USGFX	Basic Information
Registered Countries/Region	Australia
Founded in	2005
Regulation	No Regulation (ASIC, FCA, VFSC, all revoked)
Tradable Assets	Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
Trading Platforms	MT4, MT5, WebTrader, mobile app
Minimum Deposit	$100
Maximum Leverage	1:500
Spreads	From 1.4 pips
Commissions	No commissions on most account types, but swap fees apply
Inactivity Fee	$10 per month after 3 months of inactivity
Educational Resources	Trading guides, video tutorials, webinars, eBooks, economic calendar, market news
Customer Support	24/5 support via phone, email, live chat, and social media; multiple language support

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.

Pros	Cons
Wide range of trading instruments	Revoked licenses by ASIC, FSC, and VFSC
Multiple account types with various trading conditions	Negative reviews from customers
Various deposit and withdrawal methods	Limited educational and research materials
24/5 customer support
Advanced trading platforms
Bonuses and promotions for clients

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.

Broker	EUR/USD	Gold	BTC/USD
USGFX	1.6 pips	30 cents	$60
IC Markets	1.1 pips	32 cents	$60
Pepperstone	1.13 pips	35 cents	$60

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:

Broker	Trading Platforms
USGFX	MetaTrader 4, WebTrader, mobile trading platforms
AvaTrade	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader
Exness	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTerminal

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.

Broker	Minimum Deposit
USGFX	$100
Avatrade	$100
IC Markets	$200

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.

Pros	Cons
Multiple payment methods available, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and e-wallets	High withdrawal fees for some payment methods
No deposit fees for most payment methods	Some payment methods have a minimum deposit amount
Quick processing times for deposits	Long processing times for withdrawals
Multiple currency options available for deposits	Limited currency options available for withdrawals
	Withdrawals may be subject to additional verification processes

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.

Pros	Cons
24/5 customer support	No 24/7 customer support
Live chat support available	No phone support available
Fast response time to email inquiries	Limited multilingual support
Dedicated account manager for VIP clients	Limited educational resources on customer support issues
Comprehensive FAQ section on website	No support via social me

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.

1. Wide range of educational materials	1. Some materials may be outdated or not relevant to current market trends
2. Comprehensive courses and tutorials	2. Limited interactive resources for personalized learning
3. Regular webinars and seminars	3. Some materials may only be available to premium account holders
4. Market analysis and news updates
5. Economic calendar with upcoming events and indicators

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.

GMI Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded in	2009
Headquarters	UK
Regulation	FCA
Market Instruments	forex, indices, gold, oil, silver
Demo Account	Available
Social Trading	Yes
Leverage	1:2000
EUR/USD Spread	0.0 pips
Trading Platforms	MT4
Minimum deposit	$15
Customer Support	24/5 email and live chat

What is GMI？

GMI (Global Market Index) is a forex and CFD broker that offers trading services to retail and institutional clients. It was established in 2009 and is headquartered in the United Kingdom with offices in Cyprus and the UAE. The broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. GMI offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. It also provides the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) platform.

What Type of Broker is GMI？

GMI (Global Market Index) is a forex and CFD (contract for difference) broker, operating as a No Dealing Desk (NDD) broker with Straight Through Processing (STP) and Electronic Communication Network (ECN) execution models.

Pros & Cons

GMI appears to have a number of strengths, including its low minimum deposit requirement, tight spreads, various account types, social trading solution, and competitive leverage. However, a limited range of trading instruments, educational resources, research and analysis tools may concern some traders.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by FCA	• Limited range of trading instruments
• Wide range of account types	• Inactivity fee after 90 days of inactivity
• Commission-free trading	• Limited educational resources
• Negative balance protection	• Limited research and analysis tools
• Social trading feature supported

Note: The pros and cons listed above are not exhaustive and may vary based on individual preferences and circumstances.

Overall, potential clients of GMI should conduct their own research and carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to trade with this broker.

