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Funded Trading Fundamentals

Jul 11, 2025

Summary

  • This meeting discussed the fundamentals of funded (prop) trading, specifically how challenges and profit splits work, key rules to pass challenges, and strategies for risk management and profitability.
  • Dan Chang (Champ) provided step-by-step guidance for selecting an account, passing the evaluation, and building a sustainable trading plan, drawing on personal experience and student case studies.
  • The session emphasized the importance of discipline, journaling, and continuous education to achieve success as a funded trader.
  • The meeting concluded with encouragement for traders to persevere, invest in their education, and leverage community resources to maximize their chances of long-term profitability.

Action Items

  • (no date – Dan Chang): Make the trading strategy worksheet, risk plan, and to-do list available for free download as referenced in the presentation.
  • (no date – Dan Chang): Provide details and sign-up information for the trading course/waitlist in the relevant channels as mentioned.
  • (no date – Interested attendees): Review educational resources and consider joining the trading community or course as desired.

Introduction to Funded Trading (Prop Trading)

  • Funded (prop) trading allows traders to trade with larger simulated accounts after passing an evaluation challenge for a fee.
  • Profit splits range from 80% to 100% of profits after passing, with no hidden "catch" other than the challenge fee and the inherent difficulty of maintaining profitability.
  • Account sizes and challenge fees vary, but the percentage goals and loss limits are typically consistent regardless of size.

Challenge Rules and Process

  • Common challenge format (e.g., FTMO): two-phase evaluation with specific profit targets (+10% in phase one, +5% in phase two) and strict maximum loss rules.
  • Minimum trading days often apply; no maximum time limit is set, but strong discipline is required.
  • Passing both phases grants access to a funded account with profit splits; other firms (like CK Capital) may offer lower profit targets or different drawdown buffers, catering to different trading styles.

Selecting the Right Challenge and Approach

  • Choose a challenge/account size based on personal risk capital and likelihood of needing multiple attempts (e.g., 10% rule – only 10% of traders succeed).
  • Match challenge structure (profit target, drawdown limits) to personal trading style (scalping, swing trading, etc.).
  • Carefully review account size, cost, and rules before committing; consider both standard and swing options where available.

Earning Potential and Modeling

  • With consistent risk management (e.g., risking 1% per trade, aiming for 2:1 risk/reward), a trader can model potential annual incomes at various account sizes.
  • Example: a $100,000 account, trading with a 40% win rate and 1:2 risk/reward, could potentially earn $8,000/month or $96,000/year, assuming consistency and no rule breaches.
  • Demonstrated potential via case studies and student performance journals; importance of realistic expectations is emphasized.

Building a Sustainable Trading Plan

  • Success requires a comprehensive trading plan ("trading playbook") covering strategy, psychology, and ongoing performance measurement.
  • Steps include: thoroughly testing a proven strategy, maintaining consistent journaling (to review wins/losses and accountability), and actively engaging with a supportive community.
  • Importance of regular review and adaptation based on individual performance and psychological resilience.

Risk Management Strategies

  • Two main risk management plans:
    1. Static Risk: Risk the same (e.g., $1,000) per trade regardless of outcome for simplicity and clear performance tracking.
    2. Dynamic Risk: Begin with higher risk per trade, then reduce risk after losing streaks to prolong account life and reduce drawdown, capping total risk exposure.
  • Recommendation: Use static risk for early challenges to focus on process; advanced traders can apply dynamic risk to maximize funded account longevity.

Next Steps and Closing Guidance

  • Success in prop trading demands clear expectations, passion, and persistence; giving up is the only true failure.
  • Education (courses, webinars, mentorship) is an investment; traders are encouraged to learn from multiple sources and build their own adaptable routine.
  • Community, journaling, and regular review are essential tools for improvement.
  • Promotional note: Access to tools, courses, and community resources offered for those interested, with limited spots and further details provided through the presenter's channels.

Decisions

  • Promote disciplined, strategy-based trading with robust risk management — Rationale: Consistency and self-accountability are cited as the fundamental factors determining long-term success in funded trading.
  • Launch or promote trading course/waitlist — Rationale: Ongoing education and community support are considered crucial to help attendees become and remain profitable.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Will additional detailed materials (e.g., worksheets, to-do lists) be distributed to all meeting attendees directly, or only via the public links mentioned?
  • Are there plans for follow-up webinars or Q&A sessions to address implementation challenges as attendees progress?