Is this an Instant Funding Model?

Yes it is. This is instant simulated funding of $50,000
The Instant Funding Model allows qualified traders to begin trading immediately on a live simulated account without completing an evaluation challenge.
Instead of paying a recurring evaluation fee, traders pay a one-time, to access funded capital from day one.

Key Benefits

• No challenge phase – trade instantly after registration.
• Simple structure – no profit targets or consistency restrictions to unlock funding.
• Quick earnings – eligible for monthly payouts (subject to payout policy).
• Professional capital access – up to $350 000 in funded equity.
• Fair risk parameters – static drawdowns and soft breach limits that mirror real risk management.
  
  

How It Works.

1. Pay the upfront funding fee of $30 (no monthly subscription).
2. Receive your funded simulated account with pre-defined limits.
3. Trade under the official TradeMakers rules and risk guidelines.
4. Qualify for payouts after meeting the minimum trading-day and profit requirements.
   
   

Funding Highlights

How do I qualify for a Payout?

1. Reach the $3000 Profit target 
2. Trade a minimum of 5 trading days 
3. 3 of those needs to be above $200 profit 
4. Consistency rule of 50%
5. This account is a 7 day challenge. The account will terminate after 7 dates once purchased. 
   a. The 7 day period begins from the date of purchase of the account, NOT when the first trade is placed. 

How much is the Max Payout?

• If the trader qualifies for Payout, trader will receive a Max Payout of $500 
  
  • Since the cost is $30, that is a over a 1500% return on investment
• Traders can trade a max of 5 accounts 

The News & Earnings Trading Policy defines how traders should manage exposure around high-impact economic announcements and company earnings events.
These periods create extreme volatility, slippage, and abnormal fills that can distort performance and risk tracking.

This policy applies to all programs — Instant, Challenge, Equities, and Futures.

💡 Overview

TradeMakers allows trading during news or earnings releases, but all traders must maintain disciplined risk management.
Any abnormal gains or losses resulting from opportunistic trading or market manipulation will trigger a compliance review..

📰 Futures — Economic News Events

High-impact economic announcements often move index, energy, and metal futures by hundreds of ticks in seconds. To minimize slippage and compliance risk, the following rules apply:

‍

Examples of restricted high-impact events:

• Federal Reserve rate decisions (FOMC)
• CPI, PPI, GDP releases
• NFP (Non-Farm Payrolls)
• EIA Oil Inventories
• Fed Chair or Treasury speeches
  
  

💡 Tip: Always consult an economic calendar (e.g., ForexFactory, Investing.com) before trading major events.

💹 Equities — Company Earnings and Reports

For Equities traders, volatility spikes occur around quarterly earnings reports and corporate announcements.

Earnings Trading Guidelines:

• Do not open or hold positions during the earnings release window for the company being reported.
• Avoid correlated exposure (e.g., trading SPY or QQQ during Apple or Microsoft earnings).
• Once the company’s results are public and the market stabilizes, normal trading may resume.

⚠️ Example:
If Apple (AAPL) releases earnings at 4:05 PM EST, do not open or hold AAPL, SPY, or QQQ trades between 3:55 PM – 4:15 PM EST.

⚖️ Compliance and Risk Monitoring

All accounts are monitored in real time for event-based volatility exploitation.
Suspicious patterns include:

• Extremely high profits within seconds of data release.
• Order execution at illogical prices (feed delay or latency advantage).
• Multiple traders placing identical trades during the same millisecond window.
  
  

If flagged:

• The payout for that cycle is paused for review.
• Compliance validates if profits resulted from legitimate fills.
• Verified manipulation leads to payout forfeiture and potential account suspension.
  
  

🧩 Overnight and Pre-Market Considerations

For positions held overnight:

• Equities traders must keep exposure below 30% of account balance.
• If your trade is impacted by overnight news, it still counts toward your performance metrics and drawdown — so size responsibly.

🧭 Summary

The Account Idle Time Policy ensures that all TradeMakers traders remain active and engaged across every program — Instant, Challenge, Equities, and Futures.
Regular activity demonstrates consistency and keeps accounts synchronized with the firm’s compliance systems.

💡 Overview

An account is considered idle when no trades are placed for a specific period of time.
To maintain operational integrity, any account that remains inactive beyond the permitted limit will be flagged and temporarily suspended until reactivation.

🕒 Idle Time Limit

‍

⚙️ How It Works

• The 14-day timer begins after your last closed trade.
• All activity is tracked automatically in the BlackArrow platform logs.

Once flagged inactive:

1. You will no longer be able to place or modify orders.
2. Compliance will archive your account status pending reactivation.
3. Your payout cycle or evaluation progress will be paused.
   
