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 Spreadex？

Spreadex is a UK-based brokerage firm, established back in 1999 and focused on a financial trading service providing, as well spread betting and sports betting, through its maintained office in London. Spreadex first moved into the online market in 2006 when it launched its website. Spreadex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, registration number 190941) in relation to the spread betting services it offers.

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

Spreadex Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Spreadex depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• FP Markets - for traders seeking access to a wide range of trading platforms, advanced charting tools, and competitive pricing across various financial markets.

• LiteForex - for traders looking for user-friendly MetaTrader platforms, a variety of analysis tools, and a range of trading instruments to choose from.

• Global Prime - for traders who prioritize institutional-grade execution, access to multiple trading platforms, and a focus on transparent and reliable trading conditions.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Spreadex legit ？

Spreadex appears to be a legitimate broker for individuals interested in trading. The company is regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, No. 190941), which adds a layer of safety and transparency for investors. Additionally, the fact that Spreadex offers clients segregated bank accounts can further enhance safety and security for their funds.Having many years of experience in the industry can also be seen as a positive sign, as it suggests that the company has a solid track record and established reputation.

However, it is always recommended for traders to do their own due diligence and research any potential broker before investing funds. Reviews and feedback from other traders can be helpful in determining the safety and legitimacy of a broker, as well as checking for any past incidents of fraud or other issues. Additionally, testing out the available trading platforms and customer support options can help to determine if a broker is a good fit for your individual trading needs and preferences.

Market Instruments

Spreadex offers access to over 15,000 tradable assets, covering a wide variety of markets and instruments. This includes popular markets such as indices, shares, forex, commodities, and bonds, as well as interest rates, exchange traded funds, options, cryptocurrencies and IPOs .

• Indices - Trade futures or daily contracts on a global selection of indices with tight spreads from 0.6 points. Access major markets worldwide.

• Equities - Buy or sell shares of thousands of companies across the globe. Specialized capabilities in trading small-cap stocks.

• Forex - Spot and futures forex pairs spanning hundreds of currencies. 24/5 trading from Sunday open to Friday close.

• Commodities - Speculative opportunities across metals (gold, copper), energy (Brent crude, natural gas), and soft commodities (cotton, corn).

• Fixed Income - Treasury products including UK Gilts, US T-Bonds, and interest rates like Short Sterling, Eurodollar.

• ETFs - Gain index exposure efficiently by trading bundled equity ETFs without buying all constituent stocks.

• Options - Limited online options suite complemented by broader phone trading capabilities.

• Cryptocurrencies - Speculate on major crypto prices like Bitcoin and Ether through spread bets.

• IPOs - Stay informed on upcoming and past initial public offerings for new trading prospects.

Accounts

There seems only one single account available for all traders, which is the Standard account. To open a real account just with the minimum deposit of $1, which sounds a good opportunity for most traders to get started.

Leverage

As a UK brokerage firm, Spreadex operates within regulatory restrictions for leverage levels. The maximum leverage offered to retail traders is 1:30 for major currency pairs and lower for other instruments. This limitation is in place to protect investors from significant losses and ensure responsible trading practices.

Professional traders, however, may have access to higher leverage ratios once their status is confirmed and specified conditions towards spread betting and trading services are met. This can provide experienced traders with the opportunity to increase their potential profits, but it should be noted that higher leverage also carries higher risk.

Overall, Spreadex's leverage offering is in line with regulatory restrictions and aims to promote responsible trading practices. Traders can still access a range of markets and instruments, but should be aware of the potential risks involved with higher leverages.

Spreads & Commissions

Spreadex offers variable spreads that can fluctuate throughout the day depending on market volatility. Major currency pairs such as EURUSD and GBPUSD have very low spreads of 0.6 and 0.9 pips respectively, which is competitive with other brokers in the industry. Spreads for minor and exotic currency pairs are comparable to most other brokers as well.

For all markets apart from shares, the fee is simply the spread between the buy and sell price. However, for shares, there is an interest rate charge applied to the total value of the stock. This fee typically amounts to 1.25%, but it can increase to 1.5% for smaller stocks and those with less liquidity.

There is no information available on any commissions charged by Spreadex. However, the competitive spreads and lack of hidden fees make Spreadex a potentially attractive option for traders looking to minimize their costs.

