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.

General Information

Established in 2004, Hirose Tusyo Inc. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, and was listed on the JASDAQ market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 18, 2016.The Company is mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, which provides investors with foreign exchange margin trading and binary options trading through the Internet; provision of trading systems for group companies; provision of white label services for financial instruments traders, as well as covering transaction business as a counterparty of financial instruments traders, among others. Hirose Tusyo Inc. is authorized and regulated by Financial Services Agency, with regulatory license number 9120001106932.

The broker provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs, although these spreads may vary based on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, reducing the overall cost of trading. They offer deposit and withdrawal options and provide customer support through various channels, including phone, fax, and an online inquiry form.

Overall, Hirose-fx is a regulated broker with a range of trading instruments, account types, and trading platforms. Traders can benefit from their fixed spreads, commission-free trading, and accessible customer support.

Pros and Cons

Hirose-fx is a regulated Forex broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. The company holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Hirose-fx provides two types of accounts, FX accounts, and LION CFD accounts. They offer various order types to meet different trading needs and have both fixed and variable spreads, depending on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, which can be advantageous for traders. They offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, as well as a variety of trading platforms to cater to different preferences and devices. The broker also provides trading tools, educational resources, and customer support through various channels. Overall, Hirose-fx has its strengths and weaknesses, and traders should carefully consider their options before choosing this broker.

Is Hirose-fx Legit？

Based on the information provided, Hirose-fx, also known as Hirose Financial UK Ltd, is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the supervision of the Kinki Local Finance Bureau (近畿財務局長（金商）第41号). The licensing institution is Hirose Tsusho Kaisya Limited (ヒロセ通商株式会社).

The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007. The company's address is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 06-6534-0708.

Market Instruments

Hirose-fx offers a variety of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. These currency pairs encompass major currencies from around the world and provide opportunities for traders to engage in foreign exchange (Forex) trading. Some of the currency pairs offered include AUD/CAD, AUD/CHF, AUD/JPY, AUD/NZD, AUD/USD, CAD/CHF, CAD/JPY, CHF/JPY, CNH/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, and others.

Additionally, Hirose-fx offers a selection of large currency pairs, which are often traded frequently and have high liquidity. These large currency pairs include Large USD/JPY, Large EUR/USD, Large EUR/JPY, Large GBP/USD, Large GBP/JPY, and Large AUD/JPY.

Account Types

Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Customers residing overseas are unable to open a LION CFD account. If a customer already has a LION FX account and wishes to open a LION CFD account, they can do so from the trading screen after the next business day following the completion of the FX account opening procedure. For more information on how to apply for a LION CFD account, customers can refer to the provided guidelines.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Hirose-fx, follow these steps:

1. Access the main website of Hirose-fx and click on “新規口座開設” (Open a new account) or a similar option.

1. The account opening process may vary depending on the required identity verification documents and delivery method. Choose the appropriate option and proceed.

1. Fill in the necessary information and review the required documents. Note that using Internet Explorer (IE) is. not recommended; it's advisable to use another browser.

1. Submit your identity verification documents and My Number verification documents. You can choose from various sending methods, including simple identity verification with a smartphone, easy identity verification with Internet banking, upload, email, fax, or mail.

5. Once all the necessary documents are received, Hirose-fx will begin the screening and account opening process. Normally, it takes 1-2 business days after the arrival of the verification documents.

6. You will receive your user ID and password via email. The method of sending the user ID and password depends on the method used to send the identification documents.

7. Deposit funds into your trading account. Once the funds are deposited, you can log in and start trading.

FX Spreads & Commissions

FIXED SPREADS: Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs. For example, USD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips, AUD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.6 pips, GBP/JPY has a fixed spread of 1.0 pip, AUD/USD has a fixed spread of 0.4 pips, EUR/USD has a fixed spread of 0.3 pips, NZD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.8 pips, and MXN/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips. These fixed spreads indicate that the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs remains constant under normal market conditions.

VARIABLE SPREADS: It should be noted that while Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads, these spreads are not completely fixed. The spreads may widen or contract based on market conditions and exceptional events such as low liquidity times. This means that during times of increased volatility or reduced market liquidity, the spreads may change from their fixed values. As a result, the actual spreads experienced by traders may differ from the ones mentioned above.

