Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta, a growing hub for forex and CFD trading, offers local traders a wide choice of international brokers. Two prominent names are Forex.com and Libertex, each catering to different retail trader needs. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, is renowned for its institutional‑grade tools, deep liquidity, and extensive research. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, is favoured for its zero‑commission structure and intuitive platform, making it a strong contender for cost‑sensitive Maltese traders. Both brokers accept deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – methods widely used in Malta. As the local financial regulator (MFSA) oversees EU compliance, Maltese traders can access these brokers with confidence. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and payment options to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Malta’s dynamic forex landscape.
| Instrument | Forex.com | 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 | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
Cost is a critical factor for Malta traders. Forex.com’s Standard account offers spreads from 0.5 pips but no commission, while its STP account provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7 round‑turn commission per lot. Libertex operates on a zero‑commission model for CFDs, with variable spreads from 0.5 pips on majors. For moderate volumes (e.g., 5–10 lots per month), Libertex’s all‑in‑cost is typically lower. High‑volume scalpers may achieve better net costs with Forex.com’s raw spreads. Additionally, Forex.com charges a $15 inactivity fee after 12 months, while Libertex has no such fee – a consideration for Malta traders who trade occasionally.
| Account Type | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), as well as its proprietary web and mobile platforms. These are ideal for Malta traders who rely on advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. Libertex provides its own proprietary platform, known for its clean interface, one‑click trading, and integrated educational resources. It lacks MT4/MT5 support, which may deter algorithmic traders. For Maltese retail traders who prioritise simplicity and mobile trading, Libertex’s platform is highly user‑friendly. Both platforms offer full functionality on iOS and Android.
| Factor | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Forex.com operates as a market maker and STP broker, offering fast execution with no requotes on most orders. Libertex is a market maker with instant execution, ideal for day traders. Forex.com provides deeper liquidity and slippage protection, while Libertex ensures order fulfilment even during volatile news events. Malta traders who trade major pairs should find both brokers reliable, though Forex.com’s transparency with order book data gives it an edge for systematic traders.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulatory oversight directly impacts fund safety and dispute resolution. Forex.com is regulated by top‑tier authorities including the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), and ASIC (Australia), and is also authorised under MiFID II for European clients. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and also operates under MiFID II passporting. For Malta traders, both brokers must comply with EU regulations, meaning negative balance protection, segregated client accounts, and access to the Financial Ombudsman. The MFSA does not directly regulate these brokers but benefits from the European regulatory framework. This provides a solid safety net for Maltese investors.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 5 business days |
Malta traders enjoy a wide range of payment options at both brokers. Deposits can be made via Bank Transfer (SEPA, free and typically processed within 1 business day), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – all of which are popular in Malta. Forex.com also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Libertex adds Perfect Money and other e‑wallets. Most digital methods are instant with no fees, though USDT TRC20 deposits may have network charges. Withdrawals at Forex.com are processed within 1–2 business days for e‑wallets and 2–5 days for bank transfers; Libertex aims to process within 24 hours. Both brokers require identity verification. USDT TRC20 offers fast, low‑cost withdrawals, ideal for Malta traders who use cryptocurrency.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | 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 |
Muslim traders in Malta who observe Sharia law seek swap‑free (Islamic) accounts. Both Forex.com and Libertex provide Islamic accounts upon request. Forex.com’s Islamic account is available for all account types and includes no swap charges on overnight positions. Libertex offers swap‑free trading on most CFD instruments, though some underlying assets may be excluded. Maltese traders should confirm eligibility with client support, as eligibility may depend on the regulatory entity. Both brokers comply with Islamic finance principles by not charging or paying interest, making them suitable for the local Muslim community.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. Forex.com offers multilingual support including English and Arabic, while Libertex also provides support in Maltese and Italian, which is beneficial for local traders. Forex.com’s support is known for quick response times, while Libertex offers personalised account managers for premium clients. For Malta traders, Libertex’s local language support may be a decisive advantage.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For Malta retail traders, Libertex edges ahead with a higher overall score (3.7 vs 3.4/5) due to its zero‑commission model, user‑friendly platform, and strong acceptance of local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It is particularly suitable for beginners and moderate‑volume traders. Forex.com remains a solid choice for experienced traders who need advanced tools, raw spreads, and the security of FCA regulation. Both brokers are regulated under MiFID II and accessible to Maltese residents via the MFSA framework. If you prioritise cost simplicity and mobile trading, Libertex is the recommended option. For in‑depth analysis and high‑volume strategies, Forex.com offers unmatched capabilities. Evaluate your trading style and payment preferences to make the best choice for your Malta‑based forex trading journey.