IC Markets vs FP Markets: Malta Broker Comparison 2026

When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, IC Markets edges ahead with its Raw Spread account offering spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. FP Markets’ Raw account starts from 0.0 pips with a slightly lower commission of $3.00 per lot, but its standard spreads are marginally wider. For a Malta trader executing 50 lots per month, IC Markets can save approximately $25 in total costs. Both brokers offer competitive pricing on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, but IC Markets’ lower spreads on cross pairs and minors give it a slight advantage. Volume-based traders will appreciate IC Markets’ rebate program, which reduces costs further for high-volume accounts.

Both brokers offer the full suite of MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, which are popular among Malta traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. IC Markets’ cTrader integration is particularly strong, offering a modern interface with depth of market and advanced order types. FP Markets also provides IRESS, a professional platform favored by active traders for its direct market access and comprehensive analytics. For Malta traders using mobile devices, both brokers have robust mobile apps with real-time quotes and one-click trading. The choice between platforms largely depends on personal preference: MT4/MT5 for algorithmic trading, cTrader for manual scalping, or IRESS for professional-grade trading.

IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution, with average speeds of under 40 milliseconds on its Equinix NY4 servers, making it ideal for high-frequency and scalping strategies used by many Malta traders. FP Markets also boasts fast execution, averaging 50-60 milliseconds, but with no requotes and deep liquidity from multiple Tier-1 banks. Both brokers offer straight-through processing (STP) and ECN execution models, ensuring minimal slippage during news events. For Malta traders, IC Markets’ slightly faster execution can be a decisive factor in fast-moving markets.

IC Markets and FP Markets are both regulated by reputable authorities, including CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSA (Seychelles), ensuring a baseline of client fund protection and operational transparency. For Malta traders, this means their funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, and negative balance protection is typically provided. While the local financial regulator in Malta (MFSA) does not directly oversee these brokers, both comply with EU-level standards through their CySEC licenses. Malta traders should be aware that leverage restrictions under ESMA (up to 1:30 for major pairs) apply to clients under EU entities, but offshore entities may offer higher leverage up to 1:500. Always verify your account type to ensure it aligns with your risk appetite and regulatory comfort.

Malta traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and FP Markets. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are processed instantly with zero fees, while USDT (Tether) transfers are also instant and fee-free, making them ideal for crypto-savvy traders. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and could incur intermediary bank fees, so e-wallets are recommended for speed. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, whereas FP Markets has a lower threshold of $100, making it more accessible for beginners. Withdrawals are equally efficient: Skrill, Neteller, and USDT withdrawals are processed within 24 hours on business days, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Both brokers do not charge internal withdrawal fees, but third-party charges may apply for bank transfers.

For Malta-based Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law, both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. These accounts eliminate overnight swap or rollover interest on all positions, ensuring no interest (riba) is charged or earned. Activation is simple: traders just need to contact customer support and request the switch. Both brokers impose no additional fees for Islamic accounts, but positions held beyond 30 days may incur a small administrative fee. IC Markets and FP Markets also offer the same trading conditions, including spreads and commissions, on Islamic accounts as on standard accounts, making them equally viable for faith-compliant trading in Malta.

Customer support is critical for Malta traders, especially during volatile market hours. IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with agents typically responding within minutes. FP Markets also provides round-the-clock support with a slight edge in local language availability, including Maltese-speaking representatives. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources on their websites. For urgent issues, IC Markets’ live chat is slightly faster, while FP Markets’ phone support is more personalized.