Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Malta, retail traders often compare FXTM and BlackBull Markets for their reliability and trading conditions. FXTM, headquartered in Cyprus with strong ties to the local financial regulator, offers Maltese traders a familiar regulatory environment and a wide range of account types, including cent accounts for beginners. BlackBull Markets, based in New Zealand, is known for its institutional-grade execution and deep liquidity. Both brokers accept Malta traders and support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. In this comparison, we evaluate spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you decide which broker fits your trading style in Malta’s growing forex market.
| Instrument | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | BlackBull Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | BlackBull Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | BlackBull Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | BlackBull Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | BlackBull Markets |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key factor. FXTM offers spreads from 0.1 pips on its ECN account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot, while standard accounts have spreads from 1.3 pips with no commission. BlackBull Markets provides spreads from 0.0 pips on its Prime account but charges a $6 commission per lot. For a Malta trader trading 10 standard lots per month, FXTM’s ECN account costs about $70 in commission plus spread, while BlackBull Markets costs around $60 plus spread. However, FXTM’s standard account may be cheaper for low-volume traders. Overall, BlackBull Markets edges ahead for high-volume scalpers, while FXTM suits those who prefer fixed spreads.
| Account Type | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | BlackBull Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app, ideal for mobile trading on the go in Malta. BlackBull Markets offers additional platforms like TradingView and cTrader, appealing to traders who want more customisation and advanced order types. For Malta traders who rely on EA trading, both brokers support MT4/MT5, but BlackBull Markets’ cTrader offers superior execution transparency.
| Factor | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | BlackBull Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Malta scalpers and day traders. BlackBull Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centres and offers STP/ECN execution with no dealing desk, resulting in average execution speeds of 40-50 ms. FXTM also offers ECN execution on its premium accounts, but speeds are typically around 100 ms. For Malta traders focusing on high-frequency trading, BlackBull Markets provides faster execution and tighter spreads during volatile sessions.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FMA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Malta traders. FXTM is regulated by the local financial regulator, providing Maltese clients with deposit protection and access to local dispute resolution. BlackBull Markets is regulated by the FMA in New Zealand and the FSA in Seychelles, which offers less direct protection for Malta traders. However, BlackBull Markets is a member of the Financial Commission, offering compensation up to €20,000. For Malta traders prioritising local oversight, FXTM is the safer choice. Both brokers segregate client funds and offer negative balance protection.
| Payment Method | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. | 24 hours (usually on the same business day) |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Malta traders at both brokers. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days, while USDT TRC20 is nearly instant with low fees. BlackBull Markets also accepts these methods, with USDT TRC20 being a standout option for fast, low-cost transfers. Both brokers have no deposit fees, but withdrawals may incur a small fee for bank transfers. For Malta traders using Skrill or Neteller, withdrawals are usually free and processed within 24 hours. Always check currency conversion costs if depositing in USD from a EUR account.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | BlackBull Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both FXTM and BlackBull Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on all account types, with no swap or rollover interest charged on overnight positions. BlackBull Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, with similar conditions. Both brokers require a declaration of faith or proof of Muslim status. FXTM’s process is more streamlined, making it the preferred choice for Malta traders who want a hassle-free Islamic account setup.
| Support Feature | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
Customer support is vital for Malta traders. FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for VIP clients. BlackBull Markets provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, which is beneficial for traders operating outside standard hours. Both brokers have responsive teams, but FXTM’s local presence under the local financial regulator gives it an edge for Malta traders needing quick, localised assistance.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | BlackBull Markets |
| Resource | FXTM | BlackBull Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose BlackBull Markets if you...
After comparing FXTM and BlackBull Markets for Malta traders, FXTM emerges as the stronger choice for most retail traders due to its local regulation by the local financial regulator, wider account options, and seamless Islamic account availability. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 ensures convenient deposits and withdrawals for Maltese clients. BlackBull Markets is an excellent alternative for experienced traders who prioritise execution speed and raw spreads, especially when using USDT TRC20 for funding. If you value regulatory peace of mind and a user-friendly experience, go with FXTM. If you need institutional-grade trading conditions, choose BlackBull Markets.