Best Foreign Prop Trading Firms

Prop Trading Industry Developments and Risks in 2025

The prop trading market has undergone significant changes in recent years, and ignoring them could make your choice risky. If you intend to invest your capital and time in this path, awareness of these developments is essential:

1. Platform Changes and MetaQuotes Policies

Since late 2024, new MetaQuotes policies have caused many prop firms to restrict or completely remove access to MT4 and MT5. Consequently, alternative platforms such as cTrader, Match Trader, and TradingView are rapidly growing. When choosing a prop firm, be sure to check whether your preferred platform is available and whether the company's policies will be sustainable in the future.

2. The MyForexFunds Case and the Importance of Transparency

One of the biggest events of 2025 was the MyForexFunds legal case in the US, which generated significant discussion regarding the transparency of prop trading models. The outcome of this case demonstrated that prop firms must clarify the boundary between "simulated accounts" and "access to real liquidity" and transparently disclose information related to the counterparty of the trade, commissions, and profit policies. When choosing a prop firm, be sure to pay attention to its legal history, transparency in its revenue model, and official documentation.

3. The Risk of Online Reviews and Ratings

While ratings like Trustpilot are useful tools for gauging user satisfaction, reports of artificial manipulation of reviews have emerged in recent years. Therefore, it's best not to judge a prop firm's credibility solely based on user ratings. You should also examine criteria such as payment history, legal documentation, and official policies.

4. Pre Challenge Purchase Review Checklist

Before signing up with any prop firm, be sure to ask yourself these eight questions:

1. Is the account drawdown calculated based on Equity or Balance?
2. Is the drawdown type Static or Trailing?
3. Are there minimum trading days or a Consistency Rule?
4. Is trading during news events permitted or not?
5. Are Expert Advisors (EAs), Copy Trading, or VPS allowed?
6. How exactly are the profit payout method and timing?
7. Is the evaluation fee refundable?
8. Does the company officially accept Iranian users?

Answering these questions can prevent many common risks and significantly increase your probability of success. Following this, we will conduct a full review of the best foreign prop trading firms based on these criteria.

Comprehensive Introduction to FTMO: Global Prop Trading Pioneer with Over 3 Million Users

FTMO is one of the most recognized and reputable prop trading firms globally. Since its founding in 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic, it has played a significant role in the growth and development of the retail trader market. The company has attracted over 3 million clients from 140 countries, earned a 4.8 out of 5 rating on the Trustpilot platform, and paid out over $450 million in profits to traders. FTMO's goal is to create a transparent and fair platform for identifying, nurturing, and capitalizing on trading talent worldwide.

FTMO Business Model and Operational Structure

FTMO's business model is built upon the success of its traders; meaning the more profits the traders generate, the more profitable the company becomes. FTMO provides initial capital up to $200,000 to traders, and in return, allocates 80% of the net trading profit to them. This share can increase up to 90% upon entry into the "Scaling Plan." In addition to capital, FTMO provides educational tools, risk management, and professional analysis to foster trader growth.

The FTMO Evaluation Process and Becoming a Trader

The collaboration process with FTMO includes three main stages:
1. The Challenge Phase (FTMO Challenge)
In this phase, the trader must prove their ability to achieve profit targets, adhere to the daily and overall drawdown limits, and complete a minimum of 4 trading days. Entry into this stage requires payment of an evaluation fee, which is refunded upon successful completion of the subsequent phases.
2. The Verification Phase
In this stage, the focus is on the stability of performance and risk management over a specified period. The profit target is lower than the first phase, but adherence to the risk management rules remains mandatory.
3. Becoming an FTMO Trader
After successfully passing the two preceding phases, the trader receives their funded prop account and enters the profit sharing stage. In the base scenario, 80% of the profit belongs to the trader,and there is a possibility of increasing this share and even growing the initial capital by 25% in the Scale program.Traders can request a profit withdrawal every 14 days and customize their payout day.

Risk Management Rules and Account Conditions

For example, on a $10,000 account, the maximum daily drawdown is $500, and the maximum overall account drawdown is $1,000. The profit target for the first phase is set at $1,000, and for the second phase at $500, with no time limit for the challenges. This flexible structure allows traders to align with their own trading style.

Trading Platforms and Analytical Tools

FTMO supports the popular platforms MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Support for cTrader is a significant advantage for traders who require advanced technical analysis tools and access to Level II data. FTMO also offers a suite of supplementary tools, including an Account Analysis Application, an Automatic Trading Journal, an Economic Calendar, an Equity Curve Simulator, a Risk Management Mentor App, and a Market Statistical Application, which are highly valuable for enhancing traders' skills.

Scale Up Program (Scale Program)

To encourage profitable traders, FTMO has designed a program where, upon achieving a minimum of 10% net profit over four consecutive monthly cycles (20% for Aggressive accounts), the initial capital is increased, and the profit split ratio is elevated to 90%. This process is evaluated automatically, and eligible traders can request a capital increase.

