Overview of USGFX

Union Standard Group (USG) is an Australian investment firm that provides access to trade forex and CFDs under the brand name ‘USGFX’. The brand began operations in 2005 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with subsidiaries in London and Asia. This broker offers a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, which can be traded on the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms.

USGFX prides itself on its commitment to customer service, with a 24/5 customer support team available to assist traders with their queries. The broker also offers educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and video tutorials, as well as a free demo account for traders to practice their strategies. In addition, USGFX offers a range of account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard, Pro, and VIP accounts.

Is USGFX legit or a scam？

USGFX has received mixed reviews and there have been reports of some traders experiencing issues with withdrawals and customer support. USGFX had their ASIC and FSC licenses suspended and VFSC license revoked in 2020 due to concerns over their compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly in regards to client money handling and risk management procedures. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of the British Virgin Islands suspended USGFX's licenses for six months, while the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) permanently revoked their licenses.

Regulated brokers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding client funds, transparency, and risk management. In the event of any dispute or issue, traders have recourse through the regulatory body. With an unregulated broker, there is no such protection, and traders may be at a higher risk of fraud or other unethical practices

Pros & Cons

Here let's take a closer look at the good and bad things about USGFX. On the plus side, they offer a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including Forex, commodities, and indices. Their trading platforms are also pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the downside, their regulatory status is questionable, which could be a red flag for some traders. Plus, they don't accept clients from certain countries, so you'll want to make sure you're eligible before signing up.

Market Instruments

USGFX offers a range of financial instruments for trading, including forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares of popular companies. Some examples of the instruments offered by USGFX are:

• Forex currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD

• Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum

• Energy commodities such as crude oil and natural gas

• Indices such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225

• Shares of popular companies like Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft

Account Types

USGFX offers four different types of trading accounts to cater to the needs of different traders:

• MINI Account: This is the entry-level account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Traders with this account type can trade a wide range of instruments with low trading costs, access to educational resources, and 24/5 customer support. However, this account type comes with limited features, such as lower leverage and limited trading tools.

• Standard Account: The standard account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000 and comes with additional features such as higher leverage, access to more trading tools, and a dedicated account manager. Traders with this account type can also enjoy free VPS hosting and regular market analysis.

• VIP Account: This account type is designed for high-volume traders with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. In addition to the features of the standard account, VIP account holders can enjoy custom trading strategies, priority customer support, and exclusive market insights.

• Pro-ECN Account: The Pro-ECN account is designed for experienced traders and institutions with a minimum deposit requirement of $50,000. This account type offers ECN trading with no dealing desk, ultra-low spreads, and high execution speeds. Traders with this account type can also access premium research tools and institutional-grade liquidity.

How to open an account with USGFX？

Opening an account with USGFX is pretty straightforward and you need to follow these steps:

1. First, you need to go to their website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. Then, you'll need to fill in some personal details, like your name, email address, and phone number. After that, you'll need to choose the type of account you want to open and provide some additional information, like your date of birth and proof of identity.

1. Once you've completed the registration process, you'll be able to deposit funds into your account and start trading. Just keep in mind that depending on the type of account you've chosen, there may be different deposit and withdrawal requirements.

Leverage

USGFX offers flexible leverage options ranging from 1:1 to 500:1, depending on the account type and instrument traded. It is important for traders to understand the risks involved with using high leverage and to use it judiciously. Additionally, some instruments may have lower leverage options due to market conditions or regulatory requirements. Traders should check with the broker regarding the available leverage options for specific instruments.

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

USGFX offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow depending on market conditions. The average spread for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD is around 2-3 pips. Commissions are not charged for forex trading, but there are swap fees for holding positions overnight.

For trading other instruments like commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, USGFX charges a fixed spread. The size of the spread varies depending on the instrument traded. For example, the spread for gold is typically around $0.50 per ounce, while the spread for Bitcoin is around $60 per lot.

Non Trading Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, USGFX also charges several non-trading fees. These fees can add up and affect your overall trading experience, so it's important to be aware of them.

One such fee is the inactivity fee. This fee is charged to your account if you haven't made any trades or withdrawals for a specified period of time. The fee amount varies depending on the type of account you have and how long you've been inactive.

Another fee to be aware of is the withdrawal fee. While USGFX doesn't charge a deposit fee, they do charge a fee for each withdrawal you make from your account. This fee is a fixed amount and varies depending on the payment method you choose for your withdrawal.

USGFX also charges a swap fee, which is a fee charged for holding positions overnight. This fee can be a credit or debit depending on the direction of your position and the interest rates of the currencies you are trading.

Lastly, USGFX may charge a conversion fee if you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency that is different from the base currency of your trading account. The conversion fee is a percentage of the amount being converted and can add up if you frequently deposit or withdraw in different currencies.