COMMISSIONS: Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on its trades. This means that traders can execute their trades without incurring any additional fees in the form of commissions. The absence of commissions can be advantageous for traders.

Order Types

There are 27 order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, IF-DONE order, IF-OCO order, Trail Order, Streaming order, Timed Market order, Timed Limit ( stop) order, one-click order, Quick Order, One-click payment order, Bulk Settlement Order, Bulk Purchase Settlement order, Bulk Sale Settlement order, All Settlement Order by currency, All settlements Orders, Pip difference Settlement order, Doten Order, Bulk Order, Amount specified all settlement, trigger order, Timed All Settlement order, BID Judgment Buy (ASK Judgment Sell) Stop Order, Trigger orders in other currencies, Repeat time specified market order.

Trading Time

When US standard time is applied, Japan time Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time. When summertime is applied, Japan time Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am. Rollover time (6:59 am Japan time) Minutes, 5:59 am when US summer time is applied), communication will be disconnected, and day closing work and maintenance will be performed. (It takes about 15 minutes for the day closing work and maintenance, but it may take up to 30 minutes.)

Trading Platforms

Hirose-fx offers a range of trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of traders. These platforms provide access to the financial markets and offer various tools and features to facilitate trading activities.

NET4 (installed version): This trading platform is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It offers customizability, easy-to-see screens, and the ability to view charts and execute orders. It supports various order types and provides access to account information and news.

LION FX C2 (installed version): This platform is recommended for beginners and offers versatile functionality. It allows for simultaneous ordering and payment, displays order and position execution history, and supports collective payment. It provides a simple and comfortable user experience.

LION FX Mobile App (iPad, iPhone, Android): Hirose-fx offers mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. These apps provide access to essential functions and information. Traders can check rates, view charts, place orders, monitor positions, and manage their accounts using these mobile apps.

HTML5 version, Flash version: Hirose-fx also offers web-based trading platforms compatible with various web browsers. The HTML5 version provides access to charting tools, order placement, and account information. The Flash version may have similar functionality but requires Flash support.

Mobile app/portable version: Hirose-fx provides a mobile version of its trading platform that is compatible with mobile phones from different carriers such as docomo, au, and SoftBank. This version allows traders to conduct transactions and access various features on their mobile devices.

The trading platforms offered by Hirose-fx provide traders with the ability to view real-time rates, analyze charts, place different types of orders, manage positions, and access account information. Each platform has its own set of features and compatibility options to cater to traders' preferences and device capabilities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

There are three types of deposit options available with Hirose-fx: quick deposit, quick deposit at ATM, and transfer deposit. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Quick deposits support approximately 380 lines and are free of charge, except for PayPay, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, which may charge a fee. Quick deposit at ATMs allows fee-free deposits and supports various banks, including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, Mitsui Sumitomo, Resona, Saitama Resona, Aomori, Shonai, Gunma, Chiba, Yokohama, Kansai Mirai, Nanto, Hyakujushi, Fukuoka, Juhachi Shinwa, Towa, Keiyo, and Kumamoto. Some agricultural cooperatives and Shinren also support this option. There is also a general transfer deposit available for users.

Hirose-fx offers two types of withdrawals: real-time withdrawals and regular withdrawals. Real-time withdrawals allow for immediate reflection of funds and can be requested within specific timeframes. There are no commissions for real-time withdrawals, except for overseas remittances. Normal withdrawals have specific request and reflection times and are also commission-free, excluding overseas remittances. Withdrawals can be requested once a day, either for real-time withdrawals or regular withdrawals. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, withdrawals can only be made once every three days. It's important to note that real-time withdrawals cannot be canceled once the procedure is completed. Withdrawal requests require authentication with a PIN code set by the customer in advance.

Trading Tools

Hirose-fx offers several trading tools to assist users in their investment activities. These tools include:

1. Economic News: The platform provides real-time updates on economic bulletins. Users can stay informed about the latest economic developments that may impact their trading decisions.

