Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta is a key forex hub in Europe, and retail traders here have two strong options: EasyMarkets and XM Group. Both brokers are regulated locally by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), offering a layer of trust and security. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5 and is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, while XM Group (score 4.7/5) leads with tighter spreads, faster execution, and a broader product range. For Malta traders who value low costs and flexibility, XM is often the go-to choice, but EasyMarkets appeals to beginners and those who prefer predictable trading conditions. This comparison digs into spreads, platforms, payment methods (including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20), and regulatory details to help you decide which broker fits your trading style as a Malta resident.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 | EasyMarkets |
For Malta traders, spread costs are a major factor. XM Group offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission on its Standard account. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.5–1.8 pips on the same pairs, which can be higher than XM's average. Over a typical 10-lot month for a Malta retail trader, XM's lower spread could save €200–€400 in costs. EasyMarkets also charges a 0.5% rollover fee on positions held overnight, which XM does not apply. If you trade frequently or with larger volumes, XM clearly provides a cost advantage.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer industry-standard platforms for Malta traders. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Its custom platform features deal cancellation on losses, appealing to cautious traders. XM Group offers MT4, MT5, and its XM WebTrader, all fully compatible with Maltese internet speeds and mobile trading. XM's platforms support advanced charting tools, automated trading, and one-click execution, which high-volume Malta traders prefer. For beginners in Malta, EasyMarkets' simpler interface may be easier, but XM's platform ecosystem is more powerful overall.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 |
XM Group has a reputation for fast execution with no requotes on 99.35% of orders, thanks to its ECN/STP model. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during high-volatility events. For Malta traders who day trade or scalp, XM's execution speed and reliability are superior. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads reduce slippage in normal conditions, but execution is slower overall. XM's no requotes policy is a significant advantage for active retail traders in Malta.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Malta traders, and both brokers are supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). EasyMarkets holds an MFSA licence (C 50706) and is subject to MiFID II rules, ensuring client funds are segregated and negative balance protection is in place. XM Group operates under MFSA licence (C 66779) and also offers negative balance protection, plus participation in the Investor Compensation Scheme covering up to €20,000. For Malta traders, this means both brokers provide a secure trading environment, but XM's additional compensation scheme gives extra peace of mind. You can verify both licences on the MFSA website.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Malta traders benefit from multiple deposit and withdrawal methods at both brokers. EasyMarkets supports Bank Transfer (processed within 1–2 business days), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (crypto) deposits. However, EasyMarkets charges a 1.5% fee on Skrill deposits and a $25 fee on bank transfers below $2,000. Withdrawals are free but take 2–3 business days. XM Group also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, along with credit/debit cards. XM imposes no deposit fees and processes withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT. Bank withdrawals take 1–2 days. For Malta traders seeking fast, free transactions, especially with USDT TRC20, XM Group is the clear winner.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Malta can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts with both brokers. XM Group provides swap-free status on all account types automatically upon request, with no fees or time limits. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts but requires traders to contact support and may limit the account to 30 days before re-assessing eligibility. XM's policy is more flexible and transparent, making it the preferred option for Malta's Muslim community who want long-term swap-free trading.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support for Malta traders is available in English (and Maltese upon request) at both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with average response times under 2 minutes. XM Group provides 24/7 live chat and phone support in multiple languages, including English, with a dedicated Malta support line. XM also has a local office in Sliema, which adds convenience for Maltese traders who prefer face-to-face assistance. XM's round-the-clock availability and local presence give it the edge.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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 XM Group if you...
For the majority of retail traders in Malta, XM Group is the stronger choice. Its lower spreads, free deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, faster execution, and better Islamic account policy align with the needs of Maltese traders. The MFSA regulation and local office add trust and accessibility. EasyMarkets remains a niche option for those who value fixed costs and risk-control features, but it falls short on overall value. If you trade actively or seek competitive pricing, XM Group is the recommended broker for Malta in 2025.