Prop Trading Firm: How it Works, How to Join, Benefits and More

Looking to join a prop trading firm? You’re in the right place…

Are you intrigued by the idea of trading with larger capital and gaining access to advanced tools and resources? If so, joining a proprietary trading firm might be the key to unlocking your full trading potential.

In this blog post, we will:

  • Explain what a prop trading firm does,
  • Compare prop trading firms vs. hedge funds vs. investment banks,
  • Outline the benefits and downsides of joining a prop trading firm,
  • List the common requirements to join a prop trading firm,
  • Explain the steps to secure a position at a prop trading firm,
  • Mention the average annual pay for a prop trader in the United States, and
  • List the 10 best prop trading firms.

What is a Prop Trading Firm, and How Does it Work?

A proprietary trading firm, or prop trading firm, is a financial institution that engages in trading financial instruments using its own capital. The firm allocates its funds to individual traders, who are employees or contracted traders working on behalf of the firm. These traders make trades in many financial markets with the aim of generating profits.

The firm provides traders with access to trading platforms, advanced trading tools, research resources, and technology infrastructure to support their trading activities. They also allocate capital to traders, monitor their performance, manage risk, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The profit generated from successful trades is shared between the firm and the individual traders, usually through a performance-based compensation structure. The traders receive a portion of the profits they generate, which encourages them to make more profitable trades and manage risk effectively.

The firm provides traders with funds, resources, and support to execute trades, while the traders analyze the markets, make trading decisions, and aim to generate profits for the firm.

Prop Trading Firms vs Hedge Funds vs Investment Banks

Comparison FactorsProp Trading FirmsHedge FundsInvestment Banks
Capital SourceFirm’s own capitalExternal investorsClient deposits and capital
Compensation StructurePerformance-based for tradersManagement and incentive feesSalary, bonuses, commissions
Trading ActivitiesTrading firm’s own capitalTrading on behalf of investorsTrading on behalf of clients
Business OperationsFocus solely on tradingInvestment managementDiverse services and products
Profit SharingShared with individual tradersShared with investorsShared with employees
Market InfluenceLimited impact on overall marketMay influence specific marketsPlay key roles in markets
Liquidity ProvisionContributes to market liquidityVaries depending on strategyFacilitates market liquidity

Benefits of Joining a Prop Trading Firm – For Traders

  1. More access to large trading funds and capital
  2. Increased buying power
  3. Advanced trading tools and technology
  4. Mentorship and learning opportunities
  5. Risk management support
  6. Performance-based compensation
  7. Networking and industry connections

Downsides of Joining a Prop Trading Firm – What Are the Disadvantages of Prop Firms?

  1. You have to share all profits with the Firm
  2. They have strict risk management controls
  3. It can be a high-pressure environment
  4. You may have a conflict of interest with the firm’s objectives
  5. You’re trading with the firm’s money, so they get to make most of the trading decisions

Common Requirements to Join a Prop Trading Firm

  1. Trading experience
  2. Strong track record
  3. Proficiency in market analysis
  4. Understanding of risk management
  5. Knowledge of trading strategies
  6. Familiarity with trading software and tools
  7. Ability to perform under pressure
  8. Analytical and decision-making skills
  9. Good communication and teamwork abilities
  10. Compliance with regulatory standards
  11. Adaptability to market conditions
  12. Interest in learning and development

Note: These are qualities that any trader out there can also claim to have. You should have proof of these qualities, and convince the application board of the prop trading firm that you’re a perfect fit for them.

Note that you’ll still be given trading tasks to evaluate your experience. They’ll test your proficiency in market analysis, knowledge of trading strategies, risk management and ability to perform under pressure. If you outperform other applicants, consider yourself picked.

How to Join a Prop Trading Firm – Steps to Secure a Position at a Prop Trading Firm

1. Research and Identify Firms: Conduct thorough research to find prop trading firms that align with your trading interests and goals.

2. Build a Trading Track Record: Develop a solid trading track record by practising and demonstrating consistent profitability in simulated or live trading.

3. Enhance Trading Skills: Continuously improve your trading skills through self-education, attending trading courses, and utilizing trading resources and tools.

4. Prepare a Trading Resume: Create a professional resume that highlights your trading experience, skills, and performance metrics.

5. Submit Applications: Apply directly to prop trading firms that are actively hiring. Submit your trading resume, cover letter, and any required application materials.

6. Complete Interviews and Assessments: Participate in interviews and assessments, which may include trading simulations, technical interviews, and behavioural assessments.

7. Demonstrate Trading Skills: Showcase your trading abilities by participating in firm-sponsored trading challenges or competitions, if available.

8. Negotiate Compensation and Terms: If offered a position, negotiate compensation, profit-sharing terms, risk limits, and any other relevant terms of the agreement.

9. Accept the Offer and Join the Firm: Once the terms are agreed upon, formally accept the offer and commence your journey as a trader at the prop trading firm.

How Much Do Prop Trading Firms Pay?

According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual pay for proprietary trading firms in the United States is $84,428 a year. Note that this is just the base salary. You will get many other payments and incentives, depending on how many winning trades you have and how much profit you generate.

The Best Prop Trading Firms

We’ve written another post where we mentioned the best prop trading firms in the industry, their unique features, and what sets them apart from the rest. We ranked them based on popularity, profit splits, maximum capital funding and other important factors.

Here’s a snippet of the post. You should read more for the full details.

Prop FirmProfit Split PercentageMaximum Funding
FTMOUp to 90%$400,000
Topstep100% up to $5,000, then 80%$150,000
FundedNextUp to 90%$4,000,000
The Funded Trader ProgramUp to 90%$1,500,000
The 5%ersUp to 100%$4M per account (up to 7 accounts)
Audacity Capital50%$500,000
Fidelcrest70% โ€“ 85%$400,000
City Traders ImperiumUp to 75%$500,000
Lux Trading Firm65%$2.5 million
My Forex FundsUp to 80%$600,000

The top prop trading firms are usually compared based on:

  1. Profit splits
  2. Total or maximum funding possible
  3. Number of tradable assets
  4. The evaluation process, and their duration
  5. How fast they promote accounts to the maximum funding level
  6. The maximum loss allowed

Note: Some prop firms have trial accounts, instant funding, and bonuses, and some have up to a 90% profit split. These are the top prop trading firms.


Recommended for Next Read

7 Ways to Get Funded as a Trader

10 Best Prop Trading Firms For Traders โ€“ An Honest Review

Welcome to chartsempire.com! I'm Omoare Allen, your guide in the world of finance and beyond. As an accomplished financial markets author, analyst, speculator, investor and mentor, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. From dissecting market trends to strategic investment, my insights aim to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. Off the charts, you'll find me on the golf course perfecting my swing, cycling through scenic routes, and diving into captivating reads. I won't make decisions for you, but would rather teach you what works for me, and how you can properly implement trade management skills to help you become confident in your financial goals. Whether you're here to say hi or share vital information, my email box is open for connection. Feel free to reach out through the contact page. See you in the next oneโ˜บ๏ธ Submit enquiries for writing and guest posting on the ๐Ÿ‘‰ contact us page.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top