To help traders get started, a variety of "prop firms" have emerged that provide capital, training, and technology to new Forex traders. In return, they take a percentage of any trading profits. These firms, often called "funded accounts", allow traders to gain experience in live markets without risking their own capital.
In this post, we will explore the top Forex prop firms available to in the wolrd traders.
List best Forex Prop Firms in 2024
✅The5%ers Open An Account
✅FTMO Open An Account
✅ TheForexFunder Open An Account
✅True forex Funds Open An Account
✅ E8 Funding ( E8 Markets ) Open Account Trading
✅ Fidelcrest Open An Account
✅LuxTradingFirm Open An Account
✅ Sabiotrade Open An Account
E8 Funding ( E8 Markets)
E8 Funding is a popular prop firm founded in the UK but expanding globally. They offer some of the highest profit splits in the industry along with unique social elements.
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See more: E8 Funding Review 2024
The Funded Trader
A popular international prop firm, The Funded Trader focuses on short term volatility-based traders in Europe but serves clients globally. They deeply integrate trading tools with a proprietary web platform along with innovative gamification.
See: The funded trader review
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FTMO
FTMO (previously known as MyForexUniverse) is one of the largest and best-known prop firms globally. Based in the Czech Republic, they provide funded accounts up to $400,000 to traders that can pass their evaluation.
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Forex Prop Firm
Launched in 2021, Forex Prop Firm focuses on small account sizes for new traders along with an intensive educational curriculum. They are based in Canada and serve an international trader base.
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Proprietary Trading Firm
Proprietary Trading Firm (or PropTF) stands out for specializing in stocks, crypto, options, and futures trading along with Forex. They target experienced traders with specialized backgrounds.
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Ment Funding
Ment Funding is a fast-growing US prop firm focused on stocks trading along with crypto, futures and Forex options. They target new and experienced traders alike with multiple combine options.
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MyFundedFX
A contender for top Forex prop firm based in the US, MyFundedFX focuses on small account traders along with premium tools and tight spreads. They prioritize US-based trading professionals with expertise using MetaTrader 4 (MT4).
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Smart Prop Trader
Established in the UK with international reach, Smart Prop Trader competes for top Forex prop firm status targeting scalpers to swing traders globally. They offer integration across popular platforms along with strong risk controls.
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SurgeTrader
A global Forex prop firm rapidly gaining interest, SurgeTrader competes for top status with a focus on short term scalpers along with offering copy trading accounts. They integrate deeply with MetaTrader 4 and 5 providing premium tools.
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TopTier Trader
TopTier Trader is a global prop firm rapidly expanding in the US that tries to balance rigorous risk controls with maximal trader rewards. They focus on short term volatility scalpers along with swing position traders.
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See more: Best Forex Broker in US
How to Choose A Prop Firm in US
Choosing the right prop firm is an important decision for new traders. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a US-based prop firm:
Reputation and Track Record
Look for established firms with a strong reputation, extensive experience, and a proven track record of success among their funded traders. Be wary of any firm making outsized claims about guaranteed profits.
Training and Support
Many prop firms offer educational resources, mentoring, and ongoing support to help traders develop their skills. Prioritize firms that provide robust training tailored to forex trading.
Funding Terms
Evaluate the firm's funding tiers, profit splits, fees, and payout schedules. Make sure you understand all terms before signing any agreements.
Technology and Tools
Prop firms should provide access to advanced trading platforms, analysis tools, virtual trading environments, and other helpful technologies.
Risk Parameters and Rules
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Review the trading parameters, risk limits, and compliance rules you must follow. Ensure you can consistently trade within the required guidelines.
Advantages Of United States Prop Firms
Joining a US-based prop firm as a funded trader provides several potential benefits:
Increased Buying Power
Firms provide leverage and capital to traders to command larger position sizes than trading one's own limited capital. This magnifies potential gains.
More Freedom Than Institutional Trading
Prop firms give traders more autonomy than working for a bank or hedge fund. Traders can refine their own strategies while still getting funded.
Accelerated Learning and Development
The educational resources, mentoring, and focus on skill development provided by prop firms can accelerate traders' learning curves.
Potentially Lucrative
With the backing of a firm's capital, skilled traders can achieve an income stream from trading that surpasses many traditional jobs.
Community and Collaboration
Being surrounded by fellow traders provides a sense of community, opportunity to collaborate, and motivation to succeed.
Low Barrier to Entry
Compared to job applications for investment banks, prop firm evaluation processes are more meritocratic. Talented traders can get funded regardless of background.
