Introduction: What Is Prop Trading?
Prop trading, short for proprietary trading, occurs when a financial firm uses its own money to trade in the market instead of using clients' funds. Instead of making money by charging fees or commissions to customers, these firms aim to make direct profits from their trading activities.
For traders, working with a prop firm offers a chance to use larger amounts of money, advanced trading technology, and professional tools that they might not have access to with their personal accounts. In return, the firm retains a share of the earnings, while the trader keeps the remainder.
Example: For example, if you have a $100,000 account and make a $10,000 profit in a month with an 80/20 profit-sharing agreement, you keep $8,000 and the firm takes $2,000.
Unlike regular investing or trading with personal funds, this trading model requires you to undergo strict evaluations to demonstrate your ability to manage risks effectively. This approach has gained popularity in recent years, particularly with the rise of online trading firms that enable participants from anywhere in the world.
Evaluation or Challenge Phase: Most online prop firms require traders to pass an evaluation test before they receive funding. This usually involves:
Reaching a profit target (for example, 8–10%).
Staying within a set limit for maximum losses.
Following daily loss and risk management rules.
Getting Funded: Once you pass the evaluation, you receive a funded account, which can range from $25,000 to $200,000 or more.
Trading the Firm’s Capital: You will trade in markets such as forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, or commodities. You must follow the firm's guidelines regarding how much to trade and how much risk to take on.
Profit Sharing: You keep a percentage of the profits, which is often between 70% and 90%, while the firm takes the rest.
Scaling Up: Many firms reward traders who consistently make profits by increasing the amount of capital they can trade over time.
Example: If you start with a $50,000 funded account and make a profit of $5,000 in a month, you would keep $4,000 if the profit-sharing agreement is 80% for you and 20% for the firm.
This system benefits both parties: traders can access significant funds without risking their personal money beyond the evaluation fee, and firms earn returns by supporting skilled traders.
Types of Prop Trading Firms
Not all trading firms operate in the same manner. Different types of prop trading firms exist based on their structure and business model:
Traditional In-House Prop Firms: These are long-standing firms usually located in major financial cities like New York, London, or Chicago. Traders work in the office, using the firm's resources, and often focus on fast-moving markets like futures, options, or stocks. These firms typically hire experienced traders and may offer salaries plus bonuses based on performance.
Online Funded Account Providers: This is the most common model today, allowing traders to join from anywhere in the world. Traders pay a fee to take an evaluation test, and if they succeed, they receive a funded account. This model has opened up prop trading to a much larger audience.
Remote Prop Desks: Similar to funded account providers, but with more focus on teamwork. Traders connect through online platforms, share ideas, and sometimes receive mentorship. These firms often provide community features, educational programs, and opportunities to grow.
Hybrid Firms: Some firms combine elements of traditional prop trading with online funding models. For instance, they may have a team working in an office while also offering remote funded accounts for traders globally.
Tip for beginners: If you’re just starting, remote online prop firms are often the easiest option. They allow you to trade global markets using the firm's money after proving your skills, without needing to move or invest a lot of your own money.
Why Trade With a Prop Firm? (Advantages)
This trading style has gained traction because it offers advantages that personal trading accounts may not provide. Here are the main reasons why traders choose prop firms:
Access to Larger Capital: Instead of being limited to your own savings, prop firms can offer accounts from $25,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on your performance. This gives you more buying power and the potential for larger profits.
Reduced Personal Risk: You are not risking your own money beyond the evaluation fee. The firm covers the losses as long as you follow their rules.
Profit Sharing: Most of these firms offer favorable profit splits, often 70/30, 80/20, or 90/10 in favor of the trader. This means you keep most of your earnings.
Professional Tools and Platforms: Prop traders usually have access to advanced trading platforms, data feeds, and research tools that can be expensive for individual traders to buy.
Training and Mentorship: Some firms offer coaching, strategy reviews, or mentorship from experienced professionals, which can be very helpful for beginners looking to improve quickly.
Scaling Opportunities: Firms often increase your account size as you show consistent profits. For example, a $50,000 funded account might grow to $200,000 after you meet certain performance goals.
Community and Networking: Remote prop trading firms often have communities where participants can exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences with others from around the world.
Example: A beginner trader who saves $2,000 to trade on their own can instead use that money to pay for evaluation fees, pass the challenge, and trade with a $100,000 account something they couldn't do with personal funds alone.
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