Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and FXTM, both regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, making it suitable for beginners. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is a global powerhouse offering tight spreads, advanced tools, and multiple account types. For Maltese retail traders trading in USD, factors like local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20) and regulatory safety are crucial. This comparison highlights how each broker meets the specific needs of Malta's trading community, from cost efficiency to legal compliance.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | FXTM |
For Malta traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. FXTM offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts plus a commission of $2 per side. Over 100 lots per month, FXTM’s raw spreads can save hundreds of dollars compared to EasyMarkets. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads suit traders who prefer predictable costs, especially during volatile news events. Consider your trading volume: high-frequency traders in Malta will benefit more from FXTM’s lower spreads, while occasional traders may prefer EasyMarkets’ simplicity.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and web-based platforms, but FXTM also provides MT5 and a proprietary mobile app with advanced charting. EasyMarkets’ own web platform is intuitive and includes risk management tools like DealCancellation, popular among new Maltese traders. For experienced traders, FXTM’s MT5 supports more timeframes and order types. Maltese traders who trade on the go will appreciate FXTM’s mobile app, which includes real-time news and analysis. EasyMarkets’ platform is simpler but lacks the depth needed for scalping or algorithmic trading.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 |
FXTM uses advanced ECN/STP execution with no requotes, averaging 0.1-second trade execution. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with fixed spreads and some requotes during high volatility. For Malta traders who value speed—especially during news releases—FXTM’s execution is superior. EasyMarkets’ execution is fine for slower strategies but not ideal for scalping. Both brokers offer no dealing desk (NDD) on certain accounts, but FXTM’s infrastructure is more robust for low-latency trading.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and FXTM are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring they comply with local MiFID II standards. For Malta traders, this means client funds are segregated, negative balance protection is offered, and disputes can be handled locally. FXTM holds multiple licences including FCA (UK) and CySEC, while EasyMarkets is solely MFSA-regulated. This makes FXTM slightly more diversified in regulatory oversight. Under MFSA rules, Maltese traders also benefit from the Investor Compensation Scheme, which covers up to €20,000 per client.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Malta traders have several convenient options for funding their accounts. Both EasyMarkets and FXTM accept Bank Transfer (local SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. USDT TRC20 is particularly fast, with deposits reflecting within 5-10 minutes. FXTM also supports Visa/Mastercard and local Maltese bank cards, while EasyMarkets adds PayPal and UnionPay. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. FXTM has higher minimum deposits ($10) compared to EasyMarkets ($25), but both are affordable for retail traders. The inclusion of USDT TRC20 is a big plus for crypto-savvy Maltese traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 brokers cater to Muslim traders in Malta with Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets offers swap-free accounts automatically upon request, with no extra fees. FXTM requires a simple application and provides raw spreads on swap-free accounts, but there may be a holding period limit (usually 30 days) for some instruments. For Maltese Muslim traders who observe Sharia law, both options are viable. However, FXTM’s wider selection of Islamic account types (Standard, Cent, ECN) gives more flexibility. Note that both brokers charge an administrative fee if positions are held extremely long, to cover overnight costs.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support is available in English and Maltese at both brokers. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with faster response times (under 2 minutes). EasyMarkets has 24/5 support via live chat and phone, but email replies can take up to 24 hours. For Malta traders needing local support, FXTM has a dedicated Maltese-language phone line and local office in Sliema, which is a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For most Malta retail traders, FXTM is the better choice due to its higher overall rating (4.3 vs 3.4), tighter spreads, and superior execution. It also supports all local payment methods—Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20—and is regulated by the MFSA, offering strong investor protection. EasyMarkets remains a solid option for beginners or those who value fixed costs and simplicity. If you trade frequently in USD, FXTM’s lower costs will save you money. For long-term or occasional traders, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide peace of mind. Both brokers are legally sound in Malta, but FXTM edges ahead in flexibility and performance.