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.

CPT Markets Basic Information

Founded in 2016, CPT Markets is a global financial brokerage firm that offers trading on Forex, Metals, Energy, Indices, Cryptocurrencies through MT4, MT5 or cTrader. However, CPT Markets does not offer its services to residents of the United States, Canada, and some other jurisdictions.

Is CPT Markets legit?

CPT Markets is a legit broker and it has three entities regulated in their own jurisdictions:

CPT Markets UK is the trading name used by CPT Markets UK Limited. The company's registered office is located in Wales, England, with registration number 6707165, authorized and managed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), number 606110. CPT Markets UK Limited is an associated company of CPT Markets Limited.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number	Status
	Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)	CPT Markets UK Limited	Market Making (MM)	606110	Regulated

CPT Markets is the trading name used by CPT Markets Limited, registered in Belize, offshore regulated by the Belize International Financial Services Commission (FSC), license number: No. IFSC000314/351.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number	Status
	Financial Services Commission (FSC)	CPT Markets Limited	Retail Forex	000314/126	Offshore Regulated

Another entity, CPT MARKETS (PTY) LTD, is regulated in South Africa, authorized by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) under license no. 45954.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number	Status
	Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)	CPT MARKETS (PTY) LTD	Financial Service	45954	Regulated

Pros & Cons

Market Instruments

CPT Markets offers access to five classes of tradable instruments across different markets, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. With over 60 currency pairs, major indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, popular commodities like gold, silver, and crude oil, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, traders can choose their preferred investment options based on their trading style.

Account Types

Three account options are on offer with CPT Markets, namely Classic, ECN and Prime, classified by account-opening deposits.

For those looking for a more accessible entry point, the Classic account is the most popular choice. It requires a minimal deposit of just $20, making it ideal for beginners or those preferring to start with smaller capital. While it maintains the high leverage of 1:1000, it offers slightly wider spreads of 1.4 pips but without any commission charges.

The ECN account, with a minimum deposit of $1,000, is tailored for experienced traders seeking tight spreads and direct market access. It offers spreads as low as 0.1 pips and operates on a commission-based model. This account type provides maximum leverage of 1:1000, with a 50% margin call and a 30% stop out level.

The Prime account strikes a balance between the ECN and Classic offerings. It requires the same $1,000 minimum deposit as the ECN account but provides a commission-free trading environment with spreads from 0.7 pips. This account maintains the same leverage, margin call, and stop out levels as the other account types.

Aside from the three types of trading accounts above, CPT Markets also offers MAM accounts and Corporate accounts.

Demo Accounts

CPT Markets offers demo accounts to its clients, which can be used to practice trading without risking real money. The validity period of the CPT Markets demo account is 30 days, after which the account will expire. It's not possible to extend the demo account's validity period, but clients can open a new demo account once the previous one expires. Each client is allowed to have multiple demo accounts to test different trading strategies or to use them for educational purposes.

Leverage

CPT Markets (Belize) offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000, which is considered to be high.

While CPT Markets (UK) offers trading leverage up to 1:30 in accordance with the regulations set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). One of the regulations set by the FCA is the maximum allowable leverage that can be offered to retail clients, which is currently set at 1:30 for forex trading. This is intended to protect retail clients from incurring large losses due to excessive leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

CPT Markets offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow based on market conditions. The broker also charges commissions on some of its account types.

The spreads on CPT Markets' forex pairs start from 0.0 pips, with an average spread of 0.2 pips on the EUR/USD pair. The broker also offers competitive spreads on other major currency pairs, such as GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD.

For indices, the spread on the UK 100 index starts from 0.8 points, while the spread on the US 500 index starts from 0.5 points. For commodities, the spread on gold starts from 0.3 pips, while the spread on silver starts from 0.02 pips.

In terms of commissions, CPT Markets charges $4 per lot for its ECN account, while the Standard and Platinum accounts have no commission charges.

