FP Markets vs IG: Malta Broker Comparison for 2026
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
For Malta traders in 2026, choosing between FP Markets and IG is a critical decision that impacts your trading costs, platform experience, and overall profitability. FP Markets, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, is known for its ultra-tight spreads and support for local payment methods like USDT TRC20, which is increasingly popular among Maltese retail traders. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a global giant with direct MFSA regulation, offering a wide range of markets but with slightly higher costs. Both brokers accept Malta clients and support Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller deposits, but FP Markets stands out with its crypto-friendly options. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Maltese traders: local regulation, deposit convenience, and competitive pricing. Whether you are a day trader or a long-term investor, understanding these differences will help you pick the right broker for your needs in Malta.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key factor. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw account with a small commission, while IG’s standard spreads are higher, often starting at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Over 10 trades per day, FP Markets can save Maltese traders up to $50 per month in spreads. For high-volume traders, these savings add up quickly, making FP Markets a more cost-effective choice. IG’s costs are competitive but generally higher, especially for frequent trading.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | FP Markets | IG | 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+ | 20+ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among Malta traders. FP Markets also provides cTrader, known for its advanced charting and fast execution, ideal for scalpers. IG offers its proprietary web platform and L2 Dealer, which are user-friendly but may lack the depth of cTrader. For Maltese traders who value customization and speed, FP Markets’ platform suite is a strong advantage.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 |
Execution quality matters for Malta traders, especially scalpers. FP Markets uses Equinix NY4 servers with low latency, offering fast execution with no requotes. IG also has reliable execution but may have slightly higher slippage during volatile markets. For speed and consistency, FP Markets edges ahead.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), providing direct local oversight and investor protection schemes for Malta traders. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, which offer strong client fund segregation but not MFSA protection. While both are safe, IG’s MFSA regulation gives Maltese traders added confidence and local recourse in case of disputes.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Malta traders. Both FP Markets and IG support Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, with no fees on most deposits. FP Markets uniquely accepts USDT TRC20 deposits, allowing Maltese traders to fund accounts with cryptocurrency quickly and cheaply, often within minutes. IG does not offer crypto deposits. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and bank transfers, making them equally reliable for local traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG offer Islamic swap-free accounts for Malta Muslim traders. FP Markets provides these accounts on request with no swap charges on overnight positions, ideal for long-term traders. IG also offers Islamic accounts, but availability depends on the account type and jurisdiction. Maltese traders should confirm eligibility before opening an account.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
Customer support is essential for Malta traders. FP Markets offers 24/7 live chat and email support with quick response times, while IG provides phone support and a local Maltese office. For urgent issues, IG’s local presence is a plus, but FP Markets’ round-the-clock chat is more convenient for after-hours trading.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | IG | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | FP Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
FP Markets
IG
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose FP Markets if you...
- Want the lowest spreads and tightest costs for frequent trading
- Prefer depositing with USDT TRC20 for fast, low-fee funding
- Use cTrader or MetaTrader for advanced charting and automation
- Are a scalper or day trader needing fast execution
Choose IG if you...
- Value direct MFSA regulation and local investor protection
- Need a wide range of markets including shares and ETFs
- Prefer a proprietary platform with integrated news and analysis
- Want phone support and a physical office in Malta
FAQ - FP Markets vs IG in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta retail traders in 2026, FP Markets is the better choice for cost-conscious traders who prioritize low spreads and flexible deposits, including USDT TRC20. Its 4.7/5 rating reflects strong performance in areas that matter most to Maltese users. IG, with a 4.2/5 rating, is ideal for those who prefer direct MFSA regulation and a broader product range. Both support Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but FP Markets’ crypto deposit option gives it an edge. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value lower costs and modern payment methods (FP Markets) or local regulatory oversight and market variety (IG). For most Malta traders, FP Markets offers the best overall value.