2. FX Wave: This feature delivers 24-hour real-time investment information focused on foreign exchange. Users can access over 150 articles per day, providing insights and analysis to help them make informed trading choices.

3. Klug NEWS: Klug NEWS offers a continuous feed of Forex news, available 24 hours a day. Users can access more than 180 news deliveries daily, ensuring they stay updated on the latest developments in the Forex market.

4. Dow Jones: Hirose-fx translates and delivers news on various asset classes, providing users with information necessary for making investment decisions. Users can expect around 150 news articles per day, covering a range of relevant topics.

These trading tools aim to keep users informed about market trends, economic news, and relevant investment information, enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions.

Educational Resources

Hirose-fx offers a variety of educational resources to assist users in improving their trading knowledge and skills. One of their resources is the LION FX easy operation video seminar, which provides step-by-step guidance on using their trading platform. The seminar covers topics such as installing the app, navigating the transaction screen, understanding different order types, making payments, and managing orders.

Additionally, they offer the FX MARKET INFORMATION SEMINAR, which provides valuable insights into the market and strategies to enhance trading performance. The seminar includes various equations and formulas aimed at helping traders achieve success in their trades. They also offer a special equation designed specifically for winning trades.

Moreover, Hirose-fx provides resources on topics like quick deposit methods, changing currency pairs and order display, order preferences setup, chart analysis techniques, saving chart settings, using technical indicators and trend lines, and accessing execution history. They also cover features such as signal functions, measurement tools, and customizing the transaction screen.

Furthermore, Hirose-fx offers seminars on campaign product cooking, which may provide additional information or strategies related to specific trading promotions or offerings.

Trading Hours

- When US standard time applies, Hirose-fx operates from Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time.

- When daylight saving time applies in Japan, the trading hours shift to Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am Japan time.

During Rollover time, which is at 6:59 am Japan time (or 5:59 am when US daylight saving time is applied), certain activities occur. Communication will be temporarily cut off, and date closing work as well as maintenance will be performed. This process usually takes around 15 minutes, but it could extend up to 30 minutes. Additionally, a maintenance pop-up may appear, potentially affecting the ability to trade during this period.

Customer Support

Hirose-fx provides various channels for customer support. You can reach their customer support team via telephone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the representative number 06-6534-0708. Additionally, you can contact them through fax using the toll-free number 0120-34-0709 or the number 06-6534-0709. Visiting their head office or branches is also an option.

They offer an inquiry form on their website where you can submit your opinions, questions, or requests directly. They also provide a FAQ section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

For specific information on deposits, withdrawals, and changing registration information, they provide detailed information on their website. They have a complaint consultation desk for addressing any complaints, and you can contact them for information about the final tax return.

There is an opinion box where you can share your feedback and impressions about their website, trading system, and various services. They offer an operation manual for LION FX, and you can access information to better understand Forex, including country information and technical analysis.

You can contact their customer support team via phone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the direct dial number 06-6534-0708. They also provide an email address, info@hirose-fx.co.jp, for inquiries if you are unable to use the inquiry form on their website.

Conclusion

Hirose-FX is a forex trading platform that offers several advantages to traders. It provides a user-friendly interface with various tools and features to facilitate trading activities. Hirose-FX also offers a range of trading instruments, allowing users to diversify their portfolios. However, there are some disadvantages worth considering. The platform may lack in-depth educational resources and research materials, which could limit the learning opportunities for traders. Additionally, customer support may not always be readily available or responsive, potentially leading to delays in issue resolution. Traders should carefully assess these factors before deciding to engage with Hirose-FX.

FAQs

Q: Is Hirose-fx a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Hirose-fx is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the address of Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Q: What trading instruments does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers 51 currency pairs for trading, including major currency pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, and more.

Q: What types of accounts does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Overseas customers can only open FX accounts.

Q: How can I open an account with Hirose-fx？

A: To open an account with Hirose-fx, you need to visit their website and follow the account opening process, which involves providing necessary information and submitting verification documents.

Q: What order types are available on Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx offers various order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, Trail Order, and more, to meet different trading needs.

Q: Does Hirose-fx charge commissions on trades？

A: No, Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades.