MetaQuotes Announces Licensing Fee Hike Amid Industry Speculations

MetaQuotes, the developer of the widely-used MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), has informed its clients of an impending increase in licensing fees starting January 1, 2025. This update highlights a potential 20% price hike, as predicted by industry sources.

The notice addressed to MT4 clients states: "Our commitment to providing you with the highest quality products and services has led to an increase in operating costs which, ultimately, necessitated this price update."

Similar notifications were sent to brokers using MT5. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, industry insiders estimate current licensing fees at $10,000 monthly per platform, with combined costs for both platforms ranging from $15,000 to $20,000, excluding white-label setups.

MetaQuotes' near-monopoly in the over-the-counter trading market, driven by the dominance of MT4 and MT5, has sparked increasing reliance on alternative platforms. The company has actively promoted MT5 adoption while ceasing new licenses for MT4, limiting access for offshore brokers and creating challenges for prop trading platforms.

As the industry adjusts to these changes, rival platform providers are gaining traction, reflecting a shifting competitive landscape.