Is FTMO Worth It? The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Traders

Jeremy BiberdorfBy: Jeremy Biberdorf

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

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In the fast-paced world of financial trading, the question on many aspiring traders’ minds is, “Is FTMO worth it?”

FTMO is a proprietary trading firm that originated in Prague, aiming to identify skillful traders and provide them the capital to scale their strategies. FTMO has gained attention for its unique 2-step Evaluation Course designed to test a trader’s skills and discipline. Successful candidates gain the opportunity to manage an account balance of up to $400,000 and keep a significant share of the profits they generate. The firm also offers tools for coaching, account analysis, and performance tracking to help traders on their journey toward financial independence.

At its core, FTMO aims to create a global platform connecting retail traders and investors while offering a risk-managed environment. Given its distinctive approach and the resources it offers, many are curious to delve deeper into FTMO.
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The Genesis of FTMO

FTMO was founded in 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic. Though it started as a smaller enterprise, the ambition was grand: to revolutionize the world of proprietary trading by discovering and nurturing trading talents.

But how did FTMO achieve its current international stature? A significant portion of the credit goes to its founders. They have always emphasized discipline, professionalism, and risk management as the pillars of successful trading.

With a wealth of experience in finance and trading, the founders recognized the lack of sufficient capital for retail traders. They developed a unique evaluation process to test trading skills and discipline rigorously. This ensured that only the most capable traders would get the opportunity to manage the company’s funds. Their philosophy is that anyone can make a lucky trade, but consistency and discipline differentiate a skilled trader from an amateur.

Risk management is another cornerstone of the company’s ethos. By setting specific trading objectives and loss limits, FTMO ensures that its traders operate within a controlled risk environment. This safety net protects the firm’s capital and educates traders on managing risk effectively, a skill vital for long-term success in the financial markets.

The founders’ commitment to these principles has made FTMO one of the most talked-about names in the proprietary trading arena, offering a blend of opportunity and security highly appealing to traders worldwide.

FTMO Features and Services

One of the standout aspects when asking, “Is FTMO worth it?” is its plethora of features and services.

The FTMO Evaluation Course is designed as a two-step process to assess a trader’s skills and discipline rigorously. It starts with the FTMO Challenge, where traders are required to meet specific trading objectives to prove their competency. Successful completion leads to the Verification stage, the final hurdle before traders can access the firm’s money.

Then comes the FTMO Account, the real deal, where traders can manage up to $400,000 of the firm’s capital.

Lastly, the Profit Split is another attractive feature. Once you’re an FTMO Trader, you can keep up to 90% of your profits. Overall, FTMO offers a comprehensive and thoughtful package for serious traders.

FTMO’s Unique Scaling Plan

FTMO’s unique Scaling Plan encourages traders to maintain a consistent, profitable track record. This plan is not just a one-time bonus but a continuous scaling strategy that compounds your success over time.

  • Eligibility Criteria: A trader must achieve at least 10% net profit in four consecutive monthly cycles and process at least two payouts within those four months to qualify for scaling. The account balance should also remain above the initial starting balance.
  • Capital Increments: If a trader meets the eligibility criteria, his FTMO Account will be increased by 25% every four months. This increase isn’t just for show; it raises the account’s balance and loss limits, significantly boosting it.
  • The Profit Split: Alongside the capital increments, the Profit Split ratio can increase to a 90/10 split.

The scaling plan rewards the disciplined and skilled trader by offering more capital to manage and higher profit splits. This creates a win-win situation for both the trader and FTMO. Meanwhile, FTMO gains a pool of proven, reliable traders who can responsibly manage more significant sums of money. This underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering a community of successful retail traders.

Cost and Price Details 

Another critical factor to consider when evaluating “Is FTMO worth it?” is the cost structure associated with the platform. Understanding these financial aspects can help potential traders make a more informed decision.

  • The Challenge Fee: The initial fee for taking the FTMO Challenge varies based on your chosen account size. However, it’s a one-time fee, often refundable if you pass the Challenge. For instance, a $100,000 account fee is around €155.
  • The Verification Fee: Good news here: there’s no additional fee for the Verification stage. Once you complete the Challenge, you move on to Verification without incurring extra costs.
  • The Profit Split: Profit sharing usually starts with an 80/20 split in the trader’s favor. It goes up to 90/10 under the Scaling Plan, which means you get to keep a more significant chunk of your profits.

Given the initial challenge fee and the potential profit split, the cost to start trading with FTMO is reasonable, especially compared to the potential upside. The absence of a verification fee makes the deal even sweeter. If successful, traders can manage a large account and keep a substantial portion of the profits, making the initial fee inconsequential. Moreover, the higher your trading skill level, the more favorable the profit split becomes, which can significantly enhance your overall profitability.

Conclusion

So, is FTMO worth it? If you have discipline, are skilled at trading, and are interested in taking advantage of the leverage, then FTMO can be a lucrative opportunity. However, trading is not without risks, and it requires a significant commitment of time and effort to be successful. The initial challenge fee may be a hurdle for some, but the potential payoff outweighs the costs for those serious about trading.

To evaluate whether FTMO is right for you, consider clicking here to explore the platform in greater detail.
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Jeremy Biberdorf
Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. He's a father of 2 beautiful girls, a dog owner, a long-time online entrepreneur and an investing enthusiast.

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