Best Funded Trader Programs in India

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Best Funded Trader Program in India is Topstep

Your capital is at risk.

Best Funded Trader Programs in India:

  1. Topstep - the best option for Day Traders with the possibility of getting up to 100% of profits

  2. The5ers - suitable for traders using the MT5 platform, the company offers 50/50 profit sharing

  3. FTMO - the company specializes in forex trading and promises users up to 90% of the profile

  4. OneUp Trader Funding - moderate-risk trading firm that offers partners to keep 50 to 80% of profits for themselves

  5. Maverick Trading - designed for active traders who want to earn from 70 to 80% on futures, stocks and options trading

Editor’s Warning:

Traders’ funding is an unregulated sphere, enabling companies to make exaggerated promises and embellish reality. In fact, people mostly lose money by paying the fee for the Challenge (testing) and not receiving funding. That’s why I recommend skipping this game, and honing your skills with one of the reliable Forex brokers, leaders of our rating.

Rinat Gismatullin
Author and business expert
Opinions expressed by Traders Union Contributors are their own.

As a chief expert at Traders Union, my primary concern is the interests of our website’s readers, and how to help them preserve capital and prevent loss.

Therefore, before you read this article, in which we looked into the best proprietary trading firms, I would like to warn you about the specifics of working with prop firms that promise funding for traders.

Our research shows that people mostly lose money with these firms, failing to pass the testing stage (challenges). Those who do get the funding are likely to still lose money upon failing to meet certain conditions of the agreement with many hidden clauses. Often, proprietary trading firms make their money not from their share of profits of successful traders, as their websites claim, but from the fees users pay for testing. The funding in itself is essentially nothing more than leverage for you, which licensed brokerages also offer.

This is why I advise against using prop firms, and working with licensed Forex brokers instead. Once you learn to earn stable profit with a real broker, you won’t need to look for a prop firm, because you will be doing well on your own.

Here are several brokerage companies I can recommend:

1
5.7 /10
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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
2
5.28 /10
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3
6.68 /10
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Every day, thousands of talented traders worldwide seek promising funded programs, and traders from India are no exception. In today's article, we will discuss the pros, cons, and associated risks of this form of collaboration, along with providing a list of the best funded programs available in India.

  • How can I become a Funded Trader in India?

    To become a funded trader in India, you must select a company, enroll in a competitive program, and if your application is approved, undergo a probationary period to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to the company.

  • Which prop firm is best for India?

    Topstep is among the top prop firms in India. The company provides a demo account and various training programs aimed at enhancing traders' skills. Additionally, Topstep does not levy commissions on the first $5000. In other instances, profit distribution options may range from 80%/20% (favoring the trader) to 90%/10% (favoring the trader).

  • Is prop trading legal in India?

    Yes, proprietary trading is entirely legal in India.

  • Are prop firms risky?

    Prop firms can be risky due to looser regulations, difficulty getting funded, and pressure to take on high risks. However, research reputable firms, avoid upfront fees, understand profit sharing, and maintain your own capital to mitigate risk.

Best Funded Trading Programs in India

Topstep is the best option for day traders

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Your capital is at risk.

With its brand power and reputation as an industry innovator and one of Inc 5000’s fastest-growing companies, Topstep has earned the trust of many traders. To participate in the funded account program, all traders begin with the Trading Combine. You can open a real-time simulated futures account with $50K, $100K, or $150K buying power.

During the Trading Combine, you can earn a funded trading account if you demonstrate consistent profitability and manage risk appropriately. Using Topstep's capital, you can trade in real time without personal financial risk, with funds provided by Topstep.

  • As quickly as within eight trading days, traders can qualify to receive a funded account (the amount of funding provided is determined by the Trading Combine plan).

  • The first $10,000 in profits you make can be withdrawn in full, and 90% of profits exceeding that amount can be withdrawn.

  • With Topstep, payout requests are processed on a daily basis (payout requests made prior to 10 a.m. CT are processed on the same day).

  • Topstep’s trader development services include instruction from professional traders, tools, and daily live videos, along with personalized analytics on performance and bonuses for traders.

Trading platforms supported include TSTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Sierra Chart, MultiCharts, R|Trader Pro, and many more.

For a $50k account, Topstep pricing starts at $165 per month. $100k accounts cost $325 per month, and $150k accounts cost $375. Free trials are also available for 14 days.

The5ers is the best company for traders using the MT5 platform

Open an account
Your capital is at risk.

In comparison to the other programs mentioned in this list, The5ers take an entirely different approach. The5ers fund each funded trading account with real money, so subscribers can trade with it.

Traded securities include all Forex majors, such as EUR/USD, USD/CHF, and major cross pairs, such as AUD/CAD and GBP/JPY. The Level 1 Program requires every trader to achieve a profit target between 10% and 25%.

Upon reaching the profit target by trading according to the rules, the Level 1 Program will be closed. As a Portfolio Manager Partner, you will receive profits according to the profit split, and a new trading account will be opened for you on the next funding level.

