Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta-based retail traders, choosing between FxOpen and FxPro is a key decision shaped by local trading conditions. FxPro, headquartered in Malta and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), offers a strong regulatory framework that appeals to risk-averse traders. FxOpen, while not locally regulated, provides competitive pricing and innovative payment options like USDT TRC20. Both brokers accept Maltese clients and support popular local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller. The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize direct local regulation (FxPro) or lower trading costs and crypto-friendly deposits (FxOpen). With the Maltese retail trading community growing, understanding these differences is essential for finding the right broker for your strategy.
| Instrument | FxOpen | 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 | $100 | $100 | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, FxOpen generally offers lower spreads, particularly on its Raw and ECN accounts where spreads can start from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.5 per lot. FxPro's spreads on its standard account are around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which is higher than FxOpen's raw spreads. However, FxPro's commission-free model on standard accounts may suit lower-volume traders. For Malta scalpers and day traders executing high volumes, FxOpen's tight spreads lead to lower overall costs. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but FxOpen's ECN pricing structure is more favorable for active traders.
| Account Type | FxOpen | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FxOpen | FxPro | 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+ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders have access to a wide range of platforms at both brokers. FxPro offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and its proprietary FxPro Edge platform, giving traders flexibility across desktop, web, and mobile. FxOpen provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TickTrader, with TickTrader being a strong choice for advanced charting. For Maltese traders who value multi-platform access and advanced tools, FxPro's platform variety is a clear advantage. However, FxOpen's TickTrader offers competitive features for algorithmic traders.
| Factor | FxOpen | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| 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 |
FxPro uses an STP/ECN execution model with no requotes, offering fast order execution with an average speed of 50ms. FxOpen also offers ECN execution with speeds around 40ms, making both brokers suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading. Malta traders will find reliable execution at both, though FxOpen's slightly faster speeds may benefit latency-sensitive strategies.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FxPro is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), providing Malta traders with direct local oversight, deposit protection under the Investor Compensation Scheme (up to €20,000), and recourse to local dispute resolution. FxOpen is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), but not by the MFSA. For Malta traders, FxPro's local regulation means greater security and alignment with Maltese financial laws. FxOpen still operates under EU regulations but lacks the same level of local protection. Traders prioritizing regulatory safety should favor FxPro.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 business day |
Malta traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FxOpen supports deposits in USD, EUR, and GBP, with no deposit fees for most methods. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant, while Bank Transfer may take 1-2 business days. FxPro also accepts these methods plus credit/debit cards. Withdrawals at FxPro are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while FxOpen typically processes withdrawals within 1 business day. USDT TRC20 deposits are especially fast and low-cost at both brokers, appealing to crypto users in Malta. Minimum deposits vary: FxOpen's standard account requires $100, while FxPro's minimum is $100 as well.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | 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 |
Both FxOpen and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders. FxPro provides swap-free accounts across all account types without requiring specific proof, making it easy to open. FxOpen also offers Islamic accounts but may require a written request and approval. Both brokers ensure no overnight interest is charged on positions, in compliance with Sharia law. Malta traders seeking an Islamic account will find both options viable, though FxPro's process is more straightforward.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxPro offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a local Malta office for face-to-face assistance. FxOpen provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, but lacks a physical presence in Malta. For Malta traders, FxPro's local support team and office add convenience and faster issue resolution.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | FxPro | 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 | FxPro | 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 FxPro if you...
For Malta retail traders, FxPro (score 4.1/5) is the stronger choice overall due to its local MFSA regulation, platform variety, and deposit protection. It offers peace of mind through Maltese oversight and local support. However, FxOpen (score 3.7/5) is a compelling alternative for cost-conscious traders, especially those using USDT TRC20 or seeking tighter spreads. Both brokers support Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, making deposits easy for Maltese users. If regulatory security and local presence matter most, choose FxPro. If low costs and crypto-friendly payments are your priority, FxOpen is a solid option.