With an emphasis on ultra-low latency execution, API access, and infrastructure designed for algorithmic speed rather than manual trading ease, I will examine the Best Prop Firms for “HFT” (High-Frequency Trading) Bots in this post.
Selecting the best proprietary firm now hinges on server proximity, risk engine tolerance, and open bot rules as sponsored traders use automated tactics more frequently. Knowing these technical aspects can help you decide if your HFT system scales effectively or fails because of unseen execution obstacles.
What is High Frequency Trading (HFT)
High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a sub-branch of algorithmic trading that combines advanced computer coding, ultra-high-speed networks, and sophisticated hardware to carry out a multitude of transactions in milliseconds and microseconds.
These systems capture and record real-time market data, then automatically generate trades at a microsecond or millisecond intervals. HFT techniques are heavily reliant on low-latency systems, unimpeded market access, and co-located systems near exchange data centers to keep delays at a minimum.
The primary objective of HFT is the realization of a series of micro-profits from minute price changes to produce a large future cash flow.
10 Best Prop Firms for “HFT” (High-Frequency Trading) Bots & key Point
- FundwayPlus – Offers one-step funded challenges with specific HFT evaluation options and scalable capital up to $1M.
- FunderPro – Prop trading program allowing Expert Advisors (bots) with up to 90% profit split, but strict rules against exploitative HFT/latency arbitrage.
- The Trading Pit–The Trading Pit, founded in 2021 in Liechtenstein, has quickly become one of the best prop firms for High-Frequency Trading (HFT) strategies.
- Msolutionff – Challenge-based funded trader program that supports algorithmic trading styles (as noted in industry listings).
- Optimal Traders – Funded prop firm with multiple challenge options and up to 80% profit share.
- FTUK – Offers instant and challenge-based funded accounts with up to 80% profit share and flexible trading policies.
- Infinity Forex – Prop firm listed as allowing HFT in some summaries, though community reports warn of payout issues.
- Hudson River Trading – Institutional quantitative trading firm specializing in sophisticated algorithmic and HFT market making (not a retail funded prop program).
- Fidelcrest – Prop firm that provides funded account programs where traders manage company capital, typically with standard challenge rules.
- SurgeTrader – Single-phase funded account provider offering profit splits (around 75%) and simple evaluation structures.
Compliance & Legal Risks of Using HFT Bots on Prop Firms
- Bot usage could get your account banned at many prop firms because automating your trades goes against the contract. On top of that, you could be permanently banned from their entire trading network and lose all your profits.
- Trading strategies involving HFT could be categorized as toxic flow. This could lead to a firm losing a trade because of a retrospective trade loss, losing the profits on the trade, and having to implement more stringent risk controls after they see the trading pattern.
- Some places in the world may require a trader to be registered or disclose that they are doing algorithmic trading. This could put the funded trader at risk if the algorithm is trading at a high frequency and the firm detects it and goes to the authorities.
- High Frequency Trading and trading strategies involving delay arbitrage may get you trade-centric penalties such as reduced leverage, trade losses, and even lengths of time where you may lose your trades and be subjected to arbitrage.
- There are also data privacy laws that are applicable when a firm is recording the bot data and logging the server use. This would require the trader to have the infrastructure, the IP address, and the trade execution analytics of the server that is used to trade.
- Regarding cross-border prop firms, there are more stringent and more complicated financial rules that put the USA in a conflicting position, as the local regulations are more stringent, which may lead to accounts being put on pause and payments being investigated in the case of a regulatory incident.
- Utilizing third-party APIs and unapproved VPS providers may go against the rules of security compliance and put a trader at a risk in accountability where unrecorded gaps may lead to loss, leaks, or abuse primitive trade-based systems.
- Profit-sharing agreements may be legally challenged by companies when modifying post HFT success winner rule changes which may lead to contractual disputes regarding revenue entitlement, scaling rights, and performance adjustments retrospective to the rule changes.
10 Best Prop Firms for “HFT” (High-Frequency Trading) Bots
1. FundwayPlus – Best Prop Firm for “HFT””
FundwayPlus (usually mentioned in comparisons of props firms) has challenge – based funded accounts with market leading and HFT friendly scaping and algorithms. They trade on MetaTrader 5, and other platforms offering forex, and metals (forex, metals, indices) with HFT bots within the risk limits.
