MetaTrader 4 Company Overview

Founding Date and Background

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a widely-used trading platform developed by MetaQuotes Software Corporation, a company founded in 2000. The platform was released in 2005 and quickly gained popularity among forex traders for its user-friendly interface and robust trading features.

Parent Company/Ownership Structure

MetaQuotes Software Corporation is a privately-held company. It specializes in developing trading software and solutions for financial markets, with a strong focus on forex trading platforms.

Headquarters Location

The company is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. This strategic location allows it to serve a diverse range of international clients while being close to key financial markets.

Global Business Scope

MetaTrader 4 has a global reach, with millions of users across various countries. The platform is supported by over 750 brokers and banks, enabling retail traders to access forex, CFDs, and other financial instruments.

Main Regulatory Bodies

While MetaQuotes itself is not a broker and does not directly handle client funds, many brokers that offer MT4 are regulated by prominent authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

Back to Top

Company History and Development

Key Milestones

• 2000: MetaQuotes Software Corporation is founded.
• 2005: Release of MetaTrader 4, which quickly gains traction among forex traders.
• 2010: Introduction of MetaTrader 5, an upgraded version with additional features.
• 2015: MetaTrader 4 remains the most popular platform for forex trading, with a significant share of the market.

Business Expansion Journey

Since its inception, MetaQuotes has focused on enhancing the MetaTrader platform. The company has expanded its offerings by introducing new features, plugins, and third-party integrations, which have solidified MT4's position as a leading trading platform.

Customer Base Growth

MetaTrader 4 has grown to support millions of users worldwide. Its intuitive design and extensive functionality have made it the preferred choice for both novice and experienced traders. The platform's popularity is reflected in the fact that it accounts for approximately 65% of the forex trading market.

Platform Development History

The development of MT4 has included regular updates and enhancements, focusing on improving user experience, functionality, and security. The introduction of Expert Advisors (EAs) and a marketplace for third-party plugins has enriched the trading experience for users.

Important Awards or Recognitions Received

MetaTrader 4 has received numerous accolades for its innovative design and functionality. It is often recognized as the best forex trading platform by various financial publications and industry awards.

Back to Top

Trading Services Offered

Forex Trading Options

MetaTrader 4 supports trading in over 1,200 currency pairs, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms for forex trading. This extensive offering allows traders to access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.

Stock Trading Options

While MT4 primarily focuses on forex and CFDs, some brokers offer limited stock trading options through the platform. However, for a broader selection of stocks, traders may need to consider MetaTrader 5 or other platforms.

CFD Trading Products

MT4 enables trading in various CFDs, including indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The availability of these instruments depends on the broker's offerings.

Other Financial Instruments

In addition to forex and CFDs, many brokers provide access to cryptocurrencies and commodities through the MT4 platform. This diversification allows traders to explore multiple asset classes within a single interface.

Special Services or Unique Advantages

MT4 is known for its automated trading capabilities through Expert Advisors (EAs), which allow traders to execute strategies without manual intervention. The platform also features advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a customizable interface.

Back to Top

Regulatory and Legal Background

Detailed Regulatory Information

While MetaQuotes Software Corporation itself does not require regulation, the brokers offering MT4 must adhere to the regulations set by their respective jurisdictions. Common regulatory bodies include:

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - UK
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) - Australia
• Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) - Cyprus
• National Futures Association (NFA) - USA

Legal Entity Structure by Region

MetaQuotes operates globally, but it does not have a direct legal presence in multiple countries. Instead, it partners with regulated brokers that provide trading services to clients in various regions.

Client Fund Protection Measures

Regulated brokers that offer MT4 typically implement client fund protection measures, including segregating client funds from operational funds and participating in compensation schemes. For example, FCA-regulated brokers offer protection up to £85,000 for UK clients.

Countries/Regions Served

MetaTrader 4 is available to traders worldwide, with the exception of certain regions where regulatory restrictions apply. The platform is commonly used in Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of North America.

Compliance History

MetaQuotes maintains a solid compliance history, operating within the regulations set by the jurisdictions in which its partner brokers operate. The company does not directly handle client funds, which mitigates regulatory risks.

Back to Top

Competitive Landscape

3-5 Main Competitors

• MetaTrader 5: The successor to MT4, offering additional features and capabilities for multi-asset trading.
• cTrader: A trading platform known for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting tools.
• NinjaTrader: A platform focused on futures and forex trading, offering extensive tools for technical analysis.
• TradingView: A web-based platform that provides advanced charting capabilities and social trading features.

Positioning in the Industry

MetaTrader 4 is positioned as the leading platform for forex trading, favored by retail traders for its simplicity and robust features. Its extensive adoption has made it a staple in the forex trading community.

Market Differentiation Factors

Key differentiators for MetaTrader 4 include its extensive library of trading tools, the ability to automate trading through Expert Advisors, and a large community of users contributing to its ecosystem. The platform's compatibility with numerous brokers also enhances its appeal.

Back to Top

In conclusion, MetaTrader 4 remains a dominant player in the trading platform market, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for forex and CFD trading. Its ongoing development and broad acceptance among brokers ensure its relevance in the ever-evolving financial landscape. For traders seeking a reliable platform with extensive features, MT4 is an excellent choice.

Learn more about how to get started with MetaTrader 4 and explore its capabilities.