What Are Prop Firms?
Proprietary trading firms, often affectionately shortened to “prop firms,” operate on a simple but high-stakes premise: they provide traders with access to company capital to trade in various markets, and in return, share a slice of the profits. Unlike retail brokers that earn from commissions and spreads, prop firms profit when their traders succeed. That’s right, they’ve got skin in the game.
These firms are the trading equivalent of angel investors. Instead of throwing you a few thousand bucks and hoping for the best, they equip you with capital, analytics, risk management tools, and in some cases, mentorship to ensure you perform. The result? A win-win scenario, or at least, that’s the goal.
Prop firms typically fall into two camps:
- Traditional Prop Firms: Require traders to trade on-site with some kind of employment or partnership structure.
- Remote Prop Firms: Popularized recently, these allow retail traders to qualify through challenges and trade remotely under funded accounts.
Why Age and Longevity Matter in Prop Trading
Age isn’t just a number when it comes to prop firms, it’s a trust badge. In a sea of flash-in-the-pan firms with “too good to be true” funding offers, the older, battle-tested firms signal reliability. Why? Because surviving market downturns, evolving regulatory environments, and changing trader behaviors is no small feat.
These firms have proven they:
- Offer consistent trader support,
- Pay out reliably,
- Evolve their business models to stay competitive.
In a world where some prop firms disappear faster than your weekend gains on a bad trade, the oldest firms offer a haven of predictability. Think of them as the “blue-chip stocks” of the prop trading world.
How This List Was Compiled (Credibility & Metrics Used)
Let’s be real, not every prop firm that slaps a “since 2010” label on their homepage deserves the longevity crown. For this list, we prioritized:
- Founding Year (Company Registration Verified)
- Proven Payout History (Real Trader Reviews, Trustpilot, Reddit)
- Operational Consistency (No abrupt halts or mass account closures)
- Platform Stability (No frequent outages or major security breaches)
We also leaned on verified community feedback, regulatory standing where applicable, and visible leadership teams with track records in trading or fintech. This is a curated, credible list, not a copy-paste from generic blog posts. Expect juicy insights, not fluff.
The 6 Oldest and Most Established Prop Firms
Topstep (Founded 2010)
Unique Features
Topstep’s bread and butter is futures trading, specifically CME products. Unlike most retail-focused firms, Topstep’s origin was deeply rooted in Chicago’s futures trading pits. Today, it uses a simulated environment for its two-step evaluation process before funding traders with live accounts.
Longevity in the Market
Fifteen years in a volatile industry? That’s an eternity. Topstep’s adherence to CFTC-regulated products and its transparent structure have been pivotal in earning trader trust. They’ve weathered regulatory crackdowns and adapted by tightening rules, always in step with market changes.
Why It Still Thrives Today
Topstep thrives because it’s built on principles, not hype. With daily loss limits, consistent community engagement, and a strong payout system, it prioritizes trader sustainability over short-term wins. Plus, the educational layer adds significant value, their podcast and blog are goldmines for aspiring futures traders.
Audacity Capital (Founded 2012)
Prop Trader Support & Mentorship
Audacity Capital is often described as the UK’s “white-glove” prop firm. Based in London’s financial district, it takes a unique approach: rather than hosting trading challenges, it directly funds traders after an interview process. This means fewer hoops and more trust, if you’re vetted, you’re in.
Traders get access to coaching, which is rare. They also provide risk analysts who help tailor strategies based on your trading history. It’s like having a team behind your trades, not just a dashboard.
Reputation and Global Presence
Audacity has an international trader base, with a strong reputation in Europe and Africa. Their long-term track record in institutional FX and their transparent rules (fixed drawdowns, weekly payouts) keep them in high regard, especially among swing and position traders.
FTMO (Founded 2015)
European Roots and Explosive Growth
What started in Prague as a modest project has now become a global prop powerhouse. FTMO’s two-phase evaluation is now the industry standard for forex prop funding. It’s a unicorn in the prop firm space, boasting hundreds of thousands of evaluations processed.
Their trader-friendly dashboards, seamless scaling plans, and extensive language support make them a top pick globally.
Risk Management Model
FTMO’s strict risk management rules are both their strength and challenge. Traders must respect daily and max loss limits, but if they do, they get up to 90% profit share. They also provide performance coaching and feedback after each phase.
This structure isn’t just about trading; it’s about grooming disciplined, long-term traders.
The 5ers (Founded 2016)
Trader Development Focus
The 5ers made waves by focusing heavily on nurturing traders rather than just filtering them. Based in Israel, The5ers offers instant funding programs, meaning you can trade live capital from day one without passing a challenge. That’s a paradigm shift in the prop space.
They emphasize consistency and mindset. Their platform includes psychological resources, webinars, and performance analytics to help traders develop robust habits, not just trading wins.
Unique Funding Models
The5ers offers multiple programs, from Bootcamp to Instant Funding, with varying rules on scaling and leverage. Unlike the “pass or fail” model, The5ers allows you to grow even if you aren’t perfect out the gate. This flexibility keeps their trader base loyal and their churn low.
Earn2Trade (Founded 2017)
Educational Approach
Earn2Trade stands apart by combining prop funding with serious trading education. Their “Gauntlet” programs, especially the Gauntlet Mini, test your futures trading skills while offering feedback and coaching.
Many traders enter Earn2Trade not just to get funded but to genuinely level up their market knowledge. Their structured lessons cover trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management in detail.
