General Information

Founded in 2010, ETO Markets is a forex and CFD forex broker based in Sydney, Australia, providing online solutions for retail and institutional investors in over 100 countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, etc. Please note that their services are not available in North and South America.

Concerning regulation, ETO GROUP PTY LTD is authozed or regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC); ABN 66 155 680 890, AFS Licence No. 420224, and ETO Markets Limited is offshore regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), with regulatory license no. S062.

Pros & Cons

ETO Markets offers several advantages for traders, including a diverse range of market instruments such as forex, precious metals, energies, and indices, allowing for portfolio diversification and trading across different asset classes. The availability of different types of trading accounts, such as PRO, BASIC, PRIME, and STD accounts, caters to the varying needs and preferences of traders. ETO Markets also provides access to popular trading platforms like Meta Trader 4 (MT4) and Meta Trader 5 (MT5), which offer advanced charting capabilities, technical indicators, and automated trading options. Additionally, the educational resources offered by ETO, such as trading guides, a blog, and trading webinars, contribute to traders' learning and development.

However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. ETO Markets is regulated by different regulatory agencies in different jurisdictions, with ETO Markets Limited regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) as an “Offshore Regulatory” entity. Being regulated offshore may raise concerns for some traders about the level of investor protection and oversight. Moreover, the website and platform information provided for ETO GROUP PTY LTD, which is regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), is not available, potentially limiting transparency and accessibility for traders. It's crucial for traders to conduct thorough research, assess their risk tolerance, and make informed decisions when considering trading with ETO Markets.

Is ETO Markets Legit？

ETO (ETO GROUP PTY LTD and ETO Markets Limited) is regulated by different regulatory agencies in different jurisdictions.

ETO GROUP PTY LTD, based in Australia, is regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC). It holds a Market Making (MM) license, with license number 420224. The effective date of the license is February 1, 2013. The address of the licensed institution is 02 Tower B Citadel Towers' Suite 12 Level 12, 799 Pacific Highway, CHATSWOOD NSW 2067, Australia. The phone number is 0407 204 611. However, no website is provided for ETO GROUP PTY LTD.

On the other hand, ETO Markets Limited is regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). It holds a Retail Forex License with license number S062. The regulatory status is described as “Offshore Regulatory.” The address of the licensed institution is Office No. 20, First Floor, Abis 1, Abis Centre, Providence Industrial Estate, Mahé, Seychelles. The phone number is +248 4374772. The email address is info@eto.group, and the website is https://www.eto.group.

It's important to note that being regulated by a regulatory agency does not guarantee the safety or legitimacy of an investment. Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in any financial transactions or investments.

Market Instruments

ETO offers a diverse range of market instruments for trading on their online platform. These instruments cover various financial markets and asset classes, including:

1. Forex: ETO provides access to the foreign exchange market, which is known as the world's most liquid market. Traders can engage in forex trading with leverage of up to 1:500. ETO offers a wide range of currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics, with lower commissions.

2. Precious Metals: ETO allows trading in major commodity markets by offering precious metals such as Gold and Silver. These metals are considered valuable assets due to their high economic value and durability. Traders can take advantage of price movements in precious metals markets through ETO's platform.

3. Energies: ETO provides access to energy products such as WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil, Brent crude oil, and Natural Gas through CFDs (Contract for Difference). Traders can benefit from low spreads, and 24-hour market executions in the energy market.

4. Indices: ETO enables trading on significant stock market indices worldwide. Traders can utilize leverage of up to 1:500 without any commission charges. This allows them to participate in the price movements of major stock market indices and potentially capitalize on market opportunities.

Account Types

PRO ACCOUNT

The PRO account offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit required is USD 100, allowing accessibility for traders with varying budget sizes. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lot. With a maximum leverage of 1:500, traders can amplify their trading potential. The PRO account does not have a stop out level.

BASIC ACCOUNT

The BASIC account offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips, providing reasonable pricing for trading. The minimum deposit required is USD 100, making it accessible to a wide range of traders. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lot. The maximum leverage offered is 1:500, enabling traders to maximize their trading opportunities. Similar to the PRO account, the BASIC account does not have a stop out level.

PRIME ACCOUNT

The PRIME account caters to traders who prioritize a balance between cost and trading conditions. It offers spreads starting from 1.7 pips, providing a reasonable pricing structure for trading. The minimum deposit required is USD 100, making it accessible to traders with different levels of capital. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lot. The maximum leverage offered is 1:500, providing traders with the potential to magnify their trading positions. As with the other account types, the PRIME account does not have a stop out level.

