FTMO vs. Vanquish Trader: Which Prop Firm Is Right for You?

With dozens of prop firms on the market, traders face an important decision: choosing a firm whose structure aligns with how they trade and manage risk. Two firms often compared are FTMO, one of the most established names in the industry, and Vanquish Trader, a newer firm offering a simplified, rules-focused evaluation model.

At Vanquish Trader, the belief is straightforward: traders perform best when evaluation rules emphasize discipline, consistency, and clear risk controls rather than time pressure. With that perspective in mind, here’s a transparent comparison of how FTMO and Vanquish approach evaluations, payouts, and overall trader experience.

What Is FTMO?

FTMO is one of the most established proprietary trading firms in the industry and is widely known among forex and CFD traders. It offers a multi-step evaluation process, access to large account sizes, and a structured rule set designed to test discipline under defined constraints.

Many traders choose FTMO for its longevity, global reputation, and clearly documented challenge framework. Its evaluation model is built to assess performance consistency within fixed timelines.

What Is Vanquish Trader?

Vanquish Trader is a U.S.-based proprietary trading firm offering a one-step evaluation model focused primarily on stocks and options. The platform is intentionally structured around clarity, consistency, and risk management, removing deadlines and daily loss limits while maintaining firm drawdown and consistency rules.

Vanquish operates evaluation accounts in a simulated trading environment using real market data. Traders who meet the published requirements qualify for a performance account with access to real payouts. Vanquish does not guarantee profits or funding and evaluates traders solely on rule adherence and disciplined execution.

Evaluation Process Comparison

FTMO:

Evaluation Type: Two-Step

Time Limits: Typically 30-60 Days

Daily Loss Limit: Yes

Drawdown Model: Static and Daily Limits

Profit Target: 10% - 5%

Asset Clauses: Forex, Indices, Commodities

Vanquish:

Evaluation Type: One-Step

Time Limits: No Time Limits

Daily Loss Limit: None

Drawdown Model: Trailing Drawdown (Plan Specific)

Profit Target: Stocks 6%, Options 10%

Asset Classes: Stocks and Options

FTMO Evaluation Structure

FTMO’s evaluation consists of two required phases:

Challenge followed by Verification

Defined time limits for each phase

Daily loss limits and overall drawdown rules

A structured framework that rewards traders who perform well under deadline pressure

This model is well-suited for traders who prefer clearly bounded challenges and are comfortable operating within time-based constraints.

Vanquish Trader Evaluation Structure

Vanquish uses a single evaluation phase with no deadline. Rules are published in advance and remain consistent across the evaluation.

Key elements include:

One evaluation phase only

Unlimited time to complete

Plan-specific rules:

Stocks: 6% profit target, 3% trailing drawdown

Basic Options: 10% profit target, 5% trailing drawdown

Advanced Options: 10% profit target, 5% end-of-day trailing drawdown

Consistency rules designed to prevent oversized trades or days

No daily loss limit

This structure is intentionally designed to reduce time-driven decision-making while still enforcing strict risk controls.

Payout Comparison

FTMO Payouts

Profit split up to 90%, depending on trader tier

Payouts are typically processed monthly

Activation, scaling, and withdrawal rules vary by account type

Vanquish Trader Payouts

100% profit split on performance accounts

No payout caps

Daily or weekly  payout requests depending on plan

No activation fees

All Vanquish payouts are subject to consistency rules, minimum payout thresholds, closed positions, and platform requirements.

Trader Experience Comparison

FTMO Experience

Highly structured and rule-intensive

Designed for traders who are comfortable with deadlines

Daily loss limits and time constraints can increase execution pressure

Vanquish Trader Experience

Rules are intentionally designed to support calm, repeatable execution

No deadlines reduce the need to rush trades

Trailing drawdown and consistency rules emphasize controlled risk over speed

Vanquish’s approach focuses on evaluating decision-making and risk discipline rather than performance under artificial timelines.

Who Each Firm Is Best For

FTMO May Be a Better Fit If You:

Trade forex, indices, or CFDs

Prefer multi-phase evaluations

Perform well under time pressure and daily loss limits

Vanquish Trader May Be a Better Fit If You:

Trade stocks or options

Prefer a single-step evaluation

Value unlimited time and clearly defined rules

Want a U.S.-based firm with a simplified payout structure

Prioritize consistency and risk control over speed

Which is right for you?

Both FTMO and Vanquish Trader offer legitimate, structured pathways into proprietary trading, but they are built around different philosophies.

FTMO serves traders who thrive in deadline-driven, multi-phase challenges, particularly in forex and CFD markets. Vanquish Trader is intentionally structured for traders who value clarity, discipline, and consistency, especially those trading stocks or options without the pressure of fixed timelines.

The right firm depends on how you trade and on the conditions that allow you to perform consistently. Understanding each firm’s rules, structure, and expectations is essential before choosing an evaluation.