Business

A Guide to MetaTrader 5 Automated trading

Published

3 years ago

January 2, 2023

A Guide to MetaTrader 5 Automated trading

MetaTrader 5 was introduced as an improved and advanced version of the classic MT4 platform. MT4’s functionality was confined to forex trading only. Whereas, it’s successor Metatrader 5 was built to navigate through a number of markets including forex, commodity, stocks, indices and crypto. They both are still very similar to each other but MetaTrader 5 surely has an edge when it comes to the technical aspects. This superiority of Metatrader 5 makes it a perfect platform to run a fully automated trading strategy with ease.

What Makes MetaTrader 5 a Better Choice for Algo Trading?

In order to use the MT5 trading platform, one would need to create an account with a forex broker that offers the metatrader 5 platform. There is no doubt in the fact that MT4 is still the most preferred trading platform on a global level. The simple yet powerful interface of MT4 is still the best place for beginners to learn and practice using the essential tools for trading. But when it comes to automated trading, you are bound to notice the differences which would justify opting for MT5 instead of MT4.

Most of the newbies who step into the forex world must have taken their first trading lessons from a demo account on the popular MT4 platform. Almost every broker offers MT4 as their trading terminal. But lately brokers have added the advanced MT5 terminal to their platform to keep up with the technological advancement. So, one important aspect which you need to look into is finding a broker who provides the MT5 platform and supports algo trading as well. Now let’s look at the differences which make MT5 a suitable choice for automated trading.

While using MT4, you will see that the only option to automate the trading process is by running an Expert Advisor (EA). It can be rightfully referred to as a forex trading robot which takes up trades on your behalf. It is a computer program or algorithm that is specifically designed to enter and exit trades without manual intervention. These are just scripts that facilitate automated trading. Whereas, on the MT5 platform in addition to expert advisors, automated trading can be done through strategies too. It is different from just using a bot that executes commands. A strategy is built by establishing a set of rules that needs to be followed while trading. And MT5 will carry out automated trading based on the very same rules as per your strategy.

Also, MT5 as a trading platform has more advanced and improved charting options and it is more capable of supporting automated trading than the classic version. Another thing to mention here is that an algo strategy would be executed based on an order system on MT4. On the other hand, MT5’s algo trading function is based on a positional system, allowing traders to keep a trade position open for a longer duration in comparison to MT4. Taking all these points into consideration, it is quite evident that MetaTrader 5 happens to have an upperhand when it comes to executing an automated strategy with utmost perfection.

Basics of Algo Trading on MetaTrader 5

Getting started with algo trading on MT5 is pretty easy for anyone once you understand the basics of it. You don’t need to be a pro at programming in order to avail the benefits of automated trading on the MT5 platform. You can easily purchase or rent the trading programs of your choice or can even go for free download options that are available. You also have the option to test these programs before applying them in real-time market conditions.

Another interesting feature is that those who are unable to find a program that fits their criteria can even order a custom program from the professional programmers offering their services to MetaTrader 5 users from the freelance section of MQL5 community website. This will be fast, convenient and affordable at the same time.

In addition to Expert Advisor robots, one can also use scripts, services and custom indicators on the advanced MT5 environment. Combining all these functions together will surely optimize a fully automated trading experience without needing any human intervention.

Steps for Enabling Algo Trading on MT5 Trading Platform

Click File → Open Data Folder and then click on the MQL5 folder to look for Expert Advisors. If you are opting for a custom program or scripts you will need to store them in this folder to use them.
For launching an expert advisor/indicator you just need to double-click on it, or you can simply drag it to a chart. Then you can see the properties window of the selected robot. You can start using it by clicking ok. If you see a green icon appearing in the upper right corner of the chart, that means the robot or advisor is successfully launched.
But if the icon is red, that would mean that the Expert Advisor is switched off. You need to go to the EA’s settings and the options of a trading platform & enable algo trading for starting the program.

Benefits of Automated Trading on MetaTrader 5

Eliminates Time Constraints: One of the best things about algo trading is that you can eliminate the time constraints and save a lot of time by relying on an automated strategy. An expert advisor or forex robot can function 24 hours and catch good trading opportunities on your behalf even when you are sleeping. It will also enter trades based on the market conditions which will save you from the trouble of watching and analyzing charts all day.
Effortless Trading Experience: Even a newbie can avail the benefits of automated trading without any prior experience or knowledge. Automated trading does not have a prolonged learning curve like manual trading. All you need is the right EA and you will be able to make profits from favorable price changes that happen in the trading instruments.
A perfect solution to emotional trading: Manual trading does have some risk of engaging in emotional or impulsive trading. As humans we may not be able to suppress the feelings of fear, greed, frustration and stress. These emotions can often result in revenge trading which is very dangerous for a trader. Traders who have a hard time controlling their emotions during a trade can leave the trading process to an EA to eliminate the risk of deviating from their original trading plan. A robot is simply not bound by emotions or feelings. Hence, the psychological barrier can be easily removed by opting for algo trading.

In conclusion, we can say that MetaTrader 5 is becoming the new favorite trading platform for traders. Automated trading is one of the most highlighted features of MetaTrader platform and MT5 aims to provide a better algo trading experience to its users with its advanced functions. MetaTrader 5 has managed to retain the user friendliness of MT4 even with the added functions and advancements, which makes it even more accessible for both novice and experienced traders.