STD ACCOUNT

Lastly, the STD account is specifically tailored for traders interested in trading XAU/USD (Gold). It offers spreads starting from 1.7 pips for general trading pairs and 2.9 pips for XAU/USD. The minimum deposit required is USD 100, making it accessible to traders with varying budget sizes. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lot. The maximum leverage offered is 1:500, allowing traders to amplify their trading potential. Similar to the other account types, the STD account does not have a stop out level.

How to Open an Account？

To open a DEMO ACCOUNT with ETO Markets, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the ETO Markets website.

2. Look for the option to “Try demo account” and click on it.

3. You will be directed to a short application form.

4. Fill in the required information in the application form.

5. Complete the application process as instructed on the website.

To open a LIVE ACCOUNT with ETO Markets, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the ETO Markets website.

2. Look for the option to “Open live account” and click on it.

3. You will be taken to an application form.

4. Fill in all the necessary information in the application form.

5. Complete the application process according to the instructions provided on the website.

Leverage

The maximum trading leverage offered by ETO Markets is up to 1:500. Investors should note that high leverage can increase the potential return but also increase the risk at the same time.

Spreads & Commissions

On a Standard account, spreads begin at 1.6 pips, which is a bit more than typical. The EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, and USD/JPY all have a spread of 1.8 pips, while the USD/CAD and USD/CHF have a spread of 2.2 pips.

On the Professional account, spreads are significantly reduced, with some as low as 0 pips, especially for currency pairs with a high trading volume. Thus, the EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY all have a spread of 0 pips, while the AUD/USD spread is 0.3 pips, the USD/CHF spread is 0.2 pips, and the USD/CAD spread is 0.4 pips. Consider, however, that there is a $7 commission every round deal, which is the reason for the low spreads.

Trading Platforms & Tools

ETO offers various trading platforms to cater to the diverse needs of traders. Here's a brief description of each trading platform:

1. Meta Trader 4 (MT4): MT4 is a widely recognized and popular trading platform that supports online trading through web pages, PCs, and mobile phones. It offers a comprehensive range of features and tools, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. MT4 provides a user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, a wide range of technical indicators, and automated trading options.

2. Meta Trader 5 (MT5): MT5 is an advanced trading platform that provides market direction and data analysis to assist investors in making informed trading decisions. It offers enhanced features compared to MT4, including additional charting tools, more timeframes, and improved analytical capabilities. MT5 allows traders to access a variety of financial markets and trade anytime, anywhere, ensuring they don't miss any trading opportunities.

3. PAMM: PAMM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) is a solution designed for money managers. It enables them to manage funds across multiple client accounts using a single master account and interface. PAMM allows money managers to allocate and distribute investments, track performance, and execute trades on behalf of their clients.

4. Social Trading: ETO offers social trading, which is a form of investing that allows traders to copy investment strategies from others. It is suitable for individuals who don't have the time or expertise to analyze the markets extensively or identify trading opportunities. With social trading, traders can follow and replicate the trades and strategies of successful traders, leveraging their knowledge and experience.

These trading platforms provided by ETO offer different features, functionalities, and advantages to suit the preferences and requirements of various traders. It's recommended to explore the specific details and capabilities of each platform on the official ETO website to choose the one that best aligns with individual trading goals and strategies.

Deposit & Withdrawal

To deposit funds into your ETO Markets account, you need to log in to the ETO Markets Portal and select 'My Account' or click the 'Deposit Now' button on the top-right corner of the page. From there, you can choose your preferred payment method by clicking on the corresponding icon. The available payment methods include Bank Wire Transfers (USD), China Union Pay (CNY), SEA Instant Payment (IDR, MYR, THB, VND), SEA Internet Banking (IDR, MYR, VND), and Cryptocurrency (USDT). Once you have selected the payment method, choose the account you want to deposit to and enter the deposit amount in USD. Click 'Submit' and follow the instructions to complete the deposit request. The deposit will be reflected in your account within 5 minutes.

For withdrawals, you need to log in to the ETO Markets Portal, select 'My Account,' and click on 'My Withdrawal.' Submit your withdrawal request through the provided form. If you are withdrawing cryptocurrency, your request will be processed after confirming the instructions in the confirmation email sent by ETO Markets.

