Building a ZFC-Compliant EA: Stop-Loss Logic and Rule Enforcement

Using Expert Advisors (EAs) is fully permitted on ZFC accounts, but the platform's automated monitoring system will flag accounts that don't adhere to the Hard Stop-Loss Rule.

The Rule

Every single trade must have a valid Stop-Loss (SL) attached at the moment of execution. "Mental" stops or EAs that close trades based on price logic without sending an SL to the server will result in an immediate flag.

MQL5 Code Snippet

When using CTrade in MQL5, ensure your Buy and Sell calls always include the SL parameter:

        
// Correct implementation
trade.Buy(lotSize, _Symbol, price, stopLoss, takeProfit);

// WRONG implementation - will be flagged
trade.Buy(lotSize, _Symbol, price, 0, 0);
        
      

Compliance Checklist for EAs

• Hard SL: Always sent with the initial order.
• No Martingale: Doubling down on losing positions is prohibited.
• No Grid: High-frequency grid trading that ignores drawdown is easily detected.
• Max Drawdown Check: Your EA should have an internal "Emergency Stop" that halts all trading if the account equity drops by $60, giving you a $15 safety margin before the $75 limit.