Business

Inside the $4.3B Quarter: What’s Fueling Black Banx’s Record Revenues

Published

1 week ago

January 16, 2026

Matthew Wiles

Every quarter brings fresh headlines in fintech, but few make the kind of impact achieved by Black Banx in Q2 2025. The Toronto-based global digital banking group, founded by Michael Gastauer, reported an extraordinary USD 4.3 billion in revenue and a record USD 1.6 billion in pre-tax profit, while improving its cost-to-income ratio to 63%.

These results not only highlight the company’s operational efficiency but also mark a pivotal moment in its journey from challenger to global leader. The big question is: what’s fueling such impressive financial performance?

Customer Growth as the Core Driver

One of the clearest engines of revenue growth is Black Banx’s expanding customer base. By Q2 2025, the platform had reached 84 million clients worldwide, up from 69 million at the end of 2024. This 15 million net gain in six months demonstrates both the attractiveness of its services and the scalability of its model.

Unlike traditional banks, which rely heavily on branch expansion, Black Banx leverages digital-first onboarding that allows customers to open accounts within minutes using just a smartphone. This approach is especially effective in regions underserved by legacy institutions, where access to affordable financial tools is in high demand.

More customers don’t just mean higher transaction volumes—they generate a compounding effect where network size, brand trust, and service adoption reinforce one another.

Real-Time Payments and Cross-Border Solutions

A major contributor to Q2 revenues is the platform’s real-time payments infrastructure. Black Banx enables instant cross-border transfers across its 28 supported fiat currencies and multiple cryptocurrencies, helping both individuals and businesses bypass the traditional bottlenecks of international banking.

For freelancers, SMEs, and multinational clients, this means faster liquidity, reduced foreign exchange costs, and simplified global operations. The demand for real-time financial services is growing rapidly—Juniper Research projects global real-time payments turnover to hit USD 58 trillion by 2028—and Black Banx is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of this market.

Crypto Integration as a Revenue Stream

Another key revenue driver is crypto integration. While many traditional institutions remain hesitant, Black Banx embraced digital assets early and has built infrastructure to support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the Lightning Network. In Q2 2025, 20% of all transactions on the platform were crypto-based, reflecting strong customer appetite for hybrid banking services that bridge fiat and digital assets.

Revenue comes not only from transaction fees but also from value-added services like crypto-to-fiat conversion, staking yields (4–12% APY), and blockchain-enabled payments. For customers in markets with unstable currencies, these services act as a financial lifeline, further expanding the platform’s relevance.

AI-Powered Efficiency and Risk Management

Record revenues would be less impressive if costs ballooned at the same rate. But Black Banx has proven adept at balancing growth with efficiency. Its cost-to-income ratio improved to 63% in Q2, down from 69% a year earlier, thanks to heavy reliance on AI-powered automation.

AI now drives fraud detection, compliance, and customer onboarding—areas where traditional banks often struggle with cost inefficiencies. By automating these processes, Black Banx can process millions of transactions securely while maintaining profitability at scale. This level of efficiency is rare in fintech, where high growth often comes at the expense of margins.

Regional Expansion and Untapped Markets

Geography also plays a role in fueling revenues. Much of the Q2 growth came from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America—regions where demand for mobile-first banking continues to soar. In 2024 alone, Black Banx reported a 32% increase in SME clients from the Middle East and Africa, signaling the strength of its positioning in underserved markets.

By extending services to populations previously excluded from formal banking—migrant workers, rural communities, and small businesses—Black Banx taps into vast pools of latent demand. The strategy proves that financial inclusion and profitability are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.

Diversified Revenue Streams

Another factor behind Q2’s record revenues is Black Banx’s diversified business model. Income is not tied to a single service but spread across multiple streams, including:

Transaction fees from cross-border transfers and payments.
Crypto trading and exchange services.
Premium account features for high-net-worth clients.
Corporate services for SMEs and international businesses.

This diversification insulates the company against volatility in any single segment, creating stable revenue growth even in shifting market conditions.

Michael Gastauer’s Strategic Blueprint

Behind these results is Michael Gastauer’s long-term strategy: scale aggressively but with efficiency, innovation, and inclusion at the core. His vision has always been to create a borderless financial ecosystem, and Q2 2025’s performance is evidence that this vision is not only achievable but sustainable.

By balancing mass-market accessibility with premium features, and by blending fiat with digital assets, Gastauer has positioned Black Banx as a category-defining player in global finance.

The Road Ahead: Toward 100 Million Clients

Looking forward, the company’s goal of reaching 100 million customers by the end of 2025 will likely be the next catalyst for revenue growth. More customers mean more transactions, more data insights, and more opportunities to refine and expand its service offering.

If current momentum holds, the USD 4.3 billion quarterly revenue milestone could be just the beginning of an even larger growth story. The challenge will be ensuring systems scale securely while maintaining trust in an environment where privacy and compliance are paramount.

A Record That Signals More to Come

Black Banx’s Q2 2025 performance—USD 4.3 billion in revenue, USD 1.6 billion in pre-tax profit, 84 million clients worldwide, and a lean 63% cost-to-income ratio—is more than a financial milestone. It is a signal of how the future of banking is being rewritten by platforms that are borderless, crypto-inclusive, and data-driven.

What fueled this record-breaking quarter is not one innovation but a combination of strategies—scalable onboarding, real-time payments, crypto integration, AI efficiency, and expansion into underserved regions. Together, they form a model that doesn’t just challenge traditional banking but actively builds the foundation for global dominance.

For Black Banx, the road ahead is clear: the $4.3 billion quarter is not an endpoint but a launchpad for even greater scale and profitability.