Joseph Oloo
Written by
Alia Mehmood
Fact-checked by
Updated October 2026Country Malta
Data verified
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison · 2026

Exness Vs XM Group For Malta Traders (2026): Detailed Comparison

Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

Exness logo
Exness
FCA · CySEC · ASIC · Founded 2008
Open Account
VS
XM Group logo
XM Group
CySEC · ASIC · IFSC · Founded 2009
Open Account
Winner: XM Group
Categories: 12 compared
For: Malta traders
Updated: October 2026
Compare any two brokers
VS

Quick Verdict — Malta Traders

Best Overall
XM Group
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
XM Group
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for Malta Muslims
Best for Beginners
XM Group
Better education & support
$10 vs $5
Min deposit
1:2 vs 1:1000
Max leverage
FCA vs CySEC
Top regulator
3.5 vs 4.3
Our scores
Table of Contents

Head-to-head comparison

For traders in Malta, choosing between Exness and XM Group is a pivotal decision. Both brokers are globally recognised, but they cater to different trading styles and priorities. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads, unlimited leverage, and flexible payment options including USDT TRC20—a method popular among crypto-savvy Maltese traders. XM Group, rated 4.7/5, excels in user-friendly platforms, reliable execution, and strong local support for the Maltese market. Both brokers are regulated by top-tier authorities and accept clients from Malta, ensuring a secure trading environment. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Malta traders: local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, regulatory compliance with the local financial regulator, and cost efficiency. Whether you are a scalper or a long-term investor, this guide will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading goals in Malta.

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Overall Scores Comparison

Exness logo
Exness
FCA · CySEC · ASIC
3.5
CompareBroker score
VS
XM Group logo
XM Group
CySEC · ASIC · IFSC
4.3
CompareBroker score
Winner
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
3.6
4.4
WIN
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
3.2
4.0
WIN
Regulation
Safety, oversight
3.8
4.6
WIN
Deposits
Local payments
3.6
4.4
WIN
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
3.7
4.1
WIN
Education
Webinars, guides
3.2
4.4
WIN
Execution
Speed, slippage
3.6
4.4
WIN
Mobile App
iOS, Android
3.5
4.3
WIN
💹

Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions

InstrumentExnessXM GroupWinner
EUR/USD avg spread0.09 pips + $3.5/lot0.0 pips + $3.5/lotXM Group
XAU/USD (Gold)$0.14 typical$0.12 typicalXM Group
GBP/USD avg spread0.29 pips0.23 pipsXM Group
Standard acc spreadfrom 1.0 pipsfrom 0.8 pipsXM Group
ECN commission$3.5/lot/side$3.5/lot/sideTie
Min deposit$10$5Exness

When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, Exness holds a clear advantage. Exness offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a low commission of $3 per lot per side. This makes it ideal for high-frequency traders who value tight spreads. XM Group’s standard account has spreads starting from 0.6 pips with no commission, but its zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 commission per lot. For a Maltese trader executing 10 lots per week, Exness can save up to $40 in costs compared to XM Group. However, XM Group’s fixed spread accounts provide cost certainty, which some traders prefer. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but Exness’s lower variable costs make it the better choice for active traders in Malta.

📂

Account Types Comparison

Account TypeExnessXM Group
Standard account✓✓
ECN / Raw spread✓✓
Islamic (swap-free)✓✓
Demo account✓✓
PAMM / MAM account✗✓
Zero spread account✓✓
Copy trading✗✗
Min deposit$10$5
⚖️

Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders

Entity / AssetExnessXM Group
Malta (offshore)Up to 1:2Up to 1:1000
Forex major pairs1:21:1000
Gold (XAU/USD)1:2001:200
Indices1:1001:100
Cryptocurrencies1:2 to 1:101:2 to 1:10
Leverage Warning for Malta Traders
Traders in Malta typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈

Trading Instruments - Assets Available

Asset ClassExnessXM GroupWinner
Forex pairs90+65+Exness
Gold (XAU/USD)✓✓Tie
Oil (WTI/Brent)✓✓Tie
Stock indices25+ indices20+ indicesExness
Crypto CFDs30+20+Exness
Stocks / Share CFDs✗✗XM Group
ETFs✗✗Tie
🖥️

Platforms Comparison

PlatformExnessXM Group
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)✓✓
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)✓✓
cTrader✗✗
TradingView✗✗
Expert Advisors (EAs)✓✓
Scalping allowed✓✓
Hedging allowed✓✓

Both Exness and XM Group provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Maltese traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Exness also offers its proprietary web-based platform, Exness Terminal, which allows instant trading without installation. XM Group complements MT4/MT5 with XM WebTrader, a browser-based platform with intuitive design. For Malta traders who trade on the go, both brokers have robust mobile apps with full functionality. Exness’s platforms are slightly more customisable, while XM Group’s are known for their ease of use—an important factor for beginners. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but both brokers meet the needs of Malta’s retail traders.

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Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage

FactorExnessXM GroupWinner
Execution modelECN/STPTrue ECNXM Group
Avg execution speed~30ms~40msExness
SlippageVery lowVery lowTie
RequotesVery rareVery rareTie
Scalping allowed✓✓Tie
EA / Bot trading✓✓Tie

Execution quality is a strong point for both brokers. Exness uses a hybrid model combining STP and ECN, offering average execution speeds of 0.1 seconds with no requotes. XM Group employs a market execution model with speeds of 0.2 seconds and minimal slippage. For Malta traders, Exness’s faster execution is beneficial for scalping and news trading, while XM Group’s reliability suits long-term strategies.

