FTMO

The FTMO evaluation process is designed to identify skilled and disciplined traders, primarily through two distinct models: the 1-Step and 2-Step FTMO Challenges. For the 2-Step Challenge, traders must first achieve a 10% profit target in Phase 1, followed by a 5% target in Phase 2, demonstrating consistent performance. Crucially, both phases adhere to a strict 5% maximum daily drawdown and a 10% maximum overall drawdown, calculated across closed and open positions. A minimum of 4 trading days is required per phase, but there’s no upper limit on the trading period, alleviating time pressure. The 1-Step Challenge, a more expedited path, requires a single profit target (details vary by account type) and imposes a 3% maximum daily loss. A ‘Best Day Rule’ also applies to the 1-Step Challenge, stipulating that your best day’s profit cannot exceed 50% of your positive days’ profit, promoting consistent trading rather than sporadic large gains. News trading is generally allowed during the evaluation for both challenge types, and positions can be held over weekends.

Upon successfully navigating either the 1-Step or 2-Step Challenge, traders transition to an FTMO Rewards Account, where they begin to earn a share of their simulated profits. The initial profit split for 2-Step Challenge qualifiers is 80/20 in favor of the trader, which can scale up to an impressive 90/10 based on consistent performance and meeting specific milestones under the Scaling Plan. For those who pass the 1-Step Challenge, a 90% profit split is applied from the outset. While evaluation accounts permit news trading and holding positions over weekends, funded Standard accounts introduce certain restrictions: news trading is prohibited two minutes before and after major economic releases, and positions must be closed before the weekend or if a market rollover exceeds two hours. However, traders opting for a ‘Swing’ account type are exempt from these news and weekend holding restrictions on their funded accounts. The Scaling Plan offers a clear path to increase account size by 25% every four months, potentially reaching up to $2,000,000 in simulated capital, provided performance targets are met.

FTMO streamlines its payout process, allowing traders to request withdrawals on demand once they are funded and have met the minimum profit threshold to cover transaction fees. The first payout can be requested after a minimum of 14 days from the initial trade on the funded account. Subsequent payout requests are typically processed efficiently, within 1 to 2 business days upon confirmation. A significant benefit is the 100% refund of the initial challenge fee, which is included with the trader’s very first profit withdrawal, provided all rules were adhered to. Payouts can be received through various convenient methods, including bank wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, Skrill, Visa Direct / Mastercard Send, and Revolut.

FTMO provides a broad selection of instruments for traders to utilize across its platforms, encompassing major financial markets. Traders can access a variety of Forex pairs, offering extensive opportunities in currency exchange. Beyond currencies, the firm also supports trading in Indices, allowing exposure to broader market movements. Commodities, including precious metals and energy products, are available, alongside a selection of individual Stocks and popular Cryptocurrencies, providing diverse options for portfolio construction and strategy implementation. The exact number of instruments can vary by platform, but the range is designed to accommodate various trading styles.

FTMO offers a choice of industry-standard trading platforms, ensuring flexibility for traders with different preferences and strategies. The popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms are both supported, known for their robust charting tools, analytical features, and extensive customizability through Expert Advisors (EAs). Additionally, cTrader is available, favored by many for its intuitive interface, advanced order types, and transparent pricing. For those seeking modern alternatives, DXtrade is also among the supported platforms. These platforms provide access to a wide array of tradable instruments, from Forex pairs to cryptocurrencies, and are equipped with features like economic calendars and trading journals to assist traders in their analysis and performance tracking. FTMO also integrates with OANDA and TradingView for simulated trading, offering additional options for execution and analysis.

FTMO operates primarily under FTMO s.r.o., a legal entity registered in the Czech Republic with Business ID 031 36 752. For its US-based clientele, services are provided through JV Prop Corporation, a US-registered entity incorporated in Delaware. It’s important for traders to understand that FTMO’s services are explicitly stated as not being subject to oversight by any financial regulator. While the firm maintains clear terms and conditions, this means it does not fall under the purview of traditional financial regulatory bodies that oversee brokers or investment firms. Prospective traders should review the specific terms and conditions for their region to understand the legal framework.