What Is a Prop Firm? | Maven Trading (2024)

Do you want a chance to trade without risking all of your own capital? Then a “prop firm” might be for you. Let’s take a closer look at how prop firm trading works and why you should become a prop firm trader.

What Is a Prop Trading Firm?

Let’s start with the basics – what, exactly, is a prop firm?

Put simply, a prop firm is a type of financial institution. You might also see them referred to as “proprietary trading firms” but they’re the same thing.

They’re run by experienced traders who use the firm’s capital to trade, buy, and sell assets including:

  • Foreign Exchange Trading (Forex)
  • Commodities
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Stocks

Working for a prop firm essentially means you’re using your own skills to trade for the firm. You’ll gain access to a variety of markets and trading tools, and you’re responsible for your own trading.

How Do Prop Trading Firms Work?

Now we’re clear on what a prop trading firm is, let’s consider how they actually work.

  • If you’re accepted into a trading firm, you can start trading right away.
  • As a full-time funded trader, you’ll look for profitable opportunities. The goal is to maximize your trading activity and, of course, generate profits.
  • You’ll follow certain risk management guidelines to help maximize your chances.
  • The firm covers your losses, so you’re not risking your own capital.
  • You gain access to the firm’s capital and receive a percentage of the profits instead of in exchange for a percentage.

Are you relatively new to trading? Unsure how to access a new market? Don’t worry – prop trading firms also offer mentoring and training to help you succeed. After all, the goal is to work together to make profits!

Think of a prop firm as a valuable partner in your trading journey. It can help you take your trading skills to a new level.

What Is a Prop Firm Account?

Your funded prop firm account is the key to your journey to profitability. You will have access to all the trading tools needed to succeed, allowing you to make the smart financial decisions you need to generate maximum profits.

Although you’re working with a prop firm, this is your account. It’s your profits. And although you share the profits, you’re still in control of your own trading journey.

Who Can Open a Prop Firm Account?

This is where it gets interesting.

Technically, anyone can open a prop firm account (with an exception of certain restricted countries). However, you need to be vetted and accepted by the firm before you can trade for them.

  • Every prop firm has its own acceptance criteria.
  • You’ll normally be required to pass some sort of assessment. The aim is to prove that you have the skills and experience to become a successful funded trader.
  • You can verify your identity upon acceptance. Once you complete the thorough process and meet regulatory requirements, you’re good to go.

At Maven Trading, we believe in making prop firms accessible to everyone with the talent to succeed. Our Challenge Account starts at just $45!

Can You Make a Living Trading Through Prop Firms?

Sure! Ultimately, you’re responsible for your own success. Prop firms give you the tools and the capital, but it’s on you to find the right opportunities. So, just as you can make a living as a trader, you can make a living through prop firms.

What Is a Prop Firm? | Maven Trading (1)

Just remember, all trading carries some risk. You might not be risking your own capital, but prop firm trading isn’t for everyone. Don’t rush your decision to join – instead, consider the pros and cons below.

Prop Firm Pros and Cons

The Pros

  • Access to capital: Prop firms give you access to much greater capital than you may have otherwise.
  • Support and training: Whether you’re relatively new or highly seasoned, everyone needs help. Prop firms provide traders with the 24/7 support and mentoring they need to thrive. You can learn about trading as you go.
  • Risk management: Prop firms take risk management seriously. You’ll learn how to mitigate risks and how to identify opportunities.
  • Tech insights: You’ll have access to various trading platforms and analytics tools. These are tools you might not have if you’re trading alone.

The Cons

  • Profit sharing: The profit split does mean that you’re not getting everything you earn. You do need to pay some of the profits to the firm in exchange for capital access, so we can call benefit together.
  • Time involved: Being a full-time funded trader is not easy. You need to be sure you have the time, passion, and drive to work with a prop firm.
  • Firm rules: Every firm has different trading rules. If you choose the wrong prop firm, then you might feel like your trading strategies are restricted.
  • The responsibility: Not every trader feels comfortable working with a firm’s capital. If you prefer working with your own money, prop firms might not be for you.

Joining a Prop Firm

It’s simple to join a prop firm, but here’s what to consider before you do.

  • Find one that meets your personality. Make sure you find a prop firm that aligns with your personality so you can properly communicate expectations.
  • Do your research. Read about different prop firms before you commit to the application process.
  • Ask questions before you sign up. If the rules aren’t clear, get clarification so you know what to expect.
  • Think about your goals. Make sure your trading strategies align with the firm’s own objectives.
  • Ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions e.g. how to make withdrawals and trading limits. Follow the trading rules and regulations to pick the firm that’s best for you. Be sure that the terms aren’t too restrictive for your own trading needs.

Make a Profit with Maven Trading

Are you ready to join Maven Trading? We want to hear from you! If you’re a trader looking for a new opportunity, we’re waiting to work with you. Check out our trading rules, learn more about how we work, or contact us if you need help.

PLEASE SEE THE MAVEN TRADING WEBSITE AND OUR CUSTOMER TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR MORE DETAIL.

