Direct answer
Autotrading forex for other accounts generally means running a trading automation (for example, a strategy tool or automated execution system) that submits trades to one or more accounts that are not directly operated by the person who set up the automation. In practice, this is constrained by what the broker allows: the automation must have a way to receive instructions and an approved way to place orders for the target account(s).
Because broker platforms differ, you should treat it as a two-part problem: (1) access—how the automation is authorized to operate another account, and (2) execution—how trades are routed and controlled.
How it works (mechanics)
Start by identifying the automation model:
- Strategy-only vs. strategy + execution: Some setups only compute trade ideas, while others actually place orders. For other accounts, you need the execution part to be connected to the target account(s).
- Account permission model: Many platforms separate accounts and require explicit permissions or an approved relationship between the account owner(s) and the execution system. If you do not have the required permissions, the automation cannot reliably trade the other account.
- Order routing and mapping: Even if the strategy runs, the system must map the strategy’s actions (symbol, order type, size rules) to what the target account supports. If a symbol or order type is not available on the target account, execution may fail or behave differently.
A common way to think about it is a pipeline: signals/strategy logic → trade instruction handling → broker routing → account-specific risk controls → execution result. Autotrading “for other accounts” mainly adds steps and constraints around authorization and account-specific routing.
Example checks (independent verification)
Without assuming any particular broker feature, you can verify the setup by focusing on observable behavior:
- Authorization check: Confirm there is an explicit, verifiable permission path for the automation to trade the target account(s).
- Instrument compatibility: Verify the same forex instruments (or the intended equivalents) are available and tradable in the target account environment.
- Order size and rules: Check how position sizing and limits are interpreted for the target account (for example, whether minimum sizes, leverage settings, or margin requirements differ).
- Risk controls: Ensure the automation respects the account’s protections and that you can stop or disable it promptly.
- Dry-run in a controlled environment: Test with small amounts or a non-production environment if available, and record any failures (order rejections, partial fills, delays).
If any step is uncertain, treat the automation as unproven for “other accounts” until you can reproduce consistent results.
Limitations and risks
Autotrading for other accounts is limited by operational and policy constraints. Even if the strategy logic is correct, trades may be blocked by permissions, rejected due to account differences, or constrained by account-specific execution settings.
Also, automation can scale mistakes: an error in mapping (like instrument mismatch) or in sizing rules can cause repeated unintended orders. Finally, the outcome cannot be guaranteed—execution results depend on market conditions and the broker’s handling of orders.
Practical takeaway: rely on verification you can independently observe (authorization, compatibility, and controlled execution), and avoid assuming that a setup that works on one account will behave the same on another.