Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders evaluating FXTM versus Hantec Markets in 2026 face a clear choice between two well-regulated brokers. FXTM, with a CompareBroker score of 4.3/5, has established itself as a leading choice for retail traders in Malta, offering tight spreads, fast execution, and extensive local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, provides a solid but less competitive offering with higher minimum deposits and slightly wider spreads. Both brokers operate under the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring robust regulatory protection for local traders. For Malta's active retail community, the decision often comes down to cost efficiency and platform flexibility, where FXTM holds a clear edge. This comparison breaks down the key factors—trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment support—to help Malta traders choose the broker that best fits their trading style and budget.
| Instrument | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those trading frequently. FXTM offers raw spreads from 0.1 pips on EUR/USD with its ECN account, plus a low commission of $2 per lot per side. Hantec Markets has standard spreads averaging 0.5-1.2 pips with no commission, which becomes more expensive for high-volume traders. Over 100 lots per month, FXTM saves Malta traders approximately $200-$400 in total costs compared to Hantec Markets. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but FXTM's cost structure is more favorable for scalpers and day traders in Malta.
| Account Type | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Hantec 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 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM provides Malta traders with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both fully compatible with desktop, web, and mobile devices. The platforms offer advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and fast order execution. Hantec Markets also offers MT4 but lacks MT5, which may be a drawback for traders seeking the latest tools and asset classes. For Malta traders who value flexibility and multi-asset trading, FXTM's MT5 support is a significant advantage. Both brokers offer demo accounts for practice.
| Factor | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec 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 |
FXTM provides fast execution with average speeds under 100ms on its ECN accounts, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology. Hantec Markets also offers NDD execution but with slightly higher latency, averaging 150-200ms. For Malta traders engaged in scalping or news trading, FXTM's faster execution reduces slippage risk. Both brokers offer market execution and instant execution options, but FXTM's infrastructure is more optimized for high-frequency trading.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), providing Malta traders with strong investor protection, including negative balance protection and access to the Malta Investor Compensation Scheme. FXTM additionally holds licenses from the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), adding an extra layer of oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by the MFSA and FCA, ensuring similar safety. For Malta traders, regulation under the MFSA means disputes can be resolved locally, and funds are held in segregated accounts at major EU banks.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Hantec 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. | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Malta traders have convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. FXTM supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing for e-wallets and crypto, and no deposit fees. Minimum deposit is $10. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers. Hantec Markets also supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, but with a higher minimum deposit of $100. Withdrawal times are similar, though USDT TRC20 may take 1-2 hours. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but bank intermediary fees may apply for wire transfers. For Malta traders, FXTM's lower minimum deposit and faster crypto processing make it more accessible.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Hantec 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 |
Both FXTM and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta's Muslim traders. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any swap charges on overnight positions, and there are no time restrictions on holding trades. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but requires a formal application and approval process. Their Islamic accounts have restrictions, such as a maximum holding period of 30 days for certain instruments. For Malta traders seeking full flexibility, FXTM's Islamic account policy is more accommodating.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM offers 24/5 customer support in English and multiple languages via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Malta phone line. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (Monday-Friday) via live chat and email, with phone support available on request. Both brokers have responsive teams, but FXTM's extended hours and local language support give it an edge for Malta traders who trade outside standard European hours.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Hantec 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Malta retail traders in 2026, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, with a higher CompareBroker score (4.3/5 vs 3.6/5). Its lower spreads, faster execution, and broader local payment support—including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—make it more accessible and cost-effective. The regulation by the Malta Financial Services Authority ensures local legal protection, while the lower minimum deposit ($10) suits beginners and active traders alike. Hantec Markets remains a reliable alternative for those who prefer a no-commission model and have a larger starting capital, but its higher costs and slower execution make it less competitive. For most Malta traders, FXTM delivers better value and flexibility.