Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing Global Prime vs Forex.com for Malta traders in 2025, the choice hinges on trading style, cost sensitivity, and local payment preferences. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure environment for Maltese retail traders. Global Prime, with a score of 3.6/5, excels in offering ultra-tight spreads and a straightforward ECN model, making it ideal for active traders who prioritize low costs. Forex.com, scoring 3.4/5, provides a more comprehensive platform with advanced charting tools and a wider range of tradable instruments, including forex, indices, and commodities. Malta traders benefit from local payment options like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers, enhancing deposit and withdrawal convenience. Whether you are a day trader or a long-term investor, understanding each broker’s strengths in the context of Malta’s regulatory landscape and payment ecosystem is crucial for making an informed decision.
| Instrument | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Forex.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Forex.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Forex.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Forex.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | Global Prime |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Global Prime offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with a commission of $7 per lot round-turn, resulting in a total cost of approximately $7 per standard lot. Forex.com, on the other hand, has spreads starting from 0.8 pips on its Standard account with no commission, equating to $8 per lot. For high-volume traders in Malta, Global Prime’s lower per-lot cost can save hundreds of dollars monthly. Additionally, both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but Global Prime’s ECN model often provides better pricing during volatile sessions, which is common in the forex market.
| Account Type | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:50 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| 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 | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Global Prime provides the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary web platform, which are well-suited for Malta traders who prefer simplicity and fast execution. Forex.com offers a more extensive suite, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary Trading Station, plus advanced charting tools like TradingView integration. For Maltese traders who rely on automated strategies, Global Prime’s MT4 is reliable, while Forex.com’s MT5 supports more timeframes and order types. Both platforms are available in English and provide mobile apps for trading on the go, which is essential for Malta’s busy professionals.
| Factor | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Forex.com |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Global Prime |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Global Prime uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk intervention, ensuring fast order fills with minimal slippage. Forex.com also offers no-dealing-desk execution on its raw pricing accounts, but its standard account may have requotes during volatile markets. For Malta traders, especially scalpers, Global Prime’s execution speed (under 50ms) and deep liquidity from multiple banks provide a clear advantage. Forex.com’s execution is still reliable but may not match Global Prime’s consistency in fast-moving conditions.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Global Prime and Forex.com are regulated by the local financial regulator, which oversees compliance with EU financial directives. This means Malta traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for dispute resolution. Global Prime is also regulated by ASIC and the FSA, adding an extra layer of security. Forex.com is a publicly traded company (StoneX Group) and is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the FCA and CFTC. For Malta traders, this regulatory framework ensures that both brokers maintain high standards of transparency and client fund safety.
| Payment Method | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. | 1 to 3 business days |
Malta traders can easily fund their accounts at both Global Prime and Forex.com using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are ideal for large deposits, usually taking 1-3 business days, while e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller offer instant processing. USDT TRC20 is a modern option for crypto-savvy traders, providing near-instant deposits with low fees. Withdrawals follow similar methods: Global Prime processes requests within 24 hours for e-wallets, while Forex.com may take 1-2 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, but third-party payment providers may apply their own charges. Minimum deposits are $100 for Global Prime and $50 for Forex.com, making them accessible to retail traders in Malta.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Global Prime and Forex.com offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta’s Muslim traders, compliant with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate overnight interest on positions, allowing traders to hold trades longer without incurring riba (usury). Global Prime’s Islamic account is available on request and applies to all instruments, while Forex.com offers it for forex and metals only. Neither broker charges a swap fee, but after 30 days, a small administration fee may apply on long-held positions. Malta traders should confirm eligibility during account opening, as documentation may be required to verify religious affiliation.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Global Prime provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with response times under 5 minutes during market hours. Forex.com offers 24/7 support, which is advantageous for Malta traders who trade outside European sessions. Both brokers have English-speaking support teams, and Global Prime additionally offers support in Maltese upon request. For technical issues, Forex.com’s extended hours can be a deciding factor for traders who need assistance during weekends or late-night sessions.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Global Prime |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Global Prime |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Global Prime | Forex.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Forex.com |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose Forex.com if you...
For Malta traders in 2025, Global Prime (3.6/5) is the better choice for cost-conscious active traders who prioritize low spreads and fast execution. Its support for local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, combined with regulation by the local financial regulator, makes it a reliable option. Forex.com (3.4/5) is ideal for traders who want a broader product range and advanced tools, especially if they trade less frequently. Ultimately, Global Prime’s superior trading costs and execution quality give it an edge for most Maltese retail traders, but Forex.com remains a strong contender for those seeking a comprehensive trading experience. Both brokers are trustworthy and compliant, so your final choice should align with your specific trading needs and preferences.