Privately-Owned Trading Firms

More commonly known as “prop” or “proprietary” trading firms, proprietary trading companies provide stock traders with capital and internal resources for a share of the trader’s profits. Trade opportunities can include commodities, bonds, currencies, and stocks.

Like a college football star with no real assets or capital which gets drafted and is provided with everything they need to succeed as an athlete, a new trader moves from demo accounts to real traders. Joining a proprietary firm puts you in the big leagues.

Proprietary Trading

Lack of assets means no significant profits. Proprietary firms give talented traders access to capital needed for an opportunity to create profits. These firms will allow more capital based on the abilities and assessments of potential traders. Proprietary firms typically give access to advanced trading tools, data, and software. These firms will likely provide training, support, and proprietary strategies. Almost all of these firms have strict risk management standards that protect the trader’s profits.

When choosing a proprietary trading firm, know its standards, requirements, policies, and percentages deducted for the firm. These aspects should be in balance. For example, a firm may take a significant percentage of profits but is more successful than others.

Essential Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Firm

Research reputation with a grain of salt. Proprietary trading firms have high standards; many potential traders may feel slighted by not passing assessments or the capital available. Considering the amount of capital available, high standards are appropriate. Look into their financial stability and their ability to meet their obligations. As a potential trader, you will want to know if they have enough capital to cover losses. Review the firm’s trading terms like risk management, profit-sharing, and withdrawal rules. Also, consider the costs of establishing an account, the potential capital allotments, and the assessments required.

Prop Firms – Getting Started

Trader account rules are different for each prop firm. Opening the account may require you to make a minimal deposit before they add funds. Assessments can be made before opening an account or after. Once the assessments are completed and you have an open account, the firm will transfer capital to the account.

Success with a proprietary trading firm rests on your behavior. Follow the rules to advance with the firm. Pay close attention to risk management rules and follow all related rules. Have a plan of action and have an articulated strategy. Make achievable goals and have a criterion for entering and exiting from investments. Have stop-loss orders and limit your position sizes.

It is All About Opportunity

Working with a proprietary trading firm is not a free ride. You will have the opportunity to earn high returns with hard work. When traders make profits for the company, they will add capital to your account, and with more capital, they will make more profits for you. Traders are in a competitive environment and must perform competently to survive. Anyone with trading expertise or willing to learn can benefit from the direction, training, and access to capital – it’s an opportunity.

Proprietary Trading and Training Strategies

Having access to proprietary training strategies is an advantage for traders. Firms spend millions and have the best trading experts developing strategies designed for profits. These strategies are based on many factors, including market sentiment, technical analysis, and fundamental analysis. Trading strategies are not disclosed to maintain a competitive advantage. Traders with the firms are well-trained to use the trading strategies.

Ongoing training and support are common strategies that maintain the trader’s skill sets. Training improves skills and helps traders achieve common goals with the firm. Training plans often include webinars, trading strategies, and coaching. Community communications allow for sharing ideas, questions, and further learning.

Proprietary Trading Firms

Many proprietary firms offer valuable advantages to traders. You will become a team member and have access to training and resources. Your risks become lessened, but most importantly, you will have access to capital.

Are you considering a trading firm? Do your research and choose a reputable firm. It may be time to take a deep dive.