Prop firm news
Industry moves: rule changes, payouts, new launches, warnings.
25 updates
The Funded Trader halts all payouts for internal audit
Miami-based The Funded Trader stopped processing trader payouts, citing a self-imposed internal audit. Firm previously lost MetaTrader access due to MetaQuotes crackdown on unlicensed US retail operations. Payout freeze raises red flags; traders with funded accounts face uncertainty. Watch for updates on when withdrawals resume and whether firm can regain operational stability.
Hola Prime hires Deloitte to audit payout claims amid industry trust crisis
Hola Prime commissioned Big Four auditor Deloitte to verify its payout processing from Oct 2025 to Mar 2026, an unusual transparency move in an industry where most payout claims rely on internal dashboards. The audit aims to build trader trust as competitors face scrutiny over delayed or unverified payouts. Could set new benchmark for credibility.
Prop firm Funds For Traders shuts down
Funds For Traders ceases operations, becoming another casualty in the prop trading shakeout. No details yet on payout fulfillment for existing funded traders. Part of the broader 2024-2025 industry contraction where dozens of undercapitalized or poorly managed firms have exited. Traders should verify payout history and regulatory status before joining any firm.
Prop firm FundingTicks winds down operations after cutting profit splits and imposing trading limits
Another prop firm exits the market following rule changes that squeezed trader earnings. FundingTicks reduced profit shares and added restrictions before shutting down entirely. Adds to the growing list of 80-100 firms that closed in 2024, signaling ongoing industry consolidation and heightened risk for traders choosing newer platforms.
Financial Commission launches certification program for prop trading firms
An industry regulator introduces formal certification for prop firms, potentially separating credible operators from fly-by-night platforms. Traders may see higher standards and better protections as certified firms comply with baseline rules. Could reduce risk of sudden closures or payout failures for traders choosing certified providers.
New prop firm DojoTraders launches multi-asset funding model
DojoTraders debuts with unified access to Forex, Futures, Crypto, and Equities under one roof. Aims to consolidate trader experience across asset classes and reduce need for multiple firm accounts. Success hinges on execution quality and competitive rule structure in crowded market.
MyForexFunds begins returning funds after court victory over CFTC
US court ruled in favor of MyForexFunds against CFTC in 2025, unfreezing assets frozen since 2023. Firm and founder Murtuza Kazmi now processing pending payouts via email to affected users. Represents rare legal win against regulator but full fund recovery timeline remains unclear.
FundingTicks faces backlash over retroactive rule changes
Futures prop firm FundingTicks changed rules mid-stream, adding one-minute hold requirement and cutting profit splits for existing traders. Trustpilot rating collapsed to 3.2 with 38% one-star reviews. Retroactive policy shifts violate trader trust and may signal cash-flow stress at firm.
Funded Engineer seeks new broker after FPFX tech cutoff
Dubai prop firm Funded Engineer lost access to FPFX Technologies platform, forcing migration to proprietary tech. Firm claims it was near end of FPFX contract anyway and plans months-long transition. Traders face service interruption during switch. Outcome depends on speed of new infrastructure rollout.
True Forex Funds plans relaunch after MetaQuotes termination
Hungary-based True Forex Funds aims to restart week of Feb 19 after losing MT4/MT5 licenses from MetaQuotes. CEO Richard Nagy seeking alternate platform. Firm had suspended payouts and operations during transition. Relaunch success depends on securing new tech backbone quickly.
SurgeTrader shuts down after losing Match-Trader license
Florida prop firm SurgeTrader ceased operations one week after Match-Trade Technologies terminated its platform license. Firm unable to secure alternate tech provider. Traders with active accounts now face uncertain fund recovery. Highlights concentration risk of relying on single platform supplier.
The Funded Trader paid $386K in March amid ongoing payout issues
The Funded Trader has been struggling with payout delays since late March, paying out $386K in the month. Some traders have received payments and the firm has presented new plans to resolve the backlog, but the issue remains unresolved. Traders could have earned 3x more without the delays.
Smart Prop Trader delisted from Propfirmmatch over payout delays and breaches
Comparison site Propfirmmatch has delisted US-based Smart Prop Trader after receiving numerous complaints about delayed payouts, unjustified account breaches, and user experience issues. The delisting signals serious red flags for traders considering the firm and highlights ongoing payout reliability concerns in the industry.
India central bank curbs on prop trading may force firms offshore or shut down
India's central bank proposed rules banning banks from lending for proprietary trading and requiring 100% collateral for broker funding. Analysts expect profit margins to be cut in half and derivative volumes to drop up to 20%. Smaller prop shops may close while larger players shift operations offshore to escape the squeeze.
Hola Prime surpasses 1,000 verified Trustpilot reviews with 4.5-star rating
Hola Prime, known for its 1-hour payout model, has crossed 1,000 verified Trustpilot reviews while maintaining a 4.5-star rating. This milestone strengthens the firm's reputation in the competitive prop trading landscape, where trust and fast payouts are key differentiators for traders choosing between providers.
