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 Moneta Markets？

Founded in 2020, Moneta Markets is an Australian Forex and CFD broker, giving its clients access to a bulk of trading assets, including forex, commodities, indices and more through both MT4 and PRO Trader platforms, flexible leverage up to 1:1000, initial deposit as low as $50.

Concerning regulation, Moneta Markets is the trading name of Moneta Markets South Africa (Pty) Ltd, regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa under license number 47490 and located at 1 Hood Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2196, South Africa.

Besides, Moneta Markets is also a trading name of Moneta Markets Pty Ltd, authorized by the ASIC in Australia, holding an Appointed Representative (AR) license, with License No.: 001298177.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Moneta Markets appears to be a competitive broker with a wide range of trading instruments and account types, as well as multiple funding options and trading platforms. The broker's negative balance protection and segregation of client funds provide an added layer of security for traders. However, the limited educational resources and offshore regulated by FSA may be potential drawbacks for some traders.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be additional pros and cons depending on individual preferences and circumstances.

Is Moneta Markets Safe？

Moneta Markets holds three regulatory licenses. The Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) license is offshore regulated, Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) license is general registration, Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) license is regulated.

Moneta Markets also has registered with the FSCA in South Africa, with a Financial Service Corporate License. Yet, this license is beyond its business scope.

Moneta Markets appears to have proper regulatory licenses and measures in place to ensure the safety of client funds. Client funds are held in a segregated account with AA-Rated Global Bank and trading accounts have negative balance protection. They are also subject to regular audits and have comprehensive insurance. However, it's important to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any financial product or service, as the market carries inherent risks.

Market Instruments

Moneta Markets offers a diverse range of over 1000 CFDs to trade, including Forex currency pairs, commodities, indices, share CFDs, ETFs, and bonds. This provides traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of various market conditions.

Accounts

Apart from demo accounts, Moneta Markets offers three live accounts to cater to traders with different needs, Direct STP, Prime ECN, and Ultra ECN. The minimum deposit requirement is $50, $200 and $50,000 respectively. Moneta Markets also offers Islamic accounts for Direct STP and Prime ECN accounts, which are swap-free and designed for traders who want to adhere to Sharia law.

Leverage

Moneta Markets offers leverage options that vary depending on the asset class, with the highest leverage of up to 1000:1 available for forex, indices and precious metals. Energy instruments have a maximum leverage of 500:1, while soft commodities have a maximum leverage of 50:1, and share CFDs have a maximum leverage of 33:1. It is important to note that high leverage can lead to increased risk and potential losses, so traders should use caution and ensure they understand the risks involved before using leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

Moneta Markets offers different spreads and commissions depending on the account type. Direct STP accounts have spreads starting from 1.2 pips and no commission fees. Prime ECN accounts have spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission fee of $3 per lot per side. Ultra ECN accounts have spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission fee of $1 per lot per side. The commission fees are relatively low compared to other brokers, and the tight spreads can be attractive for traders who want to minimize trading costs.

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

Note that spreads and commissions can vary depending on market conditions and account type.

Trading Platforms

Moneta Markets offers multiple trading platforms to its clients, including the PRO Trader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) mobile apps, and MT4 WebTrader. The PRO Trader platform is the broker's proprietary platform that is designed for traders who prefer a customizable and user-friendly interface. MT4 and MT5 are popular trading platforms that provide advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and algorithmic trading capabilities. The MT4 WebTrader is a browser-based platform that allows clients to trade from any device with internet access, without the need to download any software. The mobile apps provide the convenience of trading on-the-go for iOS and Android devices.

Overall, Moneta Markets' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: These may not be the only trading platforms offered by these brokers, and some platforms may only be available to certain account types.

Trading Tools

Moneta Markets provides a range of trading tools to help traders make informed decisions. The Premium Economic Calendar is a comprehensive tool that provides detailed information about upcoming economic events and their expected impact on the market. Technical Views provides a variety of technical analysis tools to help traders analyze market trends and patterns. Alpha EA is an automated trading tool that uses advanced algorithms to identify profitable trading opportunities. AI Market Buzz uses artificial intelligence to analyze market sentiment and identify potential trading opportunities. Forex Signals provides real-time trading signals to help traders make informed trading decisions. Finally, Market Masters Tutorials is a collection of educational resources that cover a wide range of trading topics and provide traders with valuable insights into the market.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Moneta Markets offers a variety of funding methods to accommodate traders globally, including International EFT, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), Fasapay, JCB Bank, and Sticpay, with a relatively low minimum deposit requirement of $50.

Moneta Markets Money Deposit

To make a deposit into your Moneta Markets account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Moneta Markets Client Portal;

Step 2: Click “Funds - Withdraw Funds” on the left side menu;

Step 3: Choose your preferred payment option to fund your account.

Base Currencies:

• USD: United States dollar ($)

• EUR: Euro (€)

• GBP: British pound sterling (£)

• NZD: New Zealand dollar (NZ$)

• SGD: Singapore dollar (S$)

• JPY: Japanese yen (¥)

• CAD: Canadian dollar (C$)

• HKD: Hong Kong dollar (HK$)

• BRL: Brazilian real (R$)

Moneta Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

The broker also does not charge deposit and withdrawal fees, except for possible handling fees charged by the financial institution. The majority of deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals are usually processed within 1-3 business days. However, International EFT withdrawals may take longer, up to 5 business days. It's worth noting that International bank wire transfers may incur additional fees charged by both the trader's and broker's financial institutions.

Moneta Markets Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from your Moneta Markets account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Moneta Markets Client Portal;

Step 2: Click “Funds - Withdraw Funds” in the left side menu;

Step 3: Complete the form and your withdrawal will be processed shortly.

Fees

Moneta Markets charges fees in the form of spreads and commissions for trading that we have mentioned before, but there are no deposit or withdrawal fees. Additionally, there is an inactivity fee of $10 per month for accounts that have been inactive for after 180 days of inactivity.

See the fee comparison table below:

Note: Fees may vary depending on the account type and payment method used. It is recommended to check with each broker for the most up-to-date information on their fees.

Customer Service

Moneta Markets seems to provide professional and dedicated customer support. Firstly, Moneta Markets relies on its FAQ section to give clients some general and basic answers concerning their trading process.

Secondly, clients with any inquiries can also get in touch with Moneta Markets through multiple contact channels. Here are some contact details:

• Phone: UK - 44 (113) 3204819, International - 61283301233

• Email: support@monetamarkets.com

• 24/5 Online Chat

Or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Overall, Moneta Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are based on available information and may not be exhaustive.

Conclusion

Moneta Markets is a regulated online broker that offers a range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and trading platforms. They provide access to various trading tools, including a premium economic calendar, forex signals, and technical views. The broker offers competitive spreads and commissions, and they have various funding methods with no deposit and withdrawal fees. However, they have limited educational resources. Overall, Moneta Markets is a good option for traders looking for a reliable and comprehensive online trading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Moneta Markets legit？

Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, offshore regulated by FSA and has a general registration of FSCA license.

At Moneta Markets, are there any regional restrictions for traders？

Yes. Moneta Markets does not accept residents of Canada, the United States, or used by any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

Does Moneta Markets offer demo accounts？

Yes. Each Moneta Markets demo account lasts for 30 days before your login will expire.

Does Moneta Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts？

Yes. Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available for Direct STP and Prime ECN accounts.

Is Moneta Markets a good broker for beginners？

Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platform. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.

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.