Trading Platforms

USGFX offers its clients the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are highly popular among traders worldwide. These platforms are equipped with a range of trading tools, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and trading robots, making them suitable for traders of all levels.

MT4 is a well-established platform that has been around for over 15 years. It is known for its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and a wide range of trading tools. MT5, on the other hand, is the latest version of the platform, which was introduced in 2010. It offers several advanced features, such as more technical analysis tools, a multi-threaded strategy tester, and an economic calendar.

One of the significant advantages of MT4 and MT5 is that they are compatible with a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time.

Here's how USGFX's trading platform stacks up against other brokers' platforms:

Deposits and Withdrawals

Minimum Deposit

USGFX has a minimum deposit requirement of $100, which is pretty reasonable compared to some other brokers out there. It means that even if you're just starting out with trading and don't have a lot of money to invest, you can still give it a go with USGFX. Of course, you won't be able to make huge trades for just $100, but it's a good starting point to get your feet wet and learn the ropes of trading.

USGFX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to its clients. Deposits can be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay. The processing time and fees for each method may vary.

Withdrawals can also be made through bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with withdrawals, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

Also, USGFX may apply internal fees to withdrawals that are not actively traded. For example, if you make a deposit and then withdraw it without trading, USGFX may apply a fee of up to 3% of the deposit amount.

Customer Support

USGFX offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The broker has dedicated support teams in different regions to cater to clients' needs. Customer support is available 24/5, and clients can contact the broker through the website's contact form or through the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

USGFX also has an extensive FAQ section on its website that covers different aspects of trading, including account management, deposit and withdrawal, and trading platforms.

Educational Resources

USGFX offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. The broker provides free webinars, video tutorials, e-books, and other resources to help traders learn about various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, and more. Additionally, USGFX offers a demo account, which traders can use to practice trading in a risk-free environment.

The educational resources provided by USGFX can be accessed through the broker's website or the trading platform. The resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to traders from different countries. Traders can also interact with the broker's experts and other traders through online forums and social media channels.

Conclusion

USGFX is a forex broker that offers trading services in a variety of markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers several account types with varying minimum deposit requirements, allowing traders to choose an account that suits their trading needs. However, the broker's regulation has been a point of concern, with its licenses revoked by various regulatory authorities. This, coupled with negative reviews from clients and the low ranking score, raises questions about the broker's trustworthiness.

FAQs

• Q: Is USGFX a regulated broker？

A: USGFX was previously regulated by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC, but their licenses have been revoked due to regulatory violations.

• Q: What trading platforms does USGFX offer？

A: USGFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to open an account with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a MINI account with a minimum deposit requirement of $100.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by USGFX？

A: USGFX offers a maximum leverage of up to 500:1 for forex trading.

• Q: What are the available payment methods for deposits and withdrawals with USGFX？

A: USGFX offers various payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and electronic payment systems such as Neteller and Skrill.

• Q: Does USGFX offer educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, USGFX provides a range of educational resources for traders, including webinars, e-books, and trading tutorials.

Overview of au Kabucom Securities

au Kabucom Securities is an online brokerage company and is the core company of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group)s online financial services. It is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in financial product trading business through the net, as well as related business. The Company is engaged in the provision of brokerage, trading, offering and sale of securities. It also provides bank agency business, foreign exchange margin trading business and other financial services.

Founded in 1999, it operates under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, margin transactions, IPO/PO, ETF/ETN/REIT, free ETF, petit shares, tender offer, investment trust, FX (Forex Margin Trading), futures/options trading, bonds (foreign bonds), foreign currency-denominated MMF, and CFD (Share 365). The trading platforms provided by au Kabucom Securities are au Kabucom FX Navi for forex trading and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone. Various payment methods, such as net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions) are available. For educational purposes, au Kabucom Securities offers informative movies, events, face-to-face seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and social networking services (SNS).

Is au Kabucom Securities legit or a scam？

au Kabucom Securities is a financial institution that operates as a securities broker in Japan. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the financial industry in Japan. The regulatory license number assigned to au Kabucom Securities is 関東財務局長(金商)第61号, which signifies its registration and compliance with the FSA's regulations.Being authorized and regulated by the FSA indicates that au Kabucom Securities has met the necessary requirements and standards set by the regulatory authority.

The FSA's oversight ensures that the company operates in a fair, transparent, and compliant manner, protecting the interests of investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets.As a regulated entity, au Kabucom Securities is expected to adhere to various regulatory guidelines, such as conducting thorough customer due diligence, implementing robust risk management systems, maintaining adequate financial resources, and providing transparent disclosure of information to its clients. Regular audits and inspections may be conducted by the FSA to ensure compliance with these regulations and to safeguard the interests of investors.