Service Status for Iranian Traders

One of the most crucial points for Iranian audiences is that FTMO, due to its adherence to European Union laws and international sanctions, currently does not provide services to Iranian users. Although prop trading firms are not obligated to obtain regulatory licenses and are not subject to the same restrictions as brokers, FTMO's official registration in the Czech Republic mandates compliance with sanctions regulations. Consequently, Iranian users cannot cooperate directly with FTMO.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FTMO

Advantages:

• Receiving up to 80% of trading profits (and up to 90% in the Scale Up Program)
• Funding up to $200,000 without personal capital risk
• Professional educational, analytical, and risk management tools
• Support for multiple trading platforms, including cTrader
• No time limit in the Challenge and Verification phases
• Potential for long term capital growth

Disadvantages:

• No service provision to Iranian users
• Profitability only begins after passing the Challenge and Verification phases
• Need to pay an initial fee to enter the evaluation process

FTMO is one of the most reputable and leading prop trading firms globally. With its professional business model, advanced tools, and capital growth programs, it provides ideal conditions for serious traders. However, the restriction of access for Iranian users is a significant challenge and must be considered before making a decision. If you are looking to collaborate with a powerful international prop firm and have the ability to operate from a country other than Iran, FTMO is considered one of the best options for the year 2025.

Introduction to FundedNext: A Young and Growing Prop Firm in the Market

FundedNext is one of the emerging and popular prop firms in the trader funding industry, established in March 2022. It quickly managed to gain widespread attention among global traders. The company's main goal is to create a simple and professional platform for funding trading in the Forex and CFD markets. FundedNext's headquarters are located in the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh, and the company provides users with up to $4 million in trading capital with a profit split of up to 90%. The collaboration with the reputable broker Eightcap, which operates under ASIC regulation, is one of this firm's most significant strengths.

Company Management and Credibility

The Founder and CEO of FundedNext, Abdullah Jeed, is a successful entrepreneur in the fields of digital and international business who has successfully launched several projects such as Growth Alliance and MoneyBackFX. FundedNext is a registered private company, and while it does not hold a financial license, its partnership with Eightcap one of the globally recognized brokers with over 15 years of experience has generated high confidence among users. The existence of official offices in the UAE and Cyprus is also a sign of the company's structural transparency.

Unrestricted Services for Iranians

One of the significant features of FundedNext that has made it an attractive option for Iranian traders is the absence of geographical restrictions. The company has officially announced that it provides services to all traders worldwide, including Iranians, and the registration of Iranian users is completed without any issues. This has made FundedNext one of the primary prop firms drawing the attention of Persian speaking traders.

Types of Funding Programs at FundedNext

FundedNext offers four main funding models, designed for different levels of experience and risk tolerance:

1. Stellar Two Step Plan

In this model, the trader must achieve an 8% profit in Phase 1 and a 5% profit in Phase 2. The maximum daily drawdown is 5%, and the maximum overall drawdown is 10%. Upon success, the trader receives up to 95% of the profits.

2. Stellar One Step Plan

In this plan, there is only one profit target of 10%, and the maximum daily and overall drawdowns are 3% and 6%, respectively. The first withdrawal will be possible after just 5 trading days.

3. Stellar Lite Plan

This is a lighter version of the two step plan with lower profit targets and less risk. The profit targets for Phase 1 and Phase 2 are 8% and 4%, respectively.

4. Stellar Instant Plan

In this model, you can immediately start trading with the prop firm's capital without any evaluation phase. There is no daily loss limit, and only an overall drawdown limit of 6% (Trailing) is applied.

FundedNext Futures Program

FundedNext is the only prop firm that offers a dedicated Futures Plan in addition to CFDs. In this model, traders trade on futures contracts and receive up to 80% of their profits.

Important Trading Rules at FundedNext

• Trading During News Events: It is permitted, but only 40% of the profits from trades executed 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after major news releases will be credited to the account.
• Expert Advisors (EAs): The use of trading robots is allowed, but they must have exclusive settings, and changing the strategy is prohibited across different phases.
• Consistency Rule: In the Futures model, the profit generated on any single day must not exceed 40% of the overall profit target. This rule does not apply in the Instant model.

Platforms and Technical Infrastructure

FundedNext supports the popular platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Match Trader for its Stellar accounts. For Futures trading, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView are also available. The company's dedicated broker has also been designed in compliance with the new MetaQuotes rules.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FundedNext

Advantages:

• Service provided to Iranian traders
• Profit split up to 95% and payout in under 24 hours
• High diversity of plans and no time limit
• News trading is allowed, and holding trades over weekends/holidays is permitted
• 1:100 leverage and freedom in trading style

Disadvantages:

• Strict rules regarding IP and device changes
• The violation detection system is sometimes sensitive and requires the submission of documentation

Ultimately, FundedNext, by combining diversity in its plans, flexible trading conditions, high profitability, and full accessibility for Iranian users, stands out as one of the best options in 2025 for traders looking to start their professional prop trading journey. Support for Futures trading, fast profit payouts, and the potential for capital growth up to millions of dollars have helped this company secure a special position among international prop firms.

Introduction to Topstep: One of the Oldest American Prop Firms

Topstep is a reputable American prop trading firm that was founded in 2010 by Michael Patak. Having personally experienced losing three trading accounts, Patak, after years of effort and trial and error, decided to create a professional platform for nurturing traders. Topstep's goal from the beginning was to invest in professional traders and provide them with growth opportunities. The company initially operated under the name Patak Trading Partners and later formally introduced the Topstep brand as it expanded its services.

Topstep's Credibility and Legal Status

Topstep is one of the oldest and most legally compliant prop firms active in the financial markets. The company is officially registered in the United States and operates under US and European Union financial laws. For this reason, it is unable to provide services to sanctioned countries such as Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Iraq.
Although this poses a restriction for Iranian traders, from the perspective of credibility and transparency, operating under the supervision of reputable financial authorities has made Topstep one of the most trustworthy prop firms globally.

Trading Plans at Topstep

Topstep offers three main levels of prop accounts designed based on the amount of capital, profit targets, and risk conditions. In all plans, the trader must reach a specific profit target to gain access to the funded account.

