Our latest prop trading stats page dives into key trends shaping the industry, including global search volume surges, trader statistics, and the features driving demand for prop firms.

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Global Search Volume Trends for Prop Firms

The global demand for proprietary trading firms has seen massive growth in recent years, driven by increasing interest in prop trading as an alternative to traditional retail trading. This surge is reflected in Google search volume data, showing significant rises across various regions, asset classes, and key features of prop firms. Below, we break down this growth by location, asset class, and key features.

Global interest in prop firms has grown by 607% in the last four years, showing a major shift towards prop trading over traditional investments.

Location

Search volumes for prop firms have risen sharply across various countries, with certain regions leading the charge.

The following key markets demonstrate the geographical spread of prop trading interest:

  • USA: Search volumes in the United States rose from 7,475 in 2020 to 46,820 in 2024, reflecting a 526% increase over four years. This makes the US the largest market for prop trading searches globally.
  • UK: The United Kingdom also saw strong growth, with search volumes climbing from 3,048 in 2020 to 12,655 in 2024, a 315% increase.
  • Canada: In Canada, searches increased from 1,020 in 2020 to 4,871 in 2024, marking a 377% growth during this period.
  • Australia: Although a smaller market, Australia experienced a notable rise in search volumes, from 865 in 2020 to 3,219 in 2024, representing a 272% increase.

Asset Class

The rise in prop trading interest spans various financial markets, with some seeing faster growth than others. The data below highlights the growth in search volumes across key asset classes:

  • Forex: Forex trading remains the most popular asset class, with searches increasing from 2,525 in 2020 to 24,319 in 2024, a 863% growth over four years. Monthly search volumes in 2024 peaked in January at 31,310, illustrating continued dominance of currencies in prop trading searches.
  • Futures: Futures trading has shown the fastest growth in search interest. From just 373 searches in 2020, it jumped to 21,095 in 2024, representing an extraordinary 5,556% growth. By August 2024, futures searches reached 31,080 in one month, reflecting the growing focus on futures within the prop trading space.
  • Crypto: Interest in cryptocurrency trading through prop firms has risen steadily, from 83 searches in 2020 to 4,361 in 2024, a 5,156% increase. Despite the volatility of the crypto markets, traders continue to explore opportunities within prop firms.
  • Stocks: While traditionally popular in retail trading, stock trading within prop firms has shown consistent growth, with search volumes rising from 80 in 2020 to 3,110 in 2024—a 3,788% increase.

Since 2020, search volumes for Futures has increased by 5,556%, making it the fastest-growing asset class in prop trading

Key Features

In addition to asset classes, specific features of prop firms have driven search interest. Traders are increasingly focused on finding firms with instant access to capital, affordability, and funded account options.

Searches for instant funding increased by 13,070% from 2020 to 2024, while interest in cheap prop firms grew by 15,805% and Expert Advisors (EAs) by 382% during the same period.

Here’s a breakdown of search growth by key features:

  • Instant Funding: One of the most sought-after features of prop firms, “Instant Funding” search volumes exploded from 0 in 2020 to 13,070 in 2024. In August 2024, search volumes hit 13,880, highlighting the continued interest in firms offering quick access to trading capital.
  • Funded Accounts: The term “Funded” gained significant traction as more traders sought prop firms offering access to funded trading accounts. Searches increased from 91 in 2021 to 6,406 in 2024, with a peak of 14,840 searches in July 2024, indicating heightened demand.
  • Cheap Prop Firms: Affordability remains a critical factor for traders. Searches for “cheap” prop firms surged from 60 in 2020 to 9,543 in 2024. This 15,805% increase shows the growing interest in budget-friendly options, particularly as traders seek to minimise upfront costs while maximising opportunities.
  • Expert Advisors (EAs): Although not as widely searched as funding options, the use of automated trading tools (EAs) in prop firms saw a rise in search interest, with volumes increasing from 447 in 2021 to 2,156 in 2024.

Overall, the global search trends for prop firms demonstrate the rapidly increasing interest in the prop trading industry across various locations, asset classes, and key features. With the USA leading the way and financial markets like forex and futures driving the most attention, the data underscores the growing appeal of prop trading as a viable alternative to traditional CFD trading. Features like instant funding and affordable challenge options continue to attract traders, further boosting the popularity of prop firms.

Prop Firm Statistics

Prop trading has rapidly grown into a popular alternative to traditional investing.

Between December 2015 and April 2024, the prop trading industry expanded by 1,264%, far outpacing the 240% growth seen in traditional investing.

This surge reflects the increasing shift toward high-risk, high-reward strategies as traders seek greater capital access and new opportunities. As interest grows, global search trends show significant increases in demand for prop firms, driven by key asset classes, geographic regions, and specific features that cater to trader preferences.

Prop Firm Trader Stats

The world of prop trading is highly competitive, and success rates provide a sobering glimpse into the challenges traders face.

What is the success rate of prop firms?

Studies found only 7% of the 300,000 prop trading accounts analyzed achieved payouts, with the low success rate underscoring the difficulties in securing consistent profits through prop trading and the importance of risk management. Even among those who succeed, average earnings tend to be modest, with traders typically earning around 4% of their allocated capital​.

In terms of profitability, a survey by PipFarm revealed that only 40% of traders manage to turn a profit, while a significant 60% of prop firm clients ultimately lose their capital. On average, traders spend $4,270 on challenges before reaching profitability​​. These statistics demonstrate the tough financial landscape for traders, with the majority facing losses despite significant upfront investments.

Prop trading has a low pass rate with only 7% of prop traders earning payouts and 60% losing their capital.

Key Findings

  • 7% of traders achieve payouts, which typically amount to only around 4% of the account value.
  • 60% of prop firm clients lose their capital.
  • Most traders attempt three challenges per account.
  • The average challenge spend is $4,270.

To counter these challenges, many traders diversify their efforts across multiple prop firms. According to research, traders use an average of 2.2 prop firms to improve their chances of success. A study from PipFarm found that 90% of traders engage in challenges across 2–5 different prop firms.

Prop Trader Demographics

  • Prop trading is 78% male-dominated.
  • Gen Z and Millennials make up over 60% of clients.

Funded Trader Motivations and Preferences

When selecting a prop firm challenge, traders are primarily motivated by two factors: clear operating rules and fast withdrawals. According to a survey conducted by Finance Magnates, 79% of traders prioritize firms with clear rules that outline trading restrictions and conditions, while 75% favor firms that offer swift withdrawals, ensuring they can access their earnings without delay.

However, traders are also wary of certain factors that can negatively impact their trading experience. The most common concerns include:

  • Trailing drawdowns (54% of traders).
  • Consistency rules (53%).
  • Restrictions on news trading (37%).

Investment in Technology

As prop trading firms strive to remain competitive, many are making substantial investments in technology to accommodate the more experienced traders. These investments are primarily focused on improving market connectivity, developing advanced algorithmic trading tools, and expanding into new financial markets. This technological shift is essential for prop firms looking to enhance their services and cater to the needs of modern traders who rely on cutting-edge platforms and tools for advanced trading strategies.

Summary

The rapid growth of the prop trading industry is underscored by significant increases in global search volumes, trader engagement, and technological investments. Despite its high-risk nature, prop trading continues to attract a diverse range of traders, particularly from younger generations and emerging markets. As the trading industry matures, it is expected to consolidate, with major players dominating the market while continuing to innovate and expand their service offerings to meet the demands of modern traders.

Sources

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