The proprietary trading landscape in Europe has evolved rapidly over the past few years, driven by the rise of retail trader funding programs and evaluation-based trading models. While traditional hedge fund-style prop desks remain limited to institutional hiring, a new generation of accessible prop firms now allows skilled traders to access funded capital after passing structured evaluation challenges.
fintechview presents five of the most prominent prop trading firms operating in Europe today.
1. FTMO
Headquartered in the Czech Republic, FTMO is widely regarded as the most established prop trading firm in Europe. It has built a strong reputation for transparency, consistent payout history, and structured evaluation rules.
FTMO’s model requires traders to pass a two-step challenge before gaining access to funded accounts. The firm supports multiple asset classes including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (via CFDs), making it one of the most versatile platforms in the industry.
- Established: 2015
- Co-Founders: Otakar Šuffner founded FTMO in 2015 alongside Marek Vašíček, who serves as the company’s CTO.
2. The5ers
The5ers takes a different approach compared to most prop firms by focusing on long-term capital growth rather than high-pressure evaluation targets.
Traders can choose between evaluation and instant funding models, with scaling plans designed to gradually increase account size based on performance.
The firm is particularly popular among swing traders and those who prefer lower-risk trading strategies with stable growth potential.
- Saul Lokier is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The5ers.
- Gil Ben Hur serves as the Founder and lead visionary of the platform
- Founded 2016
3. FundedNext
FundedNext has quickly grown into one of the most popular modern prop firms among European traders. A key feature that distinguishes FundedNext is its “evaluation payout” structure, allowing traders to receive rewards even during the challenge phase in select programs.
Its accessibility and trader-friendly conditions have contributed to rapid global adoption.
- Syed Abdullah Jayed is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FundedNext.
- Founded 2022
4. The Trading Pit
Based in Liechtenstein, The Trading Pit positions itself as a more institutional-style European prop firm. It offers funding programs across both forex and futures markets.
The firm emphasizes structured risk management, professional trading conditions, and a more regulated appearance compared to many retail-focused competitors. It appeals to traders seeking a more formal trading environment with clear operational standards.
- Founder: Illimar Matus
- Established: 2021
5. FunderPro
FunderPro is a growing European prop trading firm known for its simplified evaluation process and trader-friendly rules. In some programs, it removes time constraints, allowing traders to focus on performance rather than deadlines.
Its straightforward structure has made it increasingly popular among retail traders seeking an easier entry point.
- Established 2022
- Co-founded by Gary Mullen, who serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available data and aggregated search engine results at the time of writing.
This content is for informational and educational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, prop trading firm conditions, payouts, rules, and availability may change frequently and without notice. Readers should independently verify all details directly with the respective companies.