Finance Magnates examined AquaFunded, Blue Guardian, City Traders Imperium, and FundedNext.
All four come from the UAE, currently prop firms' third most popular destination.
The retail
proprietary trading industry, traditionally associated with the United States,
has found a new hotspot: the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Now the world's third
most popular destination for prop trading, the UAE is attracting both prop
firms and retail traders alike.
Finance
Magnates conducted an in-depth review of the local industry in the Middle East,
comparing four popular firms headquartered in the heart of the MENA region:
AquaFunded, Blue Guardian, City Traders Imperium, and FundedNext.
The Rise of Prop Trading
in the UAE
The Middle
East, particularly the UAE, has become a magnet for financial firms worldwide.
The region's appeal stems from its attractive tax advantages, strategic
location, and business-friendly environment. With their streamlined and favorable regulations, cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become hotbeds for
popular CFD and cryptocurrency firms. Now, they're increasingly drawing in prop
trading businesses as well.
The region
gained significant attention in 2024 when regulatory issues began to surface in
the US prop market. MetaQuotes, a provider of popular trading platforms like
MetaTrader, withdrew licenses and services from many local firms, blocking
access to clients from this part of the world.
As a
result, traders migrated to Middle Eastern entities, and many firms began
relocating to the UAE or neighboring countries. Currently, the UAE ranks as the
third most popular jurisdiction among trader-funded firms (TFTs), accounting
for nearly 8% of them, right behind the United States and the United Kingdom.
As the US
grapples with regulatory crackdowns and Europe contemplates regulating the prop
trading industry, the Middle East has emerged as an attractive alternative. The
region offers traders and firms access to high leverage and a diverse range of
trading instruments, making it an increasingly appealing destination.
AquaFunded: The New Kid on
the Block with 90% Profit Split
Challenges offered by AquaFunded
First in
our lineup is AquaFunded, the newest entrant in the local market. Founded in
December 2023 by Jason Blax, the firm offers traders access to cTrader,
Tradelocker, and Match-Trader platforms.
In February
2024, when the prop trading industry faced temporary paralysis, AquaFunded
briefly suspended new client registrations from the US. However, they quickly
bounced back, launching a new regulated broker and introducing an alternative
to MetaQuotes platforms with software from Match-Trade Technologies.
AquaFunded's
offering closely mirrors its competitors: high leverage up to 100:1, funded
accounts ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, and a low entry threshold starting at
around $40.
Since the
beginning of the year, the firm has paid out $1.3 million to its traders and
currently serves over 10,000 retail investors. The company also boasts a unique
promise: if a trader doesn't receive their due funds within 48 hours,
AquaFunded will pay out their entire realized profit as compensation.
Blue Guardian: A Veteran
with a Wide Platform Selection
Evaluations at Blue Guardian
Blue
Guardian stands out as one of the longer-established firms in the UAE prop
trading market. It currently offers the widest selection of trading platforms,
including MetaTrader, Match-Trader, DXtrade, and Tradelocker.
Blue Guardian, founded by Sean Bainton, has been operating since January 2021. Like its
competitors, it offers 100:1 leverage and the ability to trade on all popular
CFD instruments. The firm also provides some of the most affordable $10,000
accounts, with challenge entry costs as low as $49.
In
February, Blue Guardian also faced temporary issues and suspended access to its
services for U.S. clients. However, they've resolved this problem over the past few months by implementing new platforms, including DXtrade.
Throughout
its history, the firm has paid out $9 million to more than 25,000 traders
from more than 130 different countries.
City Traders Imperium:
Catering to Experienced Traders
City
Traders Imperium boasts the most established position in this lineup, having
been present in the Middle East prop trading market for six years. Founded by
Daniel Martin and Martin Najat, the firm offers trading via MetaTrader 5.
While City
Traders Imperium does offer "standard" challenges and small accounts
starting at $2,500 with minimal initial fees, their main offering targets
accounts where traders don't need to undergo additional evaluation.
The key
difference lies in the significantly lower financial leverage offered (maximum
30:1), higher fees (reaching almost $5,000), and a smaller profit split maxing
out at 80%.