A key difference between this trading account and the others is its ease of use. 50:50 profits are split between The5ers and their members. Accordingly, the trader keeps half of the profit.

Each of the programs is hosted on the MetaTrader 5 trading platform. The participation fee ranges from $275 to $875.

FTMO is a company specializing in Forex trading

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FTMO is a prop trading firm that specializes in Forex trading, and has won several awards in the field. FTMO traders received over $23,000,000 in payouts in 2021 with an average payout processing time of 8 hours.

To qualify for a funded trading account at FTMO, you must complete three steps.

  • Within 30 days, you must reach the defined profit goals of the FTMO Challenge.

  • Once you've successfully completed the FTMO Challenge, you enter the 60-day Verification process.

  • FTMO will offer you an account range of $10,000 to $400,000. This is after you pass the two-step evaluation process with the Challenge and Verification.

  • Traders keep 80% of their profits for withdrawal according to the 80:20 profit split. In addition, for funded accounts with account sizes of $2,000,000 or greater, traders have the option to increase their profit split up to 90:10 with a Scaling Plan.

There are 44 currency pairs and 10 cryptocurrencies you can trade. You can also trade stock CFDs, commodities, and indices.

Free versions are available of the three most popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader.

In order to participate in the FTMO Challenge, traders must pay a one-time fee. USD, GBP, EUR, CZK, CAD, AUD and CHF can be used to fund the account, but only Euro can be used to pay the challenge fee. For the $10k account, the participation fee starts at 155 EUR. For the $25k account, the cost is 250 EUR, for the $50k account, 345 EUR, for the $100k account, 540 EUR, and for the $200k account, 1,080 EUR.

OneUp Trader Funding is a moderate risk trading firm

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A decade of experience makes OneUp Trader one of the most reliable prop firms to fund your account. By encouraging the use of different schools of thought in decision-making, this program promotes independence.

In addition to its uniqueness, this platform places a lot of trust in its users. This program provides a softer learning curve than other programs that require traders to meet unrealistic trading targets.

As a OneUp member, you'll feel like part of a big family. When it comes to building your confidence, that’s quite important.

In addition, you can decide how you want to share your profits. There are two profit-sharing options - 50-50 and 80-20.

Moreover, their tiers are quite affordable, especially if you choose the 50-50 arrangement. The 50% profit split arrangement would cost you $95 per month for a $25K account. On the other hand, a $25K account with the 80% option would cost you $125 per month.

Maverick Trading - designed for active traders

In the world of trading, Maverick is undoubtedly a top company. You can start trading in Maverick even if you are less experienced, as it offers the services of professional advisors and popular robo advisors.

Every business day, Maverick provides webinars and lessons. You can easily improve your skills with the help of lessons and webinars during business hours.

With Maverick, you can trade options, stocks, and Forex. As a new trader, you can count on Maverick's team for support, technology, and training lessons.

When you prove your trustworthiness to Maverick, they invite you to join their team and finance you immediately. Based on the profitability of your work, the amount of instant funding may be increased.

If you consider yourself to be an active trader, don't miss your chance to get instant funding and contribute to Maverick's development.

Maverick traders predominantly use ThinkorSwim during evaluations. However, most of them prefer Interactive Brokers for live accounts. This is because Interactive Brokers has a very user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.

As part of its evaluation phase, the Forex program also uses Interactive Brokers. Maverick's teaching approach differs greatly from other programs in that it’s more effective and comprehensive. However, it’s also more expensive. Joining the options program will cost you about $7,000 and joining the Forex program will cost you about $4,000.

Rules and Regulation

Regulation

India has strict qualification of managing traders. Only brokers’ employees certified by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) can execute trades on prop accounts. If traders are certified with one broker, they can’t work with another one. Thus, there are no strict requirements to prop firms and brokers themselves, but there are restrictions that forbid traders from working with several prop accounts.

Investor protection

There is rather strict legislation in India that limits trading CFDs with leverage. Therefore, if traders work with a company that violates local legislation, their interests are not protected.

If traders find evidence that a prop firm of any jurisdiction violates Indian financial laws, they can file complaints with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Taxation

Subject to the taxable amount and the asset type, the tax rate can be up to 30%. Trading digital assets is another asset category with an increased tax rate.

Funded Trading Programs in India Compared

For a quick overview of the funded trader programs discussed here, we compiled a table highlighting the important points.

Best for Trial period Profit Share Cost Markets

Topstep

New day traders

14 days

100%

$495 for 3 month membership, $990 for 6 month membership

Futures

The5ers

Traders using MT5 p latform

None

50%

$275 to $875.

Forex, metals, and indices

FTMO

Experienced traders

14 days

Up to 90%

$139.50 to $972

Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto

OneUp Trader Funding

Risk-free trading

14 days

50% to 80%

From $95 per month for a $25,000 account to $650 per month for a $250,000 account

Futures

Maverick Trading

Active traders

N/A

70% to 80%

$6,000 for the educational training and $199/month desk fee, $5,000 to fund live trading account.

Futures, stocks, and options

How Do I Become a Fully Funded Trader in India?

