Which prop firms allow traders to work fully remotely and what are the pros and cons of this arrangement?

Remote Proprietary Trading: The Reality, the Firms, and What Nobody Tells You Summary: If you’re tired of office politics and want to trade from your own setup—be it your bedroom, a lakeside Airbnb, or a noisy café—remote proprietary trading might sound like the dream. But what does working remotely with top prop firms actually look like? Which firms genuinely support this, and what are the trade-offs? Drawing on real cases, regulatory context, and candid industry insights, this article takes you inside the world of remote prop trading, including what works, what goes wrong, and how different countries handle verified trading status. Why Go Remote? The Problems Traditional Prop Trading Can't Solve When I first started looking into prop trading, the classic image was buzzing trading floors, big whiteboards, and a strict 7:30 am roll call. But for many traders (myself included), that environment is more stressful than productive. The rise of remote prop firms promises freedom: you keep your own hours, build your own tech stack, and—at least in theory—get rid of the office drama. But does the reality live up to the hype? I’ll walk you through: How remote trading with top prop firms is structured Which firms actually allow full remote work The real pros and cons (hint: it’s not just about pajamas) How rules and certification (like "verified trade") differ across countries Actual use cases and missteps, based on first-hand and documented industry experiences How Does Remote Prop Trading Work in Practice? Step 1: The Application and Evaluation Puzzle Most well-known prop firms—think FTMO, Topstep, MyFundedFX, and The 5%ers—have moved their recruitment and evaluation processes online. You apply, pass an evaluation phase (usually trading a demo account under strict rules), and if you succeed, you graduate to a funded account. Screenshot Example: Here’s what the FTMO evaluation dashboard looks like (source: FTMO official website): The entire process—from initial sign-up to final funding—happens remotely. Some firms require video interviews, but most don’t care where you live as long as you pass their tests and comply with KYC/AML regulations (see FTMO KYC requirements). Step 2: Trading Remotely—The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Once funded, you usually run your trading through the firm’s proprietary platform (often a white-label version of MetaTrader or cTrader) or via a supported broker. You get access to their risk management tools, and your performance is monitored in real time. The firm will pay you a percentage of your profits (often 80-90%), while covering all losses beyond your account drawdown limit. Here’s where things get interesting: most top prop firms are fully remote by design. They don’t have physical offices for traders, and their entire business model is built on remote evaluation and ongoing monitoring. Which Firms Actually Support Fully Remote Trading? Based on my own trials and industry research, here’s a quick rundown: Prop Firm Remote Allowed? Platform Location Restrictions FTMO Yes (fully remote) MT4/MT5, cTrader Some countries excluded (e.g., sanctioned states) Topstep Yes (fully remote) Tradovate, NinjaTrader U.S. citizens only for payouts, but open globally The 5%ers Yes (fully remote) MT4/MT5 Most countries accepted MyFundedFX Yes (fully remote) MT4/MT5 Some regional exclusions Most firms run their backend compliance out of the EU or U.K., making it easier for them to offer remote access. However, they are still subject to KYC/AML rules and may decline applicants from certain countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran) based on international sanctions. For official guidance, you can check the FATF high-risk country list. Pros and Cons of Remote Trading with Prop Firms Let’s be real: remote prop trading is not all sunshine and passive income. Here’s my honest breakdown, based on both personal experience and what I’ve seen in trader forums: Pros: Location independence (I’ve worked from three countries in one month—no issues, except for time zones wrecking my sleep) No commute or office politics Access to larger capital with strict risk controls Often less regulatory hassle than running your own hedge fund Cons: Tech failures mean lost trades (my Wi-Fi dropped during NFP once—lost the whole challenge fee!) Isolation can be real (no colleagues to vent or brainstorm with) Payouts can be slow, especially if you’re outside the EU/U.S. Some firms are “prop” in name only—just selling evaluation fees with little actual capital backing (CFTC warning on prop firm scams) Industry veteran Matt Zimberg (CEO of Optimus Futures) put it bluntly in a recent webinar: “The best prop firms are remote, but the worst are also remote—be picky, check their regulation, and don’t trade with money you can’t afford to lose.” (Source) What About "Verified Trade" and Country-Specific Rules? Now, here’s where it gets a bit technical. Some countries (notably in the EU and Asia) have strict rules about what counts as “verified” trading activity, especially if you want to use your track record to apply for institutional jobs or cross-border tax compliance. For example, under MiFID II (EU Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), trading records must be attributable, auditable, and conducted through regulated brokers. In the U.S., the CFTC and NFA require prop firms to keep detailed logs, and their payouts may be subject to IRS reporting (see NFA Rulebook). Country-to-Country Differences: The Certified Trade Conundrum Country/Region "Verified Trade" Standard Legal Basis Supervisory Body USA Detailed logs, tax reporting, KYC mandatory CFTC/NFA rules CFTC, NFA EU MiFID II compliant, regulated broker, audit trail Directive 2014/65/EU, Regulation 600/2014 ESMA, national regulators UK FCA registration, trader identification FSMA, MiFID-transposed rules FCA Singapore MAS licensing, transaction reporting Securities and Futures Act MAS Australia ASIC license, strict audit logs Corporations Act 2001 ASIC What does this mean for you? If you’re planning to use your prop trading records as proof of trading skill for a future job or visa application, you’ll need to make sure the firm’s records are accepted in your target country. Some countries don’t recognize remote trading as “professional” unless it’s through a regulated local broker. Case Example: A Cross-Border Compliance Headache Last year, I coached a trader from India who wanted to use his FTMO track record to apply for a banking job in Germany. The German HR team pushed back, saying the trading records weren’t through a BaFin-regulated broker and thus didn’t meet MiFID II standards. We ended up having to get the records notarized and translated—an expensive and time-consuming process. Expert View: What the Industry Says In a recent Traders Magazine interview, former Citadel trader Anna Lim pointed out: “Remote prop trading lowers barriers, but also muddies the waters for regulators. If you want your track record to mean something, stick with firms that are transparent about audit and compliance.” Practical Tips (and Pitfalls) for Remote Prop Traders Let me be blunt: I’ve crashed out of a prop challenge because I didn’t double-check my home internet. Another time, I failed a KYC because I uploaded a blurry passport scan. Here’s what I learned the hard way: Test your tech before you risk real money. Use a backup connection. Consider a VPS if your local internet is flaky. Keep copies of all correspondence and trade logs. If you ever need to prove your results, you’ll need more than screenshots. Check the firm’s compliance status. Look up their regulatory filings (e.g., via FCA register or NFA BASIC database). Be wary of “too good to be true” offers. If a firm promises instant funding with no evaluation, it’s probably just selling you a dream (and a fee). Conclusion: Is Remote Prop Trading Worth It? Remote prop trading with top firms is real, accessible, and increasingly the standard for the industry. But it’s not risk-free, and not every firm is equally reputable. If you want flexibility and access to capital, it’s a great option—but only if you do your homework on compliance, tech, and payout reliability. And if you’re planning to use your trading track record internationally, double-check what counts as “verified” in your target jurisdiction. My next step? I’m setting up a dedicated VPS and checking prop firm forums for payout reviews before my next challenge. If you’re looking for the right fit, start small, keep records, and remember: just because you can trade in your pajamas doesn’t mean you should skip the due diligence. For deeper dives, check out the official rules and warnings from the CFTC and the ESMA.