Traders can enter the funded accounts after passing the evaluation phase and reaching the profit targets. The growth path at Topstep is as follows:

• Passing the Evaluation Phase (Trading Combine)
• Achieving five profit withdrawals from the Express Funded Account
• Receiving an invitation to the Live Funded Account

It should be noted that the Topstep risk management team may invite a trader to the Live Account either before or after the five withdrawals.

Profit Split and Payouts at Topstep

Topstep prop firm has one of the best profit payout policies among global prop firms. Generally, 90% of the profit belongs to the trader. Out of the initial $5,000 in profit, 100% is paid to the trader, and the profit ratio is then reduced to 90% for subsequent trades.
Traders can make a withdrawal after five profitable trading days, and if they have a total of 30 trading days with a profit of more than $150 per day, they will also have the option for daily profit withdrawal.

Topstep Trading Platforms

Topstep supports a wide range of professional platforms, including the following:

• NinjaTrader
• TradingView
• TSTrader
• Bookmap
• Sierra Chart
• MultiCharts
• Quantower and other professional platforms

Keep in mind that using these platforms, unlike brokers, is not free, and a separate fee is charged for access and trading commissions. For example, the commission per position on the NinjaTrader or Quantower platform is around $0.53.

Important Rules at Topstep

Adherence to trading rules is highly important at Topstep, and failure to comply can lead to the loss of the account. Some of the most crucial rules include:

• Scalping trades under one minute are prohibited.
• No new positions should be opened ten minutes before and ten minutes after the release of major news (unless the position was already open).
• The use of Expert Advisors (EAs) is permitted but must be approved by the company.
• Deposits and withdrawals are only allowed from the bank account of the account holder.
• The trading day ends at 5:00 PM (CT time).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Topstep

Advantages:

• 100% profit payout on the first $5,000 and 90% thereafter
• Complete transparency of rules and simple evaluation structure
• No time limit for reaching profit targets
• Fast and regular profit payouts
• Provision of a professional coach/mentor after passing the challenge

Disadvantages:

• No service provided to Iranian users
• Requires a monthly subscription fee
• Limited diversity in evaluation plans

Topstep is one of the most established and reputable prop firms globally, with over a decade of experience investing in professional traders. By offering a transparent evaluation structure, regular profit payouts, and support for professional platforms, it is an attractive option for serious traders. However, the lack of service provision to Iranian users is one of its most significant limitations. If you have the ability to operate from a country other than Iran and are looking for a long standing and credible prop firm, Topstep can be a serious choice for you in 2025.

An Overview of The 5%ers: A Leading Prop Firm with a Gradual Growth Approach

The 5%ers, founded in 2016 by Gil Ben Hur in Ra'anana, Israel, is a long standing and reputable prop firm in the Forex market whose primary mission is to financially support professional and talented traders. The company operates as a private investment fund, and since it does not offer public financial services, it is not subject to direct regulation. Nevertheless, its collaboration with regulated liquidity providers ensures that its activities are conducted in a secure and legal environment.
With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot and having paid over $66 million to traders in more than 100 countries, The5ers has solidified its position as one of the most reliable prop firms in the market. Flexibility in its plans, a staged capital growth approach, and transparent conditions are the main reasons for the company's popularity among traders.

Evaluation Process and Overall Program Structure

The 5%ers offers three main evaluation models, which can be chosen based on the trader's experience level and goals:

• Hyper Growth (One Phase): 10% profit target with simple conditions and no time limit.
• High Stakes (Two Phase): 8% profit target in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2.
• Bootcamp (Three Phase): 6% profit target in each of the three phases for low cost entry.

In all models, successful traders can receive up to $4 million in funding and can withdraw between 50% and 100% of the profit, depending on their performance. In the High Stakes plan, the profit split starts at 80% and increases to 100% with account growth.

Account Conditions and Risk Management Rules

These conditions are particularly attractive for traders seeking slow but sustainable growth, because, unlike many competitors, The 5%ers has set no time limit for passing the phases.

Main Funding Plans

The 5%ers prop firm has offered several funding plans to provide better service to its clients, ensuring that traders have the right to choose among these options based on their personal circumstances.
1. One Phase Program (Hyper Growth)

Without any time limit and with the potential for account growth up to $4 million. The first profit withdrawal can be made 14 days after receiving the funded account.
2. Two Phase Program (High Stakes)

This model is suitable for professional traders with a high risk tolerance and offers them the best capital growth program.
3. Three Phase Program (Bootcamp)
The Bootcamp is a low cost plan for easy entry into the prop firm, where the account grows with every 5% profit. In this model, the main fee payment is made after success, and various rewards are provided at each growth level.

In this model, the use of a Stop Loss (SL) is mandatory, and the risk per trade must not exceed 2% of the account balance. Trading without a Stop Loss or with a higher risk is considered a violation of the rules, and its repetition will lead to account closure.

Professional Educational and Support Features

The 5%ers is not merely a funding company; it is also an educational and analytical platform for trader growth. The company offers a variety of services, which include:

• Live Trading Rooms: Live market analysis sessions with traders, held four times a week.
• Personal Statistical Dashboard: For precise review of the trader's performance and progress.
• Specialized Educational Webinars: Including topics like price action, risk management, and trading psychology.
• 1-on-1 Coaching: Analytical sessions with a portfolio analyst to improve performance.
• Instant Market Notifications: Alerts for important events and trading opportunities.

Pros and Cons of The 5%ers

Pros:

• High diversity of plans and accounts
• Flexible profit split up to 100%
• No personal capital required
• Capital growth program up to $4 million
• No time limit for passing the stages
• Professional support and continuous training

Cons:

• Need for a VPN for Iranian users
• Lack of direct service provision to Iran
• More difficult evaluation stages compared to some competitors
• Account reset fees and strict risk management rules

Analytical Summary

The 5%ers can be considered one of the most distinctive prop firms in the market; a company that, more than relying on speed and excitement, focuses on long term growth and a professional structure. The diversity in evaluation plans, dynamic profit split, and the possibility of capital growth up to $4 million make it an ideal choice for traders looking for a long term and sustainable partnership. However, service limitations for Iranian users and strictness in risk rules might be challenging. Overall, if your goal is to build a professional and gradual path in prop trading, The 5%ers will be one of the best choices for the year 1404.

Comprehensive Introduction to Funding Pips Prop Trading; a Prop Firm from Dubai

Funding Pips began operations in the UAE in 2022 and has positioned itself among competitive prop firms with a maximum capital allocation of up to $2 million and a profit split of 80 to 90 percent. The company is legally registered as ANKH PROP – FZCO, is managed by Khaled Ayesh, and collaborates with the brokerage BlackBull Markets to provide trading conditions close to the real market (RAW spreads, stable execution) for traders. The main office is located in Bay View Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, with other registered addresses also announced in IFZA Business Park (Dubai) and Comoros.

Status of Activity for Iranian Users

According to the official statement on their website, Funding Pips currently does not accept users residing in Iran (as well as the UAE and Vietnam). This point is crucial for an Iranian audience: even with high skill, residence/connection location in Iran prevents registration.

Overall Structure of Evaluation Programs

Funding Pips offers three evaluation paths, all without a time limit, with a minimum of 3 trading days in each stage and the following conditions:

• One Step Challenge: Profit Target 10%, Maximum Daily Drawdown 4%, Maximum Total Drawdown 6%.
• Two Step Challenge: 8% in Phase 1 + 5% in Phase 2, Daily Drawdown 5%, and Maximum Total Drawdown 10%.
• Three Step Challenge: 5% + 5% + 5%, Daily Drawdown 4%, and Maximum Total Drawdown 6%.

The base profit split on Master accounts is 80% (with an internal scaling plan, there is a possibility to upgrade up to 90% and even 100% under specific conditions). The effective leverage for the plans is generally 1:50; although the company has broadly mentioned the possibility of trading with up to 1:100.

Plan Details

With its professional approach, the Funding Pips prop firm has provided suitable plans for all preferences and conditions, which will be reviewed below.
One Step Challenge

Weekend/news trading is permitted in the Student Phase; in the Master Account, profit from trades opened/closed within a 5 minute window before/after a news event will not be counted, unless the position was opened at least 5 hours prior. A daily limit of 10 lots is applied to the Master account. Hedging/Martingale is prohibited, and Expert Advisors (EAs) are permitted, provided they comply with the rules mentioned on the prop firm's website.
Two Step Challenge

Holding trades over the weekend and during news events is permitted in the Student/Intern Phases; in the Master account, news restrictions apply as with the One Step plan. Furthermore, arbitrage, HFT (High Frequency Trading), server spamming, and third party management are prohibited. The fee refund amount after success is 100%.
Three Step Challenge

Weekend/news trading is permitted in all evaluation phases; in the Master account, restrictions on profit calculation around news events are in effect. A mandatory Stop Loss (SL) is not required, but violation of risk rules (e.g., breaching the drawdown) will lead to account termination. A minimum of 3 trading days is required in each phase.

Capital Growth Path (Scaling) and Benefits

Funding Pips has a multi stage growth ladder: you start from Launchpad; with 4 successful withdrawals and 10% cumulative profit, the capital grows by 20%. Higher stages Ascender and Trailblazer increase access and size. At the peak of the path, the Hot Seat (with 16 successful withdrawals and 40% cumulative profit) activates benefits such as doubling the initial capital, dedicated support, advanced tools, and even a 100% profit split. Furthermore, a monthly bonus of $100 to $500 is defined, depending on the initial account size. (Each account must be managed separately; merging Master accounts may be possible under specific conditions.)

Assets, Infrastructure, and Fees

Trading is available on Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Indices, Metals, and Energies with RAW spreads. Asset leverage varies; it is generally listed as 1:50 in the plans, and the company also mentions a ceiling of up to 1:100. The exact commission is not publicly disclosed and varies depending on the symbol/platform. The primary server and execution are provided through Match Trader, and liquidity is supplied via BlackBull.

Analytical Summary

Funding Pips is suitable for traders who possess risk discipline and patience in passing the stages and are looking for a clear path for real Scaling. The combination of three evaluation paths, the absence of time limits, and the motivating growth ladder is attractive; however, the news/volume frameworks in the Master account and the restriction on accepting Iranian nationals are determining factors. If you operate outside of Iran and your strategy is compatible with drawdowns of 4%-6%-10% and low minimum trading days, Funding Pips can be a serious option for the year 1404 (or the corresponding Gregorian year, typically2025-2026); otherwise, it is better to opt for prop firms that explicitly accept Iranian users.

Comprehensive Introduction to E8 Funding Prop Trading: Interface Simplicity, Risk Discipline, Stable Profitability

E8 Funding, focusing on a simple user experience and conveying "maximum essential information," demands that traders prioritize discipline and risk management above all else and build stable profitability instead of "occasional wins." This private company was founded on November 5, 2021; the main office is in Dallas, Texas, with other offices in Texas and Prague. The maximum allocated capital is $300,000, and the profit share is 80% in favor of the trader. Registered legal entities in the USA and the UK indicate the brand's structural transparency.

