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✦ Free & open sourceFinance

qlib

An AI-oriented quantitative investment platform covering alpha mining, risk modeling, backtesting, and execution.

AI-Driven Quantitative Investment & Factor Mining Platform

Build, train, and backtest quantitative trading models with machine learning and automated factor R&D.

Free forever · open source · MIT
✓ Needs IT✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
7.9
ZEKAI
AI engine for quant research
Free & open source · Finance
Ease of setup4
Usefulness9
Maintenance9.5
Community9.2
★ 48,491
GITHUB
Sep 2026
UPDATED
MIT
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

Qlib is an open-source quantitative investment platform built for financial researchers and quantitative traders. It provides an end-to-end machine learning pipeline for market data processing, alpha factor generation, and strategy execution.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Self-host
Languages
Python
License
MIT

What it is

Qlib structures the full machine learning lifecycle for financial markets, from data handling to model training and portfolio backtesting. It includes specialized quantitative models for handling concept drift and market dynamics alongside reinforcement learning frameworks. With the integrated RD-Agent, you can also automate factor mining and model optimization using LLM-driven agents.

Who it's for

It suits quantitative researchers, financial data scientists, and algorithmic trading teams looking to apply machine learning to asset management. It is not suitable for casual retail investors seeking no-code, plug-and-play trading bots.

Key features

End-to-End Quant Workflow

Covers the complete investment pipeline including data preparation, alpha mining, risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and execution backtesting.

Autonomous Factor Mining

Integrates with RD-Agent to automatically extract data-centric factors and optimize models using LLM-based autonomous evolving agents.

Market Dynamics Modeling

Includes specialized machine learning architectures like ADARNN, TRA, and DDG-DA to adapt to financial market concept drift.

High-Frequency Data Infrastructure

Supports point-in-time databases, minute-level orderbook data processing, and scalable storage backends like Arctic.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install the pyqlib package via PyPI and prepare Python environment dependencies.
2
Initialize and download sample financial datasets or connect your own data provider.
3
Run an automated research workflow script to train predictive models and execute strategy backtests.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Includes advanced algorithms specifically designed to handle dynamic market drift and non-linear patterns.
  • Integrates autonomous agent workflows for automated factor discovery and report-based factor extraction.
  • Provides high-performance data servers and support for minute-level high-frequency data.
  • Covers the entire chain from feature engineering to trade backtesting in a unified Python architecture.

Where it falls short

  • Requires substantial Python and machine learning expertise to customize and deploy effectively.
  • Self-hosting large financial datasets and high-frequency backends demands dedicated infrastructure and memory.
  • Lacks a built-in graphical interface, relying entirely on Python code and configuration scripts.
Cost

Pricing & license

Qlib is completely free and open source under the MIT license. You only incur costs for your own computing infrastructure, cloud servers, and proprietary market data feeds.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

880 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Questions

FAQ

Can Qlib process high-frequency minute-level data?

Yes, Qlib includes high-frequency data processing support for 1-minute orderbook datasets and integrates with storage backends like Arctic.

Does Qlib support LLM-based factor extraction?

Yes, Qlib integrates with RD-Agent to extract quantitative factors from financial reports and auto-optimize trading models using LLM agents.

What machine learning frameworks does Qlib support?

Qlib supports diverse paradigms including supervised learning, reinforcement learning for order execution, and adaptive meta-learning models.

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