Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta has a thriving retail trading community, and choosing the right broker is critical for success in this competitive market. InstaForex, with a score of 3.7/5, is a well-established broker known for its flexible account types, high leverage up to 1:1000, and a wide range of trading instruments including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, appeals to beginners with its user-friendly platform, fixed spreads, and risk management tools like deal cancellation. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing a layer of security for Malta traders. Local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 make deposits and withdrawals convenient for Maltese users. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and goals in Malta's dynamic trading environment.
| Instrument | InstaForex | 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 | $1 | $25 | InstaForex |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a major consideration. InstaForex offers floating spreads starting from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts, with a commission per lot, making it ideal for high-volume traders who can benefit from tight spreads. On standard accounts, spreads are slightly higher but still competitive. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, which are higher on average but eliminate the risk of spread widening during volatile market conditions. For a Malta trader executing 10 standard lots per month, InstaForex could save up to $200 in spread costs compared to EasyMarkets, depending on the currency pair. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide cost certainty, which is valuable for traders with smaller accounts or those just starting out.
| Account Type | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | InstaForex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | InstaForex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | InstaForex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer platforms tailored to Malta traders' needs. InstaForex provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standards for advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. It also offers a web-based platform for quick access. EasyMarkets focuses on simplicity with its proprietary web and mobile platforms, which include features like deal cancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss orders. For Malta traders who use EAs or require advanced analysis, InstaForex is the better choice. For beginners who prefer an intuitive interface and built-in risk management, EasyMarkets' platforms are more suitable.
| Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | InstaForex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality is crucial for Malta traders. InstaForex uses a hybrid execution model with no dealing desk for ECN accounts, offering fast execution speeds and minimal slippage. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For scalpers and high-frequency traders, InstaForex is superior. For traders who prioritize stability, EasyMarkets' execution is reliable but slower.
| Safety Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FSC BVI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation by the local financial regulator is a key factor for Malta traders seeking safety. Both InstaForex and EasyMarkets operate under the oversight of the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with strict capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and transparent reporting standards. InstaForex is also regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). For Malta traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts, and you have access to investor compensation schemes. This regulatory framework provides peace of mind when trading with either broker.
| Payment Method | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 2 to 6 business days | 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) |
Malta traders enjoy convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. InstaForex supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, along with credit/debit cards and other e-wallets. Minimum deposits start at $1 for standard accounts, making it accessible. EasyMarkets also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with a minimum deposit of $25. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are instant and free, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes and are ideal for crypto-friendly Malta traders. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and up to 5 business days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, though bank transfer fees may apply.
| Islamic Account Feature | InstaForex | 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 |
For Malta Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading, both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. InstaForex automatically provides swap-free accounts for clients from Muslim-majority countries, and Malta residents can request one by contacting support. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts on request, with no swap or interest charges on overnight positions. Both brokers ensure that Islamic accounts follow Sharia law by not charging or paying interest. However, InstaForex may impose restrictions on certain instruments or holding periods. EasyMarkets' Islamic accounts are straightforward and available for all account types. Malta traders should verify account terms before opening.
| Support Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | InstaForex |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with English-language support suitable for Malta traders. InstaForex offers live chat, email, and phone support, with a dedicated account manager for VIP clients. EasyMarkets provides live chat, email, and phone support, with a reputation for fast response times. Both brokers have Maltese-friendly support teams, though EasyMarkets' support is slightly more responsive based on user reviews.
| Mobile Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | InstaForex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | InstaForex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | InstaForex |
Choose InstaForex if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Malta traders, InstaForex (3.7/5) is the stronger choice for those with some experience, offering lower trading costs, advanced platforms, and flexible account options. Its support for local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 makes it convenient for Maltese users. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is ideal for beginners or traders who prioritize fixed costs and simplicity, with strong regulation by the local financial regulator. Ultimately, InstaForex wins on cost and features, while EasyMarkets wins on ease of use. Consider your trading style and capital size to make the best decision.