Service Status for Iranians

According to E8's internal regulations, Iran is on the list of non serviced countries, and its name is not present in the registration form. For the Iranian audience, this point is key: even with proven skill, direct cooperation from within Iran is not possible.

Funding Programs: E8 Evaluation and E8 Track

To cover different trading styles, E8 offers two evaluation paths; both with 1:50 leverage, no mandatory minimum trading days, and with diverse instruments (Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto).

Standard/Extended Evaluation Accounts (E8 Evaluation)

This program consists of two continuous and clear stages. In the first stage, you must reach an eight percent profit, and in the second stage, the profit target is five percent. The maximum daily drawdown in both versions is set at five percent, and the main difference lies in the maximum overall drawdown. In the standard version, the maximum overall drawdown is calculated at eight percent, and in the extended version, this ceiling reaches ten percent. Upon successful completion, a live account with similar risk parameters is activated for you. The first payout time is eight days after starting live trading in the standard version, and fourteen days after starting in the extended version. After the first payout, the profit withdrawal period continues on a bi-weekly basis. The profit split ratio in favor of the trader is eighty percent, and in the standard version, the maximum overall drawdown can gradually increase with every successful withdrawal, rising up to a maximum of fourteen percent.

Three Step E8 Track Accounts

This model includes three evaluation phases that the trader must successfully complete in sequence. In the first phase, the profit target is 8 percent. After successfully passing this phase, the trader enters the second phase, where they must achieve 5 percent profit. The third phase is similar to the second, with a target of 5 percent profit.
Specific risk limitations are applied in all phases. The maximum allowable daily loss is set at 5 percent, and the maximum allowable overall loss is determined to be 8 percent. These limitations are designed to preserve capital and manage risk.
After successfully passing all evaluation stages, the trader's live account is activated, and they can trade in the real market with the same risk limitations. Profit payouts will also occur bi-weekly.

Risk Rules at E8 Prop Firm

• Maximum Daily Drawdown: 5% on all accounts.
• Maximum Overall Drawdown: 8% (Standard, potentially scalable up to 14% with successful withdrawals), 10% in the Extended version, 8% in the Track version.
• No time limit and no mandatory minimum trading days (solely adherence to targets and risk limits).
• EAs and Copy Trading: Permitted, but if common popular strategies are used and the capital allocation limit violates internal policy, withdrawals/accounts may be restricted.
• First Payout: 8 days for Standard, 14 days for Extended, after the first position; subsequently, on a bi-weekly cycle.

Infrastructure, Platform, and Execution

E8 works with Tier-1 liquidity providers via its dedicated servers instead of relying on a single broker, in order to provide near real market execution. MT4/MT5 is available; holding trades over the weekend and trading during news events is permitted (adherence to risk ceilings is mandatory).

Commissions and Tradable Assets

• Forex / Commodities: Commission of 0.005% of the notional value (Lot Size × Price × Contract Size).
• Indices: Zero dollars per lot.
• Stocks: Commission of 0.3% of the notional value.
• Crypto: Commission of 0.2% of the notional value.

This cost structure is transparent and calculable for scalping/swing styles; however, the trader must factor the effect of percentage based commission on highly volatile symbols into their risk management.

Pros and Cons of E8 Funding Prop Firm

The E8 prop firm provides a low friction path with "no mandatory timing" for a trader who possesses risk discipline, performance consistency, and a process oriented outlook; however, there will be restrictions and friction for users intending to operate from Iran or who expect native support.
Pros

• Free trial and 4.8 Trustpilot rating; a signal of general satisfaction.
• 80% profit split with 8 day / 14 day and subsequent bi-weekly payouts.
• No time limit and no mandatory minimum trading days; focusing on quality instead of speed.
• News/weekend trading allowed and diversity of instruments (FX, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto).
• Increase in overall drawdown ceiling (in the Standard account) with successful withdrawals up to 14%.

Cons

• Lack of service provision to Iran and no Persian support.
• Scattered reports of slippage; requiring adaptation in position size/execution time.
• Mandatory KYC for deposits/withdrawals; aligned with AML policies.
• The 5% maximum daily drawdown can be restrictive for aggressive trading styles.

Analytical Summary of E8 Funding

E8 Funding is valuable for a trader who does not sacrifice "speed of passing" for "stability and quality": two evaluation paths (two step with flexibility in drawdown ceiling or stable three step) and a regular payout schedule make the process predictable. Fees are transparent and based on a percentage of the notional value, and server based execution provides an experience close to the real market. However, if you are operating from Iran or have an immediate need for Persian support, service restrictions and identity requirements are obstacles. In the basket of the "Best Foreign Prop Firms in 1404 (or2025-2026)," E8 is a professional option for those who consider themselves disciplined with a maximum drawdown of 5/8/10% and value a stable growth path.

General Overview of Finotive Funding: A Prop Firm Focused on Plan Variety and Weekly Payouts

Finotive Funding is a prop firm based in Limassol, Cyprus, operating since 2021 under the management of Oliver Newland. The goal of this entity is to provide trading capital to retail traders with low costs and high flexibility. The maximum scalable capital is announced to be up to three million dollars, and leverage is available up to 1:400, depending on the chosen plan. The base commission in the Challenge and Instant accounts is four dollars per round lot, and three dollars in the Pro plan. The main platform is MetaTrader 5, and the user trust rating is reported to be close to 3.8 out of 5.

Service Status for Iranians

It is essential for the Iranian audience to know that Finotive Funding does not provide services to residents of Iran. This geographic restriction also includes several other countries, and registration from within Iran is not possible.