Non-Trading Fees

In addition to trading costs, CPT Markets also charges non-trading fees that clients should be aware of. These fees include fees for deposits, withdrawals, account inactivity, and other administrative fees that may apply.

CPT Markets does not charge fees for deposits and withdrawals, and clients can make unlimited free-of-charge withdrawals per month. However, it should be noted that some payment providers may charge their own fees for transactions, which is beyond the control of the broker.

Inactivity fees may be charged to clients who have not made any trades or account activity for a period of 90 days or more. The fee for this inactivity is $50 per month, which will be deducted from the client's account balance. However, if there is no available balance in the account, no fee will be charged.

Other administrative fees that may apply include fees for account closure, wire transfers, and chargebacks. These fees vary depending on the specific circumstances and are listed in the broker's terms and conditions

Besides, CPT Markets also charge swap fees. Swap fees are charges incurred for holding a position overnight, also known as an overnight financing fee. The amount of the swap fee depends on the instrument being traded and the direction of the position (long or short).

Trading Platforms

CPT Markets gives its clients access to three excellent choices of trading platforms, the advanced MT4 and MT5 as well as cTrader.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

CPT Markets offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is available for download on desktop and mobile devices. MT4 is a well-established platform in the industry, offering advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and the ability to execute trades directly from the platform. Additionally, CPT Markets also provides a web-based platform, which can be accessed through a web browser without the need for any downloads. The web platform offers similar features to the desktop platform, including charting tools and order execution.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Besides, CPT Markets also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platform to its clients. With MT5, traders can access a range of order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, and trailing stops. The platform also supports hedging, allowing traders to open multiple positions in the same market in different directions. In addition to the desktop version, CPT Markets also offers a mobile version of the MT5 platform, allowing traders to access the markets from anywhere with an internet connection. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers many of the same features as the desktop version.

cTrader

CPT Markets also offers cTrader, an intuitive and easy-to-use trading platform for new and advanced traders. With cTrader, you can customize your on-the-go trading experience with a variety of order types, technical analysis tools, price alerts, and trade statistics. CPT Markets cTrader is available on PC, desktop and mobile devices.

Copy Trading

CPT Markets offers a copy trading feature that allows less experienced traders to replicate the strategies of successful investors. You can choose to be a social trading provider or follower by filling out the following form.

Deposit & Withdrawal

CPT Markets offers 14 payment methods for its clients, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and Skrill, Neteller, and other online payment systems. The broker does not charge any fees for deposits, but third-party fees may apply depending on the payment method used. Withdrawals are generally processed within one business day, but it may take up to five business days for funds to appear in the client's account, depending on the withdrawal method.

Clients can make deposits and withdrawals in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD. However, it's worth noting that there may be some currency conversion fees charged by the payment provider. In terms of minimum deposit requirements, CPT Markets requires a minimum deposit of $500 for all account types, which is higher than the industry standard.

Customer Support

Clients can reach out to the broker's customer service team through phone, email, live chat, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. CPT Markets' customer service team is available 24/5 to assist clients with any questions or issues they may have.

The broker has a multilingual support team that can assist clients in different languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.

Educational Resources

In comparison to industry peers such as FP Markets and XM, CPT Markets offers a more limited range of educational resources. The broker's educational offerings are focused primarily on essential tools, including the CPT Academy, an Economic Calendar, and occasional webinars. While these resources provide basic support for traders, the scope and depth of educational content are not as extensive as those offered by some of its competitors in the forex and CFD trading space.

FAQs

Is CPT Markets legit?

CPT Markets operates legally, and it is regulated by FCA in the UK, FSC in Belize, and FSCA in South Africa.

What account types are available at CPT Markets?

CPT Markets offers several account types, including Classic, ECN, Prime, MAM and Corporate accounts.

Is CPT Markets a good broker for beginners?

Yes, CPT Markets is a good broker for beginners. CPT Markets offers robust platforms for traders, operating under stringent regulatory oversight and providing solid educational resources along with demo accounts. More importantly, it allows small-budget trading from $20 only.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital.