Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta-based retail traders, choosing between EasyMarkets and Libertex is a critical decision. Both brokers are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), providing a strong layer of investor protection. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly web platform, while Libertex (3.7/5) offers tighter variable spreads and multiple trading platforms including MT4 and cTrader. Malta traders can fund accounts via local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison examines spreads, deposit/withdrawal processes, regulation, and support factors specifically relevant to the Maltese trading community. Whether you trade EUR/USD or crypto CFDs, understanding the differences in costs and platform features will help you choose the broker that suits your style.
| 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 Malta traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads starting at 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which are predictable but higher than variable spreads from Libertex that can go as low as 0.1 pips during liquid market hours. Assuming a daily trade volume of $10,000, the spread difference could save you $2-3 per trade with Libertex. However, EasyMarkets does not charge commission on standard accounts, while Libertex’s tight spreads often come with a small commission. For scalping or high-frequency trading, Libertex’s lower spreads are advantageous. Malta traders should also consider swap rates, especially if holding positions overnight.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (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 provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity and risk management tools like 'deal cancellation'. Libertex, on the other hand, offers the powerful MetaTrader 4 and cTrader platforms, which are widely used by Maltese retail traders for advanced charting and automated trading. Libertex also has its own web and mobile platforms for social trading. If you prefer a straightforward interface with guaranteed stop losses, EasyMarkets is suitable. For full customisation and EA support, Libertex is the better choice.
| 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 |
Execution quality varies between the two brokers. EasyMarkets uses a hybrid STP/MM model with no requotes and guaranteed stop losses, which is beneficial for Maltese traders seeking certainty. Libertex, as an ECN/STP broker, offers faster execution with variable slippage. For scalping or news trading, Libertex’s low latency is preferred. However, EasyMarkets’ deal cancellation feature allows you to reverse losing trades within an hour, adding a unique risk management tool not available at Libertex.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Libertex are licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), a top-tier European regulator. For Malta traders, this means segregation of client funds, negative balance protection, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Additionally, both brokers adhere to ESMA leverage limits for retail traders (up to 1:30 for major forex). However, Libertex also holds licenses from CySEC and the FSA Seychelles, which may offer different leverage options outside MFSA rules. Overall, regulation by MFSA ensures a high level of security for Maltese clients.
| 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 |
Malta traders have several convenient options for funding and withdrawing from both brokers. Bank Transfer (SEPA) is widely used for larger sums, while Skrill and Neteller offer instant processing with low fees. Additionally, both EasyMarkets and Libertex accept USDT TRC20, a popular crypto-based method for rapid transfers without bank involvement. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $100; Libertex only $10. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for bank transfers. Ensure your account currency is USD (as per this comparison) to avoid conversion costs. Overall, Libertex offers more flexibility with lower minimums.
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in Malta, both EasyMarkets and Libertex offer swap-free Islamic accounts compliant with Sharia law. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $200 to open an Islamic account, while Libertex provides it on request with only $10 minimum. Both brokers do not charge overnight interest on these accounts. Verification of Muslim faith may be requested. If you trade with smaller capital, Libertex’s lower entry point is advantageous. However, note that Islamic accounts may have limited currency pairs or instruments. Overall, both cater well to the Maltese Muslim retail trading community.
| 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 |
Customer support is crucial for Malta traders. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone. Their response times are quick, and they have a dedicated Maltese support team. Libertex provides 24/5 support in multiple languages including English and Italian, with live chat and email. Neither offers 24/7 support, but during trading hours, both are reliable. For Malta-based traders speaking Maltese, EasyMarkets has an edge with local language support.
| 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 Malta traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and Libertex depends on your trading style. Libertex’s higher score (3.7/5) reflects its competitive spreads, platform variety, and ultra-low minimum deposit of $10, making it ideal for cost-conscious retail traders. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) offers fixed costs and local language support, appealing to beginners who value simplicity and risk control. Both are regulated by the MFSA and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. If you prioritize low costs and flexibility, choose Libertex. If you prefer certainty and a user-friendly interface, go with EasyMarkets. Consider starting with a demo account to see which suits your needs.