One of the big stories of the last two months has been the changes taking place at MetaQuotes as it has warned brokers using its MetaTrader platform about using unlicensed 3rd party products. The actions culminated in a popular user-interface plugin from MT4i being banned, and subsequently removed by brokers.
Speaking to brokers, MetaQuotes, and third party provider insiders, there are believed to be two main issues that are driving the changes. First, as many products are in the form of server side plugins, if developed incorrectly, these offerings could lead to conflicts with other plugins or the MetaTrader software. As such, even within conversation between third party providers and brokers that don’t involve MetaQuotes, there is often debates about which plugins can be used. Secondly, as a software provider, MetaQuotes is protecting its product brand by placing restriction on offerings that would deliver a different interface to users. Basically, if a broker is marketing MT4 to clients, they want it to look like MT4.
Following on the recent events, third party providers who have developed products around the MT4 eco-system have begun to rethink their business models, knowing that they could potentially run into conflicts with MetaQuotes. Even long term MetaQuotes partners are putting more thinking into the launch of alternative products, which include services to other platforms, Risk Management software, feed aggregation tools, or even the launching of new trading platforms.
Firms are also analyzing how they can develop their existing products in ways that meet MetaQuotes licensing rules. On this note, technology provider TradeToolsFX, has announced the launch of MetaQuotes compliant version of their FX LITE trading system. They had recently released a binary options on MT4 product that attracted comments from MetaQuotes on our site. According to TradeToolsFX, the new product is able to be operated by MT4 brokers without the use of server side plugins. The FX LITE offering provides brokers a suite of cross platform end-user trading platforms that are available via desktop, web-based, and mobile. The product supports Forex , CFDs, and binary options trading.
The Admin can be downloaded or accessed as Software as a Solution (“SaaS”) using a thin client via the web thus giving brokers ultimate flexibility to manage FX LITE. The firm added that “both versions also have our MAM solution – Multi Account Trader (“MAT”) – fully integrated so a broker does NOT need to install and run a third party plugin in order to offer an allocation solution for Money Managers. TTFX’s MAT system is fully compatible with MT4 allowing Money Managers to run EAs, set allocation modes, close trades in subaccounts among other features.” They added “TTFX continues to receive multiple inquiries from IB’s and retail clients about what brokers offer our products, especially Binary Options on MT4. “
