Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing between FXCM and FXTM for forex and CFD trading in Malta, local retail traders have distinct needs shaped by the island’s unique financial environment. Both brokers are established players, but they differ significantly in cost, payment options, and regulatory alignment with Malta’s local financial regulator (MFSA). FXCM, with a 3.5/5 rating, has been a long-standing name but often lags in innovation for smaller markets. FXTM scores 4.3/5 and has tailored its services for European clients, including Maltese traders, by offering lower spreads, multiple account types, and robust support for local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and even USDT TRC20. Given that Malta uses the euro but many traders prefer USD accounts, both brokers accommodate this, but FXTM’s flexibility and cost structure make it a stronger choice. This comparison examines every aspect a Maltese trader needs to decide.
| Instrument | FXCM | 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 | $50 | $200 | FXTM |
For Malta-based traders, trading costs are critical due to relatively lower average trading volumes compared to global hubs. FXTM offers a clear advantage with its Standard account having spreads from 1.3 pips on EUR/USD, while FXCM’s standard spreads average 1.5 pips. FXTM’s Zero Spread account (with a $7 commission per lot) can reduce costs further for those trading 5+ lots monthly, whereas FXCM’s Raw Spread account requires a $50 minimum deposit and has a slightly lower commission structure. Over 100 trades per month, FXTM saves Maltese traders approximately $30–50 in spread costs, which adds up significantly. For scalpers and day traders in Malta, FXTM’s lower spreads are more favourable.
| Account Type | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $50 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 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 | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXCM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Maltese retail traders for their custom indicators and automated trading. FXTM additionally provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app, designed for mobile trading with a clean interface and one-click execution – a plus for traders on the go in Malta. FXCM’s Trading Station platform is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. For beginners in Malta, FXTM’s simpler web platform and educational tools make it easier to start. Both brokers allow demo accounts, but FXTM’s demo lasts 30 days compared to FXCM’s 7 days, giving Maltese traders more time to test strategies.
| Factor | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 quality matters for scalpers and news traders in Malta. FXTM uses STP/ECN execution with no requotes on its Zero account, offering average execution speeds of 50–60 milliseconds. FXCM uses no-dealing-desk (NDD) execution with speeds around 70–80 ms. FXTM’s order-fill rate is higher (approx. 99.5% compared to FXCM’s 99%), meaning fewer slippages. During major news releases (like ECB decisions affecting EUR/USD), FXTM maintains better stability. For Maltese traders who trade volatile pairs, FXTM provides a smoother execution experience.
| Safety Factor | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Maltese traders. FXCM is regulated by the UK’s FCA and the Cyprus CySEC, offering negative balance protection and segregated client funds. FXTM is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK) as well, but it also holds licenses from other jurisdictions. For Malta, both brokers operate under the EU MiFID II passport, meaning they are recognized by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) for cross-border services. However, FXTM has a localised office and support team in Cyprus (near Malta) with Maltese-friendly hours, while FXCM’s support is more UK-centric. FXTM’s compliance with recent ESMA leverage restrictions (up to 1:30 for retail) is identical to FXCM. Overall, both are safe, but FXTM’s closer proximity and dedicated support add comfort for Maltese clients.
| Payment Method | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Malta traders value quick and affordable deposits and withdrawals. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, while FXCM offers Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not accept USDT TRC20. FXTM processes deposits in USD and EUR with no fees for bank wires (though intermediary banks may charge), and e-wallet deposits are instant. Withdrawals at FXTM are free via Skrill and Neteller, while FXCM charges a small fee for bank wire withdrawals (around $25). USDT TRC20 at FXTM is a game-changer: no bank delays, low fees (~$1), and near-instant processing. For Maltese traders using crypto, FXTM is clearly superior. Both brokers require KYC verification, but FXTM’s online form is faster.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXCM | 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 |
For Muslim traders in Malta, swap-free (Islamic) accounts eliminate interest on overnight positions. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on all its account types with no additional fees – simply request it during registration. FXCM also offers Islamic accounts, but they require a formal request after opening a live account, and approval may take 24 hours. FXTM’s Islamic accounts also include access to the same tight spreads and tools, whereas FXCM sometimes applies wider spreads on certain pairs for Islamic accounts. Given Malta’s growing Muslim community (around 1% of the population), FXTM’s straightforward approach is more appealing.
| Support Feature | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXCM |
Customer support is vital for Maltese traders who may need Maltese or English assistance. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, phone support in English, and email. Their support team is based in Cyprus, same time zone as Malta. FXCM provides 24/5 support via chat and phone from the UK. FXTM’s response times are faster (under 30 seconds on chat) and they have a local phone number for EU clients. FXCM’s support is professional but sometimes slower during peak hours. For Maltese traders, FXTM’s proximity and availability edge out FXCM.
| Mobile Feature | FXCM | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | 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 FXTM if you...
For Maltese retail traders in 2025, FXTM is the clear winner with a 4.3/5 score versus FXCM’s 3.5/5. FXTM offers lower spreads, superior deposit and withdrawal options (including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20), a better Islamic account, and faster support. While FXCM is a reputable broker with strong regulation, its higher costs and lack of USDT support make it less competitive for Malta. Given that Malta’s local financial regulator (MFSA) recognizes both under EU passporting, traders can use either safely, but FXTM’s tailored approach – from cost efficiency to payment flexibility – delivers better value. We recommend FXTM for most Maltese traders, especially those seeking a modern, low-cost trading experience.