Is GMI Safe？

GMI is a regulated forex broker, licensed by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides some level of safety and security for traders. However, it is important to note that regulation does not guarantee the complete safety of funds and trading with any broker carries a level of risk. It is important for traders to do their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with any broker.

How are you protected？

In the table below, these measures show that GMI takes the safety and security of its clients seriously and works to provide a secure trading environment.

Protection Measures	Description
Regulation	FCA
Client Fund Segregation	GMI holds client funds in separate accounts from its operational funds to ensure that they are protected in case of bankruptcy or insolvency
Negative Balance Protection	Clients can not lose more than their account balance
Security Protocols	Protect clients' personal and financial information, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and firewalls
Investor Compensation Fund	Provides up to £85,000 of compensation to eligible clients in case of GMI's insolvency

Our Conclusion on GMI Reliability:

Based on the information available, GMI is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which oversees the company's compliance with financial regulations and standards. The company also claims to implement safety measures, such as negative balance protection and the use of segregated client accounts, to ensure the safety of its clients' funds.

As with any financial services provider, there is always a level of risk involved, and it is essential to do your due diligence and conduct thorough research before choosing a broker.

Market Instruments

GMI offers a variety of trading instruments across different asset classes, including:

• Forex: GMI offers a wide range of forex currency pairs, including major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic pairs.

• Indices: GMI offers trading on major stock market indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and FTSE 100, as well as a range of other international indices.

• Gold: GMI offers spot trading in gold, which allows traders to speculate on the price of the precious metal without taking physical delivery.

• Oil: GMI offers spot trading in oil, including Brent Crude and US Crude.

• Silver: GMI offers spot trading in silver, which is another popular precious metal among traders.

However, other popular asset classes such as stocks and cryptocurrencies seem to be not available. Overall, GMI provides traders with many trading instruments to choose from, enabling them to diversify their portfolios and potentially capitalize on different market conditions.

Account Types

GMI offers four types of live trading accounts: Cent, Standard, Standard Bonus, and ECN accounts.

• Cent Account: This account is ideal for beginner traders who want to start with a small investment. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is just $15.

• Standard Account: This account is suitable for more experienced traders. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $25.

• Standard Bonus Account: This account is similar to the standard account but comes with an additional bonus on deposits. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is also $25.

• ECN Account: This account is designed for professional traders who want to trade with the lowest spreads possible. It offers raw spreads starting from 0 pips. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $100.

Risk-free demo accounts and swap-free Islamic accounts are also available at GMI.

Leverage

According to the GMI website, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:2000. It's important to note that using high leverage comes with higher risks, and traders should always understand the potential risks and manage their trades accordingly.

Spreads & Commissions

GMI offers spreads from 0.0 pips. It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions and liquidity. Traders may also be subject to additional fees such as swaps and overnight financing charges.

Regarding the commission, it varies depending on the type of account. There is no commission charged on the Cent, Standard, Standard Bonus accounts, while the commission for the ECN account is $4 per lot.

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

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission
GMI	0.0 pips	No ($4 per lot for the ECN account)
XM	0.6 pips	No
FXTM	0.1 pips	No
HotForex	1.2 pips	No
Pepperstone	0.1 pips	AUD $7 per lot (round turn)
IG	0.6 pips	No

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the latest information on their spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

GMI offers its clients the popular MetaTrader 4 trading platform, which is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Web. The platform includes a variety of tools and features for technical analysis, order management, and customization. It also supports automated trading with the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platforms
GMI	MetaTrader4
XM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, XM WebTrader
FXTM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, FXTM Trader
HotForex	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, HotForex WebTrader
Pepperstone	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader
IG	MetaTrader4

Note: The information in this table is subject to change and may not be exhaustive. It is recommended to visit each broker's website for the latest information on their trading platforms.

