We compared Pepperstone and SquaredFinancial across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Pepperstone wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| Pepperstone | SquaredFinancial | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | Pepperstone |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | Pepperstone |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $250 | Pepperstone |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Razor) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU/UK retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:500 | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade | MT4, MT5 | Pepperstone |
| Founded | 2010 | 2005 | — |
| HQ | Melbourne, Australia | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Serious retail traders who want tier-1 regulation, tight spreads, and platform choice (MT4/5/cTrader/TradingView).
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Pepperstone. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Traders wanting an established, long-running CySEC ECN broker with a broad multi-asset CFD range.
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Pepperstone wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Pepperstone holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, SCB, CMA Kenya. SquaredFinancial holds licenses from: CySEC, FSA Seychelles. Pepperstone has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
Pepperstone spreads start from 0.0 pips (Razor). SquaredFinancial spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Pepperstone: $0 (no minimum). SquaredFinancial: $250. Pepperstone has the lower entry barrier.
General risk warning: CFDs are leveraged products.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
69% of retail accounts lose money.
CFDs are leveraged. Your capital is at risk.
73% of retail accounts lose money.
CFDs and FX Options entail risk of loss.
