TOP 5 Biggest Risks In Funded Forex Accounts + Tips
Securing funding for trading can be both a blessing and a curse! Today, we will explore the top 5 risks… Continue reading TOP 5 Biggest Risks In Funded Forex Accounts + Tips
Securing funding for trading can be both a blessing and a curse! Today, we will explore the top 5 risks in funded forex accounts so that you can make it a blessing. Read until the end because we will tell you precisely how to minimize them. Ready? Let’s dive in!
What are funded accounts in forex?
If you're new to trading or need a refresher, funded accounts in forex allow traders to trade with capital provided by a proprietary (prop) firm, instead of using their own money.
We've extensively covered this topic in our article on what is a funded trading account. Essentially, once you qualify for a funded account, you gain the ability to take larger positions and potentially achieve greater returns compared to trading with your own capital.
What are the most significant risks on funded forex accounts
Trading on a funded forex account shouldn’t feel different than trading with your own funds… But it does. Countless things could be affecting your performance and financial results. Here are the top five and how to keep them in check:
#1: Leverage
Leverage allows traders to control large positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying both potential returns and losses. The question is: do you want to make money in the market or use high leverage to boost your ego?
Setting a stop loss and an attainable target is the most critical risk management strategy in leverage trading.
#2: Technical
Accidents like spilling coffee on your laptop can cause immediate hardware failure, leading to a complete shutdown of your trading activities. Having no backup device in such situations can be catastrophic, causing you to miss crucial trades and potentially incur significant losses.
Electricity outages can also be tough enemies when you are relying on a desktop computer. Using a laptop with a fully charged battery may give you the peace of mind you need as a funded account trader.
Preparation is a big part of trading and should not be overlooked. Therefore, having your mobile device fully charged and your trading app up to date might seem basic, but these simple things can save your career, especially if things go wrong.
#3: Manipulative Prop Firms
When trading with a funded forex account, be aware of potential manipulation and sabotage by the proprietary firm.
A questionable prop firm may engage in practices that manipulate trading conditions or prices in the demo account, adversely affecting traders' positions. Here are some red flags that might reveal malicious intents:
- If you experience slippage or any suspicious deviations in order execution, you should think about terminating the relationship immediately.
- Other harmful practices may include intentional platform outages, spreading misinformation, or stop-loss hunting. If you discover these issues, think about what else might be happening behind the scenes.
To protect yourself from scams, opt for a prop firm regulated by a reputable financial institution, stay alert, and monitor your trading activity closely within your own environment.
#4: Psychological factors
Emotional aspects such as greed, fear, or imposter syndrome can lead to irrational decision-making.
Greed can prompt you to take excessive risks, overtrade, or hold onto losing positions longer than advisable.
On the other hand, strong fear may result in missed opportunities and unnecessary realized losses.
If you are troubled by doubting your trading abilities despite your knowledge and skills, you could have imposter syndrome, which can lead to hesitation, taking insignificant returns, and not performing optimally.
You may work on these aspects with a mentor or by exploring self-help trading materials.
#5 Counterparty risk
Prop Firm Insolvency: The financial stability of the proprietary firm can impact your ability to withdraw funds or continue trading.
Withdrawal Denials: Are there firms that don't pay out? You'll be surprised. Some may cite excuses like "your trading style is too risky" even when traders haven't violated a single rule.
Tip to Minimize: Choose reputable firms with strong financial backgrounds, such as IC Funded, and regularly review their financial health.
By addressing these risks, you can enhance your preparedness and resilience against potential challenges that may arise when trading with funded forex accounts.
Are funded accounts worth it?
Funded forex accounts could be the game changer in your trading career, but they come with substantial risks. By understanding these risks and preparing for them, you are separating yourself from the average traders, increasing your chances of success.If you are ready to take the next step in your forex trading journey, explore our evaluation program and start trading as a funded trader with confidence in the legitimacy of the prop firm!
FAQ
Read and understand the terms before joining. Regularly check for updates from the firm and choose those with a longer history, as they are less likely to make sudden changes.
Use reliable platforms, update your software, have backup devices, and invest in a stable internet connection.
Document irregularities; most of the time, it's a misunderstanding. But if your data is correct, contact the firm’s support. If unresolved, switch to a reputable firm and report to regulatory bodies if possible.