According
to information on the company's website, City Traders Imperium boasts over
36,000 funded traders and more than $367 million in funded capital.
FundedNext: Offering the
Highest Profit Split
Challenges offered by FundedNext
FundedNext
stands out as the only prop firm mentioned in this article that offers
MetaTrader 4, one of the most popular platforms among retail traders.
Additionally, trading is available on MT5 and cTrader.
Founded in
March 2022 by Abdullah Jayed, the firm offers the highest profit splits in the
industry, reaching up to 95%. However, some of their challenges also come with the
highest profit targets in the business. While these typically range from 6-10%,
FundedNext's targets can sometimes reach 25%.
The
February issues didn't spare FundedNext, which temporarily suspended new
sign-ups from the United States. However, this doesn't seem to have
significantly impacted the company's overall operations.
FundedNext
serves traders from over 195 countries and manages nearly 100,000 traders,
having paid out $95 million in total rewards to date.
Which Prop Firm Should You
Choose?
As the prop
trading landscape continues to evolve, the UAE's emergence as a key player
offers traders and firms alike new opportunities and challenges. Whether you're
a seasoned trader or just starting out, understanding the offerings of these
UAE-based firms could be crucial in navigating the ever-changing world of prop
trading.
AquaFunded
and FundedNext offer the widest range of account sizes, from $5,000 to
$200,000, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Blue
Guardian starts at a slightly higher $10,000, while City Traders Imperium
offers a unique range from $2,500 to $100,000.
In terms of
fees, City Traders Imperium has the lowest starting fee at $33, but their
highest fee is significantly more than the others at $4,799. FundedNext offers
the most competitive fee range from $30 to $1,044.
The
choice ultimately depends on your specific needs:
For
beginners or those preferring lower initial investments: Consider AquaFunded
For traders
seeking the highest potential profit split: FundedNext might be the best
choice.
For those
prioritizing platform familiarity: Blue Guardian offers the most common
options.
For traders
looking for a more established firm: City Traders Imperium, founded in 2018,
has the longest track record.
The retail
proprietary trading industry, traditionally associated with the United States,
has found a new hotspot: the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Now the world's third
most popular destination for prop trading, the UAE is attracting both prop
firms and retail traders alike.
Finance
Magnates conducted an in-depth review of the local industry in the Middle East,
comparing four popular firms headquartered in the heart of the MENA region:
AquaFunded, Blue Guardian, City Traders Imperium, and FundedNext.
The Rise of Prop Trading
in the UAE
The Middle
East, particularly the UAE, has become a magnet for financial firms worldwide.
The region's appeal stems from its attractive tax advantages, strategic
location, and business-friendly environment. With their streamlined and favorable regulations, cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become hotbeds for
popular CFD and cryptocurrency firms. Now, they're increasingly drawing in prop
trading businesses as well.
The region
gained significant attention in 2024 when regulatory issues began to surface in
the US prop market. MetaQuotes, a provider of popular trading platforms like
MetaTrader, withdrew licenses and services from many local firms, blocking
access to clients from this part of the world.
As a
result, traders migrated to Middle Eastern entities, and many firms began
relocating to the UAE or neighboring countries. Currently, the UAE ranks as the
third most popular jurisdiction among trader-funded firms (TFTs), accounting
for nearly 8% of them, right behind the United States and the United Kingdom.
As the US
grapples with regulatory crackdowns and Europe contemplates regulating the prop
trading industry, the Middle East has emerged as an attractive alternative. The
region offers traders and firms access to high leverage and a diverse range of
trading instruments, making it an increasingly appealing destination.
AquaFunded: The New Kid on
the Block with 90% Profit Split
Challenges offered by AquaFunded
First in
our lineup is AquaFunded, the newest entrant in the local market. Founded in
December 2023 by Jason Blax, the firm offers traders access to cTrader,
Tradelocker, and Match-Trader platforms.
