Squared Financial

Squared Financial

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.1
/ 10
vs
Tio Markets

Tio Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.4
/ 10

Squared Financial vs Tio Markets

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

Squared Financial and Tio Markets 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. Tio Markets, established in 2018 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $50 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Tio Markets scored 7.4/10 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 better trading platforms and more research tools, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    Tio Markets scores 7.4/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for Squared Financial — a 0.3-point difference.

  • 💵

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

  • 📈

    Squared Financial offers 400+ instruments vs 300+ at Tio Markets — a notable difference in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

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

  • The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Tio Markets 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 3 categories
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🏆 WINNER
Tio Markets

Tio Markets

Score: 7.4/10 · Wins 4 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important

Tio Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 7.4/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. Tio Markets stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while Squared Financial fights back with better trading platforms and more research tools.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Tio Markets comes out ahead with a 7.4/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 8.5/10. Tio Markets 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 3 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or more research tools may find Squared Financial the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Tio Markets review and Squared Financial review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Squared Financial
Tio Markets
Trading Costs
7.0 8.0

Tio Markets wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 7.0

Squared Financial wins by 0.5 points

Regulation & Trust
7.5 8.5

Tio Markets wins by 1.0 points

Education
6.5 6.5
Customer Service
7.0 7.5

Tio Markets wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
7.0 6.5

Squared Financial wins by 0.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.0 7.5

Tio Markets wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
7.0 6.5

Squared Financial wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.1/10
7.4/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$250
$50
Max Leverage
1:500
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5
MT4
Regulation
CySEC
FCA, CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2005
2018
Markets
400+
300+
Squared Financial: 0 Tio Markets: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Tio Markets (7.0 vs 8.0)

When it comes to trading costs, Tio Markets 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 Tio Markets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Squared Financial is $250, compared to $50 at Tio Markets. 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
Tio Markets
8.0
Squared Financial: 1 Tio Markets: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Squared Financial (7.5 vs 7.0)

Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Tio Markets. Squared Financial provides MT4, MT5, while Tio Markets offers MT4. 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
Tio Markets
7.0
Squared Financial: 1 Tio Markets: 2
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: Tio Markets (7.5 vs 8.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while Tio Markets holds licenses from FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 and Tio Markets scores 8.5/10 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.

Squared Financial
7.5
Tio Markets
8.5
Squared Financial: 1 Tio Markets: 2
📚

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 Tio Markets 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
Tio Markets
6.5
Squared Financial: 1 Tio Markets: 3
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Tio Markets (7.0 vs 7.5)

Squared Financial offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Tio Markets provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone 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
Tio Markets
7.5
Squared Financial: 1 Tio Markets: 4
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: Tio Markets (7.0 vs 7.5)

Squared Financial scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Tio Markets scores 7.5/10. Squared Financial accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, and Tio Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $50 for Tio Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Squared Financial
7.0
Tio Markets
7.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Squared Financial

Choose Squared Financial if you...

  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Visit Squared Financial
Tio Markets

Choose Tio Markets if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
Visit Tio Markets

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squared Financial better than Tio Markets?

Tio Markets scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 7.1/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, Squared Financial is stronger in better trading platforms and more research tools. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Squared Financial or Tio Markets?

Tio Markets scores higher for trading costs. Squared Financial offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Tio Markets starts from 0.0 pips with $50 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. Tio Markets is regulated by FCA, CySEC with a score of 8.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Squared Financial or Tio Markets?

Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 for platforms. Squared Financial offers MT4, MT5, while Tio Markets provides MT4. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Squared Financial vs Tio Markets?

Squared Financial requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Tio Markets requires $50. Tio Markets 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.

← Back to Compare Tool