WHERE SHOULD YOU TRADE?

Broker or Prop Firm?

If you're new to trading, one of the first decisions you'll face is:

Do I trade with my own money through a broker, or do I trade through a prop firm?

They're not the same thing.

Before you choose a company, understand how each option works, what you're responsible for, and what type of trader each option may suit.

TRADE YOUR OWN CAPITAL

BROKER

A broker provides access to the financial markets, allowing you to trade using your own trading capital.

You decide how much capital you want to deposit and how much you're prepared to risk.

A broker may be worth exploring if you:

• Want to trade your own money
• Want flexibility over your account size
• Don't want to complete a prop-firm evaluation
• Want to build your own trading account over time
• Want direct control over your deposited capital

OR...

TRADE WITH A PROP FIRM

A proprietary trading firm typically provides traders with access to a larger notional account after the trader meets the firm's requirements.

Depending on the firm, this may involve an evaluation, specific drawdown rules, profit targets, trading restrictions and other conditions.

A prop firm may be worth exploring if you:

• Don't want to deposit a large amount of personal trading capital
• Are comfortable following strict risk rules
• Want to work toward trading a larger account
• Understand that passing an evaluation does not guarantee profitability
• Are prepared to follow the firm's specific rules

WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There isn't one answer that works for every trader.

Your decision should depend on your:

Capital → Risk tolerance → Trading style → Experience → Goals → Ability to follow rules

Choose an option below to explore the companies I currently work with and trade through.

A NOTE BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Don't choose a broker or prop firm simply because someone shows you a profit screenshot.

Understand the rules.

Understand the costs.

Understand the risks.

And most importantly:

Choose the environment that matches the trader you are becoming.

The companies listed on the following pages are options I personally use, work with, or have experience with. They are not a promise of profitability or a guarantee that any particular company is suitable for you.

Always read the company's current terms, conditions, fees and risk disclosures before signing up.