Trading platform cTrader is rolling out native Python support in its latest software update, making it the first major platform to let developers build trading algorithms using the popular programming language.

With this move, Spotware, the company behind cTrader, aims to increase its market share in a space where MetaQuotes’ platforms, MetaTrader 4 and 5, still account for around 75% of trading volumes.

cTrader Adds Python Support for Trading Algorithms

The developer says the update will arrive with version 5.4 of its Windows platform. Traders and developers can now create automated trading bots, custom indicators, and plugins using Python instead of being limited to C# programming.

The move targets Python's massive developer community. The language ranks among the world's most popular programming tools, especially in financial technology and data science circles. Its reputation for simple syntax and powerful machine learning libraries has made it a favorite among algorithmic traders.

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Spotware claims that Python joins existing C# capabilities rather than replacing them. Users can pick whichever language feels more comfortable. The platform includes ready-made Python script templates, similar to what's already available for C# developers.

“Python is one of the most widely adopted languages in the world, particularly among algorithmic traders and fintech developers,” said Ilia Iarovitcyn, Spotware's CEO. “By supporting it natively within cTrader, we're not only lowering the barrier to entry for algo development, but also opening the door to a much broader community of innovators.”

The company positions this as part of its “Open Trading Platform Trading Platform In the FX space, a currency trading platform is a software provided by brokers to their respective client base, garnering access as traders in the broader market. Most commonly, this reflects an online interface or mobile app, complete with tools for order processing.Every broker needs one or more trading platforms to accommodate the needs of different clients. Being the backbone of the company’s offering, a trading platform provides clients with quotes, a selection of instruments to trade, real In the FX space, a currency trading platform is a software provided by brokers to their respective client base, garnering access as traders in the broader market. Most commonly, this reflects an online interface or mobile app, complete with tools for order processing.Every broker needs one or more trading platforms to accommodate the needs of different clients. Being the backbone of the company’s offering, a trading platform provides clients with quotes, a selection of instruments to trade, real Read this Term” strategy. That means welcoming third-party developers and integrations rather than keeping everything locked down.

This is the latest software update from Spotware, following last week’s release of cBroker version 9.6, the back-office platform that manages operations for brokers.

Will Python’s Popularity Boost cTrader’s Reach?

MetaTrader and Match-Trader, two of cTrader’s main competitors, rely on different programming stacks. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 use MQL4 and MQL5, proprietary languages built for the MetaTrader ecosystem and based on C++. While powerful, these require learning platform-specific syntax.

Match-Trader has turned to TypeScript for frontend development as part of a major overhaul, though it hasn’t opened up popular languages like Python or C# for trading automation Automation Automation is defined as the procedure of making an apparatus, a process, or a system to operate by mechanical or electronic devices that replace human labor. Additionally, automation is also sometimes referred to as mechanization or robotization. For example, employees have many costly needs, including government regulations. However, robotic workers don’t need much other than some routine maintenance and the occasional bug fix for an equipment malfunction or software bug. There is no overtime Automation is defined as the procedure of making an apparatus, a process, or a system to operate by mechanical or electronic devices that replace human labor. Additionally, automation is also sometimes referred to as mechanization or robotization. For example, employees have many costly needs, including government regulations. However, robotic workers don’t need much other than some routine maintenance and the occasional bug fix for an equipment malfunction or software bug. There is no overtime Read this Term.

Now, cTrader's addition of Python is a direct move to win over a broader market. By supporting the programming language most widely taught in universities and used in data science, cTrader lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers and offers seasoned developers the freedom to work in their preferred environment.

According to Finance Magnates Intelligence, there is much at stake. MT4 and MT5 account for nearly 75% of the CFD market by our estimates, while all other platforms, including cTrader, share the remaining 25%. This year saw some growth, with alternative platforms increasing their market share from 24 to 27%. cTrader is also gaining traction among prop firms, though MetaQuotes’ dominance remains far from challenged.

Broker Benefits and Revenue Opportunities

The company claims that introducing brokers stand to gain from the expanded developer pool. More programmers typically means more trading algorithms get built. Those algorithms end up in cTrader's marketplace, giving brokers additional tools to attract new clients.

The platform already hosts over 100 third-party integrations through its API system. Python support could accelerate that number as more developers can participate without learning C# first.

New users can start with template scripts or build from scratch. The interface mirrors what C# developers already know, keeping the learning curve manageable. The update targets Windows users initially. Mobile and web versions haven't been announced yet, though the company says it's exploring broader platform support.