Which broker is better for Malaysia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing between XM Group and Libertex for forex trading in Malaysia, experienced retail traders need to consider factors like regulation, costs, and local payment support. XM Group, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, is regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC Malaysia), offering a high level of security and trust for local traders. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, is regulated internationally by CySEC and the FSC, but lacks direct SC Malaysia oversight. Both brokers support MYR deposits via FPX, Bank Transfer, Skrill, and USDT, making them accessible for Malaysian traders. However, XM Group’s deeper liquidity, tighter spreads, and comprehensive educational resources give it an edge for active traders. Libertex appeals to those who prefer a simpler, social trading platform with fixed spreads. This comparison dives into specific areas: trading costs, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, Islamic accounts, customer support, and execution quality, all tailored to the Malaysian trading environment. Whether you prioritize low costs, local regulation, or ease of use, this guide helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2026.
| Instrument | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | Libertex |
For Malaysia traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those who trade high volumes. XM Group offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its Zero account and standard spreads from 1.0 pips, with a commission of $3.50 per lot on the Zero account. Libertex, on the other hand, uses fixed spreads starting from 1.2 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission but wider spreads overall. Over 100 trades per month, XM Group’s lower spreads can save a Malaysia trader hundreds of ringgit. For example, trading 10 lots of EUR/USD daily, XM Group’s cost is significantly lower. Libertex may suit beginners who prefer predictable costs, but for experienced traders, XM Group’s variable spreads are more cost-effective.
| Account Type | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer platforms tailored to Malaysia traders, but XM Group provides more choices. XM Group supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are industry standards for advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. Libertex offers its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is user-friendly but lacks the depth of MT4/MT5. For Malaysia traders who use EAs or require advanced technical analysis, XM Group’s MT4/MT5 platforms are superior. Libertex’s platform is better for beginners or those who prefer social trading features, but it may not meet the needs of experienced retail traders. Both platforms are available in English and support Malaysian ringgit display.
| Factor | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality impacts trading results, especially for scalpers and day traders in Malaysia. XM Group uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average execution speed of under 100 milliseconds, ensuring minimal slippage. Libertex uses market execution with a dealing desk model, which can lead to requotes and higher slippage during volatile markets. For experienced retail traders in Malaysia who require fast, reliable execution, XM Group’s NDD model is superior. Libertex’s execution is acceptable for casual traders but may frustrate active traders.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key differentiator for Malaysia traders. XM Group is regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC Malaysia) under license number eCMSL/A0398/2024, providing direct local oversight and investor protection. This means Malaysia traders have access to the SC’s dispute resolution mechanisms. Libertex is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, but not by SC Malaysia. While Libertex is still a legitimate broker, its lack of local regulation means Malaysia traders rely on international protections. For those prioritizing safety and local compliance, XM Group’s SC Malaysia regulation is a significant advantage.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | 5 business days |
Malaysia traders benefit from convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. XM Group supports FPX (instant bank transfer), Bank Transfer, Skrill, and USDT (Tether), along with credit/debit cards and Neteller. Minimum deposit is $5, and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours on weekdays. Libertex also accepts FPX, Bank Transfer, Skrill, and USDT, plus options like Perfect Money, with a minimum deposit of $10. Withdrawals at Libertex may take 1-3 business days. For Malaysia traders, FPX is the most popular method due to its instant processing and no fees from either broker. Skrill and USDT are also widely used for their speed. XM Group edges ahead with faster withdrawal processing and lower minimum deposits, making it more accessible for local traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XM Group and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Malaysia, but XM Group’s offering is more comprehensive. XM Group provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Micro, Standard, and Zero) with no swap charges on overnight positions, subject to fair usage policies. Libertex offers swap-free accounts upon request, but may charge an administrative fee after a certain holding period (e.g., 10 days). For Malaysia traders who hold positions overnight, XM Group’s no-fee Islamic account is more favorable. Both brokers require proof of Muslim faith, such as a copy of IC or a letter from a mosque. Overall, XM Group is the better choice for Sharia-compliant trading.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
Customer support is essential for Malaysia traders, and both brokers offer 24/5 support in English. XM Group provides live chat, email, and phone support with a local Malaysian phone number, plus a comprehensive FAQ section. Libertex offers live chat, email, and phone support, but lacks a local Malaysian number. XM Group’s support is faster and more responsive, with average response times under 1 minute for live chat. Libertex’s support is adequate but may have longer wait times. For Malaysia traders who value quick resolution, XM Group is the better option.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For Malaysia traders, XM Group is the clear winner in this comparison, scoring 4.7/5 versus Libertex’s 3.7/5. XM Group’s SC Malaysia regulation provides a level of local trust and security that Libertex cannot match. Combined with lower spreads (from 0.0 pips), superior execution, comprehensive platform support (MT4/MT5), and faster withdrawals via FPX, Bank Transfer, Skrill, and USDT, XM Group is ideal for experienced retail traders. Libertex is a decent alternative for beginners who prefer fixed spreads and a simpler interface, but its wider spreads and lack of local regulation make it less suitable for active traders. If you are a Malaysia trader prioritizing cost efficiency, local regulation, and advanced tools, choose XM Group.