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

High Volume, High Value: The Business Logic Behind Black Banx’s Growth

Published

2 weeks ago

June 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In fintech, success no longer hinges on legacy prestige or brick-and-mortar branches—it’s about speed, scale, and precision. Black Banx, under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Gastauer, has exemplified this model, turning its high-volume approach into high-value results.

The company’s Q1 2025 performance tells the story: $1.6 billion in pre-tax profit, $4.3 billion in revenue, and 9 million new customers added, bringing its total customer base to 78 million across 180+ countries.

But behind the numbers lies a carefully calibrated business model built for exponential growth. Here’s how Black Banx’s strategy of scale is redefining what profitable banking looks like in the digital age.

Scaling at Speed: Why Volume Matters

Unlike traditional banks, which often focus on deepening relationships with a limited set of customers, Black Banx thrives on breadth and transactional frequency. Its digital infrastructure supports onboarding millions of users instantly, with zero physical presence required. Customers can open accounts within minutes and transact across 28 fiat currencies and 2 cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum) from anywhere in the world.

Each customer interaction—whether it’s a cross-border transfer, crypto exchange, or FX transaction—feeds directly into Black Banx’s revenue engine. At scale, these micro-interactions yield macro results.

Real-Time, Global Payments at the Core

One of Black Banx’s most powerful value propositions is real-time cross-border payments. By enabling instant fund transfers across currencies and countries, the platform removes the frictions associated with SWIFT-based systems and legacy banking networks.

This service, used by individuals and businesses alike, generates:

Volume-based revenue from transaction fees
Exchange spreads on currency conversion
Premium service income from business clients managing international payroll or vendor payments

With operations in underserved regions like Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, Black Banx is not only increasing volume—it’s tapping into fast-growing financial ecosystems overlooked by legacy banks.

The Flywheel Effect of Crypto Integration

Crypto capabilities have added another dimension to the company’s high-volume model. As of Q1 2025, 20% of all Black Banx transactions involved cryptocurrency, including:

Crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto exchanges
Crypto deposits and withdrawals
Payments using Bitcoin or Ethereum

The crypto integration attracts both retail users and blockchain-native businesses, enabling them to:

Access traditional banking rails
Convert assets seamlessly
Operate with lower transaction fees than those found in standard financial systems

By being one of the few regulated platforms offering full banking and crypto support, Black Banx is monetizing the convergence of two financial worlds.

Optimized for Operational Efficiency

High volume is only profitable when costs are contained—and Black Banx has engineered its operations to be lean from day one. With a cost-to-income ratio of just 63% in Q1 2025, it operates significantly more efficiently than most global banks.

Key enablers of this cost efficiency include:

AI-driven compliance and customer support
Cloud-native architecture
Automated onboarding and KYC processes
Digital-only servicing without expensive physical infrastructure

The outcome is a platform that not only scales, but does so without sacrificing margin—each new customer contributes to profit rather than diluting it.

Business Clients: The Value Multiplier

While Black Banx’s massive customer base is largely consumer-driven, its business clients are high-value accelerators. From SMEs and startups to crypto firms and global freelancers, businesses use Black Banx for:

International transactions
Multi-currency payroll
Crypto-fiat settlements
Supplier payments and invoicing

These clients tend to:

Transact more frequently
Use a broader range of services
Generate significantly higher revenue per user

Moreover, Black Banx’s API integrations and tailored enterprise solutions lock in these clients for the long term, reinforcing predictable and scalable growth.

Monetizing the Ecosystem, Not Just the Account

The genius of Black Banx’s model is that it monetizes not just accounts, but entire customer journeys. A user might:

Onboard in minutes
Deposit funds from a crypto wallet
Exchange currencies
Pay an overseas vendor
Withdraw to a local bank account

Each of these actions touches a different monetization lever—FX spread, transaction fee, crypto conversion, or premium service charge. With 78 million customers doing variations of this at global scale, the cumulative financial impact becomes immense.

Strategic Expansion, Not Blind Growth

Unlike many fintechs that chase customer acquisition without a clear monetization path, Black Banx aligns its growth with strategic market opportunities. Its expansion into underbanked and high-demand markets ensures that:

Customer acquisition costs stay low
Services meet genuine needs (e.g., cross-border income, crypto access)
Revenue per user grows over time

It’s not just about acquiring more customers—it’s about acquiring the right customers, in the right markets, with the right needs.

The Future Belongs to Scalable Banking

Black Banx’s ability to transform high-volume engagement into high-value profitability is more than just a fintech success—it’s a signal of what the future of banking looks like. In a world where agility, efficiency, and inclusion define competitive advantage, Black Banx has created a blueprint for digital banking dominance.

With $1.6 billion in quarterly profit, nearly 80 million users, and services that span the globe and the blockchain, the company is no longer just scaling—it’s compounding. Each new user, each transaction, and each feature builds upon the last.

This is not the story of a bank growing.

This is the story of a bank accelerating.