイ・ジャパン株式会社) offers a range of features and services for traders interested in margin trading. As a regulated entity in Japan, FXTF is overseen by the Financial Services Agency. With low spreads on various currency pairs and leverage options of up to 25x, FXTF aims to attract traders looking for potential profit opportunities. The availability of both the MT4 and GX trading platforms caters to different preferences and trading styles. However, it is important to consider some limitations, such as the lack of detailed information regarding account types and demo accounts, as well as the limited payment methods restricted to bank transfers. Customer support options are also limited, and the absence of live chat or a dedicated FAQ section might be a drawback for some traders. Despite these drawbacks, FXTF's regulatory compliance and range of tradable assets make it a platform worth considering for individuals interested in margin trading.

Is FXTF Legit？

FXTF (ゴールデンウェイ・ジャパン株式会社) is a regulated entity in Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License, which is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan. The license number is 関東財務局長（金商）第258号. FXTF obtained its license on September 30, 2007. The licensed institution is located at 2-11-15 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Their phone number is 0345776777. The company is certified by the regulatory agency, and the certified documents can be found in Annex1 and Annex2. Unfortunately, no information is provided regarding the website, email address, expiry date, or the nature of the “No Sharing” license type.

Market Instruments

FXTF is a financial platform that provides investors with a range of market instruments to engage in margin trading.

FX: FXTF offers margin trading services on 30 currency pairs, known as FX. This instrument allows investors to participate in the foreign exchange market. FX focuses on investing in foreign currencies, providing real-time rates for trading activities. FXTF provides real-time rates for currency pairs such as USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, and AUD/JPY.

Commodity CFD: In addition to currency pairs, FXTF provides Commodity CFDs, including XAU/USD (Gold/USD) and XAG/USD (Silver/USD). These instruments allow investors to trade in the price movements of gold and silver against the U.S. dollar. The prices for these commodities are quoted in the respective currency pairs, and the spread indicates the difference between the buying and selling prices.

How to Open an Account？

STEP 1: Application for opening an account

• Click on the “口座開設” (Account Opening) button.

• Confirm and agree to the contents of the delivery documents.

• Enter your customer information, such as name and date of birth.

• After completing the application, check your email for an application reception email.

STEP 2: Submission of confirmation documents

• Depending on the identity verification method, there are two patterns:

• Take a selfie and a confirmation document from your smartphone.

• Speed opening with a smartphone:

1. After confirming your identity, the account opening examination will be conducted, and upon passing the examination, the account opening will be completed.

• Choose one of the three submission methods: “upload,” “email,” or “mail.”

• Upload your scanned or photographed identity verification documents and My Number verification documents.

1. Normal opening:

1. Alternatively, attach the documents to an email and send them to the specified email address.

1. If mailing, prepare copies of the verification documents and send them to the designated address.

STEP 3: Account opening review

• Your application will undergo an examination.

• The results of the screening will be sent to the main email address registered on the day of application.

STEP 4: Account opening completed

• Await the examination results.

• Once the account opening is approved, the process is completed.

Leverage

FXTF offers leverage options for trading. For most major currency pairs, traders can apply leverage of up to 25 times their initial investment. However, for specific currency pairs like TRY/JPY, ZAR/JPY, and MXN/JPY, the leverage available is limited to 12.5 times the initial investment.

Spreads

FXTF provides spreads on various currency pairs. The spreads offered are as follows: 0.1 pips on USDJPY, 0.3 pips on EUR/JPY, 0.2 pips on EURUSD, 0.6 pips on GBPJPY, 1.0 pips on NZDJPY, and 0.7 pips on GBPUSD. These spreads allow traders to execute their trades with relatively tight differences between buying and selling prices.

Deposit & Withdrawal

For quick deposits, customers can choose between two procedures: using their personal page or visiting a bank window or ATM. The company covers the commission fees for this type of deposit, so customers do not bear any additional costs. Deposits are reflected immediately in the trading account, with some exceptions. The minimum deposit amount for this type of deposit starts from 1,000 yen.

FXTF provides 24-hour quick deposit services, allowing customers to deposit funds into their trading accounts at any time. Additionally, they offer a “Same-day Withdrawal Service” for expedited withdrawal requests. If a withdrawal request is made before 9:00 a.m. on weekdays, the funds will be transferred to the customer's account on the same day. However, the availability of same-day withdrawals is subject to certain conditions, such as the withdrawal amount.

FXTF offers an online deposit service called “Quick Deposit” for customers who have an Internet banking contract with their affiliated banks. This service supports deposits from banks such as MIZUHO, PayPay, MUFG, and Rakuten and etc. Deposits made through this service are reflected immediately in the trading account, and the transfer fee is free. The minimum deposit amount for this service starts from 1,000 yen, and deposits can be made in units as small as 1 yen.

The minimum withdrawal amount at FXTF is set at 1,000 yen. However, it is important to note that withdrawals of less than 1,000 yen are only possible at the time of cancellation, and such transactions are processed by the company itself.

Trading Platforms

FXTF offers two trading platforms: the MT4 trading system and the GX trading system.

MT4 trading system

The MT4 trading system, also known as Metaquotes version, provides multiple options for traders. The PC installation version allows users to download the platform and access a comprehensive manual for operating it. Additionally, there is a PC browser version available, which also has a separate manual for login and operation. Traders who prefer mobile trading can download the MT4 App for iOS, Android, or iPad devices, with operation manuals provided for each platform.

GX trading system

On the other hand, the GX trading system is a comprehensive platform specifically designed for trading FX and commodity CFDs. It is recommended for beginners due to its easy-to-understand interface and simple operation. The PC web browser version of the GX trading system features a sleek design and incorporates TradingView, a widely recognized charting and analysis tool. Traders can access live trading and refer to the FX and Commodity CFD operation manuals for guidance. The smartphone version of the GX trading system is also available for both iOS and Android devices, for traders who want to trade anytime, anywhere.

Trading Tools

FXTF offers a range of trading tools to enhance the trading experience for its users.

1. FXTF Future Chart is a trading tool provided by FXTF that allows users to predict future price movements based on past price data. It includes a trading signal feature that displays buy and sell points on the chart, making it user-friendly even for those without extensive chart analysis knowledge. The Future Chart can be accessed through the member-only page “My Page” or the “GX Web Browser Version” after logging in. It's important to note that the rates displayed on the Future Chart may differ from those on the trading system due to different rate distributors.

2. Technical Analysis Commentary is another trading tool offered by FXTF. It provides an explanation of technical analysis, which involves predicting future price movements by analyzing past market trends. The commentary is presented in an easy-to-understand manner, making it suitable for individuals interested in studying charts and enhancing their technical analysis skills. The tool covers various aspects of technical analysis, including trends and their classifications.

3. Margin Calculator is a tool provided by FXTF that helps traders calculate the margin required for their trades. Margin refers to the collateral required to open and maintain positions in the forex market. The Margin Calculator assists traders in determining the amount of margin needed based on the trade size, leverage, and currency pair being traded. This tool helps traders manage their risk and make informed decisions when executing trades.

4. FXTF E-mail Magazine is an informational service provided by FXTF. It is a newsletter that targets customers who have an account with Mr. Tomorani Saito, the Representative Director of Win-invest Japan Co., Ltd., a well-established FX school. The e-mail magazine provides strategies directly linked to trading and market direction predictions. The newsletter is authored by Masaru Sugita, the Chairman of Win-invest Japan Co., Ltd., and Tomorani Saito, the Representative Director of the FX school. It offers valuable insights and analysis for subscribers interested in staying updated with market trends and trading strategies.