Key Specifications and Payout Mechanism

The base currencies for accounts are USD, EUR, and GBP. More than three hundred assets are tradable, including Forex, metals, indices, energy, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. The withdrawal calendar is weekly, and it is possible to request a payout from the very first day of funding. No time limit is applied to the challenges, and trading during news events is permitted, but adherence to risk management is mandatory. The maximum daily drawdown in the plans varies between three and seven percent, and the maximum overall drawdown is between six and fourteen percent.

Funding Programs at Finotive Funding

The Finotive Funding prop firm provides access to significant capital for traders by offering diverse programs. The company has designed three main paths for traders: the One Step and Two Step Challenge Programs, which smooth the way to a live account with affordable fees and skill verification; the Instant Funding Accounts, which allow quick access to capital without needing to pass evaluation phases; and the advanced Finotive Pro Program, which, in addition to an attractive profit split of up to 100%, also offers a fixed monthly salary to professional traders. Each of these programs, with specific risk and profit rules, addresses the needs of various traders, from beginner to professional.

One Step and Two Step Challenge

This path is suitable for traders who wish to prove their skill at a lower cost and, after passing the profit targets and adhering to risk limits, gain access to a funded account. Unlike some competitors, the evaluation fee in this program is not refunded upon success.

For account sizes from two thousand five hundred dollars to two hundred thousand dollars, the fee range varies from approximately thirty nine to nine hundred ninety nine dollars, depending on whether it is a one step or two step challenge and the account size.

Instant Funding (Standard and Lite)

If you do not wish to enter a challenge, this path offers an instant funded account. The main focus of this option is on quick access to capital and a clear risk framework. In the Lite version, a minimum of five profitable days is mentioned in some sources, which indicates an emphasis on performance stability.

Finotive Pro (One Step and Two Step, along with a Fixed Salary)

This program is designed for experienced traders who are looking for stable income, capital growth, and an enhanced profit split. The distinguishing feature is the fixed monthly salary of five hundred dollars and the possibility of upgrading the profit split up to one hundred percent. The evaluation fee in this program is refundable.

Trading Rules and Policies

Operational rules have been established to standardize the user experience and reduce risk. Adherence to them can prevent a reduction in profit share or delays in payout.

• VPN and VPS usage is permitted provided there is no malicious intent.
• Hedging is permitted with limitations. Holding hedges during very important news events or across multiple accounts and coordinated trading are prohibited.
• Expert Advisors (EAs) are permitted, but high frequency EAs and arbitrage are prohibited. Switching from manual trading to an EA after being funded may reduce the profit share.
• Martingale is permitted while any form of arbitrage, including price feed exploitation, is prohibited.
• News trading is permitted, but news straddling strategies and high risk behaviors are prohibited, and adherence to loss limits during volatile events is essential.
• Profit payouts are weekly and automated via Finotive Pay. There is no specific minimum, except for a hundred dollars for cryptocurrency transactions.

Capital Scaling and Salary Program

The scaling plan is designed to reward performance consistency.

• In the One Step and Two Step Challenges, with three month cycles and criteria such as being profitable for at least two out of three months and executing more than fifty trades, the balance grows by approximately thirty percent each cycle, and the profit split increases up to ninety five percent. The cap for this path is announced to be over two million dollars.
• In the Instant Funding Standard and Lite accounts, with three months of profitability, a net growth of fifteen percent, and more than fifty trades, both the balance and the profit split are upgraded, with a cap of approximately six hundred and eighty thousand dollars.
• In the Pro Program, a fixed one hundred percent profit split is granted, and with consistent performance, the account size scales up to millions of dollars, and the monthly salary is paid independently of withdrawals.

Platform and Infrastructure; What You Experience in Practice

Trading is conducted on MetaTrader 5. The partner broker is introduced as being affiliated with the Finotive Group, whose regulatory status is assessed as limited or unclear, and this requires awareness regarding counterparty risk. The commission is four dollars per round lot in the Challenge and Instant accounts, and three dollars in the Pro plan. Holding trades overnight and over the weekend is permitted, and the absence of a time limit creates high operational flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Finotive Funding

The Finotive Funding prop firm is suitable for a trader who seeks time flexibility, weekly withdrawals, and a fixed income path, while accepting the risk of a brokerage partner with limited regulatory coverage.
Pros

• Access to MetaTrader 5, Instant Funding accounts, and weekly withdrawals from the first day of funding.
• Scalability up to three million dollars and profit split upgradable up to one hundred percent in the Pro plan.
• $500 fixed monthly salary in the Pro plan.
• No time limit, and the possibility of trading during news events and using VPN/VPS.

Cons

• Does not provide services to Iranians and has geographical restrictions.
• Brokerage partner with limited regulatory coverage, which increases counterparty risk.
• Limited educational resources and restricted communication channels.
• Strictness regarding rules on news, hedging, and specific EAs, which can lead to a reduction in profit share or payment refusal if violated.

Analytical Summary

Finotive Funding offers a combination of fast capital access, flexible evaluations without time limits, and a distinctive value proposition with a fixed salary. If your strategy is compatible with daily drawdown ceilings of three to five to seven percent and overall drawdowns of six to ten to fourteen percent, and you value weekly withdrawals and a scaling path, this option can be included in your selection list for the year 1404 (or the corresponding Gregorian year, typically2025-2026). For the Iranian trader, the barrier of not providing services is a determining factor, and in this case, it would be more logical to examine prop firms that officially accept Iranian users and have higher regulatory transparency.

