10 Top City Traders Imperium Rivals for Swing Traders

When it comes to swing trading, the best prop firms offer flexible trading conditions. Funding firms such as City Traders Imperium are well known for giving traders the opportunity to trade on their own account, however, other firms also provide funding programs for traders who wish to hold positions for multiple days or weeks.

In this article, we review the Top City Traders Imperium Rivals for Swing Traders and evaluate their programs for swing trading. We provide an overview of each program and firm, outline the trading restrictions, and provide the benefits of each program.

What Should Swing Traders Look for in a Prop Firm?

Overnight/Weekend Holding – Traders have the potential to make more profitable trades over a longer time frame if they can hold positions over the week. A firm allows this by not forcing traders to close their positions over the weekend or at the end of the day.

Drawdowns – Look for firms that set limits on how much a trader’s account can drop before being forced to exit a trade. If a firm has strict limits on drawdowns, traders will be forced out of good trades.

No Tight Challenge Limits – Swing traders sometimes wait to enter a trade if they think the market will be more advantageous for them in the future. Tight challenge limits give traders no time to wait for a better market condition.

Trade Restrictions – Swing traders should be able to enter and exit trades freely, even if a central bank is releasing information that will affect the market.

Profit Splits – A prop firm should let traders keep the larger portion of the profit made from a trade.

Scaling Programs – A good firm lets swing traders increase their capital allocation.

Swing Trading – Letting traders have a high latitude on their loss limits helps traders stay in a trade if they think it will be beneficial.

Top 10 City Traders Imperium Rivals for Swing Traders (Key Points)

• FTMO – Industry-leading prop firm with a dedicated Swing Account that allows overnight and weekend holding.
• The5%ers – Long-term trader-focused firm known for aggressive scaling plans and swing-friendly trading conditions.
• FundedNext – Offers multiple funding models with flexible rules suitable for swing and position traders.
• Funded Trading Plus – Highly flexible challenge structure with overnight and weekend holding support.
• FunderPro – Simple evaluation process and balanced rules that suit swing trading strategies.
• SabioTrade – Consistency-focused prop firm designed for disciplined traders and longer-term trading styles.
• Axi Select – Broker-backed capital allocation program without a traditional prop-firm challenge fee.
• MyFundedFX – Popular multi-asset prop firm offering flexible challenge options for swing traders.
• Funding Pips – Fast-growing prop firm known for competitive pricing and trader-friendly funding models.
• Alpha Capital Group – UK-based prop firm offering professional funding programs and scalable capital.

1. FTMO

One of the most prestigious prop firms, FTMO, is based in the Czech Republic. Challenge accounts range from $10,000 to $200,000. The evaluation uses a 10% profit target in Phase 1 and a 5% target in Phase 2. The maximum allowed drawdown in an account is 10%, and the limit is 5% for a day.

The Swing Account allows the holder to trade over the weekends and over the trading days. Traders must make a minimum of 3 trades per day to continue being evaluated. For consisntently successful traders, the profit splits are lowered and scalings are done frequently. Accounts can be grown to millions.

Pros

As an established name in the prop-firm world, FTMO has a long track record. The firm puts forward clear trading rules and a well-structured evaluation process while giving traders what they need in the way of popular instruments and platforms. There are also a number of account and evaluation options to choose from.

Cons

One has to be mindful of the cost; evaluation fees are on the higher side. The drawdown requirements are strict and passing the evaluation is no small feat without disciplined risk management. Then there are the account rules which can put restrictions on certain strategies.

FTMO Overview

2. The5%ers

The5%ers is an Israel based prop firm, specializing in training traders to hold positions over a longer duration. Accounts can be funded instantly and range from thousands to millions. Scaling plans are offered for longer duration accounts. Profit targets are set between 5% and 10% for shorter duration accounts.

Swing trading is allowed for the duration of the program. Restrictions on weekend trading are program dependent. Some plans don’t have a limit on the allowed daily profit. For these plans, profits can be unlimited. Through a scaling program, a trade can be rewarded with a profit share as high as 60%.

Pros

With a variety of program structures and account sizes, The5%ers caters to different trading styles through several funding programs. They back their traders with educational resources and allow for some flexibility when it comes to scaling.