Social Trading

GMI offers social trading features that allow traders to copy the strategies of successful traders. This enables traders to learn from experienced individuals and potentially benefit from their proven track records. GMI's social trading platform promotes knowledge sharing and community-driven trading in a simple and accessible manner.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Users from different countries can fund with different methods. Just take an example of Malaysian users, they can fund their accounts via Local Bank Transfer, Neteller and Skrill.

The minimum deposit is $15 for Local Bank Transfer, and $10 for Neteller and Skrill. The minimum withdrawal is 50 MYR for Local Bank Transfer, and $10 for Neteller and Skrill.

No deposit fees are charged while withdrawal fees vary on the payment method. For example, there is no withdrawal fee for Local Bank Transfer, while a 4% withdrawal fee for Neteller and Skrill.

As for the processing time, all deposits and most withdrawals are instant, while Local Bank Transfer withdrawals may be slower, usually can be processed between 8am to 6pm daily.

GMI Minimum Deposit vs other Brokers

	GMI	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$15	$/€/£100

GMI Money Withdrawal

The process for withdrawing funds from GMI may vary depending on the method used for the deposit. However, in general, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your GMI account.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdrawal” option in the menu.

Step 3: Select the preferred withdrawal method from the available options.

Step 4: Fill out the withdrawal form with the required details.

Step 5: Submit the withdrawal request.

GMI may require additional verification documents before processing the withdrawal request. The time it takes for the withdrawal to be processed and the funds to be received may also depend on the chosen withdrawal method.

Fees

GMI charges various fees to its clients, including:

• Overnight Financing: GMI also charges an overnight financing fee on positions held overnight. This fee varies based on the instrument traded, the account type, and the prevailing interest rates in the market.

• Inactivity Fee: GMI charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days.

• Other Fees: GMI may charge other fees related to account maintenance, data feeds, and other services. These fees are disclosed in the account agreement and may vary depending on the client's location and account type.

It's always recommended to review the complete fee schedule and terms and conditions on the broker's website or by contacting their customer support team.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
GMI	Free	Free	$50/quarter if no activity for 90 days
XM	Free	Free	$15/month after one year of inactivity
FXTM	Free	Free (except bank wire)	$5/month after six months of inactivity
HotForex	Free	Free (except bank wire)	$5/month after six months of inactivity
Pepperstone	Free (except credit card)	Free (except bank wire)	$0 after 12 months of inactivity
IG	Free (except bank transfer)	Free	$18/month after two years of inactivity

Please note that fees may vary based on account type, payment method, and other factors. It's important to check with each broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

Customer Service

GMI provides customer support to its clients through various channels, including email and live chat. Customer service is available 24/5, which means that traders can get in touch with the company's representatives during business days. GMI's customer support team is multilingual, which is helpful for clients who speak languages other than English.

You can also fill in the online contact form to get in touch with GMI. However, the availability and quality of customer support may vary depending on the specific region and the volume of inquiries.

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 customer support via phone, email, chat	• No 24/7 customer support
• Personal account managers	• No physical offices in some regions
• Multilingual support	• No social media support
• Quick response time

Note: Pros and cons may vary based on individual experiences and opinions.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of GMI, it is a regulated and reputable broker that offers the low minimum deposit requirement, competitive spreads and commissions, and a choice of different account types, as well as good customer support.

One potential downside of GMI is its limited range of trading instruments and educational resources. Additionally, it offers only one trading platform-MetaTrader4. MetaTrader5 is not available.

Overall, GMI is a solid option for traders who prioritize MT4, demo trading and competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is GMI regulated？
A 1:	Yes. GMI is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority - FCA.

Q 2:	Does GMI offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes. GMI offers demo accounts with $10,000 virtual capital.

Q 3:	Does GMI offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	Yes. GMI supports MT4.

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for GMI？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit at GMI to open a Cent account is just $15.

Q 5:	Is GMI a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. GMI is a good choice for beginners because it offers a wide variety of trading assets with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platform. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.