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 GSI Markets？

GSI Markets is a Forex trading broker operated by Media Force Limited, founded in 2013 and registered in the Marshall Islands. It claims to specialize in online Forex trading, converting on a leading FX and CFD broker for clients in more than 120 countries worldwide. Providing services through MetaTrader 4, It offers a demo account. The maximum leverage available is 1:100, and the minimum deposit required is $250, with margin requirements ranging from 0.20% to 5%. Notably, GSI Markets operates without any regulations.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Diverse Market Instruments: GSI Markets offers a wide range of market instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities, providing traders with various options for diversification.

Demo Account Availability: Traders can access a demo account, allowing them to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money.

Multiple Contact Channels: The broker provides multiple contact channels, including seven telephone numbers, email, and other social platforms, making it easier for traders to reach customer support when needed.

Cons:

No Regulation: GSI Markets operates without any regulatory oversight, which is a huge red flag for the safety of funds and the reliability of the broker.

Exposure Labeled as Unable to Withdraw: There are five pieces of exposure labeled as unable to withdraw, which indicates a risk that traders face issues with withdrawing their funds.

Is GIS Markets Safe or Scam？

The most glaring red flag is the complete lack of regulation. This raises significant concerns about the safety of your funds, the fairness of their trading practices, and the potential for scams or manipulative activities.

Furthermore, the existence of exposures labeled as “unable to withdraw” is incredibly alarming. This suggests that some users have encountered difficulties withdrawing their funds, raising the possibility of encountering similar issues yourself.

Market Instruments

GSI Markets offers a wide array of market instruments for traders to engage with, catering to the varying trading preferences and strategies of its clients.

Stocks: You can access shares of publicly traded companies, enabling them to invest in the performance of individual companies.

Cryptocurrencies: The platform offers trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, allowing traders to participate in the dynamic and evolving cryptocurrency market.

Indices: GSI Markets provides access to major stock market indices, offering exposure to broader market performance.

Forex: The broker facilitates trading in the foreign exchange market, allowing traders to trade currency pairs and take advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Commodities: You can also trade in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products, providing diversification opportunities beyond traditional asset classes.

Account Types

GSI Markets offers traders three different live account types: Silver ECN, Gold ECN, and Platinum ECN accounts.

The Silver ECN account requires a minimum deposit of 250 USD and has a withdrawal time of 7 days. To acquire a Silver Account, traders must either trade 300 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $1,000 to $10,000. To maintain the Silver Account, traders must continue to trade 150 lots quarterly.

The Gold ECN account offers a first deposit bonus of 10% up to 1,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Gold Account, traders must either trade 2,000 aggregated lots or reach total account equity of $10,000 to $75,000. Gold account holders must trade a minimum of 600 lots quarterly to keep the account in good standing.

The Platinum ECN account provides a first deposit bonus of 15% up to 2,000 USD and has a withdrawal time of 3 days. To acquire a Platinum Account, traders must either trade 10,000 aggregated lots or reach total deposits of $75,000 and above. The Platinum Account is targeted at traders with higher trading volumes and account sizes.

How to Open a GSI Markets Account？

Step 1: Open an account by going to the broker's website: https://www.gsimarkets.com/.

Step 2: All you have to do is fill in the information in the box that says QUICK START. Once this is done, click on OPEN A REAL ACCOUNT which will take you to a page that says REGISTER ACCOUNT.

Step 3: Fill in your details, create a password, check the terms and conditions box and all other related boxes then click on CREATE MY ACCOUNT.

Step 4: You are now on your home page and can make a deposit online using your credit card. All you need to do is complete the DEPOSIT INFORMATION and click on the DEPOSIT NOW button.

Leverage

GSI Markets offers leverage of up to 1:100 for you. Leverage allows you to control a larger position size with a relatively small amount of capital. For example, with a 1:100 leverage, you can control a position of $10,000 with a deposit of only $100. While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses, as losses are also magnified in proportion to the leverage used.

Spreads & Commissions

GSI Markets distinguishes itself by offering trading with zero commissions. This means that you will not incur additional charges for each trade placed through the platform. However, while there are no commissions, you should consider the impact of spreads on the trading costs, which is not present on the official website.

Trading Platforms

GSI Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and customizable features. It also offers automated trading capabilities through Expert Advisors (EAs) and a wide range of technical indicators.

