Chinese traders have been experiencing widespread disruptions in accessing MetaQuotes’ MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms for more than a week, with new users unable to locate broker servers through the popular trading applications, according to industry sources familiar with the matter.

The issue has escalated again for the second time in recent months, and local authorities allegedly view popular retail trading apps as potential scams.

Chinese Forex Traders Face Extended Platform Access Disruptions

The connectivity problems, which began in the second half of May, primarily affected new users attempting to register with FX brokers through the MT4 and MT5 mobile applications. Existing users who had previously logged into broker servers continued trading without interruption. The problem persisted for over a week and seems to have been solved only this morning as MetaQuotes pushed through the message of build 1445.

We highlighted the issue earlier, citing posts on X by Hong Kong-based broker GFM, which explained to its clients how to work around the current problems. Potential solutions are also widely shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

FinanceMagnates.com reached out to MetaQuotes for comment on the matter, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Technical Workarounds and Potential “Fraud”

The disruptions represent the latest challenge for international trading platforms operating in China's tightly controlled financial environment. Sources noted this was not the first occurrence of such problems, with similar issues reported in November 2024, though previous incidents were resolved more quickly.

During the outage period, traders found workarounds, including using web-based trading platforms or installing desktop versions of the software.

The connectivity issues coincide with broader regulatory pressures on foreign trading platforms in China. Many Chinese nationals have been required to install the government's “National Anti-Fraud Center” application, which industry sources believe may flag MT4 and MT5 software as potentially fraudulent.

Emergency Platform Updates

MetaQuotes reportedly responded to the crisis by releasing emergency updates for both platforms. In a message to brokers seen by FinanceMagnates.com, the company announced the release of MT4 Android build 1445 and MT5 Android build 4981, specifically addressing issues affecting Chinese users.

The technical solution reflects the unique challenges of operating in China's restricted internet environment, where users cannot access the Google Play Store and must rely on alternative Android app markets or direct installation files (.apk).

An “Alarming” Situation

The week-long disruption highlighted the vulnerability of international brokers serving Chinese retail traders and appears “alarming,” according to some brokers that rely heavily on MetaTrader 4 and 5 for retail trading services.

The situation is complicated by China's broader restrictions on foreign financial services. Many broker client portals remain inaccessible from mainland China, forcing firms to frequently change their domain names to avoid government blocks.

While virtual private networks (VPNs) can restore access to both trading platforms and broker websites, the requirement for such technical workarounds creates additional barriers for new customers entering the market.

Moreover, users in Hong Kong continued to access MetaTrader platforms without interruption throughout the disruption. Meanwhile, mainland Chinese authorities have repeatedly warned residents against participating in unauthorized foreign exchange trading, citing high loss rates and regulatory loopholes on overseas platforms.

Source: Finance Magnates