Cons

The rules are not uniform across all account types and can differ quite a bit. Scaling is possible but only if specific performance conditions are met. Some trading will be off limits and it is important for a trader to read the fine print on each program’s drawdown rules.

The5%ers Overview

3. FundedNext

FundedNext is based in the UAE and has evaluation and express funding models. Account sizes vary from $6,000 to over $200,000. FundedNext’s competitors often charge more for challenge fees. FundedNext’s models allow for a target profit of 8-10%, and have limits on maximum drawdown and average daily loss to help traders manage risk.

FundedNext allows swing trading and holds over night positions on many of their accounts. In regards to news trading, many of their accounts allow it as well. Traders can utilize scaling and profit splits to help boost potential profits. Profit splits are offered up to 90%.

Pros

FundedNext has a range of account sizes and supports various platforms and styles. The firm offers multiple models for both challenges and funding, as well as the means to scale a funded account.

Cons

Inexperienced traders may find the evaluation requirements to be demanding. Every program comes with its own set of trading conditions and one must be vigilant about daily and overall drawdown limits. Features can also be dependent on the program chosen.

FundedNext Overview

4. Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus is based in the UK, and offers accounts of all sizes from $5,000 to over $200,000. They provide models for evaluation in multiple ways. Their models allow for target profits of 2-4%, and have limits on maximum drawdown to help traders manage risk. These models allow intraday and swing trading.

Because the firm applies few constraints on holding periods, it particularly appeals to position traders. Many of the firm’s programs have no constraints on the minimum number of days a trade can be held. Profit splits can be as high as 100%, and the firm imposes no constraints on the size of a position if it is profitable. Flexibility is the hallmark of this firm, and as a result, it is very popular with more experienced traders.

Pros

There are several ways to go about evaluation and funding here, with a selection of account sizes to match. Qualifying traders have the option to scale and can employ a variety of strategies so long as they fall within the program rules.

Cons

It can be confusing to wade through the sheer number of programs available. Risk-management requirements will change from model to model and all are subject to drawdown limits. A careful check of the conditions is warranted before making a purchase.

Funded Trading Plus Overview

5. FunderPro

FunderPro has revolutionized the prop trading industry with its innovative, flexible terms. Flexible evaluation accounts, which allow traders to set their own risk limits, are very popular. Traders can set their own profit targets and drawdown limits, and challenge fees, and adjust other trading parameters.

FunderPro encourages a variety of trading styles including swing trading. The firm employs a balanced and flexible rule structure. Consistent, profitable trading is rewarded through a variety of scalability features. Traders have been positive about the firm in general, and especially appreciate the flexibility in comparison with other firms.

Pros

FunderPro gives traders multiple funding options and the chance to work their way up to larger accounts. They support popular approaches under a defined set of rules and offer a good deal of structural variety in their programs.

Cons

Risk limits must be strictly observed and not every strategy will be allowed. Costs are not fixed and can vary with the account type. As with many firms, the rules and conditions are not the same across the board.

FunderPro Overview

6. SabioTrade

SabioTrade positions itself in the prop trading space with a focus on structured and rule-based trading. It offers funded trader opportunities and utilizes evaluation processes to assess consistency. The firm outlines and enforces risk management.

For swing trading, the firm defines drawdowns and other goals, and provides a dashboard to help traders assess progress. It provides traders the opportunity to profit from drawer management.

Pros

SabioTrade operates on a structured framework for risk and evaluation, giving traders access to multiple markets and a choice of account sizes for their funded programs.

Cons

Aggressive strategies can be hampered by the drawdown rules. There are specific requirements to meet in the evaluation phase and conditions will shift depending on the account. Traders would do well to make sure they understand all the restrictions prior to beginning.

SabioTrade Overview

7. Axi Select

Axi Select is a capital allocation program operated by Axi. Traders have the opportunity to be assessed without the upfront cost associated with prop trading firms. The program offers the potential to trade on capital allocations greater than what is traditionally offered.

Swing traders have the opportunity to profit from drawdowns and other goals at levels traditionally reserved for prop trading. Profit participation can potentially increase funding allocations up to 7 figures.

Pros

This is a departure from the traditional one-time prop challenge, offering a performance-based progression for those in search of capital. It is a structured path that makes use of Axi’s proven infrastructure.

