90% of 459 PipFarm's study participants take part in challenges of 2–5 different props, Finance Magnates has learned.
Despite potential high earnings, only one in three clients at trader-funded firms makes any money.
In the high-stakes world of financial markets, proprietary trading has been surging in popularity. However, this arena remains a challenging landscape where success eludes many. A recent PipFarm poll, exclusively obtained by Finance Magnates, sheds light on the current state of prop trading. The study, which gathered insights from 459 respondents, reveals a striking contrast: while the industry attracts many, only 40% manage to turn a nice dime.
The Journey Begins with FX
and Crypto, Not Evaluation Firms
Finance
Magnates gained
exclusive insight into a recent poll conducted among PipFarm clients, which
shed light on the trading experiences and profiles of those actively using prop
firm offerings.
“FX and
crypto have been prominent alternative investments for many years and are
heavily marketed to retail traders. Unsurprisingly, most traders were
introduced to trading through FX and crypto platforms,” James
Glyde, the Founder and CEO of PipFarm commented for Finance Magnates.
Nearly half
of the respondents (45%) use both their own funds and funded accounts for
trading. Only 14% indicated that they rely entirely on their own funds. But
this should not be surprising, as the poll was conducted among clients of a
company whose main goal is to fund traders.
In a recent
interview with Finance Magnates at the iFX EXPO International 2024, Glyde
also revealed that “the risk is incredibly hard to manage in the prop
trading industry.” The full conversation is available in the video below:
Meet the Profile of an
Average Prop Firm Trader
The data
collected by PipFarm clearly shows that the average prop firm client tries to
maximize their chances of success in challenges and evaluations by using the
services of more than one firm (68%). However, it turns out that most limit
themselves to two (43%) or a maximum of three (31%). A few record holders
indicated cooperation with 6–11 props (6%).
The most
important factors motivating retail traders to choose a particular proprietary
trading firm are clear operating rules (79%), meaning transparent regulations
and simple requirements for participating in challenges. Very important factors
are also fast fund withdrawals (75%).
“Contrary
to the recent prop firm price war, traders really want clear rules rather than
low prices and high-profit shares,” explained Glyde. “Many firms have started
rejecting payouts due to technicalities, such as IP address inconsistencies,
KYC discrepancies, vague definitions of gambling, news trading, and consistency
targets.”
39% of
respondents look for attractive prices (cheap challenges and low spreads) in
prop firms and evidence of past payouts to other clients (37%). Less important
were factors such as high-profit share, ease of challenges, or the length of
the firm's market presence.
What do
investors want to avoid? Most are discouraged by trailing drawdown (54%),
consistency rules (53%), or the prohibition of trading based on the latest news
and macroeconomic data (37%) in prop firm offerings.
The poll also showed that prop traders easily adapt to changes. 57% stated that in case
of a platform change, they need less than a week to get used to it, and another
31% indicated that a maximum of a month is enough for them.
“This
survey highlights that most traders could adapt and switch platforms in less
than a week,” added Glyde. “While some traders remain passionate about
MetaTrader, its absence will not stop them from trading, and many are learning
that other better platforms were available all along.”
Over $4,000 Spent on
Challenges
From the
data seen by Finance Magnates, it also appears that the average trader
invests $4,270 in prop firm challenges, hoping for a high return on their
investment. However, nearly half of investors never realize any payout, and
almost 60% of all clients lose capital.
The number
of profitable prop traders reaches 41%, and among them, prop trading indeed
becomes a high-risk but high-reward game. PipFarm data shows that respondents
collectively invested $1.9 million in challenges, ultimately earning $7.6
million, which translates to a total return rate of 300%.
The poll was conducted on a group of about 500 active clients of PipFarm, a
trader-funded firm that offers proprietary trading on accounts ranging from
$5,000 to $200,000.
In the high-stakes world of financial markets, proprietary trading has been surging in popularity. However, this arena remains a challenging landscape where success eludes many. A recent PipFarm poll, exclusively obtained by Finance Magnates, sheds light on the current state of prop trading. The study, which gathered insights from 459 respondents, reveals a striking contrast: while the industry attracts many, only 40% manage to turn a nice dime.
The Journey Begins with FX
and Crypto, Not Evaluation Firms
Finance
Magnates gained
exclusive insight into a recent poll conducted among PipFarm clients, which
shed light on the trading experiences and profiles of those actively using prop
firm offerings.
“FX and
crypto have been prominent alternative investments for many years and are
heavily marketed to retail traders. Unsurprisingly, most traders were
introduced to trading through FX and crypto platforms,” James
Glyde, the Founder and CEO of PipFarm commented for Finance Magnates.
Nearly half
of the respondents (45%) use both their own funds and funded accounts for
trading. Only 14% indicated that they rely entirely on their own funds. But
this should not be surprising, as the poll was conducted among clients of a
company whose main goal is to fund traders.
In a recent
interview with Finance Magnates at the iFX EXPO International 2024, Glyde
also revealed that “the risk is incredibly hard to manage in the prop
trading industry.” The full conversation is available in the video below:
Meet the Profile of an
Average Prop Firm Trader
The data
collected by PipFarm clearly shows that the average prop firm client tries to
maximize their chances of success in challenges and evaluations by using the
services of more than one firm (68%). However, it turns out that most limit
themselves to two (43%) or a maximum of three (31%). A few record holders
indicated cooperation with 6–11 props (6%).
The most
important factors motivating retail traders to choose a particular proprietary
trading firm are clear operating rules (79%), meaning transparent regulations
and simple requirements for participating in challenges. Very important factors
are also fast fund withdrawals (75%).
“Contrary
to the recent prop firm price war, traders really want clear rules rather than
low prices and high-profit shares,” explained Glyde. “Many firms have started
rejecting payouts due to technicalities, such as IP address inconsistencies,
KYC discrepancies, vague definitions of gambling, news trading, and consistency
targets.”
39% of
respondents look for attractive prices (cheap challenges and low spreads) in
prop firms and evidence of past payouts to other clients (37%). Less important
were factors such as high-profit share, ease of challenges, or the length of
the firm's market presence.
What do
investors want to avoid? Most are discouraged by trailing drawdown (54%),
consistency rules (53%), or the prohibition of trading based on the latest news
and macroeconomic data (37%) in prop firm offerings.
The poll also showed that prop traders easily adapt to changes. 57% stated that in case
of a platform change, they need less than a week to get used to it, and another
31% indicated that a maximum of a month is enough for them.
“This
survey highlights that most traders could adapt and switch platforms in less
than a week,” added Glyde. “While some traders remain passionate about
MetaTrader, its absence will not stop them from trading, and many are learning
that other better platforms were available all along.”
Over $4,000 Spent on
Challenges
From the
data seen by Finance Magnates, it also appears that the average trader
invests $4,270 in prop firm challenges, hoping for a high return on their
investment. However, nearly half of investors never realize any payout, and
almost 60% of all clients lose capital.
The number
of profitable prop traders reaches 41%, and among them, prop trading indeed
becomes a high-risk but high-reward game. PipFarm data shows that respondents
collectively invested $1.9 million in challenges, ultimately earning $7.6
million, which translates to a total return rate of 300%.
The poll was conducted on a group of about 500 active clients of PipFarm, a
trader-funded firm that offers proprietary trading on accounts ranging from
$5,000 to $200,000.
Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.
iFOREX Adds Saudi and South Korean Equity CFDs as IPO Is Delayed
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Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
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Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
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We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
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A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
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A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
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We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
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We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
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Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
