Proprietary trading, or prop trading, has gained significant momentum in recent years, attracting both aspiring traders and seasoned professionals. As the industry evolves, understanding the various funding models used by trading prop firms becomes crucial for those aiming to navigate this competitive space.
Whether you're eyeing a spot in a top-tier firm or looking to explore flexible models, knowing how these companies fund their traders and measure success can give you a strategic edge. This blog will cover the basic information you need to know about understanding funding models in prop trading.
What Are Prop Trading Firms?
Prop trading firms are companies that use their own capital to trade in financial markets, rather than handling client funds. Trading prop firms do some of the following things:
- Recruit skilled traders
- Provide them with access to capital
- Share a percentage of the profits
The core incentive lies in the firm's ability to profit directly from successful trades made by their traders. Unlike traditional investment firms, prop traders operate with fewer regulatory constraints since they don't manage external investments.
This independence allows for faster decision-making, more aggressive strategies, and higher risk-taking. It also means the funding structure plays a pivotal role in a firm’s operational model.
Key Funding Models in Prop Trading
Understanding the diverse ways prop firms fund their traders helps in evaluating which model aligns best with your trading style and goals. Let’s explore the most common funding models used in the industry.
Traditional Proprietary Capital Model
In this classic approach, the firm fully funds the trader with its own capital. Traders are given an account size based on their experience, trading strategy, and past performance. Other things to keep in mind include:
- Profit Sharing: Traders typically receive a percentage of their profits, ranging from 30% to 70%, depending on seniority and results.
- Risk Management: The firm imposes strict rules on maximum drawdowns and daily loss limits to protect its capital.
For example, Jane Street and DRW operate with this model, emphasizing in-house risk management tools and proprietary algorithms.
Evaluation-Based Funding Models
Many modern prop firms have adopted an evaluation-based model, where traders must pass an assessment to qualify for funding. These evaluations often have specific profit targets and risk limits, and include some of the following features:
- Step-by-Step Process: Traders trade in simulated environments or demo accounts until they meet set criteria.
- Profit Splits: After passing, traders receive a live-funded account, typically with profit shares around 50% to 80%.
Firms like FTMO and Topstep utilize this approach, allowing traders to prove their consistency before accessing company capital.
Scaled Funding Models
Scaled funding offers traders the ability to start with a small account and gradually grow their capital allocation based on performance. This dynamic structure rewards consistent profits and effective risk management. Some other features of this type of trading model include:
- Growth Milestones: A trader might start with a $10,000 account and scale up to $100,000 or more after meeting profit benchmarks.
- Flexible Splits: Higher profit shares are often unlocked as traders reach new levels.
Axi Select uses a scaled funding model, giving traders a clear path to increase their capital as they demonstrate steady results.
Subscription-Based Models
Some trading prop firms have adopted subscription models, where traders pay a monthly fee to access trading platforms, data feeds, and educational resources. This approach allows traders to trade firm capital without the pressure of passing evaluations:
- Predictable Costs: Monthly fees range from $100 to $500, depending on the level of access.
- Profit Potential: While firms still enforce risk limits, profit splits can range from 60% to 85%.
Firms like Maverick Trading offer subscription plans, combining access to capital with ongoing mentorship.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of prop trading requires more than just strong technical skills. It demands a solid understanding of how funding models operate. By familiarizing yourself with traditional, evaluation-based, scaled, and subscription funding models, you can better align your trading ambitions with the right firm.
Axi Select and other innovative trading prop firms have introduced new layers of flexibility and growth, empowering traders to scale their careers without sacrificing capital security. Whether you're a beginner looking for structured growth or a veteran seeking dynamic partnerships, choosing the right funding model is key to unlocking your full trading potential.
