Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Malta traders navigating the forex and CFD market, choosing between IG and FxPro is a critical decision. Both brokers are well-established and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the local financial regulator, ensuring high standards of client protection and transparency. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, stands out for its comprehensive market access—over 17,000 instruments including forex, indices, shares, and commodities—alongside powerful platforms like ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. FxPro, scoring 4.1/5, is known for its tight spreads, fast execution, and simplicity, offering forex, CFDs, and futures on platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. For Malta-based retail traders, both brokers accept local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals seamless. Whether you’re a beginner seeking user-friendly tools or an experienced trader looking for advanced analytics, this comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs in 2026.
| Instrument | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, FxPro generally offers lower spreads on forex pairs, with EUR/USD spreads starting at 0.6 pips on its cTrader platform, compared to IG’s average of 0.8 pips on standard accounts. However, IG’s pricing is more transparent, with no hidden commissions on most instruments, while FxPro charges a small commission on its cTrader Raw account. For Malta traders trading high volumes, FxPro’s tighter spreads can result in lower overall costs, especially on major forex pairs. IG’s broader market coverage may offset slightly higher spreads for those trading indices or commodities. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but IG’s overnight fees are slightly lower for long-term positions. Consider your trading frequency and instrument preference to minimize costs.
| Account Type | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 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 | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG and FxPro cater to Malta traders with robust platform options. IG excels with its proprietary web platform and mobile app, which offer advanced charting, research tools, and a user-friendly interface ideal for retail traders. It also supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime for those needing algorithmic trading. FxPro offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader, providing flexibility for traders who prefer specific platforms. For Malta traders, FxPro’s cTrader is particularly appealing for its advanced order types and fast execution. IG’s platform is better for beginners due to its educational resources, while FxPro’s multi-platform support suits experienced traders. Both are available in English and Maltese-friendly formats.
| Factor | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for Malta traders, and both brokers deliver. IG uses a market maker model with No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution for most instruments, offering fast order fills and minimal slippage. FxPro operates as an STP/ECN broker, routing orders directly to liquidity providers, resulting in average execution speeds of under 10 milliseconds. For Malta traders, FxPro’s execution is slightly faster and more transparent, especially during volatile markets. IG’s execution is reliable but may experience requotes during high volatility. Both offer negative balance protection.
| Safety Factor | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and FxPro are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), the local financial regulator, which is a significant advantage for Malta traders. This regulation ensures that client funds are segregated in top-tier banks, negative balance protection is in place, and all trading activities comply with EU MiFID II standards. IG is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding an extra layer of transparency. FxPro, headquartered in Cyprus, maintains a strong regulatory record with the MFSA, CySEC, and FCA. For Malta residents, trading with an MFSA-regulated broker means access to local dispute resolution and investor compensation schemes. Both brokers offer a safe environment, but IG’s dual regulation (MFSA and FCA) provides additional reassurance.
| Payment Method | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 business day |
For Malta traders, depositing and withdrawing funds with IG and FxPro is straightforward, thanks to support for local payment methods. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer (free for EUR/USD, 1-3 days), Skrill (instant, no fees), Neteller (instant, no fees), and USDT TRC20 (instant, low fees). IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while FxPro starts at $100 for standard accounts. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers, with no additional fees from the brokers. USDT TRC20 is especially useful for Malta traders using crypto, offering fast and low-cost transfers. IG’s withdrawal process is slightly slower due to manual checks, while FxPro’s is fully automated. Both support EUR and USD accounts, minimizing conversion costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest on positions, allowing traders to hold trades overnight without incurring swap fees. IG provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, including standard and premium tiers, with no additional restrictions. FxPro offers them automatically for clients from Muslim-majority regions, including Malta, on MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms. However, FxPro may limit certain strategies like hedging on Islamic accounts. Both brokers require a minimum deposit and adhere to MFSA regulations, ensuring ethical trading. For Malta traders, IG’s flexibility is slightly better, but FxPro’s automatic setup is more convenient.
| Support Feature | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
Customer support for Malta traders is available 24/5 from both IG and FxPro, with multilingual teams offering English and Maltese assistance. IG provides phone, email, and live chat support, with a dedicated Malta line for local queries. FxPro offers similar channels, plus a callback service. IG’s support is more comprehensive, with educational resources and a local office in Malta for face-to-face meetings. FxPro’s response times are faster, averaging under 30 seconds for live chat. Both brokers have FAQ sections and account managers for premium clients.
| Mobile Feature | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
| Resource | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For Malta traders in 2026, the choice between IG and FxPro depends on your trading style and priorities. IG (score 4.2/5) is the better option for traders who want a vast range of markets, advanced tools, and strong educational support, all under MFSA regulation. It’s ideal for retail traders exploring beyond forex. FxPro (score 4.1/5) excels for forex-focused traders who value low spreads, fast execution, and flexible platform choices, with support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, ensuring safety. If you prioritize cost-efficiency and simplicity, go with FxPro. If you need comprehensive market access and research, IG is the winner. Test both with demo accounts to see which fits your needs.