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 SBI FXTRADE

SBI FXTRADE is a Forex broker and a part of the SBI Group, a leading online financial services company in Japan. Its service allows users to engage in foreign exchange (FX) margin trading. The platform offers real-time market information and various analysis tools, which can assist both novices and experienced traders in their decision-making process.

The SBI FXTRADE platform boasts of features such as narrow spreads and 24-hour trading. It also offers a demo account option for practice. Additionally, there is a user-friendly interface which simplifies the process of FX trading and a mobile application for trading on the go. It is essential to remember that just like any other type of trading and investment, forex trading involves certain risks which should be thoroughly understood before participating.

Regulation

SBI FXTRADE is a regulated broker under the jurisdiction of Japan. The platform is licensed as a Retail Forex License holder and is overseen by the Financial Services Agency of Japan. The license number is 関東財務局長（金商）第2635号 and the official licensed institution is ＳＢＩ ＦＸ トレード株式会社. The license was effectively granted on 13th April 2012. However, there is no shared email address of the licensed institution. It's crucial to trade with a regulated broker as it provides a certain level of security and oversight.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Wide Range of Trading Instruments: SBI FXTRADE offers an extensive range of 34 currency pairs for trading, making it an attractive platform for those who wish to diversify their trading portfolio.

2. Quick Deposits: The platform provides a quick deposit feature that starts from 1,000 yen with no associated fees.

3. Regulation: SBI FXTRADE is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan, adding a higher level of security and trustworthiness.

5. User-Friendly Interface: The platform has a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of FX trading, making it easier for beginner traders to navigate.

6. Demo Account: SBI FXTRADE provides a demo account which allows users to practice trading strategies before investing real money.

7. 24-Hour Service: The platform facilitates 24-hour trading, enabling traders to take advantage of global forex market hours.

8. Mobile Trading: SBI FXTRADE offers mobile trading platforms for users to trade on the go.

Cons:

1. Deposit Fees: While quick deposits are free, other deposit methods such as the “normal deposit” method have associated transfer fees that will be borne by the customer.

2. Delay in Reflection of Deposits: Certain deposit methods may not immediately reflect the deposited amount in the trading account. If any error occurs, the reflection of deposit will have to wait till the confirmation of payment receipt.

3. Fees on Some Services: For certain services, such as normal deposits, transfer fees will be borne by the customer.

Market Instruments

SBI FXTRADE provides its users with the opportunity to trade in a total of 34 currency pairs. This offering is considered to be one of the highest in the industry, giving traders a wide range of options when it comes to choosing their trading instruments.

It signifies that traders have the opportunity to capitalize on the movements of various currencies ranging from major currency pairs to minor and exotic ones. However, it's always important for traders to understand the risks associated with each trading instrument before investing.

How to open an account？

1. The first step would be to navigate to the “Complete application in” button at the top right side of the page.

2. Please enter your email address using the submit button that is below the “apply for a personal account” sign. An account opening application URL will be sent to the email address you entered.

3. Enter your name, date of birth, and current address as in the identity verification document. The user is required to have a Japanese “MyNumber” identification in order to continue to after this step.

4. After the information has been examined, SBI FXTRADE will determine if the account creation process will be completed.

Minimum Deposit

SBI FXTRADE offers two different methods of depositing funds: quick deposits and normal deposits.

Quick deposits start from 1,000 yen, with no associated fees. It's important to note that applications cannot be accepted during maintenance times performed by the broker or financial institutions.

Deposit & Withdrawal

SBI FXTRADE provides several methods for depositing and withdrawing funds.

For making deposits, there are three methods available:

1. Quick deposits: This method allows clients to deposit funds starting from 1,000 yen with no associated fees. However, deposition isn't guaranteed to reflect immediately - errors might delay the reflection of the deposit.

2. Normal deposits: This involves a money transfer to a created “Customer Dedicated Deposit Account”. Note that transfer fees are borne by the customer unless they are an SBI Shinsei Bank account holder depositing into the “SBI Shinsei Bank account exclusively for SBI FX Trade”.

3. Deposit to SBI Shinsei Bank: This method involves a money transfer to the dedicated SBI Shinsei Bank account for SBI FX Trade. There are no transfer fees and the customer has to specify their login ID and first and last name in kana in the remittance name.

The following provides more details on deposit confirmation and conditions:

• Payments can be confirmed on the transaction screen.

• Payments may not reflect immediately as they need to be received and confirmed by the bank. This process can take some time during busy periods.

• Deposit processing is done three times a day at 9:00, 13:00, and 15:30.

• Shinsei Bank deposits will be reflected in the FX account and need to be transferred to the savings FX account or the crypto asset CFD account by the user.

Customer Support

SBI FXTRADE offers an array of contact channels enabling seamless and efficient communication:

1. Direct Phone Line: Enabling immediate assistance, the firm can be directly contacted via their dedicated line at +81 0120-982-417.

2. Official Web Portal: An exhaustive array of resources could be found on their official website, SBI FXTRADE.

3. Social Media Presence: Connect with them on Twitter for real-time updates and interactions. They also maintain an active online presence on Facebook and exclusive content on their dedicated YouTube channel.

Educational Resources

SBI FXTRADE provides several educational resources for its traders:

1. Official YouTube Channel: SBI FXTRADE maintains an official YouTube channel where they share informative video content. This includes market news, tutorials, trading strategies, and explanations on various aspects of Forex trading.

2. Today's Exchange News: This is presumably a feature where recent news and events affecting the exchange market are discussed, providing insights to help traders make informed decisions.

3. Crypto Asset Market Information: This channel is maintained by SBI VC Trade, which is also a part of the SBI Group. It provides information related to the crypto asset market.

Please note that Forex trading and trading in general can be risky, so it's essential to fully understand these risk factors and strategies before investing. Educational resources are a starting point, but should not be the only source of knowledge or strategy formulation. Real-time experience, trading practice, and individual research are also critical components of trading education.

Conclusion

SBI FXTRADE, a premium trading firm, offers multiple features tailored towards assisting traders succeed. Key offerings include diverse deposit methods (featuring Quick Deposits), a wide array of trading instruments, a user-friendly platform, and well-developed educational resources. However, potential users should be aware of potential deposit fees and delays, and inherent trading risks.

FAQs

Q: What are some educational resources that SBI FXTRADE provides for traders？

A: SBI FXTRADE offers a variety of educational resources, including a YouTube channel filled with market news, trading strategies, and other trading-related insights, a feature for recent market news, programs providing insights into alternative currencies to USD/JPY.

Q: How can users contact SBI FXTRADE？

A: SBI FXTRADE can be reached through their phone number (+81 0120-982-417), their official website, or their social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Q: What are the unique features of SBI FXTRADE？

A: SBI FXTRADE offers quick deposits without any fees starting from 1,000 yen and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan for enhanced security.

Q: What cautions should be taken while using SBI FXTRADE or similar trading platform？

A: As with all types of trading and investment, forex trading involves inherent risks. Users should ensure they understand these risks thoroughly before participating.