Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Italian retail traders, choosing between FBS Max and Libertex is essentially a choice between a MetaTrader-first execution experience and a multi-asset platform with a proprietary app. Both brokers carry a score of 3.7/5 and support EUR deposits via SEPA, Bank Transfer and PostePay, which matters a lot in Italy. FBS Max appeals to traders who want tight spreads, high-leverage FX pairs and MT4/MT5 tools. Libertex appeals to investors who want to trade CFDs on Italian and international shares, indices, commodities and crypto with a simpler interface. Neither broker is authorised directly by CONSOB, but both serve Italian clients through their EU-regulated entities, so ESMA rules such as negative balance protection and retail leverage caps apply. Italy has one of the most active retail trading communities in Europe, and demand for low-cost deposits and Italian language support is high. The important thing for Italy traders is that both accept local payment methods like PostePay and SEPA, and both offer Italian language customer support. Your final choice will depend on whether you prioritise raw forex execution (FBS Max) or a broader asset universe with zero-commission trading (Libertex). In the sections below we compare costs, platforms, regulation, deposits, support and execution with a clear focus on the Italian trader.
| Instrument | FBS Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 | FBS Max |
For an Italian trader, the real cost comparison boils down to spread and commission on EUR pairs. FBS Max offers a raw pricing model with spreads on EUR/USD from 0.1 pips, but you may pay a small commission per lot on the ECN-style account. Libertex advertises zero commission on FX and CFDs, yet its average EUR/USD spread is closer to 1.0–1.5 pips. This means high-frequency traders in Milan or Rome will often pay more through the spread at Libertex. The difference becomes significant when you trade 5 or 10 lots per day: FBS Max's lower spread usually saves tens of euros per day. For traders who prefer holding positions for days rather than scalping, Libertex's predictable spread without commission can be easier to manage. Also remember that swap charges on overnight positions apply at both brokers, and Italian traders should compare swap values specifically on EUR/USD and EUR/CHF before deciding.
| Account Type | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:999 |
| 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 Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS Max |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS Max |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS Max |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FBS Max is built around MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the platforms Italian forex traders have used for years. These platforms give you custom indicators, automated EAs, one-click trading and a wide range of order types. Libertex, on the other hand, focuses on its own proprietary platform and a separate MT5 offering. Libertex's interface is simpler and works well on mobile, making it ideal for Italian traders who want to trade CFDs on stocks and ETFs quickly. FBS Max also offers the FBS Trader mobile app with copy trading. If you need full customisation and existing indicators from the Italian trading community, FBS Max is the better choice. If you prefer an all-in-one app with a cleaner design, Libertex wins.
| Factor | FBS Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS Max |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Italian traders who act on news around European sessions. FBS Max uses a market execution model with access to MetaTrader servers and low average latency from Italy, making it suitable for scalping and news trading. Libertex runs a dealing-desk style execution on its proprietary platform, meaning prices come directly from the broker rather than a liquidity pool. For most retail traders this is fine, but you may see wider spreads during high-impact events such as European Central Bank announcements. FBS Max's model usually gives faster fills and fewer requotes in normal conditions. If you are an Italian trader who values speed and tight slippage, FBS Max has the edge.
| Safety Factor | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither broker holds a CONSOB licence, but both serve Italian residents legally through their European entities. FBS Max operates under FBS's CySEC-regulated European arm, while Libertex is operated by Libertex Europe Ltd, also CySEC-regulated. Thanks to MiFID II passporting, these EU licences allow them to accept clients in Italy. As a result, Italian retail clients benefit from ESMA protections including the 30:1 leverage cap, negative balance protection and standardised risk warnings. CONSOB does not directly supervise these brokers, but it can blacklist unauthorised websites and publish warnings. Before depositing, check that you are opening the account with the CySEC entity and not an offshore company. If you see a company based in Belize or Seychelles, that entity is not protected under EU rules and CONSOB will not help you in case of dispute.
| Payment Method | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 5 to 7 business days | 5 business days |
Both brokers make it straightforward for Italian traders to move money in EUR. SEPA bank transfer is the cheapest way: FBS Max and Libertex both accept deposits from an Italian IBAN, usually without any fee, although the bank may take 1–2 working days. Traditional bank transfer (bonifico) is also supported by both. For instant funding, PostePay users can deposit using their PostePay debit or prepaid card, as long as the card is activated for online payments. The minimum deposit at FBS Max is slightly lower, making it easier for a first-time retail trader in Italy to start with a small balance. Libertex may require a higher initial deposit on certain accounts but still gives free SEPA withdrawals. Always withdraw with the same method used for deposit where possible to comply with anti-money-laundering rules.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS Max | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✗ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Italian Muslim traders can open swap-free accounts at both brokers. FBS Max offers Islamic accounts on all major account types, with no overnight interest on FX, gold and indices. Libertex also provides swap-free conditions, but normally only after contacting customer support and verifying your Muslim faith, and some instruments such as crypto CFDs may still incur swap or admin fees. FBS Max generally gives unlimited swap-free holding, while Libertex may charge an administration fee if an Islamic account position stays open for more than a fixed number of nights, usually around 10 days. If you live in Italy and want to trade long-term with no overnight interest, FBS Max has the simpler and more flexible Islamic account policy.
| Support Feature | FBS Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS Max |
Italian traders need support that speaks their language and understands local payment questions. FBS Max offers 24/7 live chat and email support in Italian, plus an extensive FAQ page with guides on SEPA and PostePay deposits. Libertex provides Italian language support through live chat and email during business hours, with an Italian help centre that covers platform and withdrawal questions. In our view FBS Max is better for after-hours traders who need help late at night, while Libertex's support quality is solid but not as fast. Both brokers have Italian versions of their websites and mobile apps, which is a clear plus for retail users.
| Mobile Feature | FBS Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS Max |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS Max |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS Max | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS Max |
Choose FBS Max if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
Both FBS Max and Libertex deserve a 3.7/5 score, and for Italy there is no universal winner. FBS Max is the safer recommendation if you are an active forex trader who relies on MetaTrader, tight spreads and low minimum deposits. Libertex is the better choice if you are a retail investor who wants to trade multiple asset classes through a simple platform. For the Italian market, the practical differences come down to SEPA and PostePay deposits, Italian language support and how the broker's execution fits your trading hours. Always choose the CySEC-regulated entity, never an offshore company, and remember that CONSOB does not stand behind unregulated entities. If you are happy with a forex-focused experience, start with FBS Max; if you want variety and ease of use, Libertex is a strong alternative.