An introduction to the essentials of proprietary trading, it’s advantages, and how to become a forex prop trader. Know the difference between a forex proprietary firm and a forex broker.
What is Proprietary Trading?
Forex proprietary trading, commonly known as prop trading, entails participation in a funding program facilitated by forex proprietary firms. Traders who qualify through assessments conducted by these firms gain access to the firm's capital for executing forex trades. In this dynamic, the prop trading firm shoulders the risk associated with any trading losses incurred by the trader, while the trader is entitled to a share of the profits generated. This model contrasts with traditional forex trading, where individuals use their own capital, offering prop traders a distinct advantage by minimizing personal risk through leveraging the resources of the proprietary firm.
FX Proprietary Firms versus FX Broker
Forex proprietary firms and forex brokers are two different types of companies with distinct business models, and they have significant differences in roles and goals. Here are the most important:
| Concept | Forex Proprietary Firm | Forex Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Provide funds for traders | Provide trading platforms and services for traders |
| Funding | Company funds | Traders’ funds |
| Funds threshold | Provide funding programs to lower the funding threshold for individuals | An initial deposit may be required for trading |
| Profit | From profit sharing | From trader’s spread, commission, etc. |
| Risk | The company bears trading risks and losses | Traders bear trading risks and losses |
| Trader’s profits | Profit sharing | Trading profits |
| Trader’s max risk | Loss of entry fee | All trading funds |
| Trader profile | Traders who have technical skills but do not want to use their own capital and have a lower risk tolerance | Traders who have sufficient funds and higher risk tolerance |
Advantages of prop trading
Forex prop trading offers several advantages for traders, such as capital, training, support, and risk management, among others, to enhance their participation in the forex market and achieve their trading goals. Here are the key advantages of Forex prop trading:
1: Traders are provided with funds and a trading platform
Forex-proprietary trading firms provide trading capital to talented and promising traders. This means there is no need for them to invest a significant amount of capital. Instead, they can trade with the funds provided by the company. This low entry capital requirement allows many users to participate in the forex market, learn, practice, and gain trading experience.
2: Risk diversification and profit sharing
In forex prop trading, the funding programs often feature risk diversification and profit sharing. Typically, in a prop trading model, traders only bear the risk of the entry fee, while the firm assumes the risk of trading losses. If a trader's trading strategy performs well, they can earn substantial returns proportional to their trading performance.
3: Access to professional support and learning opportunities
Forex-proprietary firms typically provide professional training, market analysis, and technical support to help traders enhance their trading skills and knowledge. These additional resources can be invaluable for traders looking to improve their understanding of the Forex market and develop effective trading strategies.
Profit sharing is a common approach in forex prop trading
Forex prop trading models can vary based on the arrangements between traders and companies. One of the most common models is profit sharing, where the prop trading company provides the capital and the platform, and the trader is responsible for executing the trades. The profits generated from the trades are then shared between the trader and the company, typically based on a predetermined profit-sharing ratio.
Advantages
- Traders can share in the profits generated from their trades, allowing them to earn additional income.
- The company provides the necessary capital and support to assist traders in their trading activities.
Who is suitable to be a Proprietary Trader?
Becoming a Forex prop trader requires certain skills and conditions. Let’s see if you are a good prop trading candidate:
1: You have technical skills but do not want to use your own funds for trading
Prop trading can be a viable option for traders who have technical analysis and trading knowledge but do not wish to use their own funds for trading. Some prop trading firms offer funding programs that allow skilled traders to use the company's capital, so they can trade without investing a significant amount of their own funds.
2: You want to develop your trading strategies in practice
If you wish to establish and improve your trading strategies in the live market without risking your own trading capital, forex proprietary trading can be suitable for you. In live trading, traders can test different strategies, gain real-market experience, and continuously adjust and optimize their strategies based on market feedback. This allows them to refine their approach and enhance their trading skills without incurring personal financial losses.
3: You have low risk tolerance
Prop trading firms typically have strict risk control measures to protect themselves and traders from excessive losses. If you are aware of potential weaknesses in your risk management plan and still want to participate in the forex market, you can use the prop trading model to control your risk.
4: You want to improve your trading skills
Even if you have profit-making experience, you can still benefit from training or learning new trading techniques. Excellent proprietary firms offer courses to improve traders’ skills and even their psychological resilience, which is crucial for success.
Steps to becoming a forex prop trader
1: Educate yourself and practice
After learning the basics of FX trading, including market structure, trading concepts, risk management, etc., you can start live trading.
2: Choose a prop trading firm
You should compare proprietary trading firms to learn about their background, evaluation methods, trading techniques, profit-sharing plans, entry fees, etc.
3: Submit your application and conduct the assessment
Initiating the process of becoming a prop trader generally commences with the completion of the application form for a proprietary trading firm. Success in this endeavor typically hinges on candidates satisfactorily navigating an evaluation conducted by the prop trading firm. The specific criteria for this assessment may vary based on the firm and its unique trading model. Certain firms extend training programs to candidates who successfully pass the assessment, further enhancing their preparedness for the role.
4: Start trading
Once accepted by the firm, you can start trading using their funds and following their trading strategies and risk management rules.
5: Keep learning and improving
During the trading process, it is important to continuously learn and improve your trading skills. Analyze your trading results, adjust your strategies, and adapt to market changes. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a calm and patient mindset and avoid being influenced by emotions while trading.