In February
2024, when the prop trading industry faced temporary paralysis, AquaFunded
briefly suspended new client registrations from the US. However, they quickly
bounced back, launching a new regulated broker and introducing an alternative
to MetaQuotes platforms with software from Match-Trade Technologies.
AquaFunded's
offering closely mirrors its competitors: high leverage up to 100:1, funded
accounts ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, and a low entry threshold starting at
around $40.
Since the
beginning of the year, the firm has paid out $1.3 million to its traders and
currently serves over 10,000 retail investors. The company also boasts a unique
promise: if a trader doesn't receive their due funds within 48 hours,
AquaFunded will pay out their entire realized profit as compensation.
Blue Guardian: A Veteran
with a Wide Platform Selection
Evaluations at Blue Guardian
Blue
Guardian stands out as one of the longer-established firms in the UAE prop
trading market. It currently offers the widest selection of trading platforms,
including MetaTrader, Match-Trader, DXtrade, and Tradelocker.
Blue Guardian, founded by Sean Bainton, has been operating since January 2021. Like its
competitors, it offers 100:1 leverage and the ability to trade on all popular
CFD instruments. The firm also provides some of the most affordable $10,000
accounts, with challenge entry costs as low as $49.
In
February, Blue Guardian also faced temporary issues and suspended access to its
services for U.S. clients. However, they've resolved this problem over the past few months by implementing new platforms, including DXtrade.
Throughout
its history, the firm has paid out $9 million to more than 25,000 traders
from more than 130 different countries.
City Traders Imperium:
Catering to Experienced Traders
City
Traders Imperium boasts the most established position in this lineup, having
been present in the Middle East prop trading market for six years. Founded by
Daniel Martin and Martin Najat, the firm offers trading via MetaTrader 5.
While City
Traders Imperium does offer "standard" challenges and small accounts
starting at $2,500 with minimal initial fees, their main offering targets
accounts where traders don't need to undergo additional evaluation.
The key
difference lies in the significantly lower financial leverage offered (maximum
30:1), higher fees (reaching almost $5,000), and a smaller profit split maxing
out at 80%.
According
to information on the company's website, City Traders Imperium boasts over
36,000 funded traders and more than $367 million in funded capital.
FundedNext: Offering the
Highest Profit Split
Challenges offered by FundedNext
FundedNext
stands out as the only prop firm mentioned in this article that offers
MetaTrader 4, one of the most popular platforms among retail traders.
Additionally, trading is available on MT5 and cTrader.
Founded in
March 2022 by Abdullah Jayed, the firm offers the highest profit splits in the
industry, reaching up to 95%. However, some of their challenges also come with the
highest profit targets in the business. While these typically range from 6-10%,
FundedNext's targets can sometimes reach 25%.
The
February issues didn't spare FundedNext, which temporarily suspended new
sign-ups from the United States. However, this doesn't seem to have
significantly impacted the company's overall operations.
FundedNext
serves traders from over 195 countries and manages nearly 100,000 traders,
having paid out $95 million in total rewards to date.
Which Prop Firm Should You
Choose?
As the prop
trading landscape continues to evolve, the UAE's emergence as a key player
offers traders and firms alike new opportunities and challenges. Whether you're
a seasoned trader or just starting out, understanding the offerings of these
UAE-based firms could be crucial in navigating the ever-changing world of prop
trading.
AquaFunded
and FundedNext offer the widest range of account sizes, from $5,000 to
$200,000, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Blue
Guardian starts at a slightly higher $10,000, while City Traders Imperium
offers a unique range from $2,500 to $100,000.
In terms of
fees, City Traders Imperium has the lowest starting fee at $33, but their
highest fee is significantly more than the others at $4,799. FundedNext offers
the most competitive fee range from $30 to $1,044.
The
choice ultimately depends on your specific needs:
For
beginners or those preferring lower initial investments: Consider AquaFunded
For traders
seeking the highest potential profit split: FundedNext might be the best
choice.
For those
prioritizing platform familiarity: Blue Guardian offers the most common
options.
For traders
looking for a more established firm: City Traders Imperium, founded in 2018,
has the longest track record.
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.
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
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
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 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.
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.
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
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
