Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between HYCM and EasyMarkets can be challenging for Malta traders, especially with both brokers regulated by the local financial regulator. HYCM, with a score of 3.6/5, is a well-established broker offering a wide range of trading instruments and flexible account types. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, which appeal to beginners. For Maltese traders, factors like local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), regulatory protection, and trading costs are critical. This comparison focuses on how each broker serves retail traders in Malta, helping you decide based on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize low spreads or risk management tools, understanding these differences is essential for successful trading in 2025.
| Instrument | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $20 | $25 | HYCM |
For Malta traders, trading costs vary significantly between HYCM and EasyMarkets. HYCM offers variable spreads starting from 0.2 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, which can lower costs for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on the same pair, providing cost certainty but higher per-trade fees. If you trade frequently, HYCM’s tighter spreads can save you money over time. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against market volatility, which may benefit Malta traders who prefer predictable costs. Consider your trading volume and style when evaluating these options.
| Account Type | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $20 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | HYCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | HYCM |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | HYCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
HYCM provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary platform, giving Malta traders access to advanced charting tools and automated trading. EasyMarkets offers a web-based platform and a mobile app, both designed for simplicity and ease of use. For Maltese retail traders who value customization and technical analysis, HYCM’s MT4 is a clear advantage. EasyMarkets’ platform, while less feature-rich, includes risk-management tools like dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, which are unique. Your choice depends on whether you need advanced features or a streamlined experience.
| Factor | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | HYCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
HYCM uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with low latency, which benefits Malta traders who scalp or trade during volatile sessions. EasyMarkets employs market maker execution, meaning it takes the opposite side of your trade. While this can lead to requotes, EasyMarkets offers guaranteed stop-loss orders. For Malta traders focused on speed, HYCM is better; for those prioritizing risk control, EasyMarkets is suitable.
| Safety Factor | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both HYCM and EasyMarkets are regulated by Malta’s local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with strict European standards. This means Malta traders benefit from client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and access to dispute resolution mechanisms. HYCM also holds licenses from other top-tier regulators, adding an extra layer of security. EasyMarkets focuses on retail protection with its risk management features. For Malta traders, this regulatory framework provides confidence that your funds are safe and that both brokers operate transparently.
| Payment Method | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Malta traders at both HYCM and EasyMarkets, as they support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are reliable but may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller offer instant deposits with low fees. USDT TRC20 is a modern option for crypto-savvy traders, providing fast and cost-effective transactions. Withdrawals typically follow the same methods, though processing times vary: e-wallets are usually processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers can take longer. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but check for any third-party charges. This flexibility makes it easy for Maltese traders to manage their accounts efficiently.
| Islamic Account Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 HYCM and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders, ensuring no interest is charged or earned on overnight positions. These accounts are available upon request and comply with Sharia law. HYCM’s Islamic accounts come with the same low spreads and platform access as standard accounts. EasyMarkets’ Islamic accounts also include its unique risk-management features. Malta traders should confirm eligibility and any conditions, such as account type restrictions, before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | HYCM |
HYCM provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual agents available. EasyMarkets offers similar support but with a reputation for faster response times. For Malta traders, both brokers offer English-language support, ensuring clear communication. HYCM’s support is more comprehensive for technical issues, while EasyMarkets excels in account-related queries. Consider your preferred communication channel when choosing.
| Mobile Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | HYCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | HYCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | HYCM |
Choose HYCM if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Malta traders, the choice between HYCM and EasyMarkets comes down to your trading style. HYCM’s higher score (3.6/5), lower spreads, and advanced platforms make it ideal for active retail traders who want flexibility and cost efficiency. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) excels with fixed spreads and innovative risk tools, perfect for beginners or those seeking certainty. Both are regulated by Malta’s local financial regulator and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. If you trade frequently, HYCM is the better value; if you prioritize risk management, choose EasyMarkets. Consider your experience level and volume to make the right decision.