Choose HYCM if you want…
MENA + EU traders wanting an established multi-jurisdictional broker with Henyep Group balance-sheet backing.
HYCM
⭐ 4.3 / 5
VS
SquaredFinancial
⭐ 3.5 / 5
HYCM vs SquaredFinancial — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared HYCM and SquaredFinancial across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. HYCM wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| HYCM | SquaredFinancial | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | HYCM |
| Regulators | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | HYCM |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $250 | HYCM |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | SquaredFinancial |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:500 | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, HYCM Trader | MT4, MT5 | HYCM |
| Founded | 1977 | 2005 | — |
| HQ | London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
HYCM pros
- ✓ Founded 1977 — among the oldest retail FX brokers globally
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + DFSA + CIMA tier-1 + tier-2 regulation
- ✓ Part of Henyep Group — diversified $1bn+ financial conglomerate
- ✓ Strong MENA + EU presence with Arabic support
- ✓ Raw account: 0.2 pips + $4/lot round-turn
Cons
- ✗ Smaller scale than Exness / XM / Pepperstone
- ✗ Classic account spreads (1.2+ pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cTrader option — MT4/MT5 only
SquaredFinancial pros
- ✓ Operating since 2005 with a CySEC licence
- ✓ ECN pricing from 0.0 pips on raw accounts
- ✓ Multi-asset CFD range across FX, indices, commodities and shares
- ✓ Offshore entity offers leverage up to 1:500
- ✓ Established MT4 and MT5 infrastructure
Cons
- ✗ Higher $250 minimum deposit than many rivals
- ✗ Lower retail brand awareness
- ✗ EU clients capped at 1:30 leverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose SquaredFinancial if you want…
Traders wanting an established, long-running CySEC ECN broker with a broad multi-asset CFD range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — HYCM or SquaredFinancial?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), HYCM wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is HYCM more regulated than SquaredFinancial?
HYCM holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman. SquaredFinancial holds licenses from: CySEC, FSA Seychelles. HYCM has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at HYCM vs SquaredFinancial?
HYCM spreads start from 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic). SquaredFinancial spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, HYCM or SquaredFinancial?
HYCM: $100. SquaredFinancial: $250. HYCM has the lower entry barrier.
