Deriv
Squared Financial
Deriv vs Squared Financial
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Deriv and Squared Financial are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Deriv, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. Squared Financial, established in 2005 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Squared Financial scored 7.1/10 overall compared to Deriv's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Deriv holds its own with smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Squared Financial scores 7.1/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 0.1-point difference.
- 💵
Deriv requires just $5 to start, while Squared Financial needs $250 — Deriv is 50x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Squared Financial holds Tier 1 regulation (CySEC) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.
- 📈
Squared Financial offers 400+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Squared Financial uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Squared Financial scores 7.5 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Deriv
Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 1 categories- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Squared Financial
Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 2 categories- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
Squared Financial takes the lead with an overall score of 7.1/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. Squared Financial stands out for stronger regulation and more research tools, while Deriv fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Squared Financial comes out ahead with a 7.1/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 7.5/10. Squared Financial holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Deriv is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Deriv the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Squared Financial review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Squared Financial wins by 2.0 points
Squared Financial wins by 0.5 points
Deriv wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0/10 | 7.1/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 ✓ | $250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X | MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | VFSC, FSC, LFSA | CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2000 ✓ | 2005 |
| Markets | 150+ | 400+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Deriv has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Squared Financial. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $250 at Squared Financial. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Squared Financial. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Squared Financial offers MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3), while Squared Financial holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Deriv leads with 6.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Deriv and Squared Financial both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Deriv offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while Squared Financial provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Squared Financial scores 7/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and Squared Financial supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $250 for Squared Financial. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Deriv if you...
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Choose Squared Financial if you...
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deriv better than Squared Financial?
Squared Financial scores higher overall (7.1/10 vs 7/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, Deriv is stronger in smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Deriv or Squared Financial?
Deriv scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips with $250 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Deriv safe to trade with?
Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and scores 5.5/10 for regulation. Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or Squared Financial?
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Squared Financial provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs Squared Financial?
Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Squared Financial requires $250. Deriv has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.