FTMO (Forex Trading Managed Operations) is a leading proprietary trading firm that offers traders the chance to trade the firm’s capital. This opportunity is contingent upon passing a rigorous evaluation process that ensures only skilled and disciplined traders are funded. FTMO’s model reduces the financial risk for traders while providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed in the competitive world of trading.

1. Evaluation Process

The FTMO evaluation process is designed to assess a trader’s ability to trade profitably while adhering to strict risk management rules. The process is divided into two phases:

1.1 FTMO Challenge

The FTMO Challenge is the first phase of the evaluation, where traders must prove their skills under realistic trading conditions.

• Objective: To demonstrate consistent profitability and sound risk management.
• Duration: 30 calendar days.
• Profit Target: Typically set at 10% of the initial account balance. For example, if the account size is $50,000, the target profit is $5,000.
• Maximum Daily Loss: Set at 5% of the initial account balance. This means for a $50,000 account, the daily loss should not exceed $2,500.
• Maximum Overall Loss: Set at 10% of the initial account balance. For a $50,000 account, this translates to a maximum loss of $5,000 over the entire challenge period.
• Minimum Trading Days: Traders must trade on at least 10 different days during the FTMO Challenge to demonstrate consistency.

1.2 FTMO Verification

Upon successfully completing the FTMO Challenge, traders proceed to the FTMO Verification phase. This phase confirms that the trader can continue to trade profitably and manage risk over a longer period.

• Objective: To verify the trader’s consistency and risk management skills.
• Duration: 60 calendar days.
• Profit Target: Reduced to 5% of the initial account balance. For instance, for a $50,000 account, the target profit is $2,500.
• Maximum Daily Loss: Remains at 5% of the initial account balance.
• Maximum Overall Loss: Remains at 10% of the initial account balance.
• Minimum Trading Days: The trader must trade on at least 10 different days during the FTMO Verification phase.

2. FTMO Funded Account

After passing both the FTMO Challenge and FTMO Verification phases, traders are awarded a funded account with FTMO. This account allows traders to trade with FTMO’s capital under continued risk management guidelines.

2.1 FTMO Profit Split

• Standard Profit Split: Traders receive 80% of the profits they generate, while FTMO retains 20%. For example, if a trader earns $10,000 in profits, they would receive $8,000.
• Increased Profit Split: With consistent performance and adherence to FTMO rules, traders can increase their profit split to 90%.

2.2 FTMO Scaling Plan

FTMO offers a Scaling Plan to successful traders, enabling them to increase their account size and profit potential. The Scaling Plan has specific criteria:

• Consistency: The trader must show consistent profits over four consecutive months.
• Risk Management: The trader must adhere to FTMO’s risk management rules.
• Profit Target: The trader must achieve at least 10% profit over the four-month period without exceeding the loss limits.

Under the FTMO Scaling Plan, the account size increases by 25% every four months, providing the trader meets the criteria. This allows traders to gradually manage larger amounts of capital and potentially earn higher profits.

2.3 FTMO Risk Management

To maintain their funded accounts, traders must adhere to FTMO’s risk management rules:

• Daily Loss Limit: The maximum allowable loss in a single day remains at 5% of the account balance.
• Overall Loss Limit: The total allowable loss over the account’s lifetime remains at 10% of the account balance.

3. FTMO Trading Conditions

FTMO provides a range of trading conditions to suit different trading styles and preferences.

3.1 FTMO Markets

Traders can access various financial markets through FTMO, including:

• Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.
• Commodities: Gold, silver, oil, and other commodities.
• Indices: Major global indices like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, DAX, and more.
• Stocks: A selection of major stocks.
• Cryptocurrencies: Popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.

3.2 FTMO Trading Platforms

FTMO supports several trading platforms to accommodate different trading needs:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): A popular platform known for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting tools.
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An updated version of MT4 with additional features and improved performance.
• cTrader: A platform known for its fast execution and advanced trading tools.

3.3 FTMO Leverage

FTMO offers leverage up to 1:100, allowing traders to maximize their trading potential. For example, with 1:100 leverage, a trader can control a position size of $100,000 with just $1,000 of margin.

3.4 FTMO Trading Styles

FTMO accommodates various trading styles, including:

• Day Trading: Short-term trading that involves opening and closing positions within the same trading day.
• Swing Trading: Medium-term trading that involves holding positions for several days or weeks to capture price swings.
• Algorithmic Trading: Automated trading using algorithms and trading bots.

4. FTMO Fees

FTMO charges a one-time fee for participating in the FTMO Challenge. This fee varies based on the account size chosen. For example:

• $10,000 Account: The fee is typically around €155.
• $50,000 Account: The fee is typically around €345.
• $100,000 Account: The fee is typically around €540.

The fee is refundable upon successful completion of both the FTMO Challenge and FTMO Verification phases.

5. FTMO Support and Resources

FTMO provides comprehensive support and resources to help traders succeed.

5.1 FTMO Trading Academy

FTMO’s Trading Academy offers a wealth of educational resources, including:

• Video Tutorials: Covering various trading topics and strategies.
• Webinars: Live sessions with professional traders and industry experts.
• Articles and Guides: Detailed articles and guides on trading techniques and market analysis.

5.2 FTMO Performance Coach

FTMO offers access to performance coaches who can help traders with the psychological aspects of trading. These coaches provide support in areas such as:

• Stress Management: Techniques to manage stress and maintain focus.
• Emotional Control: Strategies to control emotions and avoid impulsive decisions.
• Confidence Building: Tips to build confidence and improve trading performance.

5.3 FTMO Account Analysis

FTMO provides detailed analysis and feedback on traders’ accounts, including:

• Performance Metrics: Key metrics such as profit/loss, drawdown, and risk/reward ratio.
• Trade Analysis: In-depth analysis of individual trades to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Feedback Reports: Regular feedback reports to help traders refine their strategies and improve performance.

6. FTMO Benefits

FTMO offers numerous benefits to traders, making it an attractive option for those looking to trade with significant capital without risking their own money.

6.1 No Risk to Trader

One of the primary benefits of trading with FTMO is that the firm assumes all financial risk. Traders do not have to worry about losing their own money, which allows them to focus on trading without the added stress of personal financial loss.

6.2 High Profit Potential

FTMO’s profit split allows traders to retain a significant portion of their profits. With the potential to increase the profit split to 90%, traders can earn substantial income from their trading activities.

6.3 Supportive Environment

FTMO provides a supportive environment for traders, with access to educational resources, performance coaches, and detailed account analysis. This support helps traders improve their skills and achieve consistent profitability.

6.4 Professional Growth

Trading with FTMO offers opportunities for professional growth and development. Traders can increase their account size through the FTMO Scaling Plan and gain valuable experience managing larger amounts of capital.

FTMO is a reputable and well-structured proprietary trading firm that offers traders the opportunity to trade with substantial capital without risking their own money. The firm’s two-phase evaluation process ensures that only skilled and disciplined traders are funded, while its comprehensive support and resources help traders succeed. With a generous profit split, scaling opportunities, and a focus on risk management, FTMO is an attractive option for serious traders looking to take their trading to the next level.