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

Please note that this information may have changed since my last knowledge update, and it's always recommended to verify the latest details with the respective brokers directly.

Trading Platforms

Spreadex offers a range of trading platforms to cater to traders' different preferences and needs. The online platform is Spreadex's flagship trading platform, featuring a user-friendly interface and a range of tools and features. The platform allows traders to access all of Spreadex's tradable assets and markets, as well as providing access to a range of analysis tools and educational resources.

Mobile trading is available through Spreadex's mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides traders with a convenient and flexible way to access their accounts and trade on-the-go, with many of the same features and tools as the online platform.

Finally, Spreadex also offers integration with TradingView, a popular third-party charting software. This can allow traders to access advanced charting features and tools, as well as collaborate with other traders in the TradingView community.

Overall, Spreadex's range of trading platforms provides traders with a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences, whether they prefer a desktop platform, mobile app, or third-party software integration.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Spreadex accepts deposits and withdrawals via Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Cheque, and Direct Debit. However, it does not currently accept deposits from E-Wallets such as Moneybookers, Paypal, Neteller, Ukash, etc. Deposits made by debit card under £50 are subject to a £1 fee. Spreadex does not accept any third-party payments.

Spreadex minimum deposit vs other brokers

International bank transfers and bank transfers in currencies other than sterling will be subject to additional charges. The minimum withdrawal amount is £50 cleared funds on your trading ledger that is not being used to support the margin/NTR on any open positions. If the available amount is less than £50, you will only be able to withdraw the full amount.

Spreadex offers card withdrawals which you'll receive within 2 hours of your withdrawal being approved. However, some card issuers may be unable to accept funds through this method, and in such circumstances, payments back to these cards will take 2-5 days to be received. Bank transfers should be in your account within 2 working days.

Overall, Spreadex's deposit and withdrawal options are limited compared to some other brokers, but the available options are low-fee and relatively quick processing times. It is recommended for traders to carefully review the available deposit and withdrawal options to ensure they meet their individual needs and preferences before investing funds.

Customer Service

Spreadex customer support channels available includes live chat, phone support, and email support. The financial desk can be reached at +44 (0)1727 895 151 while general inquiries can be directed to +44 (0)1727 895 000. The email address for customer service is info@spreadex.com.

Traders can also follow Spreadex on various social networks, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. This can provide a convenient way to stay up-to-date on news and updates from the broker, as well as connecting with other traders and the Spreadex community.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Spreadex's customer service.

Education

Spreadex offers a range of educational resources to support traders, including a video training center, account FAQs, charting FAQs, trading FAQs, and a financial spread betting glossary. These resources can provide traders with a solid foundation of knowledge and help them develop their skills and understanding of the trading markets and instruments.

The video training center offers a library of educational videos covering topics such as market analysis, technical analysis, and risk management. Traders can watch these videos at their own pace and access them at any time.

The account FAQs, charting FAQs, and trading FAQs provide answers to common questions and concerns that traders may have about using Spreadex's platform and services. These resources can provide guidance and clarity for traders who are new to the platform or may be experiencing technical issues.

Finally, the financial spread betting glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts related to spread betting and trading. This can be a valuable resource for traders who are new to the industry or may be unfamiliar with some of the terminology and jargon used in trading.

Overall, Spreadex's educational resources can provide traders with a solid foundation of knowledge and help them develop their skills and understanding of the trading markets and instruments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spreadex is a regulated financial spread betting and CFD provider offering various trading instruments. With competitive spreads, a user-friendly online platform, and mobile trading capabilities, Spreadex aims to cater to traders' needs. As with any trading platform, it's essential to review the latest information, terms, and conditions to make an informed decision that suits your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Spreadex legit？

Yes. It is regulated by United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, No. 190941).

At Spreadex, are there any regional restrictions for traders？

Yes. The information on their website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any law or regulatory requirement.

Does Spreadex offer industry leading MT4 & MT5？

No. Instead, it offers Online platform, Mobile trading, and TradingView.

What is the minimum deposit for Spreadex？

The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $1.

Is Spreadex a good broker for beginners？

Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and has many years experience in the industry, as well as offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on multiple trading platforms.

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.