Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Malta, retail traders often compare Exness and HYCM for their reliability, cost, and local accessibility. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is a global leader known for ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and a wide range of local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. HYCM, scoring 3.6/5, is a well-established broker with strong regulatory oversight but higher trading costs and fewer local payment options. For Malta traders, the decision hinges on trading volume, cost sensitivity, and the need for modern payment solutions. Exness's local support for USDT TRC20 is particularly appealing for crypto-savvy traders, while HYCM's traditional banking focus suits conservative investors. Both brokers accept Malta clients and comply with the local financial regulator, but Exness offers a more tailored experience for active retail traders.
| Instrument | Exness | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | HYCM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | HYCM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | HYCM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | HYCM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 | Exness |
For Malta traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on raw accounts (with a $3.5 commission per lot) and standard spreads around 0.3 pips on EUR/USD. For a typical Malta retail trader executing 10 lots per month, Exness costs $35 in commission plus spreads, totaling around $65. HYCM's raw spreads start from 0.2 pips with a $4 commission per lot, and standard spreads are 0.6 pips. The same 10-lot volume would cost $40 in commission plus $60 in spreads, totaling $100. Exness's lower costs can save Malta traders up to 35% monthly, especially during high-volume scalping or day trading.
| Account Type | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | HYCM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile access. Exness also provides a proprietary web terminal and mobile app with a simpler interface for beginners. HYCM offers the same MT4/MT5 suite but lacks a proprietary alternative. For Malta traders who value flexibility, Exness's additional platforms and support for Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5 give it an edge. Both platforms are available on Windows, iOS, and Android, ensuring smooth trading on the go.
| Factor | Exness | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | HYCM |
| 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 is renowned for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 100 milliseconds on most orders, with no requotes or slippage on standard accounts. This is ideal for Malta scalpers and day traders. HYCM offers reliable execution with speeds around 200 milliseconds, but may experience requotes during volatile market conditions. Exness's advanced liquidity aggregation and multiple data centers ensure consistent performance, while HYCM's execution is adequate for swing traders. For Malta traders prioritizing speed, Exness is the clear winner.
| Safety Factor | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top priority for Malta traders. Exness is regulated by top-tier authorities including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). It also holds licenses from the UK's FCA and Kenya's CMA, ensuring global compliance. HYCM is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), providing strong investor protection. Both brokers adhere to the local financial regulator's standards in Malta, meaning client funds are segregated and negative balance protection applies. Exness's broader regulatory coverage offers additional reassurance for Malta traders seeking transparency and safety.
| Payment Method | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. |
Malta traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both Exness and HYCM. Exness supports instant deposits with no fees for e-wallets and USDT, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, and free of charge. HYCM also accepts these methods but charges a 1% fee for Skrill and Neteller deposits, and withdrawals take 1-2 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are available at both brokers, but Exness offers faster processing and no hidden costs. Minimum deposit at Exness is $10, while HYCM requires $100, making Exness more accessible for smaller Malta retail traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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's Muslim traders, both Exness and HYCM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest on overnight positions. Exness provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw, Zero) with no swap fees, subject to a 90-day holding period and account eligibility. HYCM's swap-free accounts are available but limited to certain account types and may have restrictions on holding positions for extended periods. Exness's Islamic account is more flexible and suitable for long-term traders, while HYCM's offering is more restrictive. Both brokers require a declaration of Muslim faith and do not charge additional fees for swap-free accounts.
| Support Feature | Exness | HYCM | 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 handling Malta-specific queries. HYCM provides support during market hours (Monday to Friday) via live chat and email, with phone support available for premium clients. Exness's round-the-clock support is a clear advantage for Malta traders who trade during non-standard hours or need immediate assistance. Both brokers offer English support, but Exness's faster response times and comprehensive FAQ section make it more reliable.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | HYCM | 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 | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose HYCM if you...
For Malta retail traders, Exness is the superior choice in 2025, offering a 4.8/5 rating, lower trading costs, and seamless local payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its ultra-fast execution, flexible Islamic accounts, and 24/7 support cater to active traders. HYCM, with a 3.6/5 rating, is a reliable alternative for conservative traders who prioritize regulatory strength over cost and speed. Exness's compliance with the local financial regulator and its tailored features for Malta traders make it the best overall broker. We recommend Exness for most Malta traders seeking a modern, cost-effective, and user-friendly trading experience.