They split profits 75–80% after risking it all to be funded with challenges which are 1-step and 2-step (earning limits are at their discretion). They have diverse firm risk rules, which generally allow for news trading, and HFT strategies along with day trading.
Why Recommend FundwayPlus
- Up to $1,000,000 in funding and scaling options
- Quick withdrawals and bi-weekly payouts
- Supports Forex, Indices, Commodities & Crypto CFDs
- MT4 with evaluation challenges
- Good execution for automated strategies
FundwayPlus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large funding options up to $1M | Limited brand recognition compared to bigger firms |
| Bi‑weekly payouts with fast withdrawals | Restricted to MT4 only |
| Supports multiple asset classes including crypto | Evaluation challenges can be strict |
| Smooth execution environment | Less global exposure |
2. FunderPro – Best Prop Firm for “HFT”
FunderPro is a challenge, and instant funded prop trading firm which also offers algorithmic trading, EAs, and high-frequency strategies.
It provides funded accounts from $5k to $200k with instant accounts available for as low as ~$79 and scaling plans up to $5 million. Profit shares are high, as much as 90% to the trader.
They support MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradeLocker allowing flexible execution, and trading is permitted Journal, as well as news trading and overnight positions.
They allow a range of trading formats, including scalping and grid strategies, as long as the risk parameters are adhered to.
Why Recommend FunderPro
- Multiple evaluation paths (Regular, Swing, Fast Track)
- Unlimited time to complete challenges
- ECN/STP execution with real market conditions
- Supports EAs, Bots, and HFT
- Flexible payout schedules
FunderPro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple evaluation paths (Regular, Swing, Fast Track) | Higher challenge fees than some competitors |
| Unlimited time to pass challenges | Strict daily drawdown rules |
| ECN/STP execution with real market conditions | Limited educational resources |
| Allows EAs, bots, and HFT strategies | Scaling plan slower than instant funding firms |
3. The Trading Pit — Most Suitable Prop Firm for “HFT”
Since it was established in 2021, The Trading Pit, which is located in Liechtenstein, has become one of the best prop firms for High-Frequency Trading (HFT) strategies. They also offer one of the most lucrative profit splits of 90%, which is great for traders looking to scale.
The firm also offers support for MT5, Quantower, and cTrader, which means traders can use sophisticated trading algorithms and bots.
The firm offers sophisticated low-latency trading infrastructure along with funding programs of $5,000,000 and weekly payouts. This makes The Trading Pit great for traders wanting to implement HFT strategies.
Why Recommend The Trading Pit
- Funded accounts available with 1:500 Leverage
- Supports MT5
- Crypto-friendly with Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals
- Scalping, hedging, and automated trading are allowed
- 24/7 support
The Trading Pit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High leverage up to 1:500 | Riskier for inexperienced traders |
| Crypto‑friendly deposits/withdrawals | Smaller funding compared to top prop firms |
| Supports MT5 platforms | Limited transparency on liquidity providers |
| Allows scalping, hedging, and automation | Customer support can be inconsistent |
4. Msolutionff — Most Suitable Prop Firm for “HFT”
Msolutionff is one of the more notable names when it comes to challenge-based prop firms stating to be HFT friendly, with the majority of funded accounts exceeding $100K and profit share being around 80%.
While it is difficult to find conclusive foundation data, community resources and vetted lists describe it as HFT friendly, suggesting that traders are able to use bots and rapid execution strategies during the evaluation and post funding ATP phases.
The challenge structure includes a profit target and daily and overall drawdown restrictions, and it is compatible with all the major platforms like MetaTrader, and offers a wide range of instruments, further establishing its appeal to scalping and algo trading.
