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.

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 contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

Overview of GMI Edge

Founded in 2018, GMI Edge is an offshore trading broker that provides online trading via MetaTrader4 (MT4) on a variety of different asset classes including forex, indices, precious metals, energies and CFDs. GMI Edge is the trading name of Global Prime Limited, a regulated and licensed dealer in securities by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC, suspicious clone), with regulatory license number: 14647. GMI Edge is part of the GMI Group of companies. The GMI brand was established in 2009.

Traders can access leverage ratios ranging from 1:500 to 1:2000, depending on the account type. However, explicit information about spreads is not readily available on the GMI Edge website. The broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which allows traders to customize their strategies, utilize expert advisors, and access a wide range of analytical tools. GMI Edge also provides the Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform for money managers to trade multiple accounts.

Deposits and withdrawals can be made through various methods, including local bank transfers, Neteller, and Skrill. The minimum deposit requirement varies based on the chosen method. GMI Edge has a mobile app for convenient account management and trading on the go. However, customer support contact information is limited to email and live chat, with no disclosed telephone numbers or company address.

Considering the lack of regulatory oversight and transparency, it is advisable for traders to approach GMI Edge with caution and consider alternative brokers with a solid regulatory status and more transparent operations.

Here is the home page of this brokers official site:

Pros and Cons

GMI Edge has both advantages and disadvantages that traders should consider. One of the pros is the availability of a wide range of market instruments, including commodities, major currency pairs, and indices, providing traders with diverse trading opportunities. Additionally, the broker offers different types of trading accounts with varying leverage options, catering to the individual preferences and risk tolerance of traders. The provision of the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and the additional Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform for money managers enhance the trading experience. Furthermore, GMI Edge provides a mobile app for convenient account management and trading on the go.

On the downside, GMI Edge lacks proper regulatory oversight, as it is not regulated by a recognized financial regulatory authority. The claimed regulatory license from the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) is suspicious and not considered valid, which raises concerns about the level of investor protection and oversight provided by the broker. Moreover, the broker does not disclose explicit information about spreads, which makes it difficult for traders to assess the trading costs upfront. Limited customer support options, with only email and live chat available and no disclosed telephone numbers or company address, can also be a drawback for some traders.

Is GMI Edge Legit？

GMI Edge is not regulated by a recognized financial regulatory authority. The claimed regulation by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) with license number 14647 is suspected to be a clone and is not considered valid. The VFSC is an offshore regulatory body, and trading with an unregulated broker carries significant risks. It is important to note that unregulated brokers may not provide the same level of investor protection and oversight as regulated brokers. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider alternative regulated brokers with a solid regulatory status when choosing a trading partner.

Market Instruments

GMI Edge offers a selection of market instruments for trading. These instruments include:

1. Gold, Oil, Silver: Traders have the opportunity to trade in commodities such as Gold, Oil, and Silver. These instruments are available for trading 23 hours a day, and GMI Edge aims to provide competitive costs in this regard.

2. Forex: GMI Edge enables traders to participate in the foreign exchange market. Major currency pairs such as the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, and Canadian Dollar are available for trading. GMI Edge offers high leverage and the option of Swap Free accounts.

3. Indices: GMI Edge allows traders to access global financial markets through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on various indices. Some of the indices available for trading include Dow Jones, NASDAQ, S&P, FTSE, DAX, CAC, NIKKEI, Hang Seng, and China A50.

Account Types

GMI Edge offers four different types of trading accounts: ECN, Cent, Standard, and Standard Bonus. Each account type has its own minimum deposit requirement, contract size, leverage options, and other features.

ECN ACCOUNT

The ECN account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and offers leverage up to 1:500. It has a commission fee of $4 per lot and allows for a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4 and 1,000 lots on GMI Edge. The ECN account does not offer a swap-free option.

CENT ACCOUNT

The Cent account has a minimum deposit requirement of $15 and provides leverage up to 1:1000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 200 lots on MT4. The Cent account also offers a swap-free option.

STANDARD ACCOUNT

The Standard account requires a minimum deposit of $25 and offers leverage up to 1:2000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4 and 1,000 lots on GMI Edge. The Standard account does not provide a swap-free option.

