Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing between FBS and FXTM as a Malta-based retail trader, the decision often comes down to regulation, cost, and local payment support. Both brokers are well-known in the Maltese trading community, but they cater to slightly different needs. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is popular for its high leverage options and low minimum deposit, making it accessible for beginners. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is more established and regulated by the local financial regulator, offering tighter spreads and a more comprehensive trading environment. For Malta traders, the ability to use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 is a key advantage for both brokers. The local trading context in Malta emphasizes security and low costs, which is why FXTM edges ahead in overall value. However, FBS remains a viable option for those prioritizing flexibility over regulatory depth. This comparison breaks down every aspect to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2025.
| Instrument | FBS | 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 | $5 | $200 | FXTM |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading in USD. FXTM offers lower spreads overall, with its ECN account starting at 0.1 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, while FBS’s standard account starts at 0.7 pips. Over 100 trades per month, this difference can save a Maltese trader $50–$100 in spreads alone. FBS does offer a zero-spread account, but it comes with a commission per lot, which may offset savings for smaller traders. FXTM also has lower swap rates for overnight positions, which is beneficial for swing traders in Malta. Both brokers charge no deposit fees via Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, but FXTM’s withdrawal fees are slightly lower. For cost-conscious Maltese traders, FXTM provides a more competitive overall cost structure.
| Account Type | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and FXTM offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the most popular platforms among Malta traders. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app, which is optimized for mobile trading and includes advanced charting tools. FBS offers its own FBS Trader app but with fewer features. For Maltese traders who rely on automated trading or Expert Advisors (EAs), both platforms are compatible, but FXTM’s MT5 execution is slightly faster. The web-based platforms from both brokers are stable and accessible, but FXTM’s interface is more intuitive for beginners. If you value additional tools like economic calendars and market analysis, FXTM’s platform ecosystem is superior for Malta traders.
| Factor | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Malta traders, especially those using scalping or EA strategies. FXTM offers ECN execution with average execution speed under 30ms, while FBS uses market execution with speeds around 50ms. FXTM’s execution is more consistent, with fewer requotes and slippage during volatile markets. FBS may experience occasional delays during high-impact news events. For Maltese traders who prioritize fast and reliable order execution, FXTM is the better choice.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for Malta traders, and here FXTM clearly outperforms FBS. FXTM is regulated by the local financial regulator (MFSA) and also holds licenses from CySEC and FCA, providing multi-layer protection. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize) and FSC (BVI), which are less stringent. For Malta traders, this means FXTM offers negative balance protection, investor compensation schemes, and stricter oversight. FBS does not offer the same level of security, which can be a concern for larger deposits. If regulatory peace of mind is important, FXTM is the safer choice for Malta-based retail traders.
| Payment Method | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Malta traders at both FBS and FXTM, thanks to shared support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS allows deposits as low as $10 via Skrill or Neteller, while FXTM requires $50 for standard accounts. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes at both brokers, making them ideal for crypto users in Malta. Bank Transfer deposits typically take 1-3 business days, and both brokers accept EUR and USD accounts. Withdrawals are processed faster at FXTM (within 24 hours for e-wallets) compared to FBS (up to 48 hours). FXTM does not charge withdrawal fees, while FBS may apply a small fee for certain methods. Overall, FXTM offers a smoother deposit and withdrawal experience for Maltese traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | 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 |
Both FBS and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. FBS provides Islamic accounts with no swap fees on overnight positions, but they may charge an administrative fee after a certain holding period. FXTM offers Islamic accounts across its Standard and ECN accounts, with no swap fees and no hidden charges. For Muslim traders in Malta, FXTM’s Islamic account is more transparent and cost-effective, especially for longer-term positions. Activation is simple at both brokers—just contact support—but FXTM’s process is faster and more streamlined.
| Support Feature | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support is essential for Malta traders, and FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Maltese language support available on request. FBS provides 24/7 support but only in English, which may be a limitation for some local traders. FXTM’s response times are faster (under 2 minutes for live chat) and their support team is more knowledgeable about local regulations. For Malta traders, FXTM’s superior customer support is a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Malta traders, FXTM is the clear winner with a score of 4.3/5 compared to FBS's 3.7/5. FXTM’s regulation by the local financial regulator, lower spreads, faster execution, and superior support make it the ideal choice for retail traders in Malta. The ability to use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 for deposits and withdrawals adds convenience. FBS may appeal to traders seeking ultra-low minimum deposits or high leverage, but the lack of stringent regulation and higher trading costs make it less suitable for most Maltese traders. If you prioritize security and cost-efficiency, FXTM is the recommended broker for trading from Malta in 2025.