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 GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012. The broker is based in the United Kingdom. GKFX Prime provides traders with a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They offer various account types and trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms. GKFX Prime also provides educational resources and customer support in multiple languages.

What Type of Broker is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is a Straight Through Processing (STP) broker that offers clients direct access to interbank markets without the need for a dealing desk or human intervention. This means that trades are executed instantly and efficiently without any conflict of interest between the broker and the client.

Pros & Cons

GKFX Prime's main advantages are their competitive trading conditions, including tight spreads and low commissions, as well as their extensive range of trading instruments and educational resources.

However, their lack of regulatory oversight in major jurisdictions and too many complaints from users may be a concern for some traders.

Ultimately, it's important for traders to weigh these factors against their own priorities and preferences when choosing a broker.

GKFX Prime Alternative Brokers

Some alternative brokers to GKFX Prime include:

• IC Markets: An Australian-based broker that offers ECN trading with tight spreads and low commissions. They also have a wide range of trading instruments and multiple trading platforms.

• Admiral Markets: A European-based broker with a strong focus on education and research. They offer a variety of account types and trading platforms, as well as a wide range of trading instruments.

• FxPro: A UK-based broker with over 15 years of experience in the industry. They offer a range of trading platforms and account types, including ECN trading with tight spreads.

• Pepperstone: An Australian-based broker that offers low spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading platforms. They also offer a range of educational resources for traders.

• XM: A global broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and multiple account types. They also offer a demo account for traders to practice trading strategies without risking real money.

It is important to thoroughly research and compare different brokers before choosing one that suits your trading needs and preferences.

Is GKFX Prime Safe or Scam？

As GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker, its reliability may be a concern for some traders. While the company has been operating for several years, the lack of regulatory oversight may make it less attractive to traders who prioritize safety and security. The worse is that there are too many complaints from their users.

Also, it's important to note that being unregulated doesn't necessarily mean that a broker is unreliable. However, it does mean that there is no external oversight of the broker's activities and no protection for clients in the event of financial difficulty or fraud. Clients should exercise caution when dealing with unregulated brokers and conduct thorough research before opening an account.

Market Instruments

GKFX Prime offers 400+ financial instruments to trade, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex: over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

Commodities: including gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

Indices: over 20 global indices, including popular indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 30.

Stocks: over 300 stocks from companies listed on exchanges in the US, UK, Germany, and France.

Cryptocurrency: including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Accounts

Apart from free demo accounts, there is a large variety of live trading accounts available at GKFX Prime, and each one is tailored to the specific requirements of the clients.

A trader's risk appetite, the quantity of their initial investment, and the amount of free time they have daily to devote to trading the Forex market are all important considerations when deciding which account type will best suit their needs.

The account types include the following: Standard Fixed, Standard Variable, VIP Variable and ECN Zero. Additionally, Islamic accounts are available for clients who follow Sharia laws. There is no minimum deposit requirement for Standard Fixed, Standard Variable and ECN Zero accounts, while $5,000 for VIP Variable accounts.

How to open an account with GKFX Prime？

To open a new forex trading account with GKFX Prime, you must first pass a simple “know your customer” test. Because of this, GKFX Prime can verify your identity, your account information, and the security of your cash.

Login information for the trading platform that is best suited to the type of account you opened will typically be emailed to you after the initial registration.

Step 1 – Register an account

Open your Live Trading Account.

Step 2 – Fill out the 5-page form

Supply personal detail, financial information, trade knowledge and experience, etc.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by GKFX Prime is 1:400. However, the leverage available to you may vary depending on your location and the regulatory restrictions in place.

Spreads & Commissions

Different account types have different trading conditions. Specifically, Standard Fixed accounts have spread from 1.8 pips and no commissions; Standard Variable accounts have spread from 1.2 pips and no commissions; VIP Variable accounts have spread from 0.6 pips and no commissions; ECN Zero accounts have spread as low as 0.0 pips but have to pay a commission of 10/lot.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on account types and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

GKFX Prime offers the MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are popular and widely used platforms among traders. They provide access to a range of tools and features, including advanced charting, technical analysis tools, automated trading capabilities, and the ability to customize and use third-party indicators and trading algorithms.

They are both available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it convenient for traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time. Additionally, GKFX Prime offers a VPS (Virtual Private Server) service to clients who require faster and more reliable connection to the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Overall, GKFX Prime's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

While there is no minimum deposit requirement with GKFX Prime, we advise putting up at least five dollars so that you have more flexibility and a higher chance of building positions large enough to make a difference in the markets. The company offers quick deposit and withdrawal alternatives to GKFX Prime traders so that regular traders can have more faith in the platform and gain more market access.

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Maestro), bank transfers and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill are all acceptable methods of payment, so long as the buyer has provided the necessary “know your customer” papers to comply with AML regulations. The most common of them is a photocopy of your passport and some form of the recent bill showing your current address.

Credit cards and bank transfers are both acceptable withdrawal methods. Transfers made with a credit card take three to five business days to process, while wire transfers can take anywhere from one to five days. Withdrawal is free of charge.

Please note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain regions/countries, and fees and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method.

GKFX Prime minimum deposit vs other brokers

GKFX Prime Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their account, go to the “Withdrawal” section, select the preferred withdrawal method, and follow the instructions provided. It's worth noting that GKFX Prime may require additional documentation for verification purposes before processing the withdrawal request.

Bonus & Fees

GKFX Prime claims to offer a 100% welcome bonus and a 50% re-deposit bonus. In any case, you should be very cautious if you receive a bonus. First of all, bonuses aren't client funds, they're company funds, and fulfilling the heavy requirements that are usually attached to them can prove a very daunting and difficult task.

Apart from commission fees on the ECN Zero account, there are no other fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the country of residence and the payment method used.

Customer Service

GKFX Prime offers customer support in multiple languages through various channels including live chat, phone, and email. Their customer support is available 24/5, which means that traders can get assistance during the trading week. Additionally, GKFX Prime provides support through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The broker also provides an FAQ section and educational resources on its website to assist traders. Overall, GKFX Prime has a good reputation for customer support.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with GKFX Prime's customer service.

Education

Those interested in opening an account with GKFX Prime should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the ins and outs of forex and commodity trading before placing any trades. If a trader needs more information than is available on the GKFX Prime website, they should look elsewhere.

GKFX Prime offers a range of educational resources for traders of all levels, including video tutorials, articles, ebooks, webinars, seminars.

Webinars: GKFX Prime provides free webinars to its clients, covering various trading topics, such as market analysis, risk management, and trading strategies.

Video tutorials: The broker offers a collection of video tutorials covering a range of trading topics, including technical analysis, trading psychology, and risk management.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker with a wide range of trading instruments and account types. While their trading conditions are relatively competitive, the lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds. Their customer support and educational resources are adequate but not exceptional. Overall, traders should approach GKFX Prime with caution and consider alternative brokers that are regulated and offer more comprehensive services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)