Introduction to Maven Trading: A Platform for Step by Step Trader Growth

Maven Trading is a prop trading firm based in Vancouver, Canada, founded in 2022. In a short period, it has managed to attract over 220,000 traders. This entity provides a simulated environment for evaluating traders' skills by offering funded accounts ranging from $2,000 to $100,000. Users, after successfully completing the one, two, or three step challenges, can scale their accounts up to a maximum of one million dollars. The company collaborates with reputable brokers and liquidity providers such as Purple Trading and Match Prime and supports the cTrader and Match Trader trading platforms.
Maven exclusively offers trade simulation services and educational tools and does not engage in any brokerage activities or capital acceptance. It also does not provide services to countries on the UN sanctions list, and Iranian users cannot utilize the services of this prop firm.

Pros and Cons of Cooperating with Maven Trading

Before reviewing the plans and rules, it is better to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this company to make a more informed decision.
Pros

• Offering various challenges for different levels of trading.
• Diverse funded accounts with a growth ceiling up to one million dollars.
• 24 hour support.
• Profit split of 80/20 in favor of the trader.

Cons

• Lack of support for MetaTrader platforms.
• Absence of a demo account for practice.

Introduction to Maven Trading’s Trading Challenges

Maven Trading is a reputable platform for funding traders, which provides the opportunity for traders to enter the professional investment market by offering two distinct challenge models. This company has set two main paths before traders: the One Step Challenge, designed for experienced traders, which facilitates faster capital growth with a trailing drawdown system; and the Two Step Challenge, which, with a static drawdown and a higher risk tolerance, is a more suitable option for novice and cautious traders. Both programs offer attractive conditions for proving ability and achieving live accounts with substantial capital, featuring an 80% profit split and refundable fees.

One Step Challenge: The Fast Track for Professional Traders

The One Step Challenge is designed for traders who have sufficient experience and want to prove their skill in a single stage. The profit target in this plan is 8%, and the account has a 5% Trailing Overall Drawdown and a 3% Daily Drawdown. In this model, the drawdown limit increases with the account growth, making risk management highly critical.

Two Step Challenge: A Safer Option for Beginner Traders

The Two Step Challenge is suitable for individuals who want to demonstrate their ability over a longer period. The profit target is set at 8% in the first phase and 5% in the second phase. The overall drawdown is determined to be 8% Static, and the daily drawdown is 4%.

Maven Trading Capital Growth Plan

Maven Trading has designed an attractive scaling plan for traders who demonstrate consistent performance. If you achieve a minimum of 10% profit over four months (2.5% per month) and have at least one monthly withdrawal, your account will be increased by 25%. This process is repeatable up to a maximum of one million dollars, and as the account grows, the profit withdrawal limit also increases.

Core Trading Rules at Maven Trading

The platform has established specific rules for challenge participants to maintain capital security and performance transparency. Adherence to these is mandatory for receiving payouts and continuing activity.

• Trades placed two minutes before and after major news events will not be counted in the evaluation.
• The use of copy trading systems or copying trades is prohibited, and violation will lead to account termination.
• High frequency trading, toxic order flow, arbitrage, and group hedging are prohibited.
• The use of Expert Advisors (EAs) is permitted, but the code must be provided upon the company's request.

Trading Platforms at Maven Trading

The company supports two popular platforms, Match Trader and cTrader, both of which offer powerful analytical tools for trade management and order execution. However, the lack of support for MetaTrader may pose a limitation for some users.

Profit Withdrawal and Payout Policy

Profit withdrawals at Maven are processed once every 10 business days. The evaluation fee is fully refunded after the third withdrawal. However, the maximum profit withdrawal is capped at $10,000 per payout cycle, and it is not possible to withdraw more than this amount even if the profit is higher.
For multiple accounts, all accounts are considered as one, which can reduce capital management flexibility. If a trader's profit exceeds $5,000, no single trade or trading day should account for more than 50% of the total profit. This rule can restrict large trades.

Final Analysis of Maven Trading Performance

Maven Trading is a notable option for those traders seeking a transparent, low cost environment with a clear growth path. The challenge structure is designed to be simple and affordable, and there is a possibility to scale up to one million dollars. Support for modern platforms, the 80% profit split, and the refund of the fee after the third withdrawal are significant strengths of this company. However, the profit withdrawal cap, restrictions related to the volume of large trades, and the lack of MetaTrader support are considered weaknesses. For the Iranian trader, the critical point is that Maven Trading does not offer services to users inside Iran, and registration from within the country is not possible.
Overall, Maven can be a suitable choice in the year 1404 for those traders who are at the intermediate to professional level and are looking for long term growth with structured risk management.

Best Foreign Prop Trading Firms That Offer Services to Iranian Users

One of the main concerns for Persian speaking traders is access without geographical restrictions. Many prominent prop firms do not provide services to Iranian users or reject their identity verification due to sanctions. In this situation, choosing prop firms that officially accept Iranians and allow activity without the need for an intermediary or residence outside the country is doubly important.
Currently, FundedNext is the most important international option in this regard. This company has officially announced that it accepts Iranian users, and registration from Iran is carried out without restrictions. This has made FundedNext a popular prop firm for Persian speaking traders.
In addition to accepting Iranian users, FundedNext has several other key advantages:

• Fast Profit Payouts: Unlike many competitors who process payouts bi-weekly or monthly, FundedNext typically completes profit payouts in less than 24 hours.
• High Profit Split: The trader's share of profits can reach up to 95%, which is a highly competitive number among large prop firms.
• Plan Diversity: From two step challenges to one step plans and even Instant accounts (without evaluation), there are many options for different levels of traders.
• Flexibility in Trading Style: Trading during news events is permitted, the use of EAs and VPS is supported, and there are no severe restrictions on strategies.

