Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders seeking a reliable forex broker face two distinct options: EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, and FBS Max, scoring 3.7/5. As a retail trader based in Malta, your trading environment is shaped by local factors such as the euro-based economy and access to payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets is regulated by the local financial regulator, offering strong investor protection and a user-friendly platform ideal for beginners. In contrast, FBS Max provides lower spreads and higher leverage, appealing to experienced traders focused on cost efficiency. Both brokers accept Maltese clients and support USD trading, but their regulatory status and fee structures differ significantly. This comparison breaks down trading costs, platforms, deposit methods, and Islamic account options specifically for Malta traders. Whether you prioritize regulatory safety or low-cost execution, understanding these differences will help you choose the broker that aligns with your trading goals in Malta’s evolving forex market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | FBS Max |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator between EasyMarkets and FBS Max. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. This structure provides cost predictability, which is beneficial for retail traders in Malta who trade smaller volumes. FBS Max, however, delivers tighter raw spreads from 0.1 pips on EUR/USD but charges a $6 commission per lot round turn. For a Maltese trader executing 10 standard lots monthly, FBS Max’s total cost averages $60 in commissions plus minimal spreads, while EasyMarkets would cost around $100 in spreads alone. Thus, FBS Max is more cost-effective for active traders, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer fixed costs.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer platforms tailored to Malta traders. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which feature one-click trading, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and a clean interface ideal for beginners. The platform is fully optimized for Maltese users, supporting local payment methods. FBS Max offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms known for advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and fast execution. For Malta traders who rely on algorithmic strategies or detailed technical analysis, FBS Max’s MT4/MT5 ecosystem is superior. Conversely, EasyMarkets’ proprietary platform simplifies trading for those new to the markets.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality varies between the two brokers. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, offering guaranteed stop-loss orders to protect against slippage. This is ideal for Malta traders who prioritize order certainty. FBS Max operates as an ECN broker with raw spreads and no dealing desk, providing faster execution with average speeds of 0.1 seconds. For scalping or high-frequency strategies, FBS Max’s execution is superior.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for Malta traders. EasyMarkets is licensed by the local financial regulator, providing direct oversight and access to Malta’s investor compensation scheme, which protects deposits up to €20,000. This offers strong legal recourse for Maltese clients. FBS Max is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, an offshore regulator that does not offer the same level of protection. While FBS Max is legal for Malta traders, it lacks local supervision, meaning disputes are handled under Belize law. For Malta traders prioritizing safety, EasyMarkets’ local regulation is a significant advantage, whereas FBS Max provides less regulatory oversight but lower costs.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 5 to 7 business days |
Both EasyMarkets and FBS Max support the same payment methods for Malta traders: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets processes deposits instantly via e-wallets and USDT, with no fees for deposits. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. Withdrawals at EasyMarkets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FBS Max also offers instant deposits for Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with a minimum deposit of $5 for e-wallets and $10 for USDT. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers. FBS Max charges no deposit fees but may apply a small withdrawal fee for bank transfers. Both brokers allow Maltese traders to deposit and withdraw in USD or EUR.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| 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 EasyMarkets and FBS Max offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta-based Muslim traders. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request, eliminating swap fees on all instruments, including forex and CFDs. The account is available for all account types and requires no additional documentation beyond standard verification. FBS Max offers a dedicated Islamic account type with zero swaps and no hidden fees, available to all Maltese clients. FBS Max’s Islamic account supports the same low spreads and high leverage as standard accounts. For Malta traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both brokers meet the requirement, but FBS Max’s dedicated account setup is more straightforward.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers customer support in English and multiple languages via live chat, email, and phone, with 24/5 availability. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable about Maltese payment methods. FBS Max provides 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with a dedicated Maltese account manager for VIP clients. FBS Max’s round-the-clock support is advantageous for Malta traders who trade outside European hours.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FBS Max if you...
For Malta traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and FBS Max hinges on your priorities. If regulatory safety under the local financial regulator and a straightforward trading experience matter most, EasyMarkets is the better option. It offers fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and local investor protection. However, if you are an active retail trader focused on minimizing costs, FBS Max delivers tighter spreads, faster execution, and a wider range of deposit methods including Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer and support USD accounts. Ultimately, FBS Max’s higher overall score (3.7/5) reflects its cost and platform advantages, but EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for Maltese traders who value regulation and simplicity.