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 Probis

Probis is an Australian-based trading platform with a history dating back to its founding in 2009. This platform offers a diverse range of financial instruments, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs, allowing traders to engage in various aspects of the global financial markets. Prospective traders can opt for either Live Accounts, where real funds are used for trading, or Demo Accounts, which provide a risk-free environment for honing trading skills.

One of the key features of Probis is its proprietary trading platform known as PROBIS AUTON, which facilitates efficient and secure online trading. This platform supports 24-hour trading in Forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities, making it adaptable to different trading preferences and time zones. However, it's important to note that Probis's regulatory status is currently unusual, as its official regulatory status has been revoked. Therefore, traders are advised to exercise caution and thoroughly research the platform's regulatory status and oversight to ensure the safety of their investments.

Is Probis Legit？

Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 338241. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of Probis is currently abnormal, and the official regulatory status has been revoked. Traders and potential clients should exercise caution and be aware of the associated risks when considering Probis as a trading platform. It's advisable to thoroughly research and consider the regulatory status and oversight of any brokerage before engaging in trading activities to ensure the safety and security of your investments.

Pros and Cons

Probis offers diverse tradable assets, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs. Traders can choose between Live and Demo Accounts for real-money or risk-free practice trading. The platform's proprietary PROBIS AUTON trading software is user-friendly and accessible on multiple devices. However, caution is advised due to the platform's uncertain regulatory status, as its official regulatory credentials have been revoked. Commission fees lack transparency, and non-trading fees like swap interest charges can affect overall trading costs. Considering these pros and cons is crucial for potential users.

Trading Instruments

Probis offers a range of trading instruments, including FX (Forex), Commodity CFDs (Contracts for Difference), and Securities CFDs. Each of these instruments has its own specifications and trading hours.

FX (Forex) Trading: Probis provides Forex trading options with various currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, USDCAD, AUD/USD, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, CHF/JPY, CAD/JPY, AUD/JPY, and EUR/GBP. These pairs come with specific contract sizes, minimum fluctuations, spread values, and necessary margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for Forex pairs vary between summer and winter times, with rollover times specified.

Commodity CFD Trading: Probis also offers Commodity CFDs for trading in assets such as Spot Gold, Spot Silver, Crude Oil, Copper, Soybean, Wheat, and Corn. Each commodity has its unique contract size, minimum fluctuation, spread, and margin requirements. Trading hours for these commodities differ during summer and winter times.

Securities CFD Trading: For traders interested in securities, Probis provides CFDs on various indices, including the US 30 Index, US E-mini SPX 500 Index, US NDAQ 100 Index, UK 100 Index, SGX Japan 225 Index, and HongKong50 Index. These securities CFDs have point values, minimum fluctuations, spreads, and margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for securities CFDs are specified for both summer and winter times.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Account Types

Probis offers two main types of accounts to cater to the needs of traders: Live Accounts and Demo Accounts.

Live Account: A Live Account is designed for traders who are ready to engage in real-money trading. Opening a Live Account involves depositing real funds, and traders can use this account to execute actual trades in the financial markets. Live Accounts provide access to real market conditions, and any profits or losses are reflected in the trader's account balance. These accounts offer the opportunity to experience the excitement and risks of live trading, making them suitable for both novice and experienced traders.

Demo Account: A Demo Account, on the other hand, is a risk-free and practice-oriented account type. It allows traders to hone their trading skills and test strategies without risking real capital. Demo Accounts are funded with virtual money, and traders can execute trades in a simulated market environment that mirrors real market conditions. This is an invaluable tool for beginners to learn the ropes of trading and for experienced traders to refine their strategies. It's a safe way to explore the trading platform and gain confidence before transitioning to a Live Account.

How to Open an Account

To open an account with Probis, follow these steps.

1. Visit the Probis website. Look for the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

1. Sign up on websites registration page.

1. Receive your personal account login from an automated email

2. Log in

3. Proceed to deposit funds to your account

4. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

Probis offers varying levels of leverage to traders, depending on the type of financial instrument they are trading. For major currency pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, the maximum leverage is 1:30. This means that traders can control a position worth up to $30 for every $1 they have in their trading account. Minor currency pairs and gold trading come with a maximum leverage of 1:20. When trading CFD products other than gold, such as commodities, the leverage is set at 1:10. For securities CFDs, which include major stock markets, the maximum leverage is 1:20, while minor stock markets offer a leverage of 1:10. Traders should exercise caution and consider their risk tolerance when using leverage, as it can amplify both profits and losses in their trades.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

Probis provides specific details about spreads for various trading instruments. For Forex pairs, spreads typically start at 3 pips. In the case of Commodity CFDs like Spot Gold, the spread starts at 0.5 dollars per troy ounce. For Securities CFDs such as the US 30 Index, the spread begins at 5 points. These precise spread values are essential for traders to understand their trading costs accurately.

Traders should stay informed about potential changes through the platform's notifications. Please note that commission details are not provided on the website and should be obtained from Probis' customer service.

Non-Trading Fees

Probis charges non-trading fees, with one significant fee being swap interest or overnight financing charges. Swap interest arises from the difference in interest rates between two currencies in a currency pair during rollover periods.

