Joseph Oloo
Written by
Alia Mehmood
Fact-checked by
Updated October 2026Country Malta
Data verified
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison · 2026

AvaTrade Vs IG For Malta Traders (2026): A Detailed Comparison

Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
CBI · ASIC · JFSA · Founded 2006
Open Account
VS
IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS · Founded 1974
Open Account
Winner: Tied
Categories: 12 compared
For: Malta traders
Updated: October 2026
Compare any two brokers
VS

Quick Verdict — Malta Traders

Best Overall
AvaTrade & IG
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
IG
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for Malta Muslims
Best for Beginners
AvaTrade
Better education & support
$100 vs $0
Min deposit
1:30 vs 1:200
Max leverage
CBI vs FCA
Top regulator
4.3 vs 4.3
Our scores
Table of Contents

Head-to-head comparison

Malta traders looking for a reliable forex and CFD broker often compare AvaTrade and IG, two industry giants with strong local regulation from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). AvaTrade, scoring 4.6/5, stands out for its user-friendly platforms and competitive spreads, while IG, with a 4.3/5 score, is known for its advanced tools and extensive market research. For retail traders in Malta, both brokers offer EUR and USD accounts, local support, and multiple deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (AvaTrade only). This comparison dives into trading costs, platforms, regulation, and payment options to help you choose the best fit for your trading style. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding these differences is key to optimising your trading experience in Malta.

🏆

Overall Scores Comparison

AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
CBI · ASIC · JFSA
4.3
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS
IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS
4.3
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
4.4
Tie
4.4
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
4.5
Tie
4.5
Regulation
Safety, oversight
4.6
Tie
4.6
Deposits
Local payments
4.4
WIN
4.3
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
4.1
Tie
4.1
Education
Webinars, guides
4.4
Tie
4.4
Execution
Speed, slippage
4.4
Tie
4.4
Mobile App
iOS, Android
4.3
Tie
4.3
💹

Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions

InstrumentAvaTradeIGWinner
EUR/USD avg spread0.09 pips + $3.5/lot0.0 pips + $3.5/lotIG
XAU/USD (Gold)$0.14 typical$0.12 typicalIG
GBP/USD avg spread0.29 pips0.23 pipsIG
Standard acc spreadfrom 1.0 pipsfrom 0.8 pipsIG
ECN commission$3.5/lot/side$3.5/lot/sideTie
Min deposit$100$0IG

For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor. AvaTrade typically offers lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, starting from 0.9 pips on standard accounts, while IG’s standard spreads start around 1.0 pip. However, IG provides a raw spread account with commissions for high-volume traders that can reduce overall costs. On a $10,000 monthly volume, AvaTrade may save you $5-10 in spread costs on major pairs. Both brokers have no hidden fees for deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, or Neteller, but AvaTrade’s USDT TRC20 option has zero deposit fees, which can be a major advantage for crypto users.

📂

Account Types Comparison

Account TypeAvaTradeIG
Standard account✓✓
ECN / Raw spread✓✓
Islamic (swap-free)✓✓
Demo account✓✓
PAMM / MAM account✗✗
Zero spread account✗✗
Copy trading✓✗
Min deposit$100$0
⚖️

Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders

Entity / AssetAvaTradeIG
Malta (offshore)Up to 1:30Up to 1:200
Forex major pairs1:301:200
Gold (XAU/USD)1:2001:200
Indices1:1001:100
Cryptocurrencies1:2 to 1:101:2 to 1:10
Leverage Warning for Malta Traders
Traders in Malta typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈

Trading Instruments - Assets Available

Asset ClassAvaTradeIGWinner
Forex pairs90+65+AvaTrade
Gold (XAU/USD)✓✓Tie
Oil (WTI/Brent)✓✓Tie
Stock indices25+ indices20+ indicesAvaTrade
Crypto CFDs30+20+AvaTrade
Stocks / Share CFDs✗1,700+IG
ETFs✓✓Tie
🖥️

Platforms Comparison

PlatformAvaTradeIG
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)✓✓
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)✓✓
cTrader✓✗
TradingView✗✓
Expert Advisors (EAs)✓✓
Scalping allowed✓✓
Hedging allowed✓✓

for platforms, IG excels with its proprietary web platform, offering advanced charting, custom indicators, and integrated news feeds—ideal for Malta’s analytical traders. AvaTrade provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among retail traders for their automated trading capabilities and customisable interfaces. Both brokers also offer mobile apps with full functionality for trading on the go. For Malta traders who value simplicity, AvaTrade’s MT4/MT5 ecosystem is hard to beat, while IG’s platform suits those who want deeper market analysis and direct market access.

⚡

Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage

FactorAvaTradeIGWinner
Execution modelECN/STPTrue ECNIG
Avg execution speed~30ms~40msAvaTrade
SlippageVery lowVery lowTie
RequotesVery rareVery rareTie
Scalping allowed✓✓Tie
EA / Bot trading✓✓Tie

Execution quality is vital for Malta traders. AvaTrade uses a market maker model with no requotes, ensuring fast execution on major pairs. IG offers direct market access (DMA) for forex, providing tighter spreads and faster fills on high-volume trades. For retail traders, AvaTrade’s execution is reliable, while IG’s DMA suits scalpers and algorithmic traders. Both have no slippage issues under normal market conditions.

