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 Yuanta

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited (YSHK) is a financial powerhouse in Asia, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yuanta Financial Holdings Co. Ltd. Registered with the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong, YSHK offers an array of regulated financial activities. As of 2016, Yuantas robust distribution network included 155 securities branches and 152 banking branches staffed by approximately 13,000 professionals.

These experts deliver a comprehensive suite of financial services to Yuanta's diverse client base. The firm's market presence is considerable; in 2016, it controlled 11% of the securities brokerage market and nearly 20% of the securities margin financing market.

Is Yuanta Legit or a Scam？

Given its longstanding history and comprehensive regulation, Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited appears to be a legitimate and reputable financial services provider. The company is registered with the Securities and Futures Commission and is a Participant of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, further cementing its credibility. In a market where legitimacy is crucial for client trust, YSHKs regulatory affiliations make it a reliable option for retail and institutional investors alike.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Diverse Product Offering: Yuanta offers a wide range of financial services beyond just securities trading, including banking, insurance, and asset management.

• Regulated Entity: Being a licensed corporation, Yuanta operates under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring a high level of trust and security.

• Strong Market Presence: With a significant share in both the securities and financing markets, Yuanta is a dominant player in the industry.

Cons:

• Fee Structure: Depending on the products you engage with, the fees can be on the higher side.

• Complexity: With such a wide range of services and instruments, the platform might be overwhelming for beginner traders.

Market Instruments

Yuanta provides a broad spectrum of market instruments tailored to meet the diverse needs of its retail and institutional clients. Retail clients have access to a multitude of stock options spanning from Hong Kong (HK), Shanghai (SH), Shenzhen (SZ), Taiwan, the United States, and more. They can also engage in trading futures and options. For institutional clients, YSHK acts as an advisory, providing multiple avenues for investment. This makes Yuanta a one-stop-shop for multiple financial instruments, giving clients the ability to diversify their portfolios extensively.

Account Types

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited, also known as YSHK, requires specific documents for opening both individual and corporate accounts.

For individual accounts, Hong Kong Permanent Residents must provide a certified true copy of their HKID card, while non-permanent residents or non-residents must provide a certified true copy of their valid ID card or passport. All individual account holders also must provide proof of their residential address issued within the last 3 months.

As for corporate accounts, companies need to provide documents including a certified true copy of their Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, latest audited account or financial statements, Latest Register of Directors, Latest Register of Shareholders, and others.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited or YSHK, individuals and corporations have to provide respective documents.

Individual account applicants who are Hong Kong Permanent Residents must submit a certified true copy of their HKID card, while Non-Permanent Residents or Non-Residents need to provide a certified true copy of their valid ID Card or passport. All individual applicants need proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months. If these addresses are different from one another, proof for each address is required.

For corporate accounts, various documents are needed including copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, latest audited account or financial statements, Latest Register of Directors and of Shareholders, and more. Documents proving the identity and residential address of all substantial shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and authorized individuals are also required.

For companies incorporated overseas, a certified true copy of a certificate of incumbency is needed, and if the company has complex ownership structures, specific documents tracing the chain of ownership to the ultimate beneficial owners are also necessary.

Leverage

While the specifics regarding leverage can vary based on the market instrument and type of account, Yuanta typically offers leverage to enhance trading capabilities. However, it's crucial to understand that while leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses. Yuanta, being a regulated entity, likely offers leverage within the constraints of financial regulations to ensure responsible trading. Always consult with the brokerage or a financial advisor to understand the implications of using leverage in your trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

Yuanta has a transparent fee structure, which is crucial for traders calculating their potential costs and profits. For instance, for trading in Hong Kong stocks, the commission is set at 0.25% of the traded volume, with a minimum charge of 100 HKD, plus some additional fees. This clear fee structure allows both retail and institutional investors to make informed decisions about trading costs. Before committing, it's wise to compare these fees with other market offerings to determine their competitiveness.

Trading Platform

YSHK provides multiple trading platforms to suit various customer preferences and trading styles. These include eWinner for Windows and PC users, eWinner Plus for iOS and Android devices, and YSHK SP Trader also available across PC, iOS, and Android. These platforms are designed to provide real-time analytics, a wide range of trading tools, and a user-friendly interface. This array of options makes it easy for traders to manage their investments efficiently, whether they are in the office or on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Depositing and withdrawing funds from your YSHK account is a straightforward process. Clients have the flexibility to fund their accounts through local banks, checks, and overseas transfers. This makes it convenient for both local and international clients to manage their funds. The multi-channel deposit and withdrawal options aim to provide a seamless customer experience, reinforcing YSHKs commitment to client satisfaction.

Customer Support

Customer support is a critical aspect of any financial service, and Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited appears to prioritize this. For English-speaking clients, Yuanta offers a dedicated contact number: +852 3555 7878. This hotline is likely staffed by skilled customer service representatives proficient in English, ready to address a wide array of customer concerns and queries.

In addition to the hotline, Yuanta also provides email support for more detailed or document-intensive inquiries. Clients can reach out to HK.Services.brk@yuanta.com for assistance. The availability of email support adds a layer of convenience, as customers can send in their questions or issues without the immediacy or time constraints of a phone call.

Brokers Comparison

Educational Resources

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited, commonly referred to as YSHK, provides extensive educational resources as part of its Research & Commentary. These resources impart valuable insights in the industry, featuring a wide range of comprehensive market analysis, in-depth reports, and informative commentary from their expert research team. The materials are designed to assist clients in making well-informed investment decisions, provides traders and investors with key market trends, and keeps them updated about important developments in the financial landscape.

Conclusion

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited is a well-regulated, diverse, and established financial service provider in Asia. With a broad range of market instruments, transparent fee structures, and versatile trading platforms, it caters to both retail and institutional clients effectively. However, always remember to carry out your due diligence and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

FAQs

Q: What types of trading instruments does Yuanta offer？

A: Yuanta provides a diverse range of trading instruments, including HK stocks, SH Stocks, SZ stocks, Taiwan stocks, US stocks, China B stocks, Overseas stocks, Futures, and Options.

Q: Is Yuanta regulated by any financial authorities？

A: Yes, Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, ensuring a high level of compliance and security for traders.

Q: What platforms are available for trading with Yuanta？

A: Yuanta offers multiple trading platforms, including eWinner, eWinner Plus, and YSHK SP Trader, catering to traders on both desktop and mobile devices.

Q: How can I deposit or withdraw funds from my Yuanta account？

A: Yuanta offers multiple methods for deposit and withdrawal, including transactions through local banks, checks, and overseas transfers, providing flexibility for both local and international traders.

Q: What is the commission structure for trading Hong Kong stocks with Yuanta？

A: The commission for trading HK stocks is 0.25% of the traded volume with a minimum charge of 100 HKD, along with some additional fees.

Q: What types of accounts does Yuanta offer？

A: Yuanta provides both retail and institutional accounts, allowing for a broad spectrum of trading needs and investment strategies to be accommodated.