Pros and Cons

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of tradable assets and is backed by the reputable Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, providing a sense of security for investors. The company provides informative educational resources to enhance investors' understanding of the market.

However, there are areas for improvement. Information about account types is lacking, making it difficult for potential clients to choose the most suitable option. The selection of trading platforms is limited, which may not meet the preferences of all traders. Customer support options are somewhat limited, with email and phone support available, but lacking additional channels like live chat or dedicated account managers.

Products and Services

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of products to cater to different investment needs and preferences. Here are the various products available:

1. Stocks: au Kabucom Securities provides opportunities to invest in stocks, including in-kind stocks where you can directly own shares of companies.

2. Margin Transaction (System/General): Margin trading allows investors to trade stocks with borrowed funds, potentially amplifying their investment returns. au Kabucom Securities offers margin trading services through both system-based and general methods.

3. Initial Public Offering (IPO)/Public Offering Sale (PO): au Kabucom Securities enables participation in initial public offerings and public offering sales, giving investors a chance to invest in newly listed companies.

4. ETF/ETN/REIT: au Kabucom Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) for diversifying investment portfolios across different asset classes.

5. Free ETF (Commission-Free Exchange Traded Fund): au Kabucom Securities provides commission-free trading for certain listed ETFs, allowing investors to save on transaction costs.

6. Petit Shares (Shares Less Than One Unit): au Kabucom Securities facilitates trading of fractional shares, enabling investors to own a portion of a share rather than purchasing a full unit.

7. Tender Offer (TOB): au Kabucom Securities allows investors to participate in tender offers, which are offers made by a company to purchase shares from existing shareholders.

8. Investment Trust: au Kabucom Securities offers investment trust products, which are professionally managed funds that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

9. FX (Forex Margin Trading): Investors can engage in forex margin trading through au Kabucom Securities, speculating on the price movements of different currency pairs.

10. Futures/Options Trading: au Kabucom Securities provides access to futures and options trading, allowing investors to trade contracts based on underlying assets such as commodities, indices, or currencies.

11. Bonds (Foreign Bonds): au Kabucom Securities offers the opportunity to invest in foreign bonds, providing diversification and potential fixed-income returns.

12. Foreign Currency Denominated MMF: au Kabucom Securities facilitates investments in foreign currency-denominated money market funds, which provide short-term liquidity and potential currency exposure.

13. CFD (Share 365): au Kabucom Securities offers contracts for difference (CFDs) specifically for shares, allowing investors to speculate on the price movements of shares without owning the underlying asset.

Account Types

au Kabucom Securities did not say what kind of accounts were offered. Other traders, such as AMarkets, are much better, which offer a total of 4 account types, including crypto, fixed, standard, and ECN, with an Islamic account option for traders who adhere to Islamic rules on trading, catering to diverse needs of various traders.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with au Kabucom Securities, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the au Kabucom Securities website: Go to https://kabu.com/.

2. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Account Opening” option on the website. It is typically located in the main menu or prominently displayed on the homepage.

3. Choose the type of account: Select the appropriate account type for your requirements.

4. Start the application process: You may be directed to an online application form or prompted to download and fill out a physical application form. Provide the necessary details accurately and completely. This typically includes personal information, contact details, employment information, and financial information. Follow the instructions provided and ensure all required fields are filled in.

5. Agree to terms and conditions: Read and understand the terms and conditions of opening an account with au Kabucom Securities. If you agree to the terms, confirm your acceptance by checking the appropriate box or signing the physical application form.

6. Review and submit: Before submitting your application, review all the provided information to ensure its accuracy. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments. Once you are satisfied, submit the application form through the online submission process or by mailing it to the designated address.

7. Account verification and approval: After submitting your application, au Kabucom Securities will review your information and documents. Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to fund your account.

Spreads &Commissions

au Kabucom Securities offers commission-free forex trading, where the trading cost is incorporated into the spreads. Here are the approximate spreads for some currency pairs:

- USD/JPY: As low as 0.2 pips

- EUR/JPY: From 0.5 pips

- GBP/JPY: From 1 pip

- AUD/JPY: From 0.6 pips

- CAD/JPY: From 2.8 pips

It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and other factors. The figures provided are approximate and subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the current spreads on the au Kabucom Securities website or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Trading Platform

au Kabucom Securities provides a range of useful tools for different types of trading activities. For cash stock and margin trading, the following tools are available:

1. Futures/Options Board: A tool that displays information and data related to futures and options trading, allowing users to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

2. Flash: This tool provides real-time market data, including stock prices, charts, and news updates, enabling traders to stay up to date with the latest market movements.

3. Margin Simulator: A simulator that allows users to calculate and simulate margin requirements for margin trading, helping traders plan their positions and manage risk.

4. Destination OP Navigation: A navigation tool specifically designed for options trading, providing users with access to various options strategies and information to support their trading decisions.