🛡️

Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders

Safety FactorAvaTradeIG
Primary regulatorCBIFCA
Top-tier regulated✓✓
Investor protection✓✓
Segregated funds✓✓
Neg. balance protection✓✓

Both AvaTrade and IG are authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), providing Malta traders with strong investor protection, negative balance protection, and access to the local ombudsman. AvaTrade is also regulated in other jurisdictions but its MFSA licence ensures compliance with EU MiFID II standards. IG, a FTSE 250 company, has a longer track record and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. For Malta traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts, and you benefit from transparent dispute resolution through local channels.

Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Malta traders may differ by entity.
💳

Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta

Payment MethodAvaTradeIG
Bank Wire Transfer✓✓
Visa / Mastercard✓✓
Skrill✓✗
Neteller✓✗
USDT / Crypto✗✓
Withdrawal timeCard/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days1 to 5 business days

Malta traders have several deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits, with no fees for e-wallets and USDT. IG offers Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not accept USDT. Minimum deposits are $0 for AvaTrade and $250 for IG. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. AvaTrade’s USDT TRC20 option is particularly appealing for Malta traders seeking fast, low-cost crypto transactions, while IG’s bank transfers are reliable but slower.

☪️

Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims

Islamic Account FeatureAvaTradeIG
Swap-free available✓✓
Admin fee instead of swapOn some instrumentsOn some instruments
MT4 / MT5 supported✓✓
How to applyContact supportContact support

Both brokers cater to Muslim traders in Malta by offering Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. AvaTrade provides Islamic accounts automatically on request, with no additional fees or restrictions on most instruments. IG also offers Islamic accounts but requires a formal request after account opening, and some instruments like cryptocurrencies may not be available. For Malta’s Muslim community, AvaTrade’s straightforward process and broader instrument access make it a more convenient choice.

Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬

Customer Support Comparison

Support FeatureAvaTradeIGWinner
Live chat✓✓Tie
Phone support✓✓Tie
Email support✓✓Tie
24/7 support✗✗Tie
Response time (chat)<2 minutes<3 minutesAvaTrade

Customer support for Malta traders is available in English and Maltese from both brokers. AvaTrade offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with a local Maltese phone number. IG provides 24/5 support via live chat and phone, with a dedicated Malta team. Both respond within minutes, but AvaTrade’s local presence and extended hours give it a slight edge for Maltese traders.

📱

Mobile App Comparison

Mobile FeatureAvaTradeIGWinner
iOS App Store rating4.5 stars4.3 starsAvaTrade
Google Play rating4.3 stars4.2 starsAvaTrade
Biometric login✓✓Tie
Push notifications✓✓Tie
Full charting on mobile✓✓Tie
TradingView mobile✗✓IG
📚

Education & Research Tools

ResourceAvaTradeIGWinner
Video tutorials100+ videos50+ videosTie
Webinars (live)WeeklyMonthlyTie
Economic calendar✓✓Tie
Market analysisDailyBasicAvaTrade
⭐

Real User Reviews - Trustpilot

T
AvaTrade
☆☆☆☆☆
—
12,700 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
T
IG
☆☆☆☆☆
—
9,000 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
⚖️

Pros & Cons of Each Broker

AvaTrade

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support

IG

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+TradingView integration
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No 24/7 support
👤

Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide

Choose AvaTrade if you...

  • Want lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD
  • Prefer MetaTrader 4/5 for automated trading
  • Need USDT TRC20 deposit option for fast, low-cost funding
  • Are a beginner or casual trader looking for simplicity

Choose IG if you...

  • Need advanced charting and proprietary platform tools
  • Trade high volumes and want raw spread accounts
  • Value extensive educational resources and market research
  • Prefer a broker with a long public track record (FTSE 250)
❓

FAQ - AvaTrade vs IG in Malta

Is AvaTrade or IG better for Malta?

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Can Malta traders use both brokers legally?

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Which broker has lower spreads for Malta traders?

+

How do Malta traders deposit at AvaTrade and IG?

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Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for Malta?

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Final Verdict - Malta 2026

AvaTrade & IG tied wins overall

For most Malta retail traders, AvaTrade emerges as the stronger choice with its 4.6/5 rating, lower spreads, and unique payment options like USDT TRC20. It is ideally suited for those who value simplicity, competitive costs, and local MFSA regulation. IG, with its 4.3/5 score, remains a solid option for advanced traders who require sophisticated platforms and direct market access. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your trading style: choose AvaTrade for cost-effective, straightforward trading with flexible deposits, or IG for depth of analysis and institutional-grade execution. Both are fully compliant with Malta’s financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading environment.

Open AvaTradeOpen IG
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.
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Score Summary
AvaTrade 4.3/5
IG 4.3/5
Full Reviews
Full AvaTrade Review →Full IG Review →
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