Partnership with Helios Trading
Once traders pass the evaluation, they’re placed with Helios Trading, a CFTC-registered proprietary trading group. This gives Earn2Trade a regulatory backbone that many forex prop firms lack, boosting confidence and compliance standards.
City Traders Imperium (Founded 2018)
Mentorship-Driven Growth
CTI focuses on trader transformation. Rather than just handing over capital, they provide extensive 1-on-1 coaching, access to elite trading rooms, and psychological profiling. Their mission is to mold funded traders into long-term market professionals.
They’ve also adopted progressive policies, like removing daily drawdowns, that reflect their trust-first, mentorship-heavy model.
What Makes CTI a Contender Despite Youth
Though younger than others, CTI’s institutional approach and transparency (public funding programs, trader testimonials, and compliance details) have given them an outsized impact in the space. In fact, many traders rate them more highly than firms twice their age, a testament to their quality-first philosophy.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Key Stats of the Oldest Prop Firms
Funding Sizes
| Firm | Max Funding |
|---|---|
|
Topstep |
$150,000 (Futures) |
|
Audacity Capital |
$480,000 (scalable) |
|
FTMO |
$200,000 (per account) |
|
The5ers |
Up to $1.28M (scalable) |
|
Earn2Trade |
$50,000 – $150,000 |
|
CTI |
£2,000,000+ (scaling) |
Payouts
| Firm | Profit Split | Payout Frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Topstep |
100% first $5K, then 80% |
Weekly |
|
Audacity |
50% fixed |
Bi-weekly |
|
FTMO |
Up to 90% |
Bi-weekly |
|
The5ers |
Up to 100% |
Bi-weekly |
|
Earn2Trade |
80% via Helios |
Monthly |
|
CTI |
70% to 100% |
Bi-weekly |
Evaluation Methods
| Firm | Model |
|---|---|
|
Topstep |
2-step evaluation |
|
Audacity Capital |
Interview, no challenge |
|
FTMO |
2-phase challenge |
|
The5ers |
Instant + evaluation options |
|
Earn2Trade |
Gauntlet-based challenge |
|
CTI |
Challenge + psychological profiling |
Trader Support & Community
Topstep and The5ers offer excellent educational content. City Traders Imperium and Audacity shine in mentorship. FTMO excels with its responsive dashboard and global community. Earn2Trade leads in structured learning paths.
How the Oldest Prop Firms Shaped the Prop Industry
Longevity and Trust
When traders see a firm that has lasted over a decade, they interpret it as a signal of reliability. These firms have not only paid out millions in profits but also kept their platforms stable, customer service sharp, and risk protocols updated, all signs of maturity.
Evolution of the Prop Firm Model
From office-only setups to remote funding and instant capital, these old-guard firms have been at the forefront of change. They’ve pioneered:
- Evaluation challenges,
- Instant funding paths,
- Profit-split innovations,
- On-demand trader coaching.
Their frameworks are now being cloned by newer startups, solidifying their influence.
Influence on Modern Firms and Retail Traders
Today’s retail trader expects tight spreads, user-friendly dashboards, and trader support, expectations set by firms like FTMO and The5ers. The oldest firms didn’t just adapt to the market; they shaped it.
Oldest vs. Newest: Which Prop Firms Are Better for Funded FX Traders?
Pros and Cons of Legacy Firms
Pros:
- Proven reliability
- Strong infrastructure
- Mature risk management
Cons:
- Less experimental with model flexibility
- May have tighter rules and lower leverage
Modern Advantages in New Firms
New prop firms are often more agile, offering innovative payout models, zero-challenge funding, or gamified dashboards. But their short track record can mean unpredictable policies or sudden closures.
Choosing What Fits Your Trading Style
Scalper? FTMO or Topstep. Swing trader? Audacity or CTI. Looking for coaching? The5ers or Earn2Trade. It’s less about “old vs. new” and more about alignment with your trading style, goals, and psychological makeup.
What to Look For in a Trusted, Long-Standing Prop Firm
Transparent Trading Rules
Clear drawdown rules, consistency requirements, and profit targets, with no hidden fine print, are must-haves.
Proven Track Records
Look for:
- Verified payouts
- Active trader communities
- Long-term funding models
Global Reach and Support
24/5 support, multiple funding currencies, and support for non-English speakers all signal that a firm is here for the long haul.
Conclusion: Why History Matters in Prop Trading
In a digital jungle of shiny new firms, the oldest prop firms are your safe houses. They’ve already survived regulatory maelstroms, broker busts, and bear markets, proof that they’re built for longevity.
If you’re serious about funded trading and want to minimize risk while maximizing opportunity, putting your trust in a firm with a deep-rooted legacy might just be your smartest trade yet.
FAQ
Topstep, founded in 2010, is considered one of the oldest still-operating modern prop firms, particularly in futures.
Generally, yes. Longevity signals strong infrastructure, consistent payouts, and regulatory awareness — all crucial for trader trust.
FTMO and The5ers are top choices. Both offer structured evaluations and global support tailored for forex traders.
Not necessarily. While FTMO and CTI offer up to 90%-100%, new firms sometimes offer higher splits to attract attention — but that comes with risk.
Older firms may have stricter rules, but they also tend to provide more guidance and realistic scaling options.
The5ers and CTI now offer instant or low-barrier funding options, blending experience with innovation.
