At Traders Union, we've developed a transparent, data-driven evaluation system for proprietary trading firms. This methodology assesses over 65 measurable parameters—including funding options, trading conditions, risk limits, platforms, and supported payment methods—to help traders objectively compare firms and select the best match.
Proprietary Trading Firm Evaluation System
Our sophisticated scoring system evaluates firms based on weighted KPIs relevant to proprietary trading. The maximum achievable score is 10 points.
| Parameter | Weight | Description | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Challenge Conditions | 20% | Evaluates challenge difficulty and fairness (entry price, profit targets, drawdown limits, funded capital). | Pricing, one-step profit targets, daily/max drawdown limits, managed capital offerings |
| Trading Conditions | 20% | Assesses post-funding trading environment (profit splits, leverage, strategy restrictions). | Max loss percentage, leverage, permissions for scalping/news trading/copy trading/EAs, mandatory stop-loss rules |
| User Satisfaction | 15% | Reflects company reputation via user reviews and feedback scores. | Verified user ratings, complaint resolution |
| Supported Markets | 12.5% | Range of tradable instruments (Forex, CFDs, commodities, crypto, etc.). | Asset class diversity |
| Trading Platforms | 12.5% | Evaluates platform compatibility (MT4/MT5, cTrader, proprietary solutions). | Mobile access, advanced tools like TradingView |
| Deposits & Withdrawals | 10% | Efficiency of payment processing (methods, currencies, withdrawal frequency). | Crypto/bank transfer options, payout flexibility |
| Customer Support | 5% | Quality of service (response time, multilingual availability). | 24/7 live chat, email/phone support |
| Education | 5% | Learning resources (webinars, tutorials, mentorship). | Strategy guides, video courses |
| Total | 100% |
Key Evaluation Metrics Explained
Challenge Conditions (20%)
- Scored parameters: Entry cost, profit targets, drawdown limits, refundable fees.
- Example: Firms with ≤5% profit targets score higher than those requiring >11%.
Trading Conditions (20%)
- Flexibility: Allowed strategies (scalping, EAs) improve scores.
- Restrictions: Mandatory weekend closures deduct points.
User Satisfaction (15%)
Calculated via Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) from 1–5 star reviews:
- 5★ = 10 points, 1★ = 1 point.
Supported Markets (12.5%)
- Top-rated firms offer 8+ asset classes (e.g., crypto + futures).
Core Evaluation Principles
- Transparency: Clear methodology with no hidden biases.
- Data-Driven: 75+ firms assessed using 65+ parameters.
- Trader-Centric: Prioritizes challenge accessibility and profit potential.
- Continuous Updates: Metrics refined quarterly based on user feedback.
👉 Explore top-rated proprietary trading firms
FAQ Section
Q: How often are ratings updated?
A: Quarterly, with real-time adjustments for major policy changes.
Q: Do you consider withdrawal speed in scores?
A: Yes—firms offering "on-demand" payouts score highest (4/4 points).
Q: Are there fees to access your evaluations?
A: No. Traders Union provides all ratings and tools free of charge.
👉 Learn how to choose the best proprietary firm
Analyst Team: Our 12-member team includes former prop traders and financial auditors. Profiles available on Traders Union’s "Analysts" page.