Why Recommend Msolutionff
- Funded Programs with Tiered Scaling
- Supports automated and discretionary trading
- Risk management dashboards
- Adjusted account sizes for beginners and pros
- Clear rules on drawdown and consistency
Msolutionff
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tiered scaling programs | Less known in global markets |
| Supports algorithmic and discretionary trading | Limited platform diversity |
| Risk management dashboards provided | Smaller community and trader base |
| Transparent rules on drawdown | Payouts not as frequent as competitors |
5. Optimal Traders – Best Prop Firm for HFT
One of the most noted names in vetted summaries for not being limited to one prop firm is Optimal Traders. He has been described as a flexible funded challenge issuer who allows for the use of algorithmic strategies and fast execution bots.
It has typically been noted for having funded accounts up to around $150k, with profit share of 80% and challenge costs that vary based on account size and evaluation type. Traders use the more popular MetaTrader platforms, and can use their full range of algorithms, scalping, and diverse strategies in the forex and CFD markets.
The firm’s regulations are lenient concerning trading strategies, so it is a viable option for people trialing automated systems, but compliance with the firms limit on drawdown and the associated risk is non-negotiable.
Optimal Traders
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multi‑asset coverage (forex, indices, commodities) | Evaluation process can be lengthy |
| Fast servers optimized for bots | Limited instant funding options |
| Allows EAs and automated systems | Strict consistency rules |
| Clear scaling plan | Less marketing presence globally |
Why Recommend Optimal Traders
- Forex, Indices, and Commodities among others
- Quick execution servers geared for bots
- Scaling plan with profit milestones
- EAs and automated trading allowed
- Daily and total drawdown limits
6. FTUK – Best Prop Firm for “HFT”
FTUK (Funded Trading UK) is a prop firm that began operating in 2021 and has since grown to provide services globally. Funded traders can receive 1-2 step accounts with scaling possibilities to 8-figures and an 80% profit share.
FTUK has a broad range of trading strategies including scalping, hedging, and trading with bots. They provide low latency order execution and a fast order processing with the option to trade on multiple platforms which is ideal for automated trading strategies.
Among funded traders, FTUK is a popular choice due to the fast processing of withdrawals and the broad variety of financial instruments.
Why Recommend FTUK (Forex Traders UK)
- Obtain immediate funding without evaluative criteria
- Retain as much as 80% of profits
- Compatible with MT4/MT5
- No restrictions on scalping, swing, or automated trading
- Unlimited time and clear, simple regulations
FTUK
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant funding without evaluation | Lower maximum funding compared to rivals |
| Profit splits up to 80% | Limited asset coverage |
| Supports MT4/MT5 | No HFT‑specific infrastructure |
| Simple rules, no time limits | Less advanced analytics tools |
7. Infinity Forex (Infinity Forex Funds) – Best Prop Firm for “HFT”
Infinity Forex Funds is a challenge-and instant-funded provider that many cite in HFT-prop-firm lists due to their account sizes of approximately $300k and profit splits that go up to 90%. Infinity’s structure is optimized for trading with automation. Moreover, their flexible challenge requirements are favorable for traders that use scalping and HFT.
The main trading activity takes place in MetaTrader markets, where there’s a spread on trading forex, commodities, and indices. The firm describes its community feedback and ruleset as “supportive” for algorithm-centric traders, although one would need to verify the specific details through the firm’s official website.
Why Recommend Infinity Forex
- Global prop trading firm with diverse account sizes
- High-frequency trading and algorithms are supported
- Promotes scaling as far as large capital allocations
- Transparent risk rules with evaluative dashboards
- Rapid payments and a variety of withdrawal options
8. Hudson River Trading – Best Prop Firm for “HFT””
Hudson River Trading is an institutional quantitative trading and market-making firm offering real high-frequency trading services. It specializes in proprietary systems and ultra-low latency trading across various markets. It commenced business in 2002.
HRT is not a retail funded prop firm. It leads the industry in HFT research and development and employs proprietary systems in conjunction with co-location and machine learning to transact at millisecond speed across equities, futures, and FX.
HRT focuses on institutional funding and advanced quantitative trading strategies. Hence, retail traders do not acquire direct funded accounts here, but it is considered the gold standard for HFT execution.
