Exness vs XM Group for Malta Traders (2026): Detailed Comparison

When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, Exness holds a clear advantage. Exness offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a low commission of $3 per lot per side. This makes it ideal for high-frequency traders who value tight spreads. XM Group’s standard account has spreads starting from 0.6 pips with no commission, but its zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 commission per lot. For a Maltese trader executing 10 lots per week, Exness can save up to $40 in costs compared to XM Group. However, XM Group’s fixed spread accounts provide cost certainty, which some traders prefer. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but Exness’s lower variable costs make it the better choice for active traders in Malta.

Both Exness and XM Group provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Maltese traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Exness also offers its proprietary web-based platform, Exness Terminal, which allows instant trading without installation. XM Group complements MT4/MT5 with XM WebTrader, a browser-based platform with intuitive design. For Malta traders who trade on the go, both brokers have robust mobile apps with full functionality. Exness’s platforms are slightly more customisable, while XM Group’s are known for their ease of use—an important factor for beginners. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but both brokers meet the needs of Malta’s retail traders.

Execution quality is a strong point for both brokers. Exness uses a hybrid model combining STP and ECN, offering average execution speeds of 0.1 seconds with no requotes. XM Group employs a market execution model with speeds of 0.2 seconds and minimal slippage. For Malta traders, Exness’s faster execution is beneficial for scalping and news trading, while XM Group’s reliability suits long-term strategies.

Regulation is a key consideration for Malta traders, and both Exness and XM Group operate under strict oversight. Exness is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring compliance with European financial standards. XM Group is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). For Malta traders, this means both brokers adhere to high safety standards, including client fund segregation and negative balance protection. However, Exness’s additional regulation by the local financial regulator in Malta provides extra reassurance for local traders. XM Group also offers a Malta-based office and local support, making it a trusted choice. Both brokers are legally available to Malta residents, but always check the latest regulatory updates.

Malta traders benefit from a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods at both brokers. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly and no fees. Withdrawals are also fast, often completed within 24 hours, and Exness does not charge internal fees. XM Group offers the same payment methods, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with deposits credited instantly. However, XM Group may apply a small fee on certain e-wallet deposits (e.g., 1% on Neteller). For withdrawals, XM Group processes requests within 24 hours but may take longer for bank transfers. USDT TRC20 is a standout option for Malta traders who prefer cryptocurrency-based transfers, offering near-instant processing at both brokers. Overall, Exness edges ahead with its zero-fee policy and faster withdrawal times.

Both Exness and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who follow Sharia law. Exness provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including Standard, Raw Spread, and Zero accounts, with no additional fees. Traders need to request the swap-free status via Exness’s support team, which is typically approved within 24 hours. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts, available on all account types, and they are automatically applied for eligible traders from Muslim-majority countries, including Malta. XM Group’s Islamic accounts are free of swap charges but may have a small administrative fee after holding positions for a certain number of days. For Maltese Muslim traders, both brokers are accommodating, but Exness’s no-fee policy makes it slightly more attractive.

Customer support is critical for Malta traders, and both brokers deliver. Exness offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in multiple languages, including English and Maltese. XM Group also provides 24/5 support with a Malta-based office, offering local phone numbers and personalised service. Exness’s response times are slightly faster, while XM Group’s local presence ensures culturally relevant assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources.