#2. FTMO

Upon successful completion of the evaluation course, you are offered a placement in the FTMO Proprietary Trading firm where you can remotely manage the FTMO Account with a balance of up to 200,000 USD. Your journey to get there might be challenging, but our educational applications, account analysis and performance coach are here to help you on the endeavour to financial independence.

Who are FTMO?

FTMO is a proprietary firm incorporated in September 2015. They have offices located in Prague in the Czech Republic while offering traders capital up to $2,000,000 in balance with up to 90% profit splits. They are partnered with a liquidity provider that supplies the institutional data feed with the direct market access execution model on their live corporate accounts.

They are a registered company under the names FTMO Evaluation Global s.r.o., FTMO Evaluation US s.r.o. located at an address, Opletalova 1417/25 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic and FTMO s.r.o. located at an address Purkyňova 3 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic

Their headquarters are located at Purkyňova 3 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic.

Who is the CEO of FTMO?

Otakar Suffner is the CEO of FTMO

Funding program options

FTMO offers its traders two different two-phase evaluation funding programs to choose from:



• Standard 2-phase Evaluation 

• Aggressive 2-phase Evaluation


Normal evaluation program accounts

The FTMO Normal evaluation program accounts are designed to recognize traders with exceptional discipline and talent, offering them well-deserved rewards for their consistent performance throughout the comprehensive two-phase evaluation period. With the normal evaluation program account, you have the opportunity to trade with leverage of up to 1:100. Moreover, you have the flexibility to select your preferred account funding from a range of major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CZK, CAD, AUD, and CHF.





Account size - Prices

$10,000 - €155



$25,000 - €250



$50,000 - €345



$100,000 - €540



$200,000 - €1080


During the evaluation phase one, traders aim to achieve a profit target of 10% while ensuring they do not exceed the maximum daily loss of 5% or the maximum loss limit of 10%. Within 30 calendar days from the day they initiate their first trade on the evaluation account, traders must hit the profit target. Additionally, a minimum of 4 trading days is required to progress to phase two.

Moving on to evaluation phase two, traders strive to reach a profit target of 5% while adhering to the maximum daily loss of 5% and the maximum loss limit of 10%. Traders have 60 calendar days from the day they place their first position on the evaluation account to achieve the profit target. Similarly, a minimum of 4 trading days is necessary to qualify for a funded account.

Successful completion of both evaluation phases grants traders a funded account, where they are not bound by profit targets. Instead, they are only required to comply with the maximum daily loss of 5% and the maximum loss limit of 10%. By default, the first payout is scheduled for 30 calendar days from the day traders place their first position on the funded account. However, traders have the option to request an early payout after just 14 calendar days from the initiation of their first trade on the funded account. The profit split ranges from 80% to 90%, based on the profitability achieved on the funded account.

Normal evaluation program account scaling plan

In addition to its features, the Normal evaluation program accounts also include a scaling plan. To qualify for the scaling plan, traders must achieve a profit target of 10% or more within a four-month timeframe. During this period, it is necessary to have profitable months for at least two out of the four, with one of those being the fourth month. Upon meeting these criteria, traders will receive an account increase equal to 25% of the original account balance.

For instance, let's consider an example:

After four months: If you initially have a $200,000 account, your account balance will increase to $250,000.

After the next four months: The balance of $250,000 further increases to $300,000.

After another four months: The balance of $300,000 continues to increase, reaching $350,000.

And so forth...

The trading instruments available for Normal evaluation program accounts encompass a variety of options, including forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

Normal evaluation program account rules

• Profit target is a specific percentage of profit that traders must achieve before completing an evaluation phase, withdrawing profits, or scaling their account. In phase 1, the profit target is set at 10%, while in phase 2, it is lowered to 5%. Once traders advance to funded accounts, there are no specific profit targets to meet.

• Maximum daily loss is the predefined threshold for the maximum allowable loss in a single trading day. Regardless of account size, all traders are subject to a maximum daily loss of 5%. This rule helps manage risk and prevent excessive losses in a single day.

• Maximum loss sets the limit for the maximum cumulative loss a trader can incur overall before the account is considered in violation. For all account sizes, the maximum loss limit is set at 10%. This ensures that traders have a predetermined safety net to protect their capital.

• Minimum trading days refer to the minimum duration that traders are required to actively trade before completing an evaluation phase or requesting a withdrawal. Both phase 1 and phase 2 have a minimum trading day requirement of 4 days. This ensures that traders engage in an adequate amount of trading activity during the evaluation process.

• Maximum trading days represent the maximum timeframe within which traders must achieve a specific profit target or withdrawal target. Phase 1 allows a maximum trading period of 30 days, while phase 2 extends it to 60 days. These time limits provide traders with a clear timeframe to work towards their goals.

• No weekend holding is a rule that prohibits traders from holding open positions over the weekends. All positions must be closed before the weekend starts. This rule ensures that traders do not leave positions exposed to market risks during periods of low liquidity.

• No news trading restricts traders from executing trades during high-impact news releases. Specifically, traders are not allowed to open or close any trades within 2 minutes before and after the news release on their normal funded evaluation program accounts. This rule aims to protect traders from potential volatility and market manipulation during news events.

• Third-party copy trading risk alerts traders to the potential risks associated with using copy trading services offered by third-party providers. When utilizing such services, it's important to consider that other traders may already be using the same trading strategy. This means there is a risk of being denied a funded account or withdrawal if the maximum capital allocation rule is exceeded.

• Third-party EA risk highlights the potential risks of using third-party Expert Advisors (EAs). When using a third-party EA, it's important to note that other traders may already be employing the same trading strategy. This introduces a risk of being denied a funded account or withdrawal if the maximum capital allocation rule is breached.

Aggressive evaluation program accounts

The FTMO Aggressive evaluation program accounts are designed to seek out disciplined and talented traders who exhibit consistent performance during the two-phase evaluation period. With the aggressive evaluation program account, traders have the opportunity to trade with a leverage of up to 1:100. Additionally, traders can select their desired account funding from a range of major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CZK, CAD, AUD, and CHF. The Aggressive evaluation program is specifically tailored to identify and support traders with a more assertive trading approach, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive in the markets.

Account size - Prices

$10,000 - €250

$25,000 - €345


$50,000 - €540

$100,000 - €1080

During Evaluation phase one, traders aim to achieve a profit target of 20% while ensuring they do not exceed the 10% maximum daily loss or 20% maximum loss thresholds. It is essential to reach the profit target within 30 calendar days from the day the first position is placed on the evaluation account. To progress to phase two, traders must fulfill a minimum trading requirement of 4 days.

In Evaluation phase two, traders strive to reach a profit target of 10% while staying within the 10% maximum daily loss and 20% maximum loss limits. Similar to phase one, the profit target must be achieved within 60 calendar days from the day the first position is placed on the evaluation account. Meeting the 4-day minimum trading requirement is necessary to advance to a funded account.

Upon successfully completing both evaluation phases, traders are rewarded with a funded account that does not impose profit targets. Instead, they are only required to adhere to the 10% maximum daily loss and 20% maximum loss rules. By default, the first payout from the funded account occurs 30 calendar days after placing the first position. However, traders have the flexibility to request a payout on demand after only 14 calendar days from the day the first position is placed on the funded account. The profit split on the funded account ranges from 80% to 90% based on the profits generated.

Aggressive evaluation program account scaling plan

Within the Aggressive evaluation program accounts, there is an opportunity for scaling your trading activities. To qualify for scaling, traders must achieve a profit target of 10% or more within a four-month period. Notably, two out of the four months must demonstrate profitability, with one of them being the fourth month. As a result, traders who meet these criteria will receive an account increase of 25% of their original account balance.


Suppose you start with a $100,000 account.

After four months of meeting the scaling requirements, your account balance will increase to $125,000.

Similarly, in subsequent four-month intervals, your balance will continue to grow, reaching $175,000, and so forth.

It's important to note that the Aggressive evaluation program accounts encompass various trading instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This broad range of options provides traders with the flexibility to explore and capitalize on different market opportunities within their trading strategies.

• Profit target is a specific percentage of profit that a trader is required to obtain before they can complete an evaluation phase, withdraw profits, or scale their account. Phase 1 profit target is 20% while phase 2 has a profit target of 10%. Funded accounts have no profit targets.

• Maximum daily loss is the maximum loss a trader can reach on a daily basis before the account is violated. All account sizes have a maximum daily loss of 10%.

• Maximum loss is the maximum loss a trader can reach overall before the account is violated. All account sizes have a maximum loss of 20%.

• Minimum trading days is the minimum period which you are required to trade for before you can complete an evaluation phase, or request a withdrawal. Both phases have a 4 minimum trading day requirement. Funded accounts have no minimum trading days before being eligible for payouts.

• Maximum trading days are the maximum period in which you are required to hit a specific profit target or withdrawal target. Phase 1 has a maximum of 30 trading days period while phase 2 has a maximum of 60 trading days period.

• Third-party copy trading risk means that if you intend to use copy trading services, you should keep in mind that by using a third-party copy trading service, there might be other traders that are already using it and therefore exactly the same trading strategy. By using a third-party copy trading service, you potentially run the risk of being denied a funded account/withdrawal if you exceed the maximum capital allocation rule.

• Third-party EA risk means that if you intend to use an EA, you should keep in mind that by using a third-party EA, there might be other traders that are already using it and therefore using exactly the same trading strategy. By using a third-party EA, you potentially run the risk of being denied a funded account/withdrawal if you exceed the maximum capital allocation rule.

What makes FTMO different from other prop firms?

FTMO stands out among the leading prop firms in the industry with its unique two-phase evaluation program, providing traders with a choice between two distinct account types: normal and aggressive. This flexibility sets FTMO apart from its competitors. With a solid presence since 2015, FTMO has established itself as a trusted and reliable firm that traders can confidently rely on for their trading endeavors.

In contrast to other prop firms, FTMO's normal evaluation program accounts follow a comprehensive two-phase evaluation process, ensuring traders meet specific criteria before becoming eligible for payouts. Phase one requires achieving a profit target of 10%, while phase two sets a target of 5%. To maintain risk management, both phases enforce maximum daily loss and maximum loss rules of 5% and 10% respectively.

Additionally, traders must actively engage in a minimum of 4 trading days for each phase before advancing to the funded stage. Notably, FTMO's normal evaluation program accounts include a scaling plan, distinguishing them from other industry-leading prop firms. Compared to its counterparts, FTMO sets reasonable profit targets and establishes above-average minimum trading day requirements, underscoring its commitment to ensuring disciplined and consistent trading practices.

A comparative example between FTMO and My Forex Funds.

A comparative example between FTMO and E8 Funding.

A comparative example between FTMO and True Forex Funds.

A comparative example between FTMO and Finotive Funding.

In summary, FTMO sets itself apart from the majority of industry-leading prop firms through its unique two-phase evaluation program and diverse account options. Furthermore, with their extensive experience in the industry since 2015, FTMO provides traders with a favorable trading environment characterized by more flexible trading rules. This makes FTMO an exceptional choice for traders of all backgrounds and preferences.

Is getting FTMO capital realistic?

When evaluating prop firms that align with your forex trading style, it is crucial to assess the attainability of their trading requirements. While a company offering a generous profit split on a well-funded account may initially seem appealing, it is essential to consider if they expect unrealistically high monthly gains coupled with minimal drawdowns. Such expectations can significantly diminish your chances of success.

In the case of FTMO, capital allocation through the normal evaluation program accounts is highly realistic. These accounts feature moderate profit targets of 10% in phase one and 5% in phase two, along with average maximum loss rules of 5% on a daily basis and 10% overall.

Similarly, capital allocation through the aggressive evaluation program accounts remains realistic, despite the higher profit targets of 20% in phase one and 10% in phase two. These accounts also come with higher maximum loss rules of 10% on a daily basis and 20% overall.