If you are operating inside Iran or do not want to grapple with the challenges of VPNs, identity verification, or legal restrictions, FundedNext will be the best foreign prop option for you.
If your goal is professional activity in the prop trading space without hassles such as sanctions, complicated identity verification, the need for a VPN, and the risk of account closure, the most logical choice is to use a reputable Iranian prop firm. FeneFx (FeneFx), as the first and most advanced Iranian prop firm, offers services at the level of its international competitors, from professional plans and high profit splits to Persian support and fast settlements. For this reason, for many Persian speaking traders, purchasing a prop account from FeneFx is considered the best and lowest risk option to start their professional journey.

Best Choices Based on Your Needs (Quick Decision Guide)

Not all traders are the same and have different priorities. For one trader, the speed of payout might be more important, and for another, freedom in trading style. Below are a few categorized suggestions for a quicker selection:

Best Prop Firms for Quick Entry Without Evaluation (Instant Funding)

If you don't want to spend weeks dealing with evaluation phases and prefer to enter the market immediately with prop capital, you should look for companies that offer Instant or Express plans. These plans usually require no stages of profitability proof, and you receive tradable capital immediately after paying the fee and account confirmation.
In this category, there are two main options: FundedNext - Stellar Instant and Finotive Instant.
FundedNext – Stellar Instant
In this plan, you directly receive prop capital without passing an evaluation challenge, and you can make your first withdrawal by achieving only a 5% initial profit. A 6% Overall Drawdown (Trailing) limit is applied, and capital is scalable up to $2 million.
Finotive Instant
This plan also has similar conditions, with the difference that in some Lite plans, a minimum of 5 profitable trading days is required. Payouts are made weekly, and the profit split is between 65% and 70%.
The main advantage of Instant accounts is that the trader can test their skill in real market conditions without the stress of complex evaluation tests and rules. However, the primary risk of this model is that the initial fee is usually higher, and the capital drawdown limit will be more restricted than in classic evaluation plans.

Best Prop Firms for Scalpers and News Traders

For traders whose trading style is based on rapid scalping or trading around news events (News Trading), choosing the right prop firm is very important. Many companies have prohibited very short timeframe scalping or trading during news events, as these types of trades entail higher operational risk and liquidity costs for them.
In this regard, two prop firms stand out from the rest:E8 Funding and The 5%ers.
E8 Funding
At this company, trading during news events is fully permitted, and even holding positions over the weekend has no restriction. The absence of a minimum trading day requirement and no time limit for passing the evaluation stages gives scalpers complete freedom of action. Furthermore, the strong infrastructure and direct connection to Tier-1 liquidity ensure that order execution occurs with minimal slippage, which is crucial for scalping.
The 5%ers
This company's approach is based on gradual growth and trading with controlled risk. There is no time limit for passing the stages, and trading during news events is permitted. Additionally, the possibility of using Expert Advisors (EAs) and VPS is provided so that traders can deploy automated strategies even in news conditions.
If your style is based on rapid reaction to news or short term trading, these two options will provide you with the most freedom and compatibility.

Best Prop Firms for Futures Trading and Professional Markets

Trading in the Futures market has many differences from the CFD structure and requires more skill, discipline, and professional analytical tools. If your focus is on futures trading, you must choose a prop firm that is specialized in this area and supports professional platforms.
In this segment, Topstep is one of the oldest and most reputable options. This American company has been active in funding futures traders since 2010, and thousands of professional traders have entered the futures markets through it.
If you are looking to build a professional path in the futures markets, Topstep, with its long history and advanced tools, can be a serious launchpad for you.

Best Prop Firms for Long Term Capital Growth

For traders looking to build a professional path and a multi year partnership with a prop firm, scaling and gradual growth programs are highly important. These programs allow you to multiply the capital under your management several times by maintaining profitability over successive periods.
In this regard, The 5%ers offers the most progressive growth program. With this company, your capital can increase from a few thousand dollars up to a maximum of $4 million. In the two step and Bootcamp plans, the profit split starts at 80% and reaches 100% as the account grows. Furthermore, there is no time limit for passing the stages, which gives you the opportunity to stabilize your performance without time pressure.
Additionally, the educational program, dedicated coaching, and performance analysis sessions at The 5%ers ensure that the trader grows not only financially but also in terms of skill. If your goal is to become a professional trader with multi million dollar capital in the long term, this prop firm could be the best option available in the market.

Comparison Table of Top Prop Firms at a Glance

One of the most common problems users face when reviewing prop firms is the dispersion of information and the need to search through various sources. The table below is designed to resolve this issue by providing a summary of the most important features of each prop firm in a single view:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foreign Prop Trading Firms

1. What is prop trading and how does it differ from trading with personal capital?
Prop trading refers to trading with capital provided by funding companies, where the profit is split between the trader and the company, whereas in personal trading, all profit and loss belongs entirely to the trader.
2. Can Iranian traders operate with foreign prop firms?
Yes, but some companies do not accept Iranian users due to sanctions, and one must use prop firms that officially offer services to Iranians or resort to alternative solutions.
3. What is the most important criterion for choosing the best prop firm?
The most important criteria include risk management rules, the speed and method of profit payout, geographical access, the type of platform, and the transparency of evaluation conditions.
4. Are profits from prop firms truly paid out?
In reputable companies with a transparent payout history and clear policies, traders' profits are paid out regularly; it is essential to check the credibility and payout history of the prop firm before starting cooperation.