Which broker is better for Madagascar traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Madagascar’s retail forex market is growing, with traders seeking reliable brokers that offer localised support and payment methods. EasyMarkets and Libertex are two well-established international brokers that accept Malagasy residents and provide services in USD. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads, guaranteed stop loss, and user-friendly web platform, while Libertex (score 3.7/5) stands out with zero commission, tighter variable spreads, and a wider range of tradable assets including cryptocurrencies and commodities. For traders in Antananarivo or other parts of Madagascar, choosing the right broker involves comparing deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and especially USDT TRC20, which many local traders prefer for its speed and low cost. Internet connectivity in Madagascar can be inconsistent, so platform stability and mobile trading support are also critical. Both brokers offer MetaTrader and proprietary apps, but Libertex’s own platform is slightly more feature-rich. Regulation-wise, neither broker is supervised by the local financial regulator, but they hold licences from CySEC and FSC respectively. This comparison will help you decide which broker fits your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Libertex |
For Madagascar traders, trading costs directly affect profitability. EasyMarkets charges a fixed spread (e.g., 1.0–1.2 pips on EUR/USD) with no commission, making costs predictable. Libertex uses variable spreads from 0.1 pips on the same pair but adds zero commission on most trades. Over 100 trades per month, Libertex’s lower spreads can save a Malagasy trader around $15–20 compared to EasyMarkets, assuming standard lot sizes. However, during volatile Madagascar news events, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads remain stable while Libertex’s may widen temporarily. For scalpers and day traders, Libertex’s cost structure is more favourable; for position traders valuing certainty, EasyMarkets may be better.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Madagascar (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform plus MetaTrader 4 and 5. The proprietary platform is intuitive and includes features like DealCancellation for risk management, which is handy for less experienced Madagascar traders. Libertex provides its own award-winning platform (Libertex WebTrader) as well as MetaTrader 4 and 5. Libertex’s platform has advanced charting tools, real-time news, and one-click trading. Mobile trading is critical in Madagascar, where many use smartphones; both brokers have responsive apps, though Libertex’s is slightly faster on slower 3G/4G connections. Both platforms support multiple languages, but only Libertex offers a Malagasy franc-friendly layout.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 a hybrid model combining STP and market making, with fixed spreads and instant execution. Libertex employs ECN-style execution with variable spreads and no requotes. For Madagascar traders with moderate internet speeds, Libertex may experience occasional slippage but offers faster fills. EasyMarkets guarantees stop-loss orders, which is a valuable safety net. Overall, Libertex provides more control for experienced traders, while EasyMarkets suits those preferring reliability over speed.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets (regulated by CySEC and ASIC) nor Libertex (regulated by FSC for its international arm) is authorised by Madagascar’s local financial regulator. This means Malagasy traders do not have local investor protection schemes. However, both brokers have a long track record and segregate client funds in tier-1 banks. EasyMarkets offers negative balance protection, while Libertex provides compensation funds under EU regulations for its European clients (not applicable to Madagascar). Traders should still conduct their own due diligence and start with a small deposit. The absence of local regulation is common for international brokers serving Madagascar, but both maintain good reputations.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 business days |
Madagascar traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and Libertex. EasyMarkets also accepts credit/debit cards, while Libertex adds UnionPay and other cryptocurrencies. Minimum deposit is $25 for EasyMarkets and $10 for Libertex. USDT TRC20 is especially popular among Malagasy traders due to fast processing (minutes) and low network fees. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and crypto, and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Libertex has slightly faster internal processing (24 hours) compared to EasyMarkets (48 hours). Neither broker charges deposit fees on these local methods, but bank transfer fees may apply. Always check for any currency conversion costs if depositing in MGA instead of USD.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Madagascar’s Muslim traders who wish to avoid interest. EasyMarkets automatically converts standard accounts to swap-free upon request, and there are no additional fees or time limits. Libertex requires a formal email request and approval, and swap-free status is granted for an indefinite period unless Islamic rules are misused. Both brokers apply zero overnight swap charges on forex and commodities positions. For Malagasy traders observing Sharia, EasyMarkets’ simpler process may be more appealing, but Libertex offers similar terms. It is important to note that some instruments like indices and crypto still incur swaps on standard accounts, but they are also waived on Islamic accounts at both brokers.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, phone support, and email with response times under 1 hour. Libertex offers 24/7 live chat and multilingual support including English and French, which is beneficial for French-speaking Malagasy traders. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections. Libertex’s 24/7 availability gives it an edge for Madagascar traders who trade outside standard office hours. Phone support is available for both but may incur international call charges from Madagascar.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
For the average retail trader in Madagascar, Libertex (score 3.7) emerges as the stronger choice thanks to its lower spreads, zero-commission model, broader asset selection, and better local payment support including USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets (score 3.4) remains a solid alternative, particularly for beginners who appreciate fixed costs and safety features like guaranteed stop loss. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, but Libertex’s faster processing and lower minimum deposit give it an advantage. Since neither is regulated by Madagascar’s local financial regulator, traders should still practice caution. Overall, Libertex offers more value for active traders, while EasyMarkets suits those prioritising simplicity and risk control.