What Is a Prop Firm? | Maven Trading (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Prop Firm? | Maven Trading? ›

Prop firms, or proprietary trading firms, give traders access to simulated capital. In return, the traders agree to give the firm a percentage of their profits. Traders normally have access to various markets, including crypto, Forex, and even the news.

What is prop firm trading? ›

Also known as "prop trading," this type of trading activity occurs when a financial firm chooses to profit from market activities rather than thin-margin commissions obtained through client trading activity. Proprietary trading may involve the trading of stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or other instruments.

Is trading with a prop firm worth it? ›

While prop trading is one of the most profitable opportunities, it is affected by asymmetric risk. This means that the profit-sharing ratio may be from 75% to 90%, but you bear 100% of the risk of your trades. When becoming a prop trader, you often need to deposit an amount of money known as your risk contribution.

How much money is needed to start a prop firm? ›

To summarize, the amount of money you need to open a prop firm can range from $10,000 to $1 million, depending on the type of prop firm, the technology, the registration, the liquidity, and the CRM tool.

What is the average profit of a prop firm? ›

Profit Split: The average prop firm will offer a 80-20 profit split once you become a funded trader. TFT, on the other hand, gives up to a 90% split, — even as high as 95% in some promotions — the highest in the industry. Risk-Adjusted Returns: It's important to focus on your drawdown when trading.

Is prop trading illegal? ›

(a) Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, a banking entity may not engage in proprietary trading. Proprietary trading means engaging as principal for the trading account of the banking entity in any purchase or sale of one or more financial instruments.

Do prop firms give you real money? ›

For starters, prop firms are dealing with their own money, not someone else's. This alone allows prop firms to avoid the lion's share of regulations. On top of that, many prop firms do not give traders real money to manage.

Are prop firms risky? ›

Limited Control Over Capital and Payouts:

- Traders in prop firms often have limited control over the firm's capital. They may need to deposit their own money as collateral or risk management. - Additionally, payouts are subject to the firm's rules, which may restrict a trader's access to profits.

What happens if you lose money in a prop firm? ›

Proprietary trading firms often provide evaluation accounts where you prove your trading skills. Usually, you pay a one-time fee to enter this "challenge." If you lose money during this evaluation, you won't owe anything beyond the initial fee.

What is a prop firm for dummies? ›

Financial Markets and Prop Trading

Proprietary trading firms, or prop firms, are specialized financial entities that engage in trading assets with their own capital across various financial markets. These can include stocks, currencies, commodities, crypto-assets, and other financial instruments.

How many people fail prop firms? ›

According to it, 4% of traders, on average, pass prop firm challenges. But only 1% of traders kept their funded accounts for a reasonable amount of time. While this result is not nearly as bad as the one discussed earlier, it still looks bleak for prospective prop traders.

What is the cheapest prop firm? ›

Cheapest prop firms forex 2024
  1. FTMO. FTMO (Funded Trader Markets LLC) is one of the most well-known prop firms in the industry. ...
  2. The5%ers. The5%ers specializes in providing funding of up to $100,000 to forex traders. ...
  3. MyForexFunds. ...
  4. Earn2Trade. ...
  5. The Funded Trader Program. ...
  6. OneUp Trader. ...
  7. Apex Trader Funding. ...
  8. True Trader.
Jan 2, 2024

How do prop firms pay their traders? ›

A prop trading firm is a company that provides its traders with access to capital. In return, the traders share a percentage of the profits they generate with the company. Individuals face many hurdles on their journey to become professional traders.

Can you make a living with prop trading? ›

Also known as “prop trading,” it offers higher earnings potential much earlier in your career than jobs like investment banking or private equity. It's arguably the most merit-based industry within finance: if you make millions of dollars for your firm, you'll earn some percentage of it.

Can you live off prop firms? ›

Yes, as a funded trader with True Forex Funds, it is possible to make a living from prop trading firms. Proprietary trading firms, or prop firms, often provide traders with the opportunity to trade with the firm's capital, allowing them to access larger trading positions and potentially increase their profits.

How hard is prop trading? ›

Additionally, prop trading is difficult. You must produce consistent results against top-notch traders to keep your spot. Unlike traditional wealth management positions, there are limited exit opportunities to jump into new roles if prop trading isn't a fit.

How much do prop firm traders make? ›

In conclusion, the income of prop firm traders can vary greatly depending on several factors such as experience, performance, and the size of the firm. On average, a junior prop trader can expect to earn anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 per year, while a senior trader can make upwards of $500,000 annually.

How do prop traders get paid? ›

Traders at prop firms can earn a portion of the profits they generate, and some may also receive a base salary or other incentives. Here are some factors to consider: Access to Capital: Prop trading firms provide traders with access to significant capital, enabling them to take larger posi.

What is the monthly fee for prop firm? ›

How much does it cost to join prop trading firms? This is one of the most common questions beginner prop traders usually ask. Many prop trading firms typically charge a monthly subscription fee of $150 to $25000. It is essential always to compare the fees and the benefits the company offers before joining one.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6492

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.