Why Recommend Hudson River Trading
- Top-tier quantitative trading firm focused on HFT
- Proprietary algorithms and high-tech infrastructure
- Direct, ultra-low latency, market access
- Specializes in equities, futures, and options
- For quants, a research-oriented, tech-heavy environment
Hudson River Trading
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elite quantitative trading firm | Not a retail prop firm (institutional only) |
| Ultra‑low latency infrastructure | Extremely competitive hiring process |
| Proprietary algorithms and advanced tech | No evaluation or funding for retail traders |
| Focus on equities, futures, options | Requires strong quant background |
9. Fidelcrest – Best “HFT” Prop Firm
Fidelcrest provides profit-sharing models for accounts with funded challenges. Profit split accounts allow traders to keep about ~80% profit depending on their performance and scaling.
It facilitates varied trading methods such as scalping and algorithmic strategies on mainstream platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader, and allows EAs and rapid execution bots, provided traders follow the guidelines of risk and drawdown restrictions during the evaluation and funded stages.
Since the middle of the 2010s, Fidelcrest has been concentrating on accessible funded capital for global traders, as well as various account sizes and scaling options, along with straightforward terms for varying instruments, to include forex and metals — making it ideal for systematic traders.
Why Recommend Fidelcrest
- High funding opportunities of up to 2 million dollars
- Evaluation challenges by account tier
- High-frequency trading and algorithms are accepted, as well as EAs and bots
- Up to 90% profit shares
- Global reach with good compliance coverage
Fidelcrest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Funding programs up to $2M | Evaluation challenges can be tough |
| Profit splits up to 90% | Higher fees than smaller firms |
| Allows EAs, bots, and HFT | Strict risk management rules |
| Global coverage with compliance | Longer payout cycles |
10. SurgeTrader – Best Prop Firm for “HFT”
With its straightforward consumer accounting process, SurgeTrader allows single-phase funded accounts, with profit splits of approximately ~75% and challenge fees that are at the industry standard and are often lower than the competitors.
SurgeTrader allows trading on the MetaTrader Platforms, and also allows for various trading strategies, including the use of EAs. SurgeTrader provides account evaluations that are streamlined, and they have strict risk parameters which enhance their offering for system traders of all kinds, particularly high-frequency traders.
Why Recommend SurgeTrader
- No evaluative criteria funding
- Benefit from 90% profit retention
- Trade Forex, commodities, indices, and crypto
- No restrictions on scalping, swing, or automated trading
- Unlimited time and clear, simple regulations
SurgeTrader
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant funding, no evaluation hurdles | Lower leverage compared to OspreyFX |
| Profit splits up to 90% | Limited platform choice |
| Supports forex, commodities, indices, crypto | No HFT‑specific infrastructure |
| Simple rules, no time limits | Evaluation transparency less detailed |
Conclusion
Data suggests that genuine success in high-frequency trading is based on execution speed, platform stability, profit split, and flexibility with rules on risk. More retail oriented firms like FunderPro, FTUK, Infinity Forex, and Fidelcrest tend to score better because of 80–90% profit splits, multiple platform support (MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker), and policies that are friendly to bots.
On the other hand, Hudson River Trading is the best example of an institutional real HFT with proprietary low-latency infrastructure.
Ultimately, HFT’s looking to scale capital and deploy automated strategies on the firms with fast execution, clear drawdown policies, and reliable payouts track records tend to do better which studies suggest improves retention and profitability of funded traders in the long run.
FAQ
Data from funded trader policies shows most retail prop firms allow EAs and algorithmic trading, but restrict true institutional HFT such as latency arbitrage, quote stuffing, or ultra-high order frequency.
Market comparisons indicate FunderPro and Infinity Forex often advertise up to 90% profit splits, while FTUK, Fidelcrest, and SurgeTrader typically range between 75–80%.
Usage data shows MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradeLocker dominate due to lower latency, API access, and stable VPS integration for automated execution.
Scaling programs from top firms report growth paths from $50,000 to $1M+, with firms like FunderPro and FTUK offering multi-million scaling after consistent performance.
Community payout trackers and firm reports show higher reliability among firms with transparent rules, fixed payout schedules (bi-weekly/monthly), and public trader dashboards.
No. Data confirms Hudson River Trading is institutional-only, employing proprietary infrastructure and internal capital, not retail-funded trader accounts.