FTMO

What is FTMO?

FTMO is the largest and most-recognized forex prop firm. The firm operates a 2-step evaluation: pass a Challenge with a profit target (typically 10%), then pass a Verification (typically 5%) with the same drawdown rules. After both phases, traders receive a funded account.

FTMO supports multiple platforms (MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader, and DXtrade depending on account type) and trades multiple asset classes: forex, indices, commodities, and crypto. The firm is privately held and has been consistently profitable since founding.

Founded

2015

Headquarters

Prague, Czech Republic

Markets

Forex, indices, commodities, crypto

Evaluation type

2-step (Challenge + Verification)

Best for

Traders wanting the most-established option

Profit split

80% standard, 90% with consistency

Evaluation process

The standard FTMO model: pay an upfront fee for the Challenge, which is refunded with your first payout if you pass. Challenge requires hitting a profit target (typically 10%) without breaching the daily-loss cap (typically 5%) or the total max drawdown (typically 10%).

Verification follows the same rule structure with a lower profit target (typically 5%). Both phases have minimum trading-day requirements. Specifics change as FTMO updates its products; confirm current rules on ftmo.com.

Payouts

Funded traders receive 80% of profits as standard, with the option to upgrade to 90% through the "Premium" program after demonstrating consistency. Payouts are processed every two weeks or monthly depending on the trader's choice.

FTMO publishes regular payout reports showing aggregate amounts paid to traders, providing public proof of payout volume.

Pros and cons

Pros: Most established forex prop firm. Large active community. Multiple platforms and asset classes. Transparent rules. Published payout reports. Refundable Challenge fee on pass.

Cons: 2-step evaluation can take time (weeks per phase). Some traders find the consistency rules restrictive. Standard 80% profit split is lower than some newer firms offering 90%+ from day one.

See more context on my own prop-firm experience on the broker partnership disclosure page, or look up unfamiliar terms in the forex glossary.

FTMO FAQ