Squared Financial

Squared Financial

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.1
/ 10
vs
Skilling

Skilling

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.8
/ 10

Squared Financial vs Skilling

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

Squared Financial and Skilling 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. Skilling, established in 2016 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC with spreads from 0.1 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Skilling scored 7.8/10 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 stronger regulation, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    Skilling scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for Squared Financial — a 0.7-point difference.

  • 💵

    Skilling requires just $100 to start, while Squared Financial needs $250 — Skilling is 3x more accessible.

  • 📈

    Skilling offers 800+ instruments vs 400+ at Squared Financial — a notable difference in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Squared Financial runs on MT4, MT5, while Skilling uses Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Skilling scores 8.0 vs 7.0 for Squared Financial — a 1.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

Squared Financial

Squared Financial

Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
Skilling

Skilling

Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 7 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Responsive customer support matters to you

Skilling takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Skilling stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Squared Financial fights back with stronger regulation.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Skilling comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 8.0/10. Skilling 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), winning 1 category. Traders who value stronger regulation may find Squared Financial the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Skilling review and Squared Financial review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Squared Financial
Skilling
Trading Costs
7.0 8.0

Skilling wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 8.0

Skilling wins by 0.5 points

Regulation & Trust
7.5 7.0

Squared Financial wins by 0.5 points

Education
6.5 7.0

Skilling wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
7.0 7.5

Skilling wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
7.0 7.5

Skilling wins by 0.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.0 8.0

Skilling wins by 1.0 points

Product Range
7.0 7.5

Skilling wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.1/10
7.8/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$250
$100
Max Leverage
1:500
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.1 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5
Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader
Regulation
CySEC
CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2005
2016
Markets
400+
800+
Squared Financial: 0 Skilling: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Skilling (7.0 vs 8.0)

When it comes to trading costs, Skilling has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for Squared Financial. Squared Financial offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Skilling starts from 0.1 pips. The minimum deposit at Squared Financial is $250, compared to $100 at Skilling. 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.

Squared Financial
7.0
Skilling
8.0
Squared Financial: 0 Skilling: 2
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Skilling (7.5 vs 8.0)

Skilling scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Squared Financial. Squared Financial provides MT4, MT5, while Skilling offers Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader. 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.

Squared Financial
7.5
Skilling
8.0
Squared Financial: 1 Skilling: 2
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: Squared Financial (7.5 vs 7.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while Skilling holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 and Skilling scores 7/10 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.

Squared Financial
7.5
Skilling
7.0
Squared Financial: 1 Skilling: 3
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: Skilling (6.5 vs 7.0)

For learning resources, Skilling leads with 7/10 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 Skilling 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.

Squared Financial
6.5
Skilling
7.0
Squared Financial: 1 Skilling: 4
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Skilling (7.0 vs 7.5)

Squared Financial offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Skilling provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7.5/10. 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.

Squared Financial
7.0
Skilling
7.5
Squared Financial: 1 Skilling: 5
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: Skilling (7.0 vs 8.0)

Squared Financial scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Skilling scores 8/10. Squared Financial accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, and Skilling supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $100 for Skilling. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Squared Financial
7.0
Skilling
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Squared Financial

Choose Squared Financial if you...

  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
Visit Squared Financial
Skilling

Choose Skilling if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit Skilling

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squared Financial better than Skilling?

Skilling scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.1/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Squared Financial is stronger in stronger regulation. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Squared Financial or Skilling?

Skilling scores higher for trading costs. Squared Financial offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Skilling starts from 0.1 pips with $100 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. Skilling is regulated by CySEC with a score of 7/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Squared Financial or Skilling?

Skilling scores 8/10 for platforms. Squared Financial offers MT4, MT5, while Skilling provides Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Squared Financial vs Skilling?

Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Skilling requires $100. Skilling 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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