Squared Financial
Deriv
Squared Financial vs Deriv
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Squared Financial and Deriv are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Squared Financial, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $250. Deriv, established in 2000 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $5 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.
- 🖥️
Squared Financial runs on MT4, MT5, while Deriv uses DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X — 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
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
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 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 | 7.1/10 ✓ | 7.0/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $250 | $5 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X |
| Regulation | CySEC | VFSC, FSC, LFSA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2005 | 2000 ✓ |
| Markets | 400+ ✓ | 150+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Squared Financial has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Squared Financial offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at Squared Financial is $250, compared to $5 at Deriv. 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
Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. Squared Financial provides MT4, MT5, while Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. 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. Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while Deriv holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3). Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 and Deriv scores 5.5/10 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, Squared Financial 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. Squared Financial and Deriv 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
Squared Financial offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Deriv provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email 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
Squared Financial scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Deriv scores 7.5/10. Squared Financial accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, and Deriv supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $5 for Deriv. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
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
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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Squared Financial better than Deriv?
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, Squared Financial or Deriv?
Squared Financial scores higher for trading costs. Squared Financial offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Squared Financial safe to trade with?
Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC and scores 7.5/10 for regulation. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA with a score of 5.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Squared Financial or Deriv?
Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 for platforms. Squared Financial offers MT4, MT5, while Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Squared Financial vs Deriv?
Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Deriv requires $5. 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.