Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Maltese retail traders evaluating EasyMarkets vs Hantec Markets in 2025, both brokers are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and cater to local clients with USD accounts and popular payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) is known for its user-friendly web platform and risk tools such as guaranteed stop-loss, appealing to beginners. Hantec Markets (score 3.6/5) offers tighter spreads, a broader range of instruments including indices and commodities, and a more advanced MT4 platform for experienced traders. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Malta-based traders: regulation, costs, platform usability, and local deposit/withdrawal options. Whether you trade part-time or full-time, understanding these differences will help you choose the broker that aligns with your trading style and financial goals in the Maltese market.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, Hantec Markets generally provides lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD compared to EasyMarkets. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that can be wider on average, but they offer the advantage of zero commissions on standard accounts. For high-volume Maltese traders, the tighter spreads at Hantec Markets result in lower overall costs per trade. EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads are simpler for budgeting, but they may not match the competitive pricing Hantec Markets offers, especially on indices and commodities popular in Malta.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app, both designed for simplicity with features like deal cancellation and guaranteed stop-loss – ideal for Maltese beginners who prefer a straightforward interface. Hantec Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a global standard for technical analysis, automated trading, and custom indicators, which suits more experienced Malta traders. While EasyMarkets’ platform is accessible from any browser without downloads, Hantec Markets’ MT4 gives deeper market insights and faster execution for scalpers and day traders in Malta.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses market execution with no re-quotes and guaranteed stop-loss on all trades, which is beneficial for volatile markets. Hantec Markets offers instant execution on MT4 with low latency and slippage protection. For Malta traders who prioritise order reliability, EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stops are a strong advantage. Hantec Markets’ execution is faster on average, making it suitable for scalpers and news traders seeking tight spreads.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), offering Maltese traders strong investor protection. EasyMarkets (CySEC regulated also) holds an MFSA licence under the EU framework, while Hantec Markets is regulated by the MFSA as a Category 3 investment firm. For Malta-based retail traders, this means both comply with local client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and leverage limits (up to 1:30 for major pairs). You can trade confidently knowing your funds are safeguarded under Maltese law.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Maltese traders can fund their accounts at both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – all specified local payment methods. EasyMarkets also supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, and UnionPay, while Hantec Markets includes local bank transfers and e-wallets like Neteller. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are typically instant, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are accepted by both brokers with low fees and fast processing. Withdrawals at EasyMarkets are usually processed within 1 business day for e-wallets, whereas Hantec Markets takes 1-2 days. Bank transfer withdrawals can take 2-5 days. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but third-party fees may apply. For Malta traders, the availability of these local payment options ensures convenient and cost-effective funding.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Malta, both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts that comply with Sharia law, including no interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets’ Islamic account is available on request for all account types and is managed with no additional fees, though it may restrict certain instruments. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts on standard and prime accounts with no swap charges, but requires a minimum deposit. Maltese traders should contact support to confirm eligibility and any conditions, as policies may change.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Both brokers offer customer support in English, which is widely spoken in Malta. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support with a focus on quick responses for retail traders. Hantec Markets also offers 24/5 support via live chat and email, plus a localised phone line for EU clients. EasyMarkets has a slight edge with its dedicated support for account issues, while Hantec Markets is efficient for technical queries. Maltese traders can reach both easily through familiar channels.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | 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 | Hantec Markets | 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 Hantec Markets if you...
For Malta retail traders in 2025, the choice between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets comes down to your trading style. Hantec Markets earns a higher overall score (3.6) thanks to tighter spreads, MT4 platform, and strong product variety – ideal for active traders. EasyMarkets (3.4) wins on ease of use, guaranteed stops, and beginner-friendly tools. Both are MFSA-regulated and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring smooth funding. If cost and platform depth matter most, go with Hantec Markets. If simplicity and risk management are your priorities, EasyMarkets is a solid choice. Consider opening a demo account with each to test the experience before depositing real funds.