For aspiring traders, one of the biggest hurdles isn’t developing a strategy; it’s access to capital. Traditional paths into the markets often require deep pockets, high risk tolerance, or industry connections. That’s where proprietary trading firms (prop firms) come in.
Prop firms provide traders with the opportunity to trade company capital and share in the profits, removing the need to risk personal funds. Over the past few years, the prop trading model has evolved rapidly, becoming more accessible to individuals around the world, including right here in the UK.
If you’re looking to start your trading career in 2025, here’s what to know about the best prop firms and how to choose one that fits your goals.
What Is a Prop Firm?
A proprietary trading firm allows you to trade with its capital instead of your own. In most modern setups, traders go through an evaluation phase (often a simulated or demo account) to prove their strategy and risk control. If successful, they’re offered a funded account and can begin trading real capital, earning a share of the profits.
This model lowers the barrier to entry for new traders and rewards discipline and performance over account size.
Why Start With a Prop Firm?
Starting your trading career through a prop firm has several clear benefits:
- No need to risk personal savings
- Access to larger capital than you’d self-fund
- Performance-based rewards
- Built-in risk management guidelines
- Professional environment with accountability
In short, you get to focus on developing your edge, not worrying about losses wiping out your capital.
Best Prop Firms to Consider in 2025
Here are four standout proprietary trading firms for new and aspiring traders in 2025:
1) Hola Prime
Launched in 2024, Hola Prime has quickly positioned itself as one of the most transparent and trader-focused prop firms in the industry. It offers funded trading accounts for both Forex and Futures, with a strong emphasis on fairness, support, and speed.
Why Hola Prime stands out:
- No hidden rules; what you see is what you trade
- 1-hour payouts, among the fastest in the industry
- Daily Price Transparency Reports for unmatched visibility into execution
- Multiple platforms supported: MT4, MT5, cTrader, MatchTrader, DXTrade
- One-on-one coaching and educational support
- Low entry cost, with challenge fees starting around $48
- Award-winning, named “Most Trusted Prop Firm” and “Most Competitive” in early 2025
Hola Prime is ideal for traders who want clear rules, fast payouts, and real support, not just capital. With 86% 5-star reviews and growing industry recognition, it’s a top choice for serious retail traders.
2) FTMO
One of the most established names in the industry, FTMO remains a go-to for aspiring prop traders worldwide. It offers:
- A transparent two-step evaluation process
- Up to 90% profit split
- Account scaling opportunities
- Strong reputation and community support
FTMO is a solid choice for disciplined traders who want a trusted, stable prop firm with a global footprint.
3) Funded Trading Plus
This UK-based prop firm has made a name for itself by combining affordability, transparency, and fast scaling. It offers instant funding options and payout requests that are typically processed within days.
With a flexible challenge model and clear rules, Funded Trading Plus is especially appealing to traders who want low stress and high growth potential.
4) PipFarm
PipFarm is a newer entrant, but it’s already making noise for its high payout ratios, freedom in trading styles, and simple onboarding process. It offers instant funding models and frequent payouts, making it a solid option for traders who want fast results with fewer restrictions.
The firm also has a reputation for listening to its community, regularly updating rules and features based on trader feedback.
What to Look For in a Prop Firm
Not all prop firms are created equal. Here are some key things to check before committing:
- Transparent evaluation rules – Look for clear targets and limits
- Profit split and payout frequency – Understand how and when you’ll get paid
- Allowed strategies – Some firms restrict scalping, news trading, or EAs
- Support and education – Especially valuable for new traders
- Platform and asset access – Ensure they support the markets you want to trade
A strong prop firm should act as a partner, not just a provider. That’s why firms like Hola Prime, with multi-asset flexibility and modern trading infrastructure, are gaining attention.
Start your Trading Career in 2025
If you’re serious about starting a trading career, joining a prop firm could be your smartest move. It gives you the capital, structure, and professional environment you need, without the personal financial risk that usually comes with trading.
From long-established names to emerging platforms like Hola Prime, today’s best prop firms offer a more accessible path into serious market participation. When choosing a platform, don’t just go off what others are doing, as it may not be the best option for you. Instead, think about which is the best fit for your style of investing, your investment goals and your risk tolerance.