Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders evaluating FxOpen vs EasyMarkets face a choice between two MFSA-regulated brokers with distinct strengths. FxOpen, scoring 3.7/5, excels in low-cost ECN trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, ideal for active scalpers and algorithmic traders. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, offers user-friendly fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss protection, appealing to beginners and risk-averse traders. Both accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and support USD accounts. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, and local deposit options to help Malta traders decide based on their trading style and priorities.
| Instrument | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 | FxOpen |
For Malta traders, FxOpen provides lower variable spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD (from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts) with a $3.5 commission per lot round-turn. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. Over 100 lots per month, FxOpen saves approximately $2,000 in spread costs. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatile news events, which some Malta traders value. Consider your trading volume: high-frequency traders benefit from FxOpen, while occasional traders may prefer EasyMarkets’ predictability.
| Account Type | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxOpen |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxOpen |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FxOpen |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FxOpen offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TickTrader, all customizable for Malta traders using Expert Advisors (EAs) and advanced charting. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web platform, mobile app, and MT4, with a simpler interface and built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation. For Malta traders who rely on automated strategies, FxOpen’s MT4/MT5 support is superior. Beginners or mobile-first traders may prefer EasyMarkets’ intuitive design and one-click trading.
| Factor | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxOpen |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxOpen provides ECN execution with no dealing desk, offering average execution speeds under 10ms and minimal requotes. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can cause slippage during high volatility. For Malta scalpers and algo traders, FxOpen’s direct market access is superior. EasyMarkets’ execution is reliable for standard orders but less competitive for high-frequency trading.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FxOpen and EasyMarkets are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and compliance with EU MiFID II standards. FxOpen holds MFSA license IS/56506, while EasyMarkets holds C42377. For Malta traders, this means deposits are protected up to €20,000 under the Investor Compensation Scheme. No other local regulator applies, making MFSA oversight the key trust factor for both brokers.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Malta traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FxOpen processes USDT TRC20 deposits instantly with zero fees, while EasyMarkets charges a 1% fee for Skrill and Neteller deposits. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days at both brokers, with no fees from EasyMarkets but potential intermediary charges at FxOpen. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT TRC20, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Minimum deposits: $10 at FxOpen, $25 at EasyMarkets. For crypto-friendly Malta traders, USDT TRC20 is the fastest and cheapest option.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
FxOpen offers Islamic accounts on request for all account types (STP, ECN, Crypto) with no swap fees on overnight positions. EasyMarkets provides automatic swap-free accounts for standard and VIP accounts, but not for demo or cent accounts. Both brokers require Malta-based Muslim traders to submit a declaration of faith. FxOpen allows unlimited holding periods, while EasyMarkets may apply a 30-day limit before charging swap on long-held positions. Always confirm terms directly with support.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen offers 24/5 live chat and email support in English, with phone support during business hours. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support, with a faster average response time (under 2 minutes). For Malta traders, both are adequate, but EasyMarkets’ phone line is more accessible for local calls.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxOpen |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxOpen |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Resource | FxOpen | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Choose FxOpen if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Malta traders, FxOpen (3.7/5) is the better choice for active traders seeking low spreads, ECN execution, and full MT4/MT5 support. Its support for USDT TRC20 deposits and Skrill/Neteller makes funding easy. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) suits beginners and risk-averse traders who value fixed costs, guaranteed stop-loss, and simpler platforms. Both are MFSA-regulated, ensuring legal compliance and fund protection. Consider your trading style: if you trade frequently or use EAs, choose FxOpen; if you prioritize predictability and safety, choose EasyMarkets.