Prop firms increasingly restrict news trading around major economic releases
Multiple prop firms began restricting trading around major news events in recent weeks, limiting strategies that capitalize on volatility from NFP, CPI, Fed decisions, and similar high-impact releases. Rule tightening across firms suggests increased risk management in response to evaluation losses. News traders must verify current rules—violations can disqualify funded accounts even after passing.
ATFX shuts down prop trading unit ATFunded after brief run
Broker ATFX is closing its prop firm division ATFunded, launched in early 2025, citing need to review offerings as the prop industry evolves. Operations paused indefinitely. Broker-backed prop closures signal sustainability issues in the evaluation model—affects traders mid-challenge and raises questions about which firms can survive the 2026 shakeout.
Earn2Trade launches new brand Funding Trading as separate entity
Established U.S. prop firm Earn2Trade launched a new brand called Funding Trading as a separate entity. Details on rule differences or target markets not yet disclosed. Brand launches often signal market segmentation—watch for different risk rules, payout structures, or geographic focus that could benefit specific trader profiles.
DojoTraders launches multi-asset prop firm covering forex, futures, crypto, equities
New prop firm DojoTraders launched offering access to forex, futures, crypto, and equities in one platform instead of forcing traders to use separate firms per asset class. Aims to simplify funding for multi-market traders. Cross-asset flexibility lets traders diversify strategies and capitalize on opportunities across indices, FX, commodities, and stocks from one account.
FundingTicks under fire for retroactive rule change on passed accounts
Futures prop firm FundingTicks faces backlash after allegedly changing trading rules retroactively, affecting traders who already passed challenges under old terms. CEO claims $220M in payouts and defends the move as necessary for sustainability. Retroactive rule changes violate trader trust and can void funded accounts—major red flag for anyone considering the firm.
FundedNext launches FundedNext Futures, re-entering US market with new brand
FundedNext, founded in 2022, has launched a separate futures-focused prop trading brand called FundedNext Futures. The new entity is available globally and represents FundedNext's strategic re-entry into the US futures trading market after previously exiting. This move expands their product offering beyond forex and CFDs.
Instant Funding acquires Funded Trading Plus in proprietary trading consolidation
Instant Funding has purchased Funded Trading Plus, merging two prop firms under one corporate umbrella. Both brands will operate independently with no immediate changes to trader accounts, rules, payouts, or dashboards. This consolidation reflects ongoing M&A activity in the competitive prop trading sector.
PropEd Capital introduces automated one-hour payout processing system
PropEd Capital launched an automated payout approval system that processes eligible withdrawals in one hour or less. The initiative aims to reduce common payout delays and increase transparency in the prop trading industry. Faster payout cycles directly impact trader cash flow and compounding ability.
IC Funded relaunches after 2024 pause, now live with new management team
IC Markets' prop trading division IC Funded has officially gone live at icfunded.com after being paused in 2024. The Australian broker had initially launched the unit during the prop trading boom but delayed operations while searching for the right leadership. This marks another major retail broker entering the funded trader space.
Geopolitical news
Wars, sanctions, elections, and political shocks moving the markets you trade.
7 updates
Global stocks rally, oil drops on tentative US-Iran ceasefire deal
Stock markets worldwide surged and oil prices eased after the U.S. and Iran reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire. Risk-on sentiment returned as conflict de-escalation reduced supply disruption fears. Immediate impact: long equity indices, short oil. Ceasefire deals can be fragile—watch for headline risk if talks collapse, which would reverse moves quickly and spike VIX. Gold likely weakens on reduced safe-haven demand.
Oil prices volatile as US-Iran war drags on, shipping halted through key waterway
Oil and gas prices remain elevated with continued volatility as the US-Israel-Iran conflict persists and shipping traffic through a vital regional waterway near Iran stays virtually halted. No peace deal in sight. Sustained oil strength supports crude longs and energy sector equities. Elevated energy costs may pressure inflation-sensitive indices and strengthen the dollar if Fed delays cuts. Watch WTI and Brent for breakout above recent highs.
Markets shrug off Iran, Greenland, Venezuela geopolitics despite Trump threats
Despite Trump administration overthrowing Venezuela's Maduro, threatening force against Iran, and discussing Greenland annexation, U.S. stocks remain near highs with muted volatility. Investors view geopolitical noise as unlikely to disrupt growth or earnings. For traders: VIX stays low, risk-on sentiment persists in indices. Gold and oil show limited safe-haven premium, favoring equity longs over defensive positioning for now.
Trump shortens deadline for severe Russian oil sanctions, risking supply shock
President Trump accelerated the timeline for toughest-ever sanctions on Russian oil exports, which totaled 4.68 million bpd in June—4.5% of global demand. The move could disrupt global crude markets and send prices higher. Traders should watch WTI/Brent for volatility, potential inflation spikes, and knock-on effects in equity and FX markets.
Stock futures plunge 1.1%, oil surges on escalating Iran conflict in Middle East
Dow futures dropped 551 points as Iran war escalation rattled global markets. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell 1.1-1.4% while oil rallied on supply disruption fears. Traders should expect volatility in equity indices, potential safe-haven flows to gold and the dollar, and upward pressure on crude oil and energy stocks.
