Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Malta, XM Group and Libertex are two prominent options, but they cater to different trader needs. XM Group, with a 4.7/5 rating, is a globally recognized broker offering tight spreads, over 1,000 instruments, and robust regulation from the local financial regulator. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, is a simpler platform popular among beginners but has higher trading costs. For Malta traders, factors like local regulation, deposit methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), and USD account availability are critical. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns best with your retail trading goals in Malta.
| 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 Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. XM Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD for standard accounts, with no hidden fees. Libertex has higher average spreads of 1.2 pips and charges a commission on certain CFD trades. Over 100 trades per month, XM Group saves Malta traders approximately $50–$100 in spreads alone, making it more cost-effective for active retail traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its own XM WebTrader, all optimized for fast execution and mobile trading—ideal for Malta traders on the go. Libertex offers its proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4, but the interface is less customizable. XM Group’s platforms are better suited for Malta traders who need advanced charting and automated trading tools.
| 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 |
XM Group provides instant execution with no requotes, average execution time under 0.5 seconds, and deep liquidity from top banks. Libertex uses market execution with occasional slippage. For Malta traders who value speed and reliability, XM Group’s execution quality is superior.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring strong investor protection and compliance with EU MiFID rules. Libertex is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), which also offers protection but is not local. For Malta traders, XM Group’s local regulation provides added confidence and easier dispute resolution.
| 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 |
Malta traders can fund accounts at both XM Group and Libertex using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. XM Group has no deposit fees and processes withdrawals within 24 hours. Libertex charges a small fee on Skrill and Neteller withdrawals. USDT TRC20 is a standout option for Malta users, offering near-instant deposits and low costs. XM Group’s minimum deposit is $5, while Libertex requires $50.
| 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 Malta Muslim traders. XM Group provides them automatically upon request with no time limit, while Libertex offers them for a limited period of 90 days. XM Group’s policy is more favorable for long-term traders in Malta who need swap-free conditions indefinitely.
| 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 |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and email, with dedicated Maltese-language support available. Libertex also provides support but with slower response times. For Malta traders, XM Group’s localised support is a clear advantage.
| 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 Malta traders, XM Group is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating, lower spreads, local MFSA regulation, and a wider range of deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Libertex, while simpler, has higher costs and fewer local advantages. If you are a retail trader in Malta seeking a reliable, cost-effective broker with strong regulatory oversight, XM Group is the recommended choice.