Glossary
The MetaQuotes Prop Firm Ban
In 2024, MetaQuotes started shutting down prop trading firms on MetaTrader 5. Here is what happened and how firms are responding.
What Happened
Starting in early 2024, MetaQuotes began terminating MT5 server access for brokers that provided services to proprietary trading (prop) firms. Firms like FTMO, MyForexFunds, and dozens of others lost their MT5 access overnight. MetaQuotes stated that prop firm activity violated their terms of service because prop firms do not execute real market trades through their platform.
Timeline of Events
Late 2023
MetaQuotes begins auditing brokers that serve prop firms. Initial warnings sent to some white label holders.
Q1 2024
First wave of bans. Several major prop firms lose MT5 access. Some switch to cTrader or DXtrade as emergency alternatives.
Q2-Q3 2024
Bans expand to smaller firms. MetaQuotes enforces stricter checks on new white label applications. Prop firms scramble for solutions.
2024 - Present
Grey label setups emerge as the primary way for prop firms to continue offering MT5. Firms operate under licensed brokers, staying invisible to MetaQuotes enforcement.
Why MetaQuotes Banned Prop Firms
No real market execution
Prop firms run simulated or demo-like environments. MetaQuotes views this as misuse of their trading platform, which was designed for real brokerage operations.
Reputation concerns
Some prop firms had complaints about payout refusals and unfair rules. MetaQuotes did not want the MT5 brand associated with these issues.
License terms violation
MetaQuotes license agreements specify that MT5 servers should be used for brokerage services. Prop firm challenge accounts fall outside this definition.
How Prop Firms Are Responding
MT5 Grey Label
Operate under a licensed broker's server. Stay invisible to MetaQuotes. Keep offering MT5 to traders. $5 per account.
Switch to cTrader
Move to Spotware's platform. No MetaQuotes connection, but traders must learn a new platform.
Switch to DXtrade
Use Devexperts' platform. Higher cost ($3,000+/mo) and longer setup, but fully independent from MetaQuotes.
Why Grey Label is the Best Option
MT5 Grey Label is the only solution that lets prop firms keep using MetaTrader 5 without ban risk. Your firm operates under a licensed broker's server, so MetaQuotes has no visibility into your operations. Your traders get the MT5 platform they already know, and you avoid the cost and disruption of switching platforms.
- ✓ Keep offering MT5 to your traders
- ✓ Invisible to MetaQuotes enforcement
- ✓ No platform migration needed
- ✓ Live in about 2 weeks, $5 per account
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MetaQuotes ban a grey label prop firm?
No. In a grey label setup, your prop firm accounts appear as regular trading accounts on the host broker's server. MetaQuotes cannot distinguish them from normal brokerage clients.
Are all prop firms banned from MT5?
MetaQuotes targets firms that hold their own white label or have a direct relationship with MetaQuotes. Firms operating through grey label arrangements are not affected because they have no direct MetaQuotes relationship.
Will MetaQuotes reverse the ban?
There is no indication that MetaQuotes plans to reverse its position. The ban has been in effect since early 2024 and enforcement has only increased over time.
Protect Your Prop Firm with MT5 Grey Label
Keep offering MetaTrader 5 without ban risk. Go live in 2 weeks.