Additionally, the GSI Markets mobile app provides traders with access to the mobile version of MT4. While the mobile version may lack some of the features found in the desktop version, it offers several benefits, including increased flexibility and the ability to trade on the go. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS systems, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade from their smartphones or tablets.

Trading Tools

GSI Markets provides traders with a comprehensive set of trading signals and tools designed to enhance their trading experience and improve decision-making.

• Indicators

Impulse MACD: This indicator combines three moving averages to visually represent market momentum on a chart. It helps traders identify potential buy or sell signals based on the convergence or divergence of these moving averages.

SHI Channel True: This indicator displays dynamic moving channels on a chart. It identifies fractal points in price history, connects them with lines, and draws parallel lines to create channels. You can use these channels to identify potential support and resistance levels.

Stretch Breakout Channel: This indicator helps you identify breakout opportunities by plotting channels based on recent price action. Breakouts above or below these channels may signal potential trading opportunities.

Variation Index: This indicator measures the variation in price movements over a specified period. It helps you gauge the volatility of an asset and can be used to identify potential trend changes.

ZeroLag MACD: This indicator is a modified version of the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator that aims to reduce lag and provide more timely signals. It can help you identify trend reversals and momentum shifts.

• Economic Calendar

This tool provides you with a schedule of important economic events and announcements that may impact financial markets. It includes key indicators such as GDP releases, interest rate decisions, and employment reports, helping you make informed trading decisions based on fundamental analysis.

• Technical Signals

These signals are generated by technical analysis tools and indicators, such as those mentioned above. They provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities based on price movements, trends, and other technical factors.

• Calculators

Profit Calculator: This tool helps you calculate potential profits or losses based on their trading position size, entry price, and exit price.

Margin and Pip Calculator: These calculators help you determine the margin required for a trade and calculate the value of a pip, which is the smallest price movement in a currency pair.

• BTC Signals

These signals are specific to Bitcoin (BTC) trading and provide insights into potential buy or sell opportunities in the Bitcoin market. You can use these signals to make informed decisions when trading Bitcoin.

Deposits & Withdrawals

To deposit money into your GSI Markets trading account, you can log in to your account using the email and password you provided during registration. Once logged in, navigate to the Members Area and click on the “Deposit” tab. From the dropdown menu, select your preferred deposit method, which can include Credit Cards, e-Wallets, or Wire Transfers. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit process.

Withdrawing money from your GSI Markets account is also straightforward. Log in to your account and navigate to the Members Area. Click on the “Withdraw” tab to access the withdrawal section. Fill out the withdrawal form with the required information, ensuring that all your verification documentation is in order. Withdrawals will be returned to the credit cards from which the charge was made, and profits above the invested amount will be transferred to your personal bank account. Wire transfers will take up to 7 business days due to intermediary financial processors.

Customer Service

The broker provides multiple contact options, including telephone support with dedicated numbers for various regions.

• +(44) 203 150 1767 (United Kingdom)

• +(55) 213 50 01808 (Brazil)

• +(56) 229 381 559 (Chile)

• +(57) 601 5141319 (Colombia)

• +(502) 237 84653 (Guatemala)

• +(52) 558 421 0153 (Mexico)

• +(507) 833 7744 (Panama)

In addition to telephone support, traders can also contact the customer support team via email at info@gsimarkets.com.

For traders who prefer real-time assistance, GSI Markets offers a live chat feature on their website.

GSI Markets also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Telegram. These platforms serve as additional channels for traders to interact with the customer support team, stay updated on news and announcements from the broker, and engage with other traders in the community.

Conclusion

GSI Markets provides a range of trading instruments and account options, but there are significant issues that impact your trading experience. The lack of regulatory oversight and reports of exposure labeled as “unable to withdraw” are both red flags that jeopardize your financial security. We advise against using GSI Markets and it is better to choose a broker with a clear track record and regulation from a reputable financial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is GSI Markets regulated？

A: No.

Q: What trading platforms does GSI Markets offer？

A: GSI Markets offers MetaTrader 4, including a desktop version, a web-based version, and a mobile trading app.

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

A: $250.

Q: Does GSI Markets offer a demo account？

A: Yes.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by GSI Markets？

A: 1:100.

Q: What are the available methods for deposit and withdrawal？

A: GSI Markets offers various methods for deposit and withdrawal, including Credit Cards, e-Wallets, and Wire Transfers.

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.