Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta traders in 2026, choosing between Exness and FXTM is a critical decision. Both brokers are globally recognized, but they cater to different trader needs. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is favored by retail traders for its ultra-competitive spreads (from 0.0 pips), unlimited leverage, and seamless local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, excels in educational resources and local support, making it ideal for beginners. Malta’s trading community values low costs and fast withdrawals, and Exness delivers on both fronts. However, FXTM’s strong brand presence in Europe and regulated status under CySEC and FCA provide added security. This comparison dives deep into spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment options to help you decide which broker fits your trading style in Malta.
| Instrument | Exness | 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 | $100 | $200 | Exness |
Exness offers the lowest trading costs for Malta traders, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account and a commission of $3 per lot per side. FXTM’s ECN account has spreads from 0.1 pips with a $2 commission per side, making Exness cheaper for high-volume traders. For standard accounts, Exness has spreads from 0.3 pips with no commission, while FXTM’s Standard account has spreads from 1.3 pips. Over 100 lots per month, Exness can save Malta traders $100–$200 in spreads alone.
| Account Type | Exness | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | 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 | Exness | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Malta traders for advanced charting and automated trading. Exness also provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms with one-click trading and Islamic account support. FXTM offers the same MT4/MT5 platforms plus a proprietary FXTM Trader app with integrated education. For Malta traders who prioritize mobile trading, Exness’s app is faster and more intuitive.
| Factor | Exness | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness provides ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds and no requotes, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. FXTM’s execution speed is slightly slower at 0.2 seconds but still reliable for most retail traders. For Malta traders who trade major pairs like EUR/USD, Exness’s execution quality is superior, especially during volatile market conditions.
| Safety Factor | Exness | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), ensuring high client fund security. FXTM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, and the FSC (Mauritius). For Malta traders, both brokers offer negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes under CySEC. However, Exness’s additional FCA regulation provides a stronger safety net. The local financial regulator (MFSA) does not directly oversee these brokers, but Malta traders benefit from EU-level protections.
| Payment Method | Exness | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. Exness processes deposits instantly with no fees, and withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours via e-wallets and crypto. FXTM also offers free deposits via these methods, but withdrawals may take 1-2 business days for Bank Transfer. USDT TRC20 is a standout option for Malta traders seeking low-cost, fast transfers—Exness supports it with no deposit fees, while FXTM charges a small network fee. Both brokers support EUR and USD accounts, but USD is recommended for lower conversion costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | 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 |
Exness offers swap-free Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Zero, Raw Spread) with no time limits or additional fees, making it ideal for Malta Muslim traders who trade long-term. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on Standard and ECN accounts, but charges an administrative fee if positions are held beyond 10 days. Exness is the better choice for Muslim traders in Malta due to its more flexible and cost-free swap-free policy.
| Support Feature | Exness | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Maltese language support available. FXTM also provides 24/5 support with live chat and phone, but its Maltese language options are limited. For Malta traders needing quick assistance, Exness’s round-the-clock support is a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Malta retail traders in 2026, Exness is the clear winner due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its 4.8/5 rating reflects superior cost efficiency and flexibility. FXTM (4.3/5) remains a solid choice for beginners who prioritize education and a trusted European brand. However, for active traders seeking maximum savings and speed, Exness is the recommended broker. Always consider your trading volume, account type, and regulatory preferences when choosing.