Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2025 have two strong contenders: Hantec Markets and InvestoPro. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with Malta's strict financial standards. Hantec Markets, with a score of 3.6/5, is a well-established broker offering a wide range of trading instruments and a solid reputation. InvestoPro, scoring 3.8/5, is a newer entrant that focuses on competitive spreads and modern trading technology. For retail traders in Malta trading in USD, the choice often comes down to cost efficiency versus brand trust. This comparison covers key aspects like spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, all tailored to the Maltese trading environment.
| Instrument | Hantec Markets | 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 | $10 | $0 | InvestoPro |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Hantec Markets offers spreads starting from 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, while InvestoPro provides spreads as low as 0.8 pips on the same pair. This 0.4 pip difference can significantly impact high-volume traders, especially those using USD-denominated accounts. InvestoPro also charges lower commission fees on certain account types, making it more cost-effective for scalpers and day traders in Malta. However, Hantec Markets may offer better pricing on exotic pairs, which could benefit traders diversifying into less common currencies.
| Account Type | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Hantec Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Hantec Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Hantec Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | InvestoPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. Hantec Markets also offers a proprietary web platform with localised features, while InvestoPro focuses on mobile trading with a user-friendly app optimised for quick execution. For Malta traders who trade on the go, InvestoPro's mobile platform is slightly more responsive, but Hantec Markets' desktop platforms are more comprehensive for in-depth analysis.
| Factor | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | InvestoPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Hantec Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is a key differentiator. Hantec Markets uses a hybrid model with average execution speeds of 50-100 ms, suitable for most retail traders. InvestoPro employs straight-through processing (STP) with speeds under 30 ms, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Malta. Slippage is minimal with both brokers, but InvestoPro's faster execution reduces the risk of requotes during volatile market conditions.
| Safety Factor | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Hantec Markets and InvestoPro are regulated by the local financial regulator, which is the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This means Malta traders are protected by local investor compensation schemes and strict capital adequacy requirements. Hantec Markets has a longer track record under MFSA regulation, providing additional trust for risk-averse traders. InvestoPro, while newer, also complies fully with Maltese regulations, ensuring transparent operations and segregation of client funds.
| Payment Method | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days | Card/e-wallet fast; bank transfer 1-3 days |
Malta traders have multiple deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. Bank Transfer is available for larger deposits, typically taking 1-3 business days with no fees. Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits and withdrawals, ideal for active traders who need quick access to funds. USDT TRC20 is a newer option that allows Malta traders to deposit using cryptocurrency with low transaction fees and near-instant processing. Hantec Markets supports all four methods, while InvestoPro also accepts them but may charge a small fee for e-wallet withdrawals. Both brokers process withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers may take longer.
| Islamic Account Feature | Hantec Markets | 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 |
For Muslim traders in Malta, both Hantec Markets and InvestoPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge overnight swap fees on positions held beyond the daily rollover. Hantec Markets requires a formal request and may restrict certain instruments, while InvestoPro provides Islamic accounts as a standard option with no additional conditions. This makes InvestoPro slightly more accessible for Malta's Muslim retail traders.
| Support Feature | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Hantec Markets |
Customer support is available in English and Maltese at both brokers. Hantec Markets offers 24/5 live chat and phone support, while InvestoPro provides 24/7 support via live chat and email. For Malta traders, InvestoPro's round-the-clock service is advantageous for after-hours trading queries, though Hantec Markets' phone support is more personalised.
| Mobile Feature | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Hantec Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Hantec Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Hantec Markets | InvestoPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Hantec Markets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Hantec Markets |
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
Choose InvestoPro if you...
For Malta traders in 2025, the choice between Hantec Markets and InvestoPro depends on individual preferences. InvestoPro's higher score reflects its competitive spreads, faster execution, and modern platform features, making it ideal for cost-conscious active traders. Hantec Markets, on the other hand, offers a more established reputation and better exotic pair pricing, appealing to conservative traders. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety. Given Malta's diverse payment preferences, both support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with InvestoPro's crypto option being slightly faster. Ultimately, for most retail traders in Malta, InvestoPro provides better value, but Hantec Markets remains a solid choice for those prioritising stability.