Disadvantages Of United States Prop Firms
However, there are also some potential downsides to weigh:
Profit Splits
Prop firms take a cut of trader profits, often 20-40%. This reduces net income compared to trading one's own capital.
Oversight and Limitations
Firms impose risk limits, trading requirements, and compliance rules. Traders sacrifice some autonomy compared to independent trading.
Pressure to Perform
Funded account terms are usually less than 12 months before needing to re-qualify. Traders must perform well quickly or lose their funding.
Risk of Loss
There is no guaranteed income. Most funded traders fail to achieve consistency. Losses can exceed profits.
Less Experience Trading Sizeable Capital
Trading a firm's capital in a funded account is different from trading one's own small accounts. Lack of experience trading large can lead to mistakes.
Firm Collapses
Prop firms carry risk, like any private company. Poor management or losses can cause a firm to close down, leaving traders without support.
What Can You Trade On A Prop Firm
Most prop firms support trading a range of assets, though specific offerings vary. Common tradable markets include:
Firms may restrict trading certain higher-risk instruments like penny stocks until meeting certain profitability milestones. New traders often begin trading major forex pairs before expanding to other markets.
Forex
All prop firms offer forex trading, the core focus for most aspiring traders. Major, minor and exotic currency pairs across majors like the US dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen and British Pound are universally available.
Stocks and Stock Indices
Major stock market indices like the S&P 500 as well as US equities are commonly tradable. International stocks may be limited based on geographic focus.
Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin, Ethereum and other major cryptocurrencies have grown in availability. But crypto trading may be limited based on trader skill level.
Commodities and Futures
Commonly accessible commodities include gold, silver, oil, and natural gas. Futures contracts on equities, commodities and fixed income also tend to be available.
How Much Is The Profit Split
Prop firms typically take 20% to 50% of trader profits in exchange for providing capital, infrastructure, and support. The exact profit split depends on:
The Funding Tier
Higher funding tiers with more capital allotted generally have more favorable splits for traders. Starting tiers tend to be 40-50% to the firm.
Performance Milestones
As traders prove consistency and hit certain profit thresholds, firms will often improve the split. Profitable traders can eventually earn 80% or more of profits.
Tenure with the Firm
Longer-tenure traders will sometimes see improved splits over time as a loyalty incentive.
Fees and Commissions
Beyond the revenue share, traders pay commissions, platform fees, data fees and other costs that impact net income.
Recoupable Drawdowns
If a trader's losses exceed a certain drawdown limit, the firm may take a larger revenue share until that drawdown is recouped.
So while the headline split may be 80/20 for example, the effective split after costs may be 70/30 or worse for struggling traders. Consistently profitable traders can improve terms over time.
What Trading Platforms Are Available?
Funded traders are provided access to professional trading platforms by their prop firm. The most common options are:
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 4 and 5 remain the industry standard for retail trading platforms, offered by almost every prop firm. The platforms allow advanced charting, backtesting, algorithmic trading and Expert Advisor automation scripts.
NinjaTrader
Common among US-based prop firms, NinjaTrader provides market analytics, automation, backtesting and advanced order management tools comparable to MetaTrader.
cTrader
Offering powerful charting and analytics, cTrader is gaining popularity especially among firms outside the US. The desktop-based platform also allows creating and backtesting trading robots with the cAlgo add-on.
MultiBank Platforms
Some prop firms offer MultiBank platforms like MT4 MultiTerminal. These specialized platforms provide management and risk controls across a fund with multiple traders.
Proprietary Web & Mobile Apps
A few prop firms have built their own proprietary web and mobile trading apps, tailored specifically to their traders. But MetaTrader and NinjaTrader remain more common.
The platform choice may depend on trader preference, asset classes traded, required functionality, and geographic location. Most legitimate prop firms provide advanced platforms for free.
Are Prop Firms Legit?
The accelerated rise of prop firms has led some to question their legitimacy. However, the majority of prop firms do operate legitimate business models. Here are tips for identifying trustworthy firms:
As with any investment opportunity, prudence is warranted. But the majority of funded traders succeed with legitimate, supportive prop firms focused on mutual profitability over the long-term.
Conclusion
The world of Forex prop firms continues expanding at a rapid rate to meet surging interest in the domain of retail trading. While the firms described above represent the current top options for US and global traders, new challengers continue emerging. Selecting the right funded account involves balancing profit splits, costs, account sizes, platforms, instruments, communities and risk controls across short and long time horizons for your individual trading style and goals.