Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Malta, choosing between Global Prime and Hantec Markets requires careful consideration of local trading conditions. Malta's vibrant forex community often uses USD-denominated accounts and relies on popular deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers score 3.6/5 but differ in execution style and cost structure. Global Prime is an ECN/STP broker known for raw spreads and low commissions, while Hantec Markets offers fixed spreads and strong regulatory backing from the FCA (UK) and FSA (Japan). Neither broker is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), yet both accept Maltese residents and provide access to MetaTrader 4 and 5. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, deposits, and support specifically for Malta traders, helping you decide which broker fits your trading strategy and local needs.
| Instrument | Global Prime | 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 | $0 | $10 | Global Prime |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Global Prime offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD but charges a $7 round-turn commission per lot. Hantec Markets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. On a standard lot trade, Global Prime costs $7 in commission plus minimal spread, while Hantec Markets costs $12 in spread. For active Malta traders executing multiple lots daily, Global Prime becomes cheaper. However, Hantec Markets' fixed spreads provide cost certainty, useful during volatile news events. Both brokers offer USD accounts, aligning with Malta traders' preference for USD base currency.
| Account Type | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Global Prime and Hantec Markets offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the industry-standard platforms favored by Malta retail traders. Global Prime also provides a WebTrader for browser-based trading, while Hantec Markets offers mobile apps for iOS and Android. Both support automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). For Malta traders who value charting tools and fast execution, both platforms deliver. Global Prime additionally supports cTrader (on request), which some traders prefer for its advanced order management. Overall, the platform choice is similar, but Global Prime's cTrader option gives it a slight edge for tech-savvy traders.
| Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| 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 offers ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk intervention, providing direct market access and low latency. Orders are executed in milliseconds, with slippage averaging 0.1 pips. Hantec Markets uses an agency model with straight-through processing (STP), also offering fast execution but with fixed spreads. Both brokers offer market execution with no requotes. For Malta traders, Global Prime's execution is better suited for scalping and high-frequency strategies, while Hantec Markets' fixed spreads ensure predictable execution costs.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Malta traders, though neither Global Prime nor Hantec Markets is directly supervised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Global Prime is regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA (UK) and FSA (Japan), offering stronger tier-1 regulatory protection. For Malta traders, this means Hantec Markets provides the security of UK and Japanese oversight, while Global Prime relies on less stringent regulators. Neither broker offers local deposit insurance (FSCS in the UK does not apply to Malta residents). Traders should assess the trade-off between cost savings (Global Prime) and regulatory peace of mind (Hantec Markets).
| Payment Method | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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 benefit from multiple deposit and withdrawal methods at both brokers. Global Prime accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with a minimum deposit of $200. Hantec Markets supports the same methods but requires $500 minimum. Both brokers process deposits via Skrill and Neteller instantly, while bank transfers take 1–3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes, ideal for crypto-savvy Malta traders. Withdrawals at Global Prime are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1–3 days for bank transfers; Hantec Markets processes withdrawals within 1 business day. Neither broker charges fees for deposits or withdrawals, making them cost-effective for Malta traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | 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 Global Prime and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Malta, in compliance with Sharia law. These accounts charge no overnight interest on positions held past the daily rollover. Malta traders can request an Islamic account during registration; Global Prime requires a simple declaration, while Hantec Markets may ask for supporting documentation. Swap-free accounts are available on all account types at both brokers, including USD-denominated accounts. Features like leverage and spreads remain unchanged. For Malta's growing Muslim community, this flexibility is a significant advantage.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Customer support for Malta traders is available in English at both brokers. Global Prime offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with response times under 5 minutes. Hantec Markets also provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with slightly slower response times (under 10 minutes). Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. For Malta traders, the availability of English-speaking support during European trading hours ensures quick issue resolution. Global Prime's faster live chat may appeal to active traders.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | 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 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Hantec Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Malta traders, both Global Prime and Hantec Markets are solid choices, but they cater to different needs. Global Prime is ideal for cost-conscious, active traders who want low spreads, ECN execution, and a low $200 minimum deposit. Hantec Markets suits traders who prioritize regulatory strength (FCA/FSA) and fixed costs, with a higher $500 minimum. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and offer Islamic accounts. Neither broker is regulated by the MFSA, so Malta traders should be comfortable with offshore regulation. Ultimately, if you trade frequently and value low costs, choose Global Prime. If you prefer stability and strong regulation, Hantec Markets is your better fit.