Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta retail traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare FBS and Hantec Markets, two well-regulated options authorized by the local financial regulator. FBS, with a 3.7/5 score, appeals to beginners with low minimum deposits and extensive educational resources. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, attracts experienced traders with tighter spreads and a focus on institutional-grade execution. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits convenient for Maltese users. This comparison examines trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local support to help you choose the best fit for your trading style in Malta.
| Instrument | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Malta traders, trading costs are critical, especially on high-volume accounts. Hantec Markets offers RAW spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 commission per lot, ideal for scalpers. FBS provides spreads from 0.7 pips on its Standard account and 0.1 pips on the Zero Spread account without commission. A Malta trader executing 10 standard lots per month would pay approximately $30 in commissions with Hantec Markets versus $70 in spreads with FBS's Standard account. However, FBS's Zero Spread account reduces costs to $10 in spreads, making it competitive. Consider your trading volume to choose the most cost-effective option.
| Account Type | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | Hantec Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standards preferred by Malta traders for advanced charting and automated trading. FBS also provides its proprietary FBS Trader app for mobile-friendly trading, while Hantec Markets offers WebTrader for browser-based access. For Malta traders needing VPS hosting for expert advisors, Hantec Markets provides free VPS for accounts with over $5,000, while FBS offers it for deposits above $1,000. Both platforms are available in English and support local time zones.
| Factor | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| 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 |
FBS uses a market execution model with no requotes, offering average execution speeds of 0.3 seconds. Hantec Markets provides ECN execution with speeds under 0.1 seconds, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Malta. Both brokers have no dealing desk intervention, ensuring transparent order fills. For Malta traders trading volatile pairs like EUR/USD, Hantec Markets' faster execution reduces slippage risk.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and Hantec Markets are regulated by the local financial regulator in Malta, ensuring compliance with MiFID II standards and client fund segregation. This means Malta traders' deposits are protected from broker insolvency. Hantec Markets also holds a Financial Services Commission license in Mauritius, adding an extra layer of oversight. FBS is additionally regulated by CySEC and IFSC. For Malta residents, this dual regulation provides peace of mind, as your funds are held in segregated accounts and covered by the Investor Compensation Scheme up to €20,000.
| Payment Method | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Malta traders can easily fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. FBS supports deposits in EUR, USD, and crypto, with no fees for e-wallet transfers; bank transfers may incur intermediary charges. Hantec Markets accepts EUR deposits via local bank transfer and charges no deposit fees, but withdrawals via bank transfer cost €10. FBS processes withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets, while Hantec Markets takes 1-2 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are instant at both brokers, making it a fast option for Maltese traders. Minimum deposits are $10 at FBS and $100 at Hantec Markets, so FBS is more accessible for beginners.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Malta Muslim traders can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both FBS and Hantec Markets. FBS offers swap-free accounts automatically on all account types, with no time limit on holding positions. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts upon request via email or live chat, and positions held beyond 10 days may incur a small administrative fee. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged or earned, complying with Sharia law. For long-term position holders in Malta, FBS's policy is more favorable, while Hantec Markets suits shorter-term traders.
| Support Feature | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support in English, with FBS also providing 24/7 live chat and phone support for Malta traders. Hantec Markets support is available via email and live chat during market hours. FBS has a local Maltese phone number, while Hantec Markets relies on international lines. Response times average under 2 minutes for live chat at both brokers, ensuring quick issue resolution for Malta clients.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Hantec Markets | 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 | Hantec Markets | 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 Hantec Markets if you...
For Malta retail traders, FBS edges out Hantec Markets with a higher score (3.7 vs 3.6) due to its lower entry barrier and broader deposit options like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, Hantec Markets offers superior execution and tighter spreads for active traders. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety. If you prioritize low costs and accessibility, choose FBS; if you demand institutional-grade trading conditions, go with Hantec Markets. Consider your trading volume and experience to make the best choice for your Malta-based trading journey.