5. Bond Simulator: This simulator enables users to simulate bond trading scenarios, helping them understand bond market dynamics and test different investment strategies.

6. 365CFD Simple Chart: A simplified charting tool specifically for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, providing basic charting features to analyze CFD instruments and monitor price movements.

For futures, options trading, and other activities, au Kabucom Securities offers additional tools such as:

1. au Kabucom FX Navi: A comprehensive tool for forex trading, providing access to real-time forex market data, charting tools, and trading functions.

2. au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android: A mobile application specifically designed for forex trading, offering convenience and flexibility to trade on the go using smartphones.

3. App-Recommended-Smartphone Light (simplified version): A simplified version of the au Kabucom Securities trading application, designed for users who prefer a streamlined and user-friendly trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Au Kabucom Securities provides customers with five convenient methods for depositing funds into their accounts. These methods include Net transfer, Account transfer, Direct debit (automatic debit), Direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and Direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions). These options offer flexibility and ease of use for customers to deposit funds according to their preferences and convenience.

When it comes to withdrawals, customers can withdraw amounts starting from 1,000 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 10 billion yen. However, if customers have set up an account transfer contract with au Jibun Bank, they can withdraw amounts starting from 1 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 100 million yen.

These deposit and withdrawal options provide customers with flexibility and accessibility to manage their funds effectively within the specified limits. Whether it's depositing funds for trading or withdrawing profits, Au Kabucom Securities strives to offer convenient and efficient services to meet the financial needs of their customers.

Customer Support

Inquire by email:

au Kabucom Securities offers several customer support options. For customers who do not have an account, they can make inquiries by email. The company aims to respond as quickly as possible and requests customers to send their inquiries to the following email address: cs@kabu.com.

Customers who have an account:

For customers who have already opened an account with au Kabucom Securities, they can use the “E-mail inquiry” form located on the “Support” page, accessible from the top right of the My Page section after logging in. By filling out the form and submitting it, they can send their inquiries to the company.

Inquire by phone:

Customers who do not have an account can make inquiries by phone. They need to follow the voice guidance and press the appropriate number. The phone numbers to dial are:

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 0120-390-390

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 05003-6688-8888

The operator reception is available from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, excluding year-end and New Year holidays.

Educational Resources

Au Kabucom Securities offers a range of educational resources to support and empower their customers in making informed investment decisions. These resources are designed to enhance customers' understanding of the market, investment strategies, and industry trends.

One of the educational resources provided is a collection of informative movies, events, and face-to-face seminars. Au Kabucom Securities also provides investment information and news through their Investment Information Office. By keeping customers informed about market trends, they can make more informed decisions about their investment portfolios.

To further support customers, Au Kabucom Securities offers guides and investment courses. These resources are designed to provide step-by-step instructions, explanations of investment concepts, and practical guidance for customers who are new to investing or looking to expand their investment knowledge.

Additionally, customers can access reports and utilize social networking services (SNS) provided by Au Kabucom Securities.

Overall, Au Kabucom Securities' educational resources encompass a wide range of tools and platforms, including movies, events, seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS. These resources aim to equip customers with the knowledge and information needed to make informed investment decisions and navigate the financial markets effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, au Kabucom Securities is a legitimate online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. As part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group), it offers a wide range of tradable assets and financial services. The company provides various trading products, including stocks, margin trading, IPO/PO participation, ETFs/ETNs/REITs, investment trusts, forex margin trading, futures/options trading, bonds, foreign currency-denominated MMFs, and CFDs. The trading platforms, au Kabucom FX Navi and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android, cater to different trading needs. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone, and multiple payment methods are available. Educational resources such as informative movies, events, seminars, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS are offered to enhance customers' investment knowledge. While the company's advantages include its regulation by the FSA, diverse product offerings, and educational resources, a notable disadvantage is the lack of information regarding specific account types. Overall, au Kabucom Securities provides a legitimate and comprehensive platform for individuals interested in online financial trading and investment.

FAQs

Q: Is au Kabucom Securities a legitimate company？

A: au Kabucom Securities is a genuine online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan.

Q: What trading platforms does au Kabucom Securities offer？

A: au Kabucom Securities provides the au Kabucom FX Navi platform for forex trading and the au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app for trading convenience.

Q: What types of assets can be traded on au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including cash stock, margin trading, petit stock, US stocks, mutual funds, NISA, forex (FX), CFDs, and futures.

Q: What are the customer support options provided by au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers customer support via email and phone. Customers can send inquiries by email to cs@kabu.com or make inquiries by phone using the provided phone numbers.

Q: What are the available payment methods for au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers payment methods including net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions).

Q: Are there different account types offered by au Kabucom Securities？

A: The specific account types offered by au Kabucom Securities are not mentioned.