What the term means
Before MCP, each AI product needed a custom integration for each system it talked to. MCP defines one way to do it. A system publishes an MCP server. Any assistant that supports MCP can connect to it as a client.
“MCP for trading platforms” simply means applying that protocol to trading systems such as MT5 and the broker tools around it.
How it works
- The operator runs an MCP server in front of its systems.
- The server lists tools, such as “get account summary”, and resources the assistant may read.
- A user connects an AI assistant to the server and authenticates.
- When the user asks a question, the assistant calls a tool. The server checks permissions, runs the request and returns the result.
- The assistant uses the result to answer in plain language.
Key components
- MCP host and client: the AI application and its connection to the server.
- MCP server: the operator-run service that exposes tools and data.
- Tools: named actions with defined inputs and outputs.
- Resources: read-only data the assistant can load.
- Authentication and scopes: who is connecting and what they may access.
- Logging: a record of each request and response.
Why it matters in trading
Trading data is sensitive and financial actions are hard to reverse. That makes the permission design of an MCP server more important than in most other settings. A safe default is read-only access, narrow scopes and a full log of every request.
Platform vendors are adding AI features directly. MetaQuotes added MCP support and a native AI assistant to MetaTrader 5 in build 6060, released on July 23, 2026. Brokers now need a view on how AI assistants reach their data.
What to look for
- Read-only by default, with any write action off unless the operator enables it.
- Scopes set by the operator, not by the assistant.
- Per-user authentication so each client only reaches their own data.
- Logging of every tool call.
- A simple way to revoke access.
How XFIV relates
XFIV Connect includes an MCP server for MT5 brokers. It is read-only by default, scopes are set by the broker, every request is logged and the AI does not place trades. The details are on the XFIV MCP developer page.
Frequently asked questions
Who created MCP?
MCP was introduced by Anthropic as an open standard and is supported by a growing number of AI applications.
Can an AI assistant place trades through MCP?
Only if the server exposes a tool that does it. Many operators, including XFIV, keep MCP read-only and do not let AI place trades.
Is MCP an API?
It is a protocol for connecting AI assistants to tools. An MCP server often sits on top of an existing API and adds a description of each tool the assistant can use.