Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders seeking reliable forex brokers often compare FP Markets and FXTM due to their strong global reputations and local payment support. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, is known for its tight spreads and advanced trading tools, while FXTM, rated 4.3/5, offers extensive educational resources and a user-friendly platform. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits convenient for Maltese residents. The local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, but they operate under reputable international licenses. This comparison focuses on trading costs, platforms, regulation, and account features tailored to Malta's retail traders in 2026.
| Instrument | FP Markets | 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 | $100 | $200 | FP Markets |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw ECN account with a commission of $3 per lot per side. FXTM's spreads start from 0.1 pips on its ECN account with a similar commission. For a Malta trader executing 10 lots per month, FP Markets can save approximately $20 in spread costs compared to FXTM. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but FP Markets' lower spreads give it an edge for frequent traders.
| Account Type | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, catering to Malta traders who prefer advanced charting and algorithmic trading. FXTM offers MT4 and its proprietary FXTM Trader app, which is simpler and ideal for beginners. Malta traders who value customization should choose FP Markets, while those seeking ease of use may prefer FXTM. Both platforms are available on desktop and mobile.
| Factor | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FP Markets uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk, offering fast order fills and minimal slippage. FXTM also provides ECN execution but may have slight requotes during volatile markets. For Malta traders trading news events, FP Markets' execution is more reliable, with average execution speeds under 30 milliseconds.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while FXTM is regulated by CySEC and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). For Malta traders, this means client funds are segregated and covered by investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 under CySEC). Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, but their international licenses provide adequate protection for Maltese clients.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Malta traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with both brokers. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days, while e-wallets and USDT TRC20 are instant. Minimum deposits are $100 for FP Markets and $10 for FXTM, making FXTM more accessible. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, and 1-3 days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no internal fees, but bank intermediary fees may apply. USDT TRC20 is particularly popular among Malta crypto-savvy traders for its speed and low cost.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders. These accounts eliminate overnight interest charges, aligning with Sharia law. FP Markets requires a request via customer support, while FXTM offers it directly during account opening. No additional fees are charged, but holding positions for extended periods may incur administration fees after a certain number of days. This feature is valuable for Malta's Muslim trading community.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone. FXTM provides 24/5 support in multiple languages, including Maltese. For Malta traders, FXTM's local language option is a plus, but both brokers respond within minutes via live chat. Email support typically replies within 24 hours.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Malta traders in 2026, FP Markets is the better choice due to its lower spreads, advanced platforms, and higher rating (4.7 vs 4.3). It suits retail traders who prioritize cost efficiency and execution quality. FXTM remains a strong alternative for beginners and those needing Maltese support. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and operate under reputable regulation. Consider your trading style: if volume matters, go with FP Markets; if education and simplicity matter, choose FXTM. Always check with the local financial regulator for any updates on international broker acceptance.