Cons

Not everyone will find this model to their liking if they are after a more conventional challenge. Progression is contingent on maintaining performance and meeting eligibility criteria. One should review the costs and conditions before signing on.

Axi Select Overview

8. MyFundedFX

MyFundedFX is a prop trading firm that offers challenge evaluation in one or two steps. Trading account sizes range from $5,000 to $300,000. Challenge fees are relative to the account size selected. MyFundedFX employs profit targets and drawdowns in an effort to mitigate risk. Specific details regarding profit targets and drawdowns were unavailable.

MyFundedFX offer liquid markets including forex, indices and commodities. MyFundedFX is attractive to swing traders because challenge structure and account size is flexible. Traders are able to scale accounts through profitable trading and are able to increase account size through profit splits.

Pros

MyFundedFX has put together a number of program formats to suit different approaches, complete with structured rules and access to an array of instruments.

Cons

Terms and availability can be a moving target so they require close attention. High-risk plays may be curtailed by the drawdown requirements and rules are not consistent between account types. Payout and trading conditions should be verified before enrolling.

MyFundedFX Overview

9. Funding Pips

Funding Pips is an emerging prop firm that gives retail traders the opportunity to be evaluated over different time horizons. The outcome of the funding model employed by Funding Pips, determines the account size, challenge fees, profit targets and drawdowns. Simple rules govern Funding Pips’ operational procedures.

The company allows different types of trading, including swing trading. Traders can usually hold positions more than 24 hours. Weekend and news trading depend on the account type and terms of the trade. Funding Pips offers competitive profit splits, and allows traders to increase their trading limits. Because of this, it has become one of the largest prop trading firms.

Pros

A choice of account sizes and funding programs is on offer, along with different ways to structure an evaluation. There is room to move up to a larger account and the firm supports a wide variety of instruments.

Cons

Beginners might have trouble comparing the rules from one program to another. Each has its own restrictions and managing the maximum and daily drawdown is essential. Conditions are liable to change with the account model.

Funding Pips Overview

10. Alpha Capital Group

Alpha Capital Group, located in the UK, offers trader funding in a challenger model. The firm provides funded accounts of varying levels. Traders must meet profit targets while keeping their losses below a predetermined limit.

Similar to CTI, the firm allows swing trading and holds trades over a specified period. While the firm allows traders to scale their accounts, profit targets must first be met. Because of these traits, Alpha Capital Group has received recognition in the funded trading space, and is a good alternative to CTI.

Pros

Alpha Capital Group provides the opportunity to scale for those who are successful. They have structured evaluation programs and will accommodate different strategies within their guidelines, with several funding options to select from.

Cons

An upfront cost is involved in the form of evaluation fees. The firm enforces strict risk management and conditions can be different from one account type to the next. It is best to be clear on the trading and payout rules before getting involved.

Alpha Capital Group Overview

Key Rules to Check Before Choosing a CTI Rival

Maximum Drawdown Rule: Make sure your trading strategy is not restricted by a drawdown limit. Stricter limits may result in your account being closed, even if your strategy is profitable in the long run.

Daily Loss Limit: Make sure your swing trades are not impacted by limits on day-to-day price fluctuations.

Overnight Holding Policy: Check if trades can be held overnight. Most swing trades are held open past the close of the market on a given day.

Weekend Holding Policy: Confirm if trades can be held open past the close of the market on the weekdays.

News Trading: Determine the firm’s policies for trading around economic news.

Profit Targets: Compare profit targets set by firms to determine if targets align with your risk management and trading strategy.

Payouts: Look for firm’s offering high trade profits, prompt trade profits, and a track record of funding traded to clients.

Growth Opportunities: Compare firm’s programs that provide increased capital to traders, if they meet performance goals.

Conclusion

The City Traders Imperium rival that works best for you is the most compatible with your individual style. For swing trading, look for firms that provide the greatest flexibility for the longest periods of time (i.e. overnight and weekend holding), the most liberal drawdowns, and highest reasonable profit targets.

Of the firms reviewed, FTMO, The5%ers, FundedNext, and Funded Trading Plus, offer the best conditions for swing traders and provide the most potential for growth. Firms such as Axi Select and Alpha Capital Group also deserve consideration.

When looking for the best firm with which you are compatible, always consider the firm’s restrictions on drawdowns and profits, policies related to news trading, and the potential for your account to increase in size.

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