Choosing a prop firm: questions to answer from the rules alone

[FXS London Scalper]

Prop firm marketing focuses on account size and profit split. The rules decide whether the strategy fits. Questions to answer from the rule documents before paying:

• Daily loss: measured from balance or equity, at which time, in which time zone?
• Maximum loss: static or trailing, on balance or equity?
• News trading: allowed, restricted, which events?
• Holding overnight or over the weekend: allowed?
• Minimum and maximum trading days?
• EAs and copy trading: allowed, with conditions?
• Consistency rules?
• Payout schedule and conditions?
• Who is the broker or platform provider behind the accounts?

Then compare with your journal. For example, if your worst day in the past year was −4% and the daily limit is 5%, the margin is small once slippage is included.

Also look for how rule changes are communicated. Firms that change rules often, or apply them retroactively, add risk.

Many firms have gone out of business or changed models, so check recent news about the firm too.

What rule matters most to you?