Oil prices fall, stocks rebound as Trump signals possible Iran war de-escalation
Oil prices dropped and equity markets rallied after Trump posted that the US held 'constructive' talks about ending the Iran conflict and would delay strikes on power plants. Iran denied the talks occurred. The move reversed recent oil spikes to pre-war levels, easing inflation concerns and energy crisis fears that had rattled indices and commodities.
Markets & central banks
Rate decisions, inflation prints, recession signals, and major index moves.
13 updates
Fed holds rates steady, Warsh signals possible hikes ahead
New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh kept rates unchanged in debut meeting but revised statement language removes cut bias and shortens guidance. Dot plot excludes Warsh's view; he announced task forces to overhaul operations. Market now prices zero cuts in 2026. Hawkish pivot pressures equities and supports USD strength.
Markets abandon hopes for early Fed cuts; only one rate cut now priced for 2026
Traders have scrapped expectations for summer Fed rate cuts, now pricing in just one cut in December 2026. The shift followed US-Israel strikes on Iran and surging oil prices. Delayed easing keeps borrowing costs elevated, supporting the dollar while pressuring growth-sensitive equities and risk assets through year-end.
Fed holds rates steady in March as Iran war and inflation pressures mount
The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged in March 2026, citing mixed labor data, higher-than-expected inflation, and ongoing geopolitical conflict. The decision reflects caution amid war-driven oil price volatility. Traders should watch for delayed rate cuts—markets had priced September cuts but are now pushing expectations to December, pressuring equities and the dollar.
Oil markets lose 500M barrel cushion as Hormuz closure risks spike
Four weeks of relative oil price stability after Hormuz disruptions has ended as surplus buffers are depleted. Markets absorbed initial shocks via pre-war surplus and crude-on-water, but that system has fundamentally changed. If Hormuz stays shut past mid-April, supply disruptions will worsen significantly—expect higher crude and energy costs impacting indices and inflation.
Fed holds rates at 3.5-3.75% in June decision, maintains dual mandate stance
Federal Reserve kept the fed funds rate at 3.5-3.75% in its June 17, 2026 meeting, unanimous 12-0 vote. Statement reaffirms commitment to dual mandate with no signal of imminent cuts or hikes. Rate stability supports current equity rally and keeps dollar firm. Traders watch for any shift in forward guidance that could trigger volatility in indices, bonds, and FX pairs—especially EUR/USD and gold.
Fed holds rates steady at 3.5-3.75%, signals potential hike under new chair Warsh
The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged but shifted guidance, with more officials now seeing a rate hike as more likely than a cut this year. Kevin Warsh's first meeting as chairman marked a hawkish pivot. Traders should watch for dollar strength, pressure on growth stocks, and possible bond yield increases if hike expectations build.
Oil climbs 3% to two-week high on Iran war supply disruption concerns
Crude prices jumped roughly 3% in volatile trading as Iran conflict threatens oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The rally was tempered by reports of potential US sanctions waivers on Iranian crude. Traders face whipsaw conditions in energy markets; expect continued volatility in WTI and Brent with potential spillover to inflation-sensitive assets.
VIX spiked 180% to 66 in August 2024—BIS report blames bid-ask spread distortion
The CBOE volatility index recorded its largest ever one-day spike on August 5, 2024, jumping 180% pre-market to nearly 66. BIS analysis found asymmetric widening of options bid-ask spreads artificially inflated the VIX calculation. The incident highlights risks in selling volatility and shows how market structure can amplify fear-gauge readings beyond actual risk.
Stock markets rise despite Middle East war turmoil and oil volatility in April
US and global equity indices posted gains in April despite oil hitting highest levels since the Iran war began and broad concerns about inflation and energy crisis. The resilience suggests traders are betting on contained geopolitical risk or Fed support. Oil volatility creates trading opportunities in energy stocks, FX pairs, and indices correlated to commodity swings.
ECB keeps rates on hold despite elevated inflation, signals cuts later this year
The European Central Bank held rates unchanged with inflation near the 2% target but slightly elevated at 2.2%. President Lagarde noted inflation will remain higher for longer but should decline during the year. Markets are pricing in two rate hikes in 2022. Rate decisions in major economies drive FX volatility, particularly EUR/USD pairs traders watch closely.
Fed holds rates steady for first time since July; two governors dissent, wanted cuts
The Federal Reserve paused its rate-cutting cycle for the first time since July, leaving rates unchanged as expected. Two governors dissented in favor of a quarter-point cut. The decision comes as the Fed monitors economic effects of Trump's aggressive policies. Markets had priced in the pause, but future cuts remain data-dependent on inflation and jobs.
Oil returns to prewar levels after four-month Iran conflict, easing global inflation fears
Brent crude oil prices have fallen back to levels not seen since before the Iran war began, offering relief to households and governments. The slide ends a period where oil became a real-time barometer of the war's economic toll. Lower energy costs reduce inflation pressure, supporting risk assets and potentially delaying central bank rate hikes.