Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta has established itself as a key hub for forex trading in the Mediterranean, and local traders have access to two heavyweight brokers: AvaTrade and FxPro. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring Malta-based retail traders enjoy strong investor protection, negative balance protection, and segregated client funds. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Malta traders: trading costs, local payment methods (including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20), platform usability, and regulatory compliance. AvaTrade, scoring 4.6/5, excels with its comprehensive educational suite and lower spreads on major pairs, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate traders. FxPro, with a 4.1/5 rating, offers lightning-fast execution and a cleaner platform interface that appeals to experienced scalpers and day traders. Whether you are trading from Sliema, Valletta, or anywhere in Malta, understanding these differences is crucial to choosing the right broker for your USD-denominated account.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading in USD. AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs, with EUR/USD starting from 0.9 pips on standard accounts, compared to FxPro's 1.2 pips on its Raw+ account. When trading 10 standard lots per month, AvaTrade can save approximately $300 in spread costs. However, FxPro charges lower commission on its Raw+ account ($3.5 per lot vs AvaTrade's $4 per lot). For Malta traders using scalping strategies, FxPro's lower commission structure may offset higher spreads. Overall, AvaTrade is more cost-effective for swing traders and position traders, while FxPro suits high-frequency traders.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. AvaTrade additionally provides its proprietary WebTrader platform and AvaSocial for copy trading, which is beneficial for less experienced traders. FxPro offers cTrader, a platform preferred by scalpers for its depth of market and fast execution. For Malta traders on the go, both brokers have robust mobile apps with full trading functionality. AvaTrade's platform suite is more beginner-friendly, while FxPro's cTrader is a powerful tool for technical traders.
| Factor | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FxPro is known for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 50 milliseconds on its cTrader platform, making it ideal for scalpers and day traders in Malta. AvaTrade offers reliable execution with no requotes on its proprietary platform, but speeds are slightly slower at around 100 milliseconds. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution on major pairs, ensuring transparency. For Malta traders using automated strategies, FxPro's faster execution provides a slight edge.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for Malta traders, and both brokers are authorized by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with MiFID II and local laws. This means client funds are segregated, and traders benefit from negative balance protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. AvaTrade holds licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including the EU, Australia, and South Africa, while FxPro is also regulated by the FCA and CySEC. For Malta residents, trading with a locally regulated entity provides peace of mind, as disputes can be resolved within Malta's legal framework. Both brokers are also members of the Investor Compensation Scheme, covering up to €20,000 per client.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | 1 business day |
Malta traders have access to a range of convenient payment methods at both brokers, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfers are ideal for large deposits and withdrawals, though processing times are 1-3 business days. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant and free, with withdrawals processed within 24 hours. USDT TRC20 is a newer option that allows for near-instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees, appealing to crypto-savvy traders. AvaTrade does not charge deposit fees, while FxPro may apply a small fee for certain e-wallet deposits. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers require verification documents before processing withdrawals, ensuring security for Malta traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both AvaTrade and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate overnight swap fees on positions held beyond the daily rollover, making them suitable for long-term trading. AvaTrade provides Islamic accounts on all account types, while FxPro offers them on standard and Raw+ accounts. Approval is straightforward, typically requiring a declaration of faith and a request via customer support. Both brokers maintain transparent terms, with no hidden fees. For Malta traders observing Islamic principles, either broker is a solid choice, though AvaTrade's broader platform support may be more appealing.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with multilingual teams including English and Maltese-speaking agents. AvaTrade offers live chat, phone support, and extensive FAQ sections, while FxPro provides similar channels with slightly faster response times. For Malta traders, local phone numbers and local office visits are possible, as both brokers have a presence in Malta. AvaTrade's support is more educational-focused, while FxPro's team is geared towards technical assistance.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For Malta traders, the choice between AvaTrade and FxPro ultimately depends on your trading style and priorities. AvaTrade (4.6/5) is the better all-rounder for most retail traders, offering lower spreads, a richer educational suite, and a wider asset selection—all backed by strong local regulation. It also supports all local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. FxPro (4.1/5) excels in execution speed and platform simplicity, making it a strong choice for active scalpers and technical traders. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. If you value cost-efficiency and learning, choose AvaTrade. If speed and precision matter more, FxPro is your pick.