   

🌴 Vacations and Exceptions

TradeMakers understand that traders may occasionally need breaks.
To avoid unnecessary suspensions:

1. Notify Support: Email support@thetrademakers.com before your 14-day limit.
2. Provide Details: Include your Account ID, program type, and expected return date.
3. Approval: Compliance will confirm your exemption and mark your account safe from auto-suspension.

Approved absences are valid for up to 30 days unless otherwise arranged.

🔄 Reactivation Procedure

If your account becomes inactive:

1. Log into your dashboard.
2. Click “Request Reactivation.”
3. Wait for compliance confirmation (typically within 24–48 hours).
4. Once approved, your account will be restored with all previous balances and data intact.

⚠️ Note: Extended inactivity (30+ days) without notice may result in permanent account closure and removal from all programs.

‍

💰 Effect on Payouts and Evaluations

‍

Inactive periods reset your payout and evaluation progress — meaning you must complete a fresh 6 trading days before your next payout request.

The Algorithmic Trading Policy defines when and how automated systems, scripts, or trade copiers are restricted within all TradeMakers programs.
To ensure fairness and accuracy in evaluating trader performance, all executions must originate from manual input through the BlackArrow Platform unless explicitly authorized.

💡 Overview

Algorithmic trading (or “bot trading”) refers to the use of software, scripts, or connected APIs to place, modify, or manage orders automatically.
TradeMakers prohibits the use of such systems unless approved through the compliance process.
This policy protects program integrity and ensures that profits reflect the trader’s skill, not machine-driven exploitation.

⚖️ When Bots Are Allowed or Restricted

‍

🧩 Verification and Compliance Requirements

If a trader wishes to use a proprietary strategy tool, it must first be reviewed and approved by compliance.

Approval Process

1. Submit a written request to support@thetrademakers.com.
2. Include a description of the tool’s functions and ownership rights.
3. Confirm the tool does not execute or modify trades automatically.
4. Wait for written authorization before use.

🧮 Platform Monitoring

The BlackArrow system continuously monitors trade execution patterns to detect automation or mirrored activity.
Automated detection algorithms flag:

• Orders executed within milliseconds across multiple accounts.
• Identical timestamps or position sizes repeated systematically.
• Round-trip trades executed at machine precision intervals.
• Cross-account latency exploitation or trade replication.

If triggered, the account is automatically paused for compliance review.

🚫 Common Violations

‍

🧠 Behavioral Detection

Automation is often revealed through repetitive, machine-like order patterns:

• Identical trades repeated across multiple sessions.
• Perfectly timed executions (e.g., within milliseconds).
• Continuous equal profit/loss intervals across trades.
• TradeMakers’ backend systems correlate these data points automatically, leaving no margin for concealment.

💬 Appeals and Verification

Traders accused of automated trading may appeal within 5 business days of notification by providing:

• Screen recordings of sessions proving manual interaction.
• Evidence of manual trade placement in logs.
• Written statements explaining trade activity.
  
  

Compliance will review all submitted evidence before issuing a final decision.

The Hedging Policy applies to all TradeMakers accounts — including Equities and Futures — and outlines why hedging is prohibited within the funding structure.
Hedging introduces conflicting exposure that undermines true performance measurement and risk management integrity.

💡 Overview

Hedging occurs when a trader opens offsetting positions — either directly on the same instrument or across correlated assets — to neutralize or minimize market exposure.
While common in live portfolio management, it is not permitted in the TradeMakers environment due to its impact on performance tracking, liquidity simulation, and compliance auditing.

⚖️ Why Hedging Is Prohibited

1. Artificial Risk Reduction
   
   • Hedging removes directional exposure, distorting true risk performance.
   • It prevents the compliance system from accurately measuring drawdowns or consistency.
     
     
2. False Volume Generation
   
   • Opening offsetting trades creates artificial turnover that can misrepresent account activity.
     
     
3. System Manipulation
   
   • Hedged positions may be used to bypass the drawdown system or lock in equity unfairly.
     
     
4. Conflict With Good Faith Policy
   
   • Hedging is viewed as a Good Faith violation because it circumvents the intent of the risk framework

‍

🚫 Examples of Prohibited Behavior

‍

✅ Permitted Trading Behaviors

‍

⚖️ Enforcement

All accounts are monitored through TradeMakers’ compliance engine for hedging detection.

Detection Triggers Include:

• Opposite directional trades opened within seconds on correlated assets.
• Highly correlated position deltas across multiple active accounts.
• Order timestamps indicating mirrored activity.

Once detected:

1. The account is immediately suspended.
2. Compliance reviews activity logs and position reports.
3. If confirmed, the trader forfeits all profits and is permanently removed from all programs.
   
   

🧩 Relationship to Other Policies

The Hedging Policy directly connects to:

• Good Faith Policy → defines hedging as manipulative intent.
• Algorithmic Trading Rules → prohibits trade copiers that create unintended hedges.

Risk Management Rules → ensures exposure and drawdown data remain accurate.

The Good Faith Policy