Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Malta traders evaluating Exness vs Hantec Markets in 2026 face a clear choice based on cost, payment flexibility, and regulatory confidence. Exness, rated 4.8/5, dominates with ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips, instant deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and 24/7 customer support. It is regulated by the local financial regulator and holds top-tier licenses, making it a trusted partner for retail traders in Malta. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, offers a solid but more traditional trading experience, with higher spreads and fewer local payment options. For Malta traders who prioritize low costs, fast withdrawals, and modern payment methods, Exness is the superior broker. However, Hantec Markets appeals to those who value a long-established brand with FCA regulation and a more conservative approach. This comparison breaks down each broker’s strengths for the Malta market, covering spreads, platforms, deposits, and regulation.
| Instrument | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, with a commission of $3.5 per lot round turn. Hantec Markets’ Classic account starts at 0.8 pips with no commission, but for high-volume traders, Exness is cheaper. A Malta trader executing 50 lots per month on EUR/USD would pay approximately $175 in commissions with Exness versus $400 in spreads with Hantec Markets. Exness also provides zero swap fees on certain instruments, further reducing costs for swing traders in Malta.
| Account Type | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting and automated trading. Exness additionally provides its proprietary WebTerminal and mobile apps with one-click trading. Hantec Markets focuses on MT4 and MT5 only. For Malta traders who need flexibility across devices, Exness’s WebTerminal is a plus, while Hantec Markets’ platform stability suits those who prefer a traditional setup.
| Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness uses no dealing desk (NDD) execution with an average order execution speed of 0.1 seconds, minimizing slippage for Malta traders. Hantec Markets also offers NDD execution but with slightly higher latency. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in Malta, Exness’s faster execution is critical.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the local financial regulator in Malta, along with the FCA, CySEC, and FSA, providing strong oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA, FSA, and other bodies but does not hold a local Malta license. For Malta traders, Exness’s local regulatory status means added security and compliance with European standards. Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation is still reputable, but Exness offers more direct local protection.
| Payment Method | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Malta traders enjoy flexible deposits at Exness via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, all processed instantly with zero fees. Withdrawals are also instant for most methods, including Skrill and Neteller. Hantec Markets supports Bank Transfer and Skrill but lacks Neteller and USDT TRC20. For Malta traders who use cryptocurrency or e-wallets, Exness is the clear winner. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly useful for fast, low-cost transfers. Hantec Markets may take 1-2 business days for bank withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta Muslim traders. Exness provides them on all account types without additional fees or time limits, making it ideal for long-term holders. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts on request but may charge an administration fee after a 90-day holding period. For Malta traders seeking a fully compliant swap-free experience, Exness is more accommodating.
| Support Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Malta traders. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours (Monday to Friday) via phone and email. Exness’s round-the-clock support is a major advantage for Malta traders who trade outside standard hours.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Malta retail traders in 2026, Exness is the standout choice with its 4.8/5 rating, local financial regulator oversight, and support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its ultra-low spreads and instant withdrawals align perfectly with the needs of cost-conscious traders. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a reliable alternative for those who prioritize FCA regulation and a simpler payment setup, but it falls short on cost and local payment flexibility. Ultimately, Exness offers better value and convenience for Malta traders.