To become a fully funded trader in India, follow these steps:

  • Explore funded trader programs: Begin by researching the available programs in India. Look for firms with a reliable reputation that have been operational for more than one year. Utilize expert resources on platforms like the Traders Union website.

  • Familiarize yourself with the requirements: Analyze the requirements set forth by the company and ensure that your knowledge and skills align with them.

  • Apply for the program: This may involve completing an online form, submitting documentation of your experience and skills, and potentially undergoing an interview.

  • Complete a probationary period: Some proprietary companies may require a trial period to assess your trading skills and suitability for the program. This could involve trading on a demo account or performing real trading tasks.

  • Adhere to program rules: Upon acceptance, you'll gain access to a real trading account. Follow the rules and recommendations set by the company, prioritize risk management, and stick to your trading strategy.

  • Continuously improve: Work on enhancing your trading skills to maintain high profitability and potentially qualify for additional funding in the future.

Can I Become a Funded Trader Without Evaluation?

Throughout this article, there is one word that has stood out - evaluation. We have discussed at length the different evaluation processes of different funded trading accounts, but what is evaluation exactly?

Let’s define it as simply as possible. As a funded trader, you are using the firm’s funds to trade. But the firm doesn’t know you and if they can trust you with their accounts. Because of this, they will have a program to test your trading and risk-management skills. This program is what’s called evaluation, and only if you pass it will you be given the account.

However, there are a few (two or three) funded trading accounts that do not offer an evaluation program before they give you an account. Some of these prop firms include the 5ers.

How to Choose a Funded Trading Program in India

Choosing a funded program requires careful consideration to ensure it aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and preferences. Here are steps to help you select the right option:

  • Research the various programs: Pay attention to factors such as profit-sharing arrangements, trial periods, available assets, and costs.

  • Analyze the requirements: Each proprietary firm has its own set of prerequisites for candidates, such as minimum account size, trading experience, and performance metrics. Before applying, ensure you meet the company's requirements.

  • Estimate the amount of financing: Consider the capital the selected company is willing to provide and any associated fees or costs.

  • Evaluate the trading conditions: Assess aspects like leverage, available trading assets (some companies specialize exclusively in futures, while others offer a broader range of instruments), execution speed, and trading platforms. Ensure the firm's terms align with your style and strategy.

  • Check profit-sharing mechanisms: While some companies base profit-sharing on performance, others offer fixed ratios (e.g., from 70%/30% to 90%/10% in favor of the trader).

  • Read reviews and testimonials: Seek feedback from other traders who have participated in the program to gauge the advisability of collaborating with the chosen firm.

  • Consider additional benefits: Some companies provide extra perks such as free educational resources, mentoring, and community support. Assess these opportunities and their potential contributions to your success.

How do Funded Trader Programs work?

Understanding how funded trader programs work is critical for aspiring traders who want to participate.

Individual traders can trade a firm's capital in exchange for a cut of any gains made. The application process often includes presenting your trading history, plan specifics, and qualifications. Firms carefully analyze applicants based on their prior performance and risk levels.

If accepted, the trader is granted a specific amount of the firm's money in their funded trader accounts to trade as they see fit, according to the agreed-upon strategy. Most programs require traders to use the firm's proprietary trading platform for compliance purposes. Profits and losses on the financed account are distributed according to the arrangement, which is typically 40-60% for the trader.

In Conclusion

Funded Trader Programs promote a mutually beneficial partnership between traders and trading firms. Traders can produce significant money from these agreements over time by adhering to a firm's guidelines and maintaining consistent, risk-managed performance.

Expert Opinion

Funded accounts seem an attractive option for many traders and are perceived by them as a risk-free path to significant earnings. However, that is not entirely true, and like any path in trading, it cannot be easy and accessible to everyone. To some extent, it can indeed be one of the development options for an experienced trader who has a chance to pass the evaluation phase. For a mid-level trader who has been trading profitably for some time with their small capital, trying copy trading programs as a source of trading signals might be more feasible. This allows for development while continuing to work with a psychologically comfortable amount. For novice traders, participation in prop trading challenges is not recommended due to the high skill requirements for candidates.

Igor Krasulya

Igor Krasulya

Author at Traders Union

Methodology for compiling our ratings of prop firms

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate prop companies using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

  • Trader Testimonials and Reviews. Collecting and analyzing feedback from existing and past traders to understand their experiences with the firm.

  • Trading instruments. Companies are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.

  • Challenges and Evaluation Process. Analyzing the firm's challenge system, account types, evaluation criteria, and the process for granting funding.

  • Profit Split. Reviewing the profit split structure and terms, scaling plans, and how the firm handles profit distributions.

  • Trading Conditions. Examining leverage, execution speeds, commissions, and other trading costs associated with the firm.

  • Platform and Technology. Assessing the firm's proprietary trading platform or third-party platforms it supports, including ease of use, functionality, and stability.

  • Education and Support. Quality and availability of training materials, webinars, and one-on-one coaching.

Team that worked on the article

Chinmay Soni
Contributor

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).