The processing time for withdrawals is as follows: Applications submitted before 3 am GMT on weekdays will be processed on the same day, while applications submitted after 3 am GMT will be processed on the next business day. Withdrawal applications submitted on weekends will be processed on the following business day.

The withdrawal limits vary depending on the payment method. For UnionPay, there is no minimum withdrawal amount per transaction. For USDT Transfer (TRC20) and USDT Transfer (ERC20), the minimum withdrawal amount is 100 USDT. For SEA Instant Payment and SEA Internet Banking, there is no minimum withdrawal amount per transaction.

Processing fees may apply for withdrawal requests below $100. The exact processing fees for deposits and withdrawals can be found in the 'What are the processing fees for deposit and withdrawal' section on the ETO Markets Portal.

Customer Support

The ETO Markets customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (Sydney time) via phone, live chat, and email. The team is comprised of individuals with a strong financial background, so they can assist you with a variety of concerns. An is undoubtedly one of the reasons why this e-commerce website has an excellent reputation for customer service. There are few FAQs and tutorials available on the trade website, and they will not be of much assistance.

Educational Resources

ETO provides a range of educational resources to support traders in their learning and development. Here's a brief description of each educational resource:

1. TRADING GUIDES: ETO Markets offers educational videos called Trading Guides. These videos focus on providing instruction and guidance on how to navigate and utilize the Meta Trader 4 (MT4) trading platform. They are particularly beneficial for new traders who are learning to use MT4 and want to understand its features and capabilities. Even experienced traders can benefit from these guides to learn new strategies or enhance their skills.

2. ETO BLOG: ETO Markets maintains a blog that offers weekly reports and interviews. The blog serves as a valuable resource for traders seeking market intelligence and real-time market positioning ideas. Through the blog, traders can access in-depth analysis, stay updated with market trends, and gain insights from industry experts. It provides a platform for traders to deepen their understanding of the financial markets.

3. TRADING WEBINARS: ETO Markets conducts trading webinars led by experienced traders or financial professionals. These webinars cover various topics such as technical analysis, risk management, and trading strategies. Webinars provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance trading skills and decision-making abilities.

Customer Support

ETO Markets provides customer support services to assist traders with their inquiries and concerns. The customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (Sydney time) and can be contacted via phone, live chat, and email. The team consists of individuals with a strong financial background, ensuring they can provide knowledgeable assistance across a range of trading-related matters. ETO Markets has gained a reputation for excellent customer service, which contributes to its positive standing in the industry. While the trade website offers limited FAQs and tutorials, direct contact with the customer support team is the recommended approach for personalized assistance. The contact details for customer support include the email address info@eto.group, the phone number +248 4374772, and the physical address F20, 1st Floor, Eden Plaza, Eden Island, Seychelles. Additionally, customers can follow ETO Markets on various social media to stay updated with the latest information and developments.

Conclusion

ETO Markets is a regulated brokerage offering a range of advantages and disadvantages.

On the positive side, ETO Markets is regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), providing a level of oversight and accountability. They offer a diverse range of market instruments, including forex, precious metals, energies, and indices, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. ETO Markets provides different account types to cater to the needs of various traders, with leverage options of up to 1:500. They offer popular trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as PAMM and social trading options. ETO Markets also provides educational resources such as trading guides, a blog, and webinars to support traders' learning and development.

On the negative side, being regulated offshore by the FSA may be seen as a disadvantage compared to stricter regulatory jurisdictions. The website lacks detailed information and transparency on some aspects, and customer support is limited to specific hours. It's important for traders to conduct their own research, consider their risk tolerance, and understand the advantages and disadvantages before engaging with ETO Markets or any brokerage.

FAQs

Question: Is ETO Markets a regulated broker？

Answer: Yes. It is regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) and holds a Market Making (MM) license. Additionally, ETO Markets Limited is offshore regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and holds a Retail Forex License.

Question: What trading platforms does ETO Markets offer？

Answer: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Question: Can I open a demo account with ETO Markets？

Answer: Yes.

Question: What is the maximum leverage offered by ETO Markets？

Answer: 1:500.

Question: What are the trading instruments available at ETO Markets？

Answer: Forex currency pairs, precious metals such as gold and silver, energies like crude oil and natural gas, and stock market indices.

Question: Does ETO Markets provide educational resources for traders？

Answer: Yes. These resources include trading guides, a blog with market reports and interviews, and trading webinars conducted by experienced traders.

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.