As university costs continue to rise, Samuel and Co Trading is positioning itself as a leading provider of accessible financial education. Established in 2012, the company has been dedicated to empowering students with practical trading knowledge and market confidence.
The financial challenges facing UK university students are mounting, with tuition fees rising to £9,535 per year from September 2025, marking the first increase in eight years. When factoring in maintenance loans that often fall short, students now face annual education costs exceeding £22,000, including tuition and living expenses.
To provide a more affordable alternative, Samuel and Co Trading offers Ofqual-regulated Diplomas in Financial Trading. Students can earn a Level 5 Diploma, equivalent to a Foundation Degree, in as little as 12 weeks, or pursue a Level 7 Diploma, which is on par with a Master’s Degree, but at a significantly lower cost. Given that some graduate salaries are now comparable to minimum wage, these accelerated programmes provide a more cost-effective and time-efficient route to industry-recognised qualifications.
The company’s dedication to excellence has earned them multiple awards. In the 2025 Global Banking and Finance Awards®, Samuel and Co Trading received “Best Online Financial Education & Training UK 2025” and “Best Forex Education UK 2025”. Additional accolades include “Best Online Trading Course Provider UK 2025” from Finance Derivative Magazine, as well as recognition from World Business Outlook with awards 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 honoured them with “Innovation in Trading Strategies UK 2025” and “Trading Education and Mentorship Award UK 2025”. These achievements highlight Samuel and Co Trading’s dedication to providing industry-leading financial training.
Founder and CEO, Samuel Leach, reflects on the company’s journey:
“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 the cost of traditional education continues to climb, Samuel and Co Trading remains committed to offering high-quality, affordable financial training. By bridging the gap between cost and accessibility, the company is ensuring that more individuals can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the financial sector.
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.
