Article details
MetaQuotes, the developer of the popular MetaTrader platforms, has entered the liquidity bridge market with its new service Ultency, disrupting the traditional third-party bridge providers. Launched in 2025, Ultency offers a flat fee of $1 per $1 million traded, undercutting the volume-based pricing models of competitors. This move signals MetaQuotes' strategic expansion into infrastructure previously dominated by external firms, supported by significant investments in a global server network. Meanwhile, brokers like Hantec Markets and Plus500 reported strong Q1 2026 performance, with Hantec seeing a 176% year-on-year surge in trading volume and Plus500 raising its full-year revenue outlook. These developments highlight shifting dynamics in forex infrastructure and broker profitability.
MetaQuotes' entry into the bridge market could reshape liquidity costs for brokers, particularly high-volume firms, by offering a more predictable pricing structure. This could reduce reliance on third-party providers and alter competitive dynamics in the forex ecosystem. For traders, the availability of cheaper infrastructure might indirectly affect spreads and execution quality. The performance of brokers like Hantec and Plus500 also underscores the sector's resilience amid evolving market conditions.
For the MENA region, where forex trading is a significant financial activity, MetaQuotes' strategy may influence local brokers' operational costs and service offerings. Investors should monitor how Ultency's adoption impacts liquidity providers and whether MetaQuotes' aggressive pricing triggers a broader industry shift. Additionally, the strong Q1 results from major brokers suggest continued growth in forex trading volumes, which could benefit traders seeking stable platforms.
