Sneak Peak: New Funding in Hand, ChartIQ to Launch WebTrader at iFX Expo Hong Kong

A provider of HTML5 charting technology for the capital markets sector, ChartIQ’s products are powering charts for major trading portals such as Nasdaq, as well as within various multi-asset platforms like webtraders and proprietary bond pricing tools. Within the online forex industry, ChartIQ’s charting technology is used by Leverate for its HTML5-based cross platform Sirix webtrader, as well as by eToro in its web compatible version of OpenBook.

Expanding its solutions for brokers, ChartIQ brings to market a new webtrader platform which will be displayed publicly for the first time at the upcoming iFX Expo in Hong Kong. Targeted at MetaTrader 4 brokers, the webtrader is based on ChartIQ’s familiar charting interface with the additional order entry and client account and position details integrated within the system.

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The product operates as a MetaTrader plugin with client trades being synced between the new platform, their downloadable MetaTrader 4 system and any connected mobile app platforms. In regards to compatibility of their plugin with MetaQuotes licensing, Dan Schleifer, President and Co-Founder of ChartIQ, answered Forex Magnates that feedback from brokers who have discussed the webtrader with MetaQuotes led to a consensus that it follows existing server protocols.

Speaking about what led to the creation of the product, Schleifer explained that it was based on seeing demand for their charting being used by various firms for their webtrader due to overall interest in HTML5 to replace older systems operating on Flash and Silverlight technology. However, he noted that proprietary building of technology is typically reserved for only the larger firms. As such, “small to mid-size firms aren’t willing to or have the ability to build their own platforms. The webtrader provides an opportunity to offer these interested brokers a solution.” According to Schleifer, ChartIQ expects to have its first broker customer launching the webtrader to their customers in the coming weeks.

Even with the webtrader launch, Schleifer explained that the company’s focus remains to “develop the best charts out there with attention on providing development tools to make it easy to implement” by their customers. As such, like their existing product offering, the webtrader is fully customizable with brokers able to alter font, color scheme and functions of the interface. However, Schleifer explained that their feedback from brokers was that they prefer systems that offer a user experience similar to existing products in the market. As such, items like out of the box default color schemes and open order boxes appear similar to MetaTrader 4 and other web- based platforms on the market.

For ChartIQ, the launch is part of their recent expansion initiatives following the addition of new business development and programming hires. Helping fund the growth was the closing of an $850,000 equity funding round at the end of 2014. The round was led by ValueStream Labs of New York of and  included participation from Tribeca Angels, WorldQuant Ventures, as well as existing investor, Howard Lindzon, through his Social Leverage fund.

Among the individual angel investors who participated in the round, their background includes experience with a number of Wall Street firms and institutional banks such as Morgan Stanley, CreditX and OpenFin. According to Schleifer, the new partners represent well-connected investors who should be able to assist ChartIQ in opening doors to the institutional market of which many banks are in the process of updating their technology, including adding HTML5 front-end interfaces.