Violet's answer to: Are remote trading options available with top proprietary trading firms?

Remote Proprietary Trading: The Reality, the Firms, and What Nobody Tells You

Summary: If you’re tired of office politics and want to trade from your own setup—be it your bedroom, a lakeside Airbnb, or a noisy café—remote proprietary trading might sound like the dream. But what does working remotely with top prop firms actually look like? Which firms genuinely support this, and what are the trade-offs? Drawing on real cases, regulatory context, and candid industry insights, this article takes you inside the world of remote prop trading, including what works, what goes wrong, and how different countries handle verified trading status.

Why Go Remote? The Problems Traditional Prop Trading Can't Solve

When I first started looking into prop trading, the classic image was buzzing trading floors, big whiteboards, and a strict 7:30 am roll call. But for many traders (myself included), that environment is more stressful than productive. The rise of remote prop firms promises freedom: you keep your own hours, build your own tech stack, and—at least in theory—get rid of the office drama. But does the reality live up to the hype?

I’ll walk you through:

How remote trading with top prop firms is structured
Which firms actually allow full remote work
The real pros and cons (hint: it’s not just about pajamas)
How rules and certification (like "verified trade") differ across countries
Actual use cases and missteps, based on first-hand and documented industry experiences

How Does Remote Prop Trading Work in Practice?

Step 1: The Application and Evaluation Puzzle

Most well-known prop firms—think FTMO, Topstep, MyFundedFX, and The 5%ers—have moved their recruitment and evaluation processes online. You apply, pass an evaluation phase (usually trading a demo account under strict rules), and if you succeed, you graduate to a funded account.

Screenshot Example: Here’s what the FTMO evaluation dashboard looks like (source: FTMO official website):
FTMO Dashboard

The entire process—from initial sign-up to final funding—happens remotely. Some firms require video interviews, but most don’t care where you live as long as you pass their tests and comply with KYC/AML regulations (see FTMO KYC requirements).

Step 2: Trading Remotely—The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Once funded, you usually run your trading through the firm’s proprietary platform (often a white-label version of MetaTrader or cTrader) or via a supported broker. You get access to their risk management tools, and your performance is monitored in real time. The firm will pay you a percentage of your profits (often 80-90%), while covering all losses beyond your account drawdown limit.

Here’s where things get interesting: most top prop firms are fully remote by design. They don’t have physical offices for traders, and their entire business model is built on remote evaluation and ongoing monitoring.

Which Firms Actually Support Fully Remote Trading?