STANDARD BONUS ACCOUNT

The Standard Bonus account also requires a minimum deposit of $25 and provides leverage up to 1:2000. It does not charge any commission and allows a maximum order size of 500 lots on MT4. The Standard Bonus account does not offer a swap-free option.

Traders should carefully consider their trading preferences and risk tolerance when choosing the most suitable account type for their needs.

Leverage

The specified leverage for different account types at GMI Edge varies between 1:500 and 1:2000. Clients on the Cent account can experience leverage of 1:1000, the Standard and Standard Bonus accounts can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:2000, while the ECN accounts have a leverage ratio of 1:500.

Keep in mind that using leverage ratios that high is very dangerous, especially for inexperienced traders. Margin trading is risky, so make sure you understand how leverage works before you lose everything.

Spreads & Commissions

Unlike most decent brokers who present their pricing and trading conditions, GMI Edge has not disclosed its spreads on the website. So, we had to register a demo account to see the trading costs with this broker. The benchmark EUR/USD spread of GMI Edge is well above 2 pips, which is not competitive pricing.

As for the commission, there is no commission on the Cent, Standard and Standard Bonus accounts, while 4 per lot on the ECN account.

Trading Platform

GMI Edge provides its traders with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. This widely recognized platform is available for all types of GMI Edge accounts. Traders can take advantage of the features and functionality offered by MT4 to enhance their trading experience.

MT4

With MT4, traders have the option to create their own algorithms or utilize expert advisors (EAs) to automate their trades. This allows for customized trading strategies and the ability to follow other traders. Traders can seamlessly connect to the trading platform through the GMI Edge app, ensuring a smooth trading experience across different devices. The GMI Edge app also provides a convenient way to fund trading accounts that use MT4.

MT4 offers a comprehensive range of analytical tools that traders can utilize to analyze various aspects of the markets they trade. These tools enable traders to perform in-depth market analysis and make informed trading decisions.

Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform.

In addition to MT4, GMI Edge also offers the Multi-Account Manager (MAM) platform. This platform is designed for money managers who wish to trade multiple accounts with ease. With MAM, money managers can execute trades across multiple accounts with just one click. The platform also allows for automated performance fees billing and offers trade allocation options based on lot size, equity, or balance.

GMI Edge mobile app

To further enhance accessibility and convenience, GMI Edge has developed the GMI Edge mobile app. This app allows traders to access their trading accounts anytime and anywhere. Traders can trade various instruments including forex, gold, silver, and indices, among others, using the app. The GMI Edge app also offers easy ways to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds, providing traders with comprehensive account management capabilities in one place.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GMI Edge provides various options for depositing and withdrawing funds from your trading account. These options include Local Banks Transfer, Neteller, and Skrill. The minimum initial deposit requirement is $10 for Neteller and Skrill, while it is $15 for Local Banks Transfer.

The deposit processing time is typically instant, allowing you to quickly start trading after funding your account.

For withdrawals, the minimum withdrawal amount is 50 MYR for bank transfers, and the processing time is between 8am to 6pm daily. There is a 4% fee for withdrawals via Neteller and Skrill, with a minimum withdrawal amount of $10. Withdrawals made through these methods are also processed instantly.

GMI Edge provides customer support through various channels. Traders can reach out to their customer support team via email at cs.global@gmimarkets.com. Additionally, a live chat option is available for immediate assistance. For those who prefer to send a direct message, an online contact form is provided. However, it is worth noting that GMI Edge does not disclose additional contact information such as telephone numbers or a company address, which is commonly shared by more transparent brokers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMI Edge is an unregulated broker with a suspicious regulatory license and is not considered a legitimate trading option. Trading with an unregulated broker carries significant risks, as they may lack investor protection and oversight. Although GMI Edge offers a variety of market instruments and different types of trading accounts with varying leverage options, their lack of transparency regarding spreads and trading conditions is a disadvantage. Additionally, the absence of a recognized financial regulatory authority and limited customer support contact information further raise concerns. Traders are advised to exercise caution and consider alternative regulated brokers with a solid regulatory status and transparent practices when choosing a trading partner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)