Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta has become a hub for forex and CFD trading, with retail traders seeking reliable brokers that combine local regulation, low costs, and convenient payment methods. FXTM (ForexTime) and InvestoPro are two popular choices, but they cater to different trader needs. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, is a well-established broker regulated by the local financial regulator, offering tight spreads, a wide range of deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and robust educational resources. InvestoPro, with a 3.8/5 rating, is a newer platform that appeals to traders looking for simplicity and crypto-friendly features, but it lacks the same regulatory oversight and local payment support. For Malta traders, understanding these differences is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with their trading style and risk tolerance. This comparison dives into key factors like trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help you choose the right broker.
| Instrument | FXTM | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | InvestoPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | InvestoPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | InvestoPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | InvestoPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | InvestoPro |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those who trade frequently or with larger volumes. FXTM offers competitive spreads, with EUR/USD spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN account and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. InvestoPro's spreads are higher, averaging 0.5 pips on major pairs, with no commission but wider spreads that can eat into profits over time. A Malta trader executing 50 lots per month would save approximately $150 in costs with FXTM compared to InvestoPro. Additionally, FXTM's swap rates are transparent, while InvestoPro's overnight fees can be less favorable for long-term positions. Overall, FXTM provides better cost efficiency for Malta retail traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | InvestoPro | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | InvestoPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are the industry standards for forex and CFD trading. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app, designed for mobile users in Malta who need on-the-go access. InvestoPro focuses on MT4 and MT5 but lacks a proprietary solution. For Malta traders, FXTM's platform suite is more comprehensive, with advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and a user-friendly interface. InvestoPro's platforms are reliable but offer fewer customization options. If you value platform diversity and mobile trading, FXTM is the better choice.
| Factor | FXTM | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | InvestoPro |
| 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 directly impacts profitability, and FXTM excels with an average execution speed of under 30 milliseconds on its ECN accounts, ensuring minimal slippage. InvestoPro's execution speed is slower, averaging 50-100 milliseconds, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For Malta traders who scalp or trade news events, FXTM's faster execution is a clear advantage. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) models, but FXTM's order routing is more reliable.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Malta traders, and FXTM holds a license from the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Maltese laws, client fund segregation, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This provides a strong safety net for retail traders. InvestoPro, on the other hand, is regulated by an international body (e.g., FSC or FSA), which offers less direct protection for Malta residents. While InvestoPro still follows basic security protocols, the lack of local regulatory oversight means Malta traders may face challenges in dispute resolution. For peace of mind, FXTM's local regulation is a significant advantage.
| Payment Method | FXTM | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Card/e-wallet fast; bank transfer 1-3 days |
Malta traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, which are popular due to their speed and low fees. FXTM accepts all these methods plus credit/debit cards and local bank transfers, with minimum deposits starting at $10. Deposits are instant for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals at FXTM are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. InvestoPro also supports these methods but has a lower minimum deposit of $5, making it accessible for beginners. However, InvestoPro's withdrawal fees can be higher, and processing times may extend to 3-7 days for bank transfers. For Malta traders who prioritize speed and low fees, FXTM is more efficient.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 InvestoPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying interest. FXTM's Islamic accounts are available on all account types, with swap-free conditions applied to all instruments, and no hidden fees. InvestoPro also provides swap-free accounts, but they may be limited to specific instruments and require a request to customer support. Malta traders should note that Islamic accounts may have reduced leverage or trading restrictions. FXTM's offering is more transparent and accessible, making it the preferred choice for Muslim traders in Malta.
| Support Feature | FXTM | InvestoPro | 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, especially when dealing with deposits or technical issues. FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Maltese language options available. InvestoPro provides 24/7 live chat and email support, but response times can be slower, and language options are limited to English. FXTM's local presence and dedicated support team give it an edge for Malta traders who value quick, localized assistance.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | InvestoPro | 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 | InvestoPro | 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 InvestoPro if you...
For Malta retail traders, FXTM is the clear winner with a 4.3/5 rating, offering local regulation, lower spreads, faster execution, and a wider range of deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It provides a secure and cost-effective trading environment that aligns with Maltese financial standards. InvestoPro, rated 3.8/5, may appeal to beginners or those seeking a simpler, crypto-friendly platform, but its weaker regulation and higher costs make it less suitable for serious traders. If you value safety and efficiency, choose FXTM. For a no-frills start, InvestoPro could work, but be aware of its limitations.