Trading Hours

FXTF has defined trading hours for both winter and summer seasons. During winter, the trading hours are from Monday 7:05 am to Saturday 6:50 am. However, there is a scheduled maintenance period from Tuesday to Friday, lasting from 6:55 am to 7:05 am, which lasts for 10 minutes. In the summer season, the trading hours start at Monday 7:05 am and end on Saturday 5:50 am. Similarly, there is a maintenance period from Tuesday to Friday, lasting from 5:55 am to 6:05 am, which also lasts for 10 minutes. These trading hours provide a structured timeframe for traders to engage in financial activities with FXTF.

Customer Support

Reception Time: FXTF offers customer support throughout the week, with 24-hour availability during specific hours. During winter time, you can reach them from Monday 8:00 am to Saturday 7:00 am. In summer time, their support hours are Monday 8:00 am to Saturday 6:00 am. However, support is not available on weekends and during year-end and New Year holidays.

Inquiries by Phone: FXTF provides assistance regarding account opening and trading services via phone. You can contact them at 0120-445-435. The phone menu offers different options for specific inquiries. Option 1 is for inquiries about “Forex/Commodity CFD Trading,” option 2 is for inquiries about “account opening” and “deposits and withdrawals,” and option 3 is for “other inquiries.”

Inquiries by Email: For urgent matters, it is recommended to contact FXTF by phone. However, you can also send inquiries via email to support@fxtrade.co.jp. When reaching out via email, it is important to include your name and login ID, especially for customers with DEMO or LIVE accounts.

Inquiries via LINE: FXTF also offers customer support through the messaging platform LINE. However, for urgent matters, contacting them by phone is advised. To add FXTF as a friend on LINE, you can use the LINE ID @GWFX. Please avoid sharing personal information or account details in the chat support.

Conclusion

FXTF is a regulated financial platform based in Japan, offering trading services in the form of margin trading for currency pairs and commodity CFDs. It has been operating for approximately 15-20 years and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan. FXTF provides spreads on various currency pairs and offers leverage options of up to 25 times the initial investment for most major currency pairs, with a slightly lower leverage of 12.5 times for specific pairs. The platform supports two trading systems: MT4 and GX, catering to different trader preferences. FXTF also provides trading tools such as the FXTF Future Chart, Technical Analysis Commentary, Margin Calculator, and an informative email magazine. Customer support is available via phone, email, and the LINE messaging platform during specified hours. FXTF offers deposit and withdrawal services, with various methods available for customers to manage their funds. Overall, FXTF provides a regulated trading environment with offerings for traders interested in margin trading of currency pairs and commodity CFDs.

FAQs

Q: What is the leverage offered by FXTF？

A: FXTF offers leverage of up to 25 times for most major currency pairs and 12.5 times for specific pairs like TRY/JPY, ZAR/JPY, and MXN/JPY.

Q: What are the trading platforms provided by FXTF？

A: FXTF offers the MT4 trading system and the GX trading system as trading platforms.

Q: What market instruments can I trade with FXTF？

A: FXTF provides trading services for FX (30 currency pairs) and Commodity CFDs.

Q: How can I open an account with FXTF？

A: To open an account with FXTF, you need to complete an application, submit confirmation documents, undergo an account opening review, and await the approval.

Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal options with FXTF？

A: FXTF offers various deposit options, including quick deposits through personal pages or bank windows/ATMs. Withdrawals can be made with a same-day withdrawal service, subject to certain conditions.

Q: What are the customer support options provided by FXTF？

A: FXTF offers customer support through phone, email, and the LINE messaging platform.

Q: What are the trading tools offered by FXTF？

A: FXTF provides trading tools such as FXTF Future Chart, Technical Analysis Commentary, Margin Calculator, and FXTF E-mail Magazine.

Q: What are the trading hours of FXTF？

A: FXTF has defined trading hours during both winter and summer seasons, with scheduled maintenance periods.

Q: Is FXTF regulated？

A: Yes, FXTF is a regulated entity in Japan, holding a Retail Forex License regulated by the Financial Services Agency.

Q: How long has FXTF been in operation？

A: FXTF has been operating for 15-20 years.