HFM

HFM

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.0
/ 10
vs
Squared Financial

Squared Financial

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.1
/ 10

HFM vs Squared Financial

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

HFM and Squared Financial are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. HFM, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 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, HFM scored 8/10 overall compared to Squared Financial's 7.1/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Squared Financial holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    HFM scores 8/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for Squared Financial — a 0.9-point difference.

  • 💵

    HFM requires just $5 to start, while Squared Financial needs $250 — HFM is 50x more accessible.

  • 📈

    HFM offers 1,200+ instruments vs 400+ at Squared Financial — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    HFM runs on MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Squared Financial uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: HFM scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for Squared Financial — a 1.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
HFM

HFM

Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 6 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Squared Financial

Squared Financial

Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall

HFM takes the lead with an overall score of 8/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. HFM stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while Squared Financial remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, HFM comes out ahead with a 8/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. HFM holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Squared Financial is not without merit — it scores 7.1/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full HFM review and Squared Financial review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

HFM
Squared Financial
Trading Costs
8.0 7.0

HFM wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 7.5
Regulation & Trust
9.0 7.5

HFM wins by 1.5 points

Education
7.5 6.5

HFM wins by 1.0 points

Customer Service
7.5 7.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
7.0 7.0
Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 7.0

HFM wins by 1.0 points

Product Range
7.5 7.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.0/10
7.1/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$5
$250
Max Leverage
1:2000
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5, HFM App
MT4, MT5
Regulation
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA
CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2010
2005
Markets
1,200+
400+
HFM: 1 Squared Financial: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (8.0 vs 7.0)

When it comes to trading costs, HFM has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for Squared Financial. HFM offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at HFM 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.

HFM
8.0
Squared Financial
7.0
HFM: 1 Squared Financial: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

HFM scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Squared Financial. HFM provides MT4, MT5, HFM App, 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.

HFM
7.5
Squared Financial
7.5
HFM: 2 Squared Financial: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (9.0 vs 7.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1), while Squared Financial holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). HFM scores 9/10 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.

HFM
9.0
Squared Financial
7.5
HFM: 3 Squared Financial: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.5 vs 6.5)

For learning resources, HFM leads with 7.5/10 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. HFM 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.

HFM
7.5
Squared Financial
6.5
HFM: 4 Squared Financial: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.5 vs 7.0)

HFM offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, 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.

HFM
7.5
Squared Financial
7.0
HFM: 5 Squared Financial: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (8.0 vs 7.0)

HFM scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Squared Financial scores 7/10. HFM accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and Squared Financial supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $250 for Squared Financial. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

HFM
8.0
Squared Financial
7.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

HFM

Choose HFM if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit HFM
Squared Financial

Choose Squared Financial if you...

  • You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
Visit Squared Financial

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HFM better than Squared Financial?

HFM scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.1/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Squared Financial remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, HFM or Squared Financial?

HFM scores higher for trading costs. HFM offers spreads from 0.0 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 HFM safe to trade with?

HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and scores 9/10 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, HFM or Squared Financial?

HFM scores 7.5/10 for platforms. HFM offers MT4, MT5, HFM App, 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 HFM vs Squared Financial?

HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Squared Financial requires $250. HFM 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.

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