Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta-based retail traders navigating the forex market, choosing between FXCM and FxPro is a critical decision that affects trading costs, platform usability, and regulatory safety. Both brokers are well-established globally and hold licenses from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), giving local traders the confidence of EU-level investor protection. However, they differ in execution models, spread structures, and available trading platforms. FXCM, with a Trustpilot score of 3.5/5, offers a user-friendly interface and extensive educational resources, making it suitable for beginners. FxPro, rated 4.1/5, appeals to experienced traders with tighter spreads, faster execution, and advanced tools like cTrader and MT5. Given Malta's growing interest in cryptocurrency trading, both brokers support USDT TRC20 deposits alongside traditional methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller. This comparison examines the key factors—costs, regulation, platform features, and local payment options—to help Maltese traders select the broker that aligns with their trading style and goals.
| Instrument | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $50 | $100 | FxPro |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a primary concern, especially when trading in USD pairs. FxPro offers a Raw+ account with spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD and a commission of $3.50 per lot, while its Standard account charges no commission but wider spreads (1.2 pips). FXCM's standard spreads start at 1.3 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but its Active Trader program reduces spreads for high-volume clients. On average, FxPro is cheaper for retail traders executing more than 10 lots per week—spreads are 0.6 pips versus FXCM’s 1.3 pips. Swap rates also differ: FxPro applies lower overnight financing charges, which benefits Malta traders holding positions for multiple days. Overall, FxPro leads in cost efficiency, particularly for active traders.
| Account Type | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $50 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 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 | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXCM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform choice is crucial for Malta traders who rely on charting tools and automated trading. FXCM provides its proprietary Trading Station, which offers one-click trading and advanced risk management features, alongside MetaTrader 4. FxPro supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the popular cTrader platform, which is favored by scalpers for its depth of market and fast order execution. For traders in Malta who use algorithmic trading, FxPro’s cTrader allows custom indicators and automated strategies via C# scripts. FXCM’s Trading Station is more intuitive for beginners but lacks the flexibility of cTrader. Both platforms are available as desktop, web, and mobile apps, with FxPro’s mobile app rated slightly higher on the Apple App Store in Malta.
| Factor | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution speed is vital for Malta traders in fast-moving markets. FxPro uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with access to multiple liquidity providers, achieving average execution times of under 30 milliseconds. FXCM also employs NDD technology but reports average speeds around 50 milliseconds. In practice, Malta traders on cTrader with FxPro experience fewer requotes and slippage during volatile events like ECB announcements. Both brokers have a default fill ratio above 98%, but FxPro’s straight-through-processing (STP) model gives it a slight edge, particularly for scalpers and day traders in Malta.
| Safety Factor | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXCM and FxPro are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring they adhere to strict capital adequacy and segregation requirements. For Malta traders, this means client funds are held in segregated accounts, and brokers cannot use them for operational expenses. Additionally, both brokers are members of the Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS), which covers up to €20,000 per client in case of insolvency. FxPro also has separate regulation from the FCA and CySEC, adding an extra layer of oversight. While both provide strong protection, FxPro’s additional regulatory presence enhances its credibility, especially for high-net-worth traders in Malta concerned with counterparty risk.
| Payment Method | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Internal Processing: FXCM reviews and processes requests in 1–2 business days.Credit or Debit Card: Arrives within 5 business days, though statements can take up to 1 billing cycle to update.Domestic Bank Wire: Arrives in 1–2 business days after processing.International Bank Wire: Arrives in 3–5 business days after processing. | 1 business day |
Malta traders can fund their FXCM and FxPro accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—all supported directly. Minimum deposits vary: FxPro requires $100 for standard accounts, while FXCM has no minimum. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are instant and free, making them ideal for quick funding. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes with no fees from either broker, appealing to Malta’s crypto-active community. Bank transfers take 1–3 business days, and some local banks may charge fees. Withdrawals are similarly efficient: FxPro processes Skrill/Neteller withdrawals in under 24 hours, while FXCM takes 1–2 days. For USDT TRC20, both brokers allow same-day withdrawals. Note that Skrill and Neteller deposits sometimes require a small percentage fee (up to 1%) depending on account tier, but both brokers absorb this cost for standard retail traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXCM | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Malta Muslim traders, both FXCM and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest on overnight positions. FxPro requires a minimum deposit of $500 to open an Islamic account, while FXCM does not impose a minimum deposit. However, FXCM charges a small administrative fee if positions are held beyond a certain number of days, which can add up for long-term traders. FxPro maintains a completely swap-free environment with no extra charges. To open such an account, traders in Malta need to submit a declaration of faith or proof of residence. Given FxPro’s more straightforward swap-free structure, it is often the preferred choice for Muslim traders in Malta.
| Support Feature | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXCM |
Malta traders can reach FXCM and FxPro via live chat, email, and phone support. FXCM offers 24/5 live chat with local Maltese language support available during business hours (CET). FxPro’s support team operates 24/5 and provides English and Maltese assistance, though Maltese-speaking agents may be limited. Both brokers offer quick response times—under 2 minutes for live chat. FxPro additionally has a dedicated Maltese phone line, which is a advantage for traders preferring direct voice support. Overall, support quality is comparable, with FxPro slightly ahead due to its local phone access.
| Mobile Feature | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FXCM |
| Resource | FXCM | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXCM |
Choose FXCM if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For Malta retail traders, FxPro emerges as the stronger option due to its higher Trustpilot score (4.1 vs 3.5), lower spreads, faster execution, and broader platform support including cTrader. Its regulation under the MFSA, combined with FCA and CySEC licenses, provides robust investor protection. FXCM remains a viable alternative for beginners who value educational resources and a low-minimum deposit. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making funding straightforward for Maltese traders. However, for cost-conscious and active traders, FxPro’s pricing and execution quality clearly tip the scales. We recommend opening a demo account with both brokers to test local latency and platform feel before committing real capital.