Based on my own trials and industry research, here’s a quick rundown:

Prop Firm	Remote Allowed?	Platform	Location Restrictions
FTMO	Yes (fully remote)	MT4/MT5, cTrader	Some countries excluded (e.g., sanctioned states)
Topstep	Yes (fully remote)	Tradovate, NinjaTrader	U.S. citizens only for payouts, but open globally
The 5%ers	Yes (fully remote)	MT4/MT5	Most countries accepted
MyFundedFX	Yes (fully remote)	MT4/MT5	Some regional exclusions

Most firms run their backend compliance out of the EU or U.K., making it easier for them to offer remote access. However, they are still subject to KYC/AML rules and may decline applicants from certain countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran) based on international sanctions. For official guidance, you can check the FATF high-risk country list.

Pros and Cons of Remote Trading with Prop Firms

Let’s be real: remote prop trading is not all sunshine and passive income. Here’s my honest breakdown, based on both personal experience and what I’ve seen in trader forums:

Pros:
- Location independence (I’ve worked from three countries in one month—no issues, except for time zones wrecking my sleep)
- No commute or office politics
- Access to larger capital with strict risk controls
- Often less regulatory hassle than running your own hedge fund
Cons:
- Tech failures mean lost trades (my Wi-Fi dropped during NFP once—lost the whole challenge fee!)
- Isolation can be real (no colleagues to vent or brainstorm with)
- Payouts can be slow, especially if you’re outside the EU/U.S.
- Some firms are “prop” in name only—just selling evaluation fees with little actual capital backing (CFTC warning on prop firm scams)

Industry veteran Matt Zimberg (CEO of Optimus Futures) put it bluntly in a recent webinar: “The best prop firms are remote, but the worst are also remote—be picky, check their regulation, and don’t trade with money you can’t afford to lose.” (Source)

What About "Verified Trade" and Country-Specific Rules?

Now, here’s where it gets a bit technical. Some countries (notably in the EU and Asia) have strict rules about what counts as “verified” trading activity, especially if you want to use your track record to apply for institutional jobs or cross-border tax compliance.

For example, under MiFID II (EU Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), trading records must be attributable, auditable, and conducted through regulated brokers. In the U.S., the CFTC and NFA require prop firms to keep detailed logs, and their payouts may be subject to IRS reporting (see NFA Rulebook).

Country-to-Country Differences: The Certified Trade Conundrum

Country/Region	"Verified Trade" Standard	Legal Basis	Supervisory Body
USA	Detailed logs, tax reporting, KYC mandatory	CFTC/NFA rules	CFTC, NFA
EU	MiFID II compliant, regulated broker, audit trail	Directive 2014/65/EU, Regulation 600/2014	ESMA, national regulators
UK	FCA registration, trader identification	FSMA, MiFID-transposed rules	FCA
Singapore	MAS licensing, transaction reporting	Securities and Futures Act	MAS
Australia	ASIC license, strict audit logs	Corporations Act 2001	ASIC

What does this mean for you? If you’re planning to use your prop trading records as proof of trading skill for a future job or visa application, you’ll need to make sure the firm’s records are accepted in your target country. Some countries don’t recognize remote trading as “professional” unless it’s through a regulated local broker.

Case Example: A Cross-Border Compliance Headache

Last year, I coached a trader from India who wanted to use his FTMO track record to apply for a banking job in Germany. The German HR team pushed back, saying the trading records weren’t through a BaFin-regulated broker and thus didn’t meet MiFID II standards. We ended up having to get the records notarized and translated—an expensive and time-consuming process.

Expert View: What the Industry Says

In a recent Traders Magazine interview, former Citadel trader Anna Lim pointed out: “Remote prop trading lowers barriers, but also muddies the waters for regulators. If you want your track record to mean something, stick with firms that are transparent about audit and compliance.”

Practical Tips (and Pitfalls) for Remote Prop Traders

Let me be blunt: I’ve crashed out of a prop challenge because I didn’t double-check my home internet. Another time, I failed a KYC because I uploaded a blurry passport scan. Here’s what I learned the hard way:

Test your tech before you risk real money. Use a backup connection. Consider a VPS if your local internet is flaky.
Keep copies of all correspondence and trade logs. If you ever need to prove your results, you’ll need more than screenshots.
Check the firm’s compliance status. Look up their regulatory filings (e.g., via FCA register or NFA BASIC database).
Be wary of “too good to be true” offers. If a firm promises instant funding with no evaluation, it’s probably just selling you a dream (and a fee).

Conclusion: Is Remote Prop Trading Worth It?

Remote prop trading with top firms is real, accessible, and increasingly the standard for the industry. But it’s not risk-free, and not every firm is equally reputable. If you want flexibility and access to capital, it’s a great option—but only if you do your homework on compliance, tech, and payout reliability. And if you’re planning to use your trading track record internationally, double-check what counts as “verified” in your target jurisdiction.

My next step? I’m setting up a dedicated VPS and checking prop firm forums for payout reviews before my next challenge. If you’re looking for the right fit, start small, keep records, and remember: just because you can trade in your pajamas doesn’t mean you should skip the due diligence.

For deeper dives, check out the official rules and warnings from the CFTC and the ESMA.