As higher education costs continue to climb, Samuel and Co Trading stands out as a leading provider of accessible and high-quality financial education. Established in 2012, the company has been instrumental in equipping students with practical trading skills and the confidence to navigate financial markets.
The financial strain on UK university students is increasing, with tuition fees set to rise to £9,535 per year from September 2025, marking the first increase in eight years. Coupled with maintenance loans that fail to cover basic living costs, students now face average annual study expenses exceeding £22,000.
In response, Samuel and Co Trading provides Ofqual-regulated Diplomas in Financial Trading, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional university degrees. Students can achieve a Level 5 Diploma—equivalent to a Foundation Degree—in just 12 weeks, or complete a Level 7 Diploma, comparable to a Master’s Degree, at a significantly lower cost than a university education. With some graduate salaries now on par with minimum wage, these accelerated programmes offer an efficient and affordable pathway into the financial sector.
The company’s dedication to excellence has been recognised through multiple industry awards. In the 2025 Global Banking and Finance Awards®, Samuel and Co Trading secured “Best Online Financial Education & Training UK 2025” and “Best Forex Education UK 2025”. Additionally, Finance Derivative Magazine awarded them “Best Online Trading Course Provider UK 2025”, while World Business Outlook presented accolades for “Best Trading Guidance and Support Provider Europe 2025”, “Leading Trading Education Management Company Europe 2025”, and “Most Trusted Personal Trading Strategies Provider Europe 2025”. Furthermore, Brands Review Magazine recognised them with “Innovation in Trading Strategies UK 2025” and “Trading Education and Mentorship Award UK 2025”. These awards highlight Samuel and Co Trading’s commitment to educational excellence.
Founder and CEO, Samuel Leach, reflects on the company’s mission:
“When I started Samuel and Co Trading in 2012, I wanted to democratise financial education. The aim was to provide practical, affordable, and high-quality training to people who are passionate about trading. Our recent accolades and the success of our students show that we’re on the right path.”
As tuition fees continue to rise and the financial sector evolves, Samuel and Co Trading remains dedicated to delivering affordable, high-quality financial education, shaping the next generation of traders.
About Samuel and Co Trading
Samuel and Co Trading was founded in 2012 by Samuel Leach with the mission of assisting individuals to succeed in financial trading. The company provides accredited and industry-recognised financial education, including Ofqual-regulated diplomas designed to fast-track students into trading careers. With courses led by seasoned professionals, Samuel and Co Trading ensures that students gain practical, real-world experience. Recognised as a leader in the sector, the company has trained thousands of individuals.