Considering these factors, FTMO emerges as an exceptional choice for securing funding. Both the normal and aggressive evaluation program accounts offer realistic trading objectives and conditions for receiving payouts, allowing traders to pursue their goals with confidence.

Payout proof

FTMO, established in September 2015, operates as a proprietary firm. Once you achieve funded status, you have the privilege of requesting bi-weekly payouts.

The remarkable aspect is that you are not bound by any profit targets for withdrawals.

To provide visual evidence of their payment system, we have included two images below.

The first image showcases a certificate awarded to a trader who successfully completed the evaluation challenge, while the second image presents a withdrawal certificate obtained by one of their accomplished traders. These examples serve as tangible proof of FTMO's commitment to facilitating successful trading experiences.

To gain further assurance regarding payment proof, I recommend visiting FTMO's official YouTube channel, specifically the section titled "FTMO Interviews." There, you will find an array of additional examples showcasing the credibility of their payment system. For a quick reference, I invite you to watch the two videos provided below:

Which broker does FTMO use?

FTMO utilizes a distinctive approach when it comes to trading platforms, opting not to rely on conventional broker brands. Instead, they have established a partnership with a reputable liquidity provider.

This collaboration enables them to access an institutional data feed and employ a direct market access execution model on their live corporate accounts.

When you join FTMO, you have the flexibility to select your preferred trading platform from the options provided below:

• MetaTrader 4
• MetaTrader 5
• cTrader

Trading instruments

At FTMO, you have the advantage of accessing a wide variety of financial instruments to trade. Whether you're interested in forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, FTMO has got you covered. The leverage available for trading, however, depends on the type of evaluation program you select.

For normal evaluation programs, traders can enjoy a leverage of 1:100, providing them with increased trading potential and flexibility. On the other hand, for those who prefer the swing evaluation programs, the leverage is set at 1:30, allowing for a more cautious and measured trading approach.

Trading fees

Education & Support

FTMO provides educational content on its website. You can check their blog to find a lot of educational content. They also have their thread on ForexFactory. The thread is over 400 pages long, so you can get a lot of different standpoints and comments from traders that have experienced FTMO already.

Social media statistics

FTMO can also be found on social media. They have a:

• Facebook page with 76k followers,
• Twitter account with 38,9k followers,
• Instagram account with 223k followers, and
• Youtube channel with 91,2k subscribers and 225 videos uploaded.

Summary

To summarize, FTMO stands out as a reputable proprietary trading firm that presents traders with the opportunity to choose from two distinct two-phase evaluation program account types. The availability of normal and aggressive account types allows traders to align their trading objectives with their preferred level of risk and trading style.

Normal evaluation programs adhere to the industry standard of a two-phase evaluation challenge, wherein traders must successfully complete both phases to become funded and eligible for profit splits. With profit targets set at 10% in phase one and 5% in phase two, these objectives are realistic, especially considering the 5% maximum daily loss and 10% maximum loss rules that traders must follow. With normal evaluation programs, traders can earn profit splits ranging from 80% to 90%, and the option to scale their accounts is also available. It's important to note that normal account types offer a leverage of 1:100, but restrict holding trades during weekends and trading during high-impact news releases.

On the other hand, aggressive evaluation programs also follow the industry standard of a two-phase evaluation challenge. Traders aiming for aggressive growth must reach profit targets of 20% in phase one and 10% in phase two to become funded. The corresponding maximum daily loss and maximum loss rules are set at 10% and 20% respectively, aligning with the higher risk associated with aggressive trading. Similar to normal evaluation programs, traders can earn profit splits ranging from 80% to 90% and have the option to scale their accounts. Notably, aggressive account types offer a leverage of 1:30, and traders have the flexibility to hold trades during weekends and trade during high-impact news releases.

Considering the straightforward and well-defined rules set by FTMO, I highly recommend them to anyone seeking a reliable proprietary trading firm. With a proven track record since 2015, FTMO continues to deliver exceptional results and statistics, successfully funding traders worldwide. Considering all the factors, FTMO stands out as one of the leading proprietary trading firms in the industry, offering a compelling opportunity for traders to pursue their trading ambitions.