Looking to trade forex without risking your own capital? Funded accounts offer a way in. More South African traders are now partnering with prop firms to access real capital and scale their operations more quickly.
But choosing the right firm can be tricky. Some focus on instant funding, while others test your consistency through strict evaluations. In this guide, we have compiled the top five prop trading firms in South Africa.
Each firm is evaluated based on its funding models and other key features.
If you’re serious about turning trading into a profession, this breakdown shows exactly where to start.
What are Proper Firms?
A prop firm is like a gym for traders—show your skill, and you get access to capital without risking your own money. In simple terms, proprietary trading firms fund qualified traders to trade assets such as foreign exchange (forex), indices, or commodities using the firm’s capital. In return, traders share a portion of the profits, often after passing an evaluation or challenge phase that demonstrates their consistency and risk management skills.
If you’re looking to train smarter, CommuniTrade is where real traders share unfiltered insights and strategies. Join to unlock exclusive perks, from practical trading tools to verified account reviews that can level up your forex journey without the guesswork.
Top 5 Best Prop Trading Firms in South Africa for Funded Accounts
Looking for a top prop firm in South Africa? These picks offer funded accounts, fair rules, and flexible options for all trader levels.
1. FTMO
FTMO is a Czech-based prop trading firm founded in 2015. Although not regulated as a broker, it has established a strong reputation for providing structured forex funding to skilled traders through its proprietary model.
FTMO Funded Account Types
1. Demo Account – Evaluation
Used in the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages. Traders must meet profit targets of 10% and strict drawdown rules (5% daily, 10% total).
2. Monetized Demo – FTMO Account
After passing both phases, traders get a monetized demo with up to $200,000. Profits are real. Traders receive up to a 90% payout, although trades are still conducted on demo servers.
3. Pro-Trading – Quantlane
Top performers may join Quantlane, FTMO’s prop firm partner. This role offers real capital, a competitive salary, and professional trading tools.
Read more: FTMO Review in 2025: Legit or Scam Prop Firm?
2. FundedNext
Founded in 2022, FundedNext operates under its UK-based parent company and follows compliance standards suitable for forex prop firms.
While not broker-regulated, it utilizes established brokerage partners and enforces KYC/AML protocols for funded accounts.
Funding Models & Stellar Account Types
FundedNext offers instant funding or a classic evaluation challenge. Instant accounts offer up to USD 200,000 after a fee.
Evaluation accounts use the Stellar series, with options for different skill levels and trading goals presented below:
- Stellar 2-Step – A two-phase challenge (Challenge + Verification) that tests consistency before live funding.
- Stellar 1-Step – A faster, single-phase evaluation for quicker access to funded capital.
- Stellar Lite – A simplified, lower-cost challenge ideal for beginners or low-risk traders just starting.
Read more: FundedNext Review in 2025: Is FN a Legit and Regulated Prop Firm?
3. Funded Trading Plus
Funded Trading Plus is a London-based prop trading firm launched in 2021. While it is not broker-regulated, it partners with licensed brokers and maintains KYC/AML compliance, offering enhanced transparency for forex-funded account traders.
Funding Programs
- Experienced Trader Program – A two-phase evaluation with a 10% profit target and 6 6% drawdown limit. Traders can hold trades overnight, use EAs, and take unlimited time to complete the challenge.
- Premium Trader Program – Offers 8% and 5% profit targets across two phases, with an 8% max and 4% daily drawdown. Weekend holding is allowed, and withdrawals are available after seven days.
- Advanced Trader Program – Requires 10% and 5% profit goals with a 10% relative and 5% daily drawdown. No weekend holding is permitted, but profit share increases to 90% after a 20% gain.
- Prestige Trader Program – Features a static drawdown model with 10% and 5% profit targets. It offers unlimited evaluation time, overnight holding, and scalability up to $2.5 million.
- Master Trader Program – Provides instant simulated funding with no evaluation. It has a 6% relative and daily drawdown, requires closing trades by Friday, and allows immediate payouts.
Read more: Funded Trading Plus Review in 2025: Is It Legit or a Scam Prop Trading Firm?
4. Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade is a U.S.-based proprietary trading firm (Earn2Trade LLC) founded in 2017 and headquartered in Wyoming.
Although it is not a broker, it partners with regulated entities for futures trading and adheres to strict KYC/AML compliance for funded accounts.
Funded Trading Programs
- Gauntlet Mini Plan – A 15-day futures-focused evaluation where traders pick virtual account sizes from USD 50,000 to 200,000 and must hit profit targets under strict drawdown rules
- Trader Career Path Account – A structured evaluation system for scaling to larger live accounts up to USD 400,000, with education-focused modules, consistent rule enforcement, and profit withdrawals built into the model
Read more: Earn2Trade Review in 2025: Legit or Scam Prop Trading Firm?
5. The5ers
The5ers operates under Five Percent Online Ltd, founded in 2016. It is a private equity-style prop firm, not a broker.
Traders execute real-money accounts via a pooled liquidity model with top-tier providers, and the firm enforces strict KYC/AML policies to ensure compliance and fairness.
Challengers and Funding Programs
- Bootcamp Program – A low-cost, three-step challenge starting from demo to live trading. Traders aim for a 6% profit target with a 5% drawdown limit, scaling up to $250,000. Profit share can reach 100% as milestones are achieved.
- Hyper Growth Program – One-step instant funding starting from $5,000 to $40,000. Requires a 10% profit target, 6% max loss, and 3% daily drawdown. Accounts double in size with progress and can scale up to $4 million, with profit splits of up to 100%.
- High Stakes Program – A two-phase challenge with profit targets of 8% in the first step and 5% in the second. Traders face a 10% total drawdown and a 5% daily loss cap, working toward a $100,000 funding goal with a profit share ranging from 80% to 100%.
Read more: The5ers Review in 2025: Is 5%ers a Legit or Scam Prop Firm?
How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for Forex Funding
Choosing the right prop firm is crucial for traders seeking to grow their account through a forex-funded strategy. Look for a firm that aligns with your trading goals, offers fair profit splits, and provides realistic forex trading challenge rules. A reputable prop trading firm should clearly outline its funding process, drawdown limits, and supported platforms, such as MT4 or MT5.
Check how the firm makes money. Trusted forex funders earn from successful traders, not hidden fees or unrealistic evaluations. To avoid common mistakes, beginners should avoid overtrading, manage risk carefully, and stick to a consistent strategy. These habits will increase your chances of passing the challenge and maintaining a funded trading account long term.
Read more: Choosing the Best Proprietary Trading Firms in South Africa
FAQ
Are prop firms legal in South Africa?
Yes, prop firms operate legally in South Africa as long as they comply with KYC and AML requirements. While they may not need FSCA licensing if they don’t manage client funds directly, they are still required to follow identity verification and anti-money laundering protocols.
According to KYC Hub, financial entities in South Africa must comply with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), making robust KYC checks mandatory even for non-bank firms like prop trading companies.
Which prop firm has the best payout model in 2025?
Models vary, but many top prop trading firms offer profit splits of 80–90%, scalable capital, and realistic drawdown limits.
Firms like FTMO, FundedNext, and The5ers are among the leaders in funded trading accounts, combining fair payouts with trader-friendly rules.
What’s the difference between instant funding and evaluation?
Instant funding provides live capital immediately after paying a fixed fee, eliminating the need for a demo phase.
Evaluation requires traders to pass challenges under simulated conditions with set profit targets, after which they earn access to real capital.
Conclusion: Is Joining a Prop Firm Worth It for Forex Traders?
For disciplined and skilled traders, joining a prop firm can be a game-changer. It offers access to high capital, structured challenges, and professional-level exposure, without risking your funds.
But it’s not a shortcut. Success still depends on consistency, risk management, and understanding the rules of the trading account you choose to fund.
Moreover, true growth in trading doesn’t just come from passing a challenge; it comes from learning through other experiences. CommuniTrade gives you access to real, unfiltered journeys, so you can navigate the world of forex funding with clarity, not guesswork.