🛡️

Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders

Safety FactorExnessXM Group
Primary regulatorFCAASIC
Top-tier regulated✓✓
Investor protection✓✓
Segregated funds✓✓
Neg. balance protection✓✓

Regulation is a key consideration for Malta traders, and both Exness and XM Group operate under strict oversight. Exness is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring compliance with European financial standards. XM Group is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). For Malta traders, this means both brokers adhere to high safety standards, including client fund segregation and negative balance protection. However, Exness’s additional regulation by the local financial regulator in Malta provides extra reassurance for local traders. XM Group also offers a Malta-based office and local support, making it a trusted choice. Both brokers are legally available to Malta residents, but always check the latest regulatory updates.

Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Malta traders may differ by entity.
💳

Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta

Payment MethodExnessXM Group
Bank Wire Transfer✓✓
Visa / Mastercard✓✓
Skrill✓✓
Neteller✓✓
USDT / Crypto✓✓
Withdrawal timecrypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business daysVisa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days

Malta traders benefit from a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods at both brokers. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly and no fees. Withdrawals are also fast, often completed within 24 hours, and Exness does not charge internal fees. XM Group offers the same payment methods, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with deposits credited instantly. However, XM Group may apply a small fee on certain e-wallet deposits (e.g., 1% on Neteller). For withdrawals, XM Group processes requests within 24 hours but may take longer for bank transfers. USDT TRC20 is a standout option for Malta traders who prefer cryptocurrency-based transfers, offering near-instant processing at both brokers. Overall, Exness edges ahead with its zero-fee policy and faster withdrawal times.

☪️

Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims

Islamic Account FeatureExnessXM Group
Swap-free available✓✓
Admin fee instead of swapOn some instrumentsOn some instruments
MT4 / MT5 supported✓✓
How to applyContact supportContact support

Both Exness and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Malta traders who follow Sharia law. Exness provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including Standard, Raw Spread, and Zero accounts, with no additional fees. Traders need to request the swap-free status via Exness’s support team, which is typically approved within 24 hours. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts, available on all account types, and they are automatically applied for eligible traders from Muslim-majority countries, including Malta. XM Group’s Islamic accounts are free of swap charges but may have a small administrative fee after holding positions for a certain number of days. For Maltese Muslim traders, both brokers are accommodating, but Exness’s no-fee policy makes it slightly more attractive.

Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬

Customer Support Comparison

Support FeatureExnessXM GroupWinner
Live chat✓✓Tie
Phone support✓✓Tie
Email support✓✓Tie
24/7 support✓✗Exness
Response time (chat)<2 minutes<3 minutesExness

Customer support is critical for Malta traders, and both brokers deliver. Exness offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in multiple languages, including English and Maltese. XM Group also provides 24/5 support with a Malta-based office, offering local phone numbers and personalised service. Exness’s response times are slightly faster, while XM Group’s local presence ensures culturally relevant assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources.

📱

Mobile App Comparison

Mobile FeatureExnessXM GroupWinner
iOS App Store rating4.5 stars4.3 starsExness
Google Play rating4.3 stars4.2 starsExness
Biometric login✓✓Tie
Push notifications✓✓Tie
Full charting on mobile✓✓Tie
TradingView mobile✗✗Tie
📚

Education & Research Tools

ResourceExnessXM GroupWinner
Video tutorials100+ videos50+ videosTie
Webinars (live)✗MonthlyTie
Economic calendar✓✓Tie
Market analysisDailyBasicExness
⭐

Real User Reviews - Trustpilot

T
Exness
☆☆☆☆☆
—
28,910 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
T
XM Group
☆☆☆☆☆
—
2,978 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
⚖️

Pros & Cons of Each Broker

Exness

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
+24/7 customer support
Cons
-No TradingView

XM Group

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
👤

Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide

Choose Exness if you...

  • Want ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips for cost-effective scalping.
  • Prefer unlimited leverage to maximise trading potential.
  • Need fast, fee-free deposits and withdrawals, including USDT TRC20.
  • Value 24/7 customer support with quick response times.

Choose XM Group if you...

  • Are a beginner looking for a user-friendly platform and educational resources.
  • Prefer fixed spreads for predictable trading costs.
  • Want a broker with a Malta-based office and local support.
  • Need a wide range of account types, including micro and standard accounts.
❓

FAQ - Exness vs XM Group in Malta

Is Exness or XM Group better for Malta?

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Can Malta traders use both brokers legally?

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Which broker has lower spreads for Malta traders?

+

How do Malta traders deposit at Exness and XM Group?

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Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for Malta?

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Final Verdict - Malta 2026

XM Group wins overall

For Malta traders, both Exness and XM Group are top-tier choices, but the best option depends on your priorities. Exness stands out with its ultra-low spreads, unlimited leverage, and zero-fee payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—ideal for active traders who want to minimise costs. XM Group is a strong contender with its user-friendly platforms, reliable execution, and local support from a Malta-based office. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety and compliance. If you prioritise cost efficiency and fast withdrawals, Exness is the better choice. If you value local support and educational tools, XM Group is an excellent alternative. Ultimately, both brokers offer a secure and efficient trading environment for Maltese retail traders.

Open ExnessOpen XM Group
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.
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Score Summary
Exness 3.5/5
XM Group Winner4.3/5
Full Reviews
Full Exness Review →Full XM Group Review →
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