Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta traders choosing between FXTM and IG in 2026, the decision hinges on local payment convenience, trading costs, and regulatory trust. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring your funds are protected under Maltese law. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 rating, stands out for its support of USDT TRC20 deposits, Skrill, Neteller, and Bank Transfer—ideal for Maltese retail traders seeking flexibility. IG, rated 4.2/5, offers a robust platform and tighter spreads on major forex pairs, but its higher minimum deposit ($250) may deter smaller traders. This comparison focuses on Malta-specific factors: local payment methods, spreads in USD, and Islamic account availability. Whether you trade EUR/USD or crypto CFDs, understanding these nuances helps you choose the right broker for your Maltese trading journey.
| Instrument | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | IG |
For Malta traders, trading costs differ significantly between FXTM and IG. IG offers tighter spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, starting from 0.1 pips on raw spread accounts, compared to FXTM's 1.3 pips on standard accounts. However, FXTM's ECN account can match IG's pricing for high-volume traders. For a Malta trader executing 10 standard lots monthly, IG's lower spreads could save $50–$100 in costs. FXTM compensates with no deposit fees and lower minimum deposits, making it more cost-effective for smaller retail accounts. Always consider your trading volume when comparing costs.
| Account Type | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:30 |
| 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 | IG | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Malta traders will find both brokers offer excellent platforms. IG provides its proprietary web platform plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime, ideal for advanced charting and automated trading. FXTM also offers MT4 and MT5, plus its own FXTM Trader app for mobile. For Maltese traders, IG's platform is more feature-rich for technical analysis, while FXTM's mobile app is simpler for on-the-go trading. Both support local languages and have Malta-specific servers for low latency.
| Factor | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 |
IG offers superior execution quality with average order execution under 10ms and no requotes on major pairs, ideal for Malta scalpers. FXTM's execution averages 50ms on standard accounts but improves to 20ms on ECN accounts. For Malta traders using USDT TRC20 deposits, FXTM's execution remains stable, while IG's faster speeds benefit high-frequency traders. Both brokers have Malta-based servers for low latency.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and IG are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring Malta traders benefit from strict oversight including negative balance protection and segregated client funds. IG holds additional licenses from the FCA and ASIC, offering extra layers of security. FXTM is also regulated by CySEC and the FCA, but its primary Maltese regulation ensures compliance with local investor compensation schemes. For Malta traders, this means both brokers are equally safe, but IG's broader regulatory coverage may appeal to those trading internationally.
| Payment Method | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1 to 5 business days |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw easily at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FXTM supports instant deposits via USDT TRC20 with no fees, while IG processes USDT TRC20 within 1–2 hours. Bank transfers at both brokers take 1–3 business days, but FXTM has no deposit fees, whereas IG charges for some bank transfers. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant at both, with FXTM offering lower minimums ($10 vs $250). Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at FXTM and up to 48 hours at IG. For Maltese traders using crypto, FXTM's USDT TRC20 support is more seamless.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Maltese Muslim traders, both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on its Standard, Cent, and ECN accounts with no extra fees, while IG offers Islamic accounts on request for its spread-based accounts. FXTM's Islamic accounts are more accessible as they are available immediately upon account opening, whereas IG requires manual approval. Both comply with the local financial regulator's guidelines for Sharia-compliant trading, ensuring no interest charges on overnight positions.
| Support Feature | FXTM | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
Malta traders receive strong customer support from both brokers. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Maltese, with average response times under 2 minutes. IG provides 24/5 support via phone and live chat, with Maltese language support available during business hours. IG's support is slightly more comprehensive for technical issues, while FXTM excels in quick deposit/withdrawal queries.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | FXTM | IG | 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 IG if you...
For Malta traders in 2026, FXTM edges out IG with a 4.3/5 rating due to its superior local payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, plus lower minimum deposits and easier Islamic account access. IG remains a strong choice for those prioritizing tighter spreads and advanced platforms, especially for high-volume trading. Both are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety. Ultimately, choose FXTM for accessibility and local payment flexibility, or IG for cost-efficiency on larger trades. Consider your trading volume and preferred payment method to make the final decision.