In essence, if traders hold a position overnight in a currency pair, they may either receive or pay swap interest based on the interest rate differentials between the currencies involved. For instance, if traders buy a currency with a higher interest rate and sell a currency with a lower interest rate, they can earn interest. Conversely, if they sell a currency with a higher interest rate and buy a currency with a lower interest rate, they will incur interest charges.

For example, if the Australian Dollar has a higher interest rate compared to the Japanese Yen, and traders hold an AUD/JPY position overnight, they may earn or pay the net interest difference between these currencies. The calculation and settlement of FX swap interest occur at the market's closing.

Traders should be aware of these swap interest rates as they can impact the overall costs of holding positions overnight, affecting their trading strategies and expenses. It's advisable to check Probis for specific swap interest rates for different currency pairs.

Deposit & Withdraw Methods

Probis provides bank transfer for depositing and withdrawing funds:

Deposit:

You can deposit funds into your Probis trading account via bank wire. Domestic transfers typically take 1-2 business days, while international transfers usually take 3-5 business days. You can make deposits in either AUD or USD. Probis does not charge any fees for deposits. However, please note that international transfers to and from international banking institutions may incur intermediary or transfer fees that are independent of Probis.

Withdrawal:

To withdraw margins from your trading account, you have two options:

- Use the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform. Fill in the withdrawal amount to complete the application.

- Contact Probis customer service by telephone. You will need to provide your login ID and service pin to complete the withdrawal application.

Trading Platforms

Probis offers the PROBIS AUTON trading platform for efficient and secure online trading. It supports 24-hour trading in forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities. The platform is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for traders. It has specific system requirements, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 for the PC version and various operating systems for mobile devices. Users can download the platform from the Probis website or app stores for iOS and Android. Manuals are available for each platform version to help users navigate and make the most of their trading experience.

Customer Support

Probis offers comprehensive customer support to assist clients with their inquiries and needs. They are conveniently located in Sydney, Australia, with a registered office at Suite 11.01, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street, and a postal address at PO Box 20697 World Square. Clients can reach out to Probis through various communication channels. They provide telephone support at +61 2 9047 7800, allowing clients to speak directly with their team.

For specific inquiries, Probis has dedicated email addresses for different services. Clients looking for assistance with asset management can reach out to enquiries@probisgroup.com.au. If you have questions related to FX and CFD trading, you can contact cs@probisgroup.com.au. For FX and CFD account-related inquiries, you can email account@probisgroup.com.au, and margin deposit and withdrawal matters can be addressed at margin@probisgroup.com.au.

Educational Resources

Probis provides a range of educational resources to empower clients in their FX and CFD trading journey. Their educational offerings cover FX & CFD trading, trade characteristics, technical analysis, and a comprehensive glossary.

FX & CFD Trading: Probis offers educational content that helps clients understand the fundamentals of FX (foreign exchange) and CFD (contract for difference) trading. This includes insights into market dynamics, trading strategies, and risk management techniques.

Trade Characteristics: Understanding the unique characteristics of different trading instruments is crucial for success. Probis provides resources that delve into the specifics of various assets, helping traders make informed decisions.

Technical Analysis: Technical analysis is a vital tool in trading, and Probis equips clients with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze price charts, identify trends, and make data-driven trading decisions.

Glossary: The financial world comes with its own jargon and terminology. Probis offers a comprehensive glossary that defines and explains key terms, ensuring that clients can navigate the trading landscape with confidence.

Trading Tools

Probis provides traders with Economic Calendar to enhance their market analysis and decision-making. It provides traders with a professional perspective on market events, helping them understand market dynamics, stay informed about crucial economic announcements, and seize investment opportunities. This tool is instrumental in tracking economic indicators, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events that can significantly impact financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Probis offers traders access to various financial instruments, a user-friendly trading platform, and educational resources. However, its regulatory status is uncertain, which raises concerns about the safety of investments. The lack of transparency regarding commission fees and potential non-trading fees like swap interest charges can impact overall trading costs. While Probis has its advantages, including a range of tradable assets and a demo account for practice, potential users should carefully consider these drawbacks and exercise caution when choosing this platform for their trading needs.

FAQs

Q: Is Probis a regulated trading platform？

A: Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), but its regulatory status is currently uncertain as the official regulatory status has been revoked.

Q: What types of trading accounts does Probis offer？

A: Probis provides two main types of accounts: Live Accounts for real-money trading and Demo Accounts for practice trading.

Q: Can I access Probis's trading platform on mobile devices？

A: Yes, Probis's trading platform, PROBIS AUTON, is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, offering flexibility for traders.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Probis？

A: The maximum leverage varies depending on the type of financial instrument. For major currency pairs, it's 1:30, while minor currency pairs and gold trading offer 1:20. CFD products other than gold come with 1:10 leverage, and securities CFDs offer a maximum leverage of 1:20 for major stock markets and 1:10 for minor stock markets.

Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds with Probis？

A: You can deposit funds via bank wire transfer in either AUD or USD. Withdrawals can be made using the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform or by contacting Probis customer service.