Crypto prop trading (proprietary trading) involves trading cryptocurrencies with a firm's capital rather than using one's own funds. Traders, also known as proprietary traders, are typically funded by a prop firm that provides them with capital to trade digital assets. In return, traders share a portion of their profits with the firm while keeping a significant percentage for themselves.
Key Features of Crypto Prop Trading:
Capital Allocation:
- Prop firms provide traders with access to substantial capital, which allows them to trade cryptocurrencies on larger scales than they could with personal funds.
Profit Sharing:
- The profits earned from trading are shared between the trader and the firm, with the trader keeping a portion and the firm taking its agreed-upon cut, usually 10-30%.
Risk Management:
- Crypto prop trading firms enforce strict risk management policies to minimize potential losses. These can include setting loss limits or drawdown rules that traders must follow.
Leverage:
- Many crypto prop firms offer leverage, allowing traders to control larger positions with less capital. While this can increase potential profits, it also heightens the risk.
Evaluation Process:
- Traders often go through an evaluation process where they must demonstrate their trading skills. This may involve trading on a demo account or meeting certain profit targets in a specified period.
Traders' Autonomy:
- Traders often have the freedom to choose their own strategies and risk preferences, as long as they adhere to the firm’s risk management rules.
How Crypto Prop Trading Works:
Application and Evaluation:
- Traders usually apply for funding and are required to pass a performance evaluation, which tests their ability to trade profitably while managing risk.
Funded Account:
- After passing the evaluation, the trader is given access to a funded account with the firm's capital.
Trading:
- Traders execute trades on the firm’s behalf, using the provided capital. They keep a share of any profits made, while the firm takes a portion.
Profit Sharing:
- Profits are split between the trader and the firm at the end of the trading period, according to the terms set out in their agreement.
Risk Management:
- If a trader hits a loss limit or other risk-related thresholds, their account may be restricted or terminated, depending on the firm’s policies