Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta retail traders, choosing between FxPro and InstaForex is a decision that hinges on regulation, cost, and local payment convenience. FxPro, regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), is a homegrown broker with a strong reputation, scoring 4.1/5, while InstaForex, with a 3.7/5 score, offers high leverage and instant execution but operates under an international license. Both accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 for deposits, making them accessible for Maltese traders. This comparison focuses on how each broker serves Malta-specific needs, from regulatory protection to trading costs. Whether you are a beginner or experienced trader, understanding these differences is key to making an informed choice in 2025.
| Instrument | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | InstaForex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | InstaForex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | InstaForex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | InstaForex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1 | InstaForex |
FxPro offers lower trading costs for Malta traders, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD via cTrader, plus a commission of $6 per lot round-turn. InstaForex has wider spreads, typically 1-3 pips, but no commission on standard accounts. For Malta traders trading high volumes, FxPro’s tighter spreads reduce overall costs significantly. InstaForex may suit those who prefer fixed spreads or trade smaller sizes. Always check the cost per trade based on your volume.
| Account Type | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Entity / Asset | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxPro |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | ✗ | FxPro |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FxPro |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | InstaForex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FxPro provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all available in English and optimized for local traders. InstaForex offers MetaTrader 4 and its proprietary web platform. For Malta traders who value advanced charting and fast execution, FxPro’s cTrader is a standout. InstaForex’s platforms are simpler but reliable. Both support desktop, web, and mobile trading, ensuring flexibility for Maltese users.
| Factor | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | InstaForex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxPro |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FxPro offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with low latency, ideal for Malta scalpers and day traders. InstaForex uses instant execution, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For high-frequency traders, FxPro’s execution is superior.
| Safety Factor | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FSC BVI |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FxPro is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), offering Malta traders strong investor protection, including negative balance protection and segregated accounts. InstaForex is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, which provides less oversight. For Malta traders, FxPro’s local regulation means greater security and recourse in case of disputes. InstaForex is still legal but carries higher risk.
| Payment Method | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 business day | 2 to 6 business days |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FxPro processes deposits instantly with no fees, and withdrawals are free via Skrill/Neteller, taking 1-2 business days. InstaForex also supports these methods, but may charge a 2% fee on Skrill/Neteller deposits. USDT TRC20 is a fast, low-cost option at both, with FxPro offering same-day processing. Minimum deposit is $100 at FxPro and $1 at InstaForex. For local traders, FxPro’s fee-free approach is more cost-effective.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxPro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders. FxPro provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, with no overnight interest charges, compliant with Sharia law. InstaForex also offers Islamic accounts but restricts them to certain currency pairs and may charge administrative fees after a holding period. For Malta traders seeking full compliance, FxPro is the better choice.
| Support Feature | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxPro |
FxPro offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Maltese English team. InstaForex provides 24/7 support but response times can be slower. For Malta traders needing quick local assistance, FxPro’s support is more reliable.
| Mobile Feature | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxPro |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxPro |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FxPro | InstaForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxPro |
Choose FxPro if you...
Choose InstaForex if you...
For Malta retail traders, FxPro is the recommended choice due to its MFSA regulation, lower spreads, and fee-free local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20). It offers a safer trading environment with strong investor protection. InstaForex is an alternative for those seeking high leverage and low entry barriers, but its weaker regulatory oversight and wider spreads make it less suitable for risk-averse traders. Ultimately, FxPro aligns better with the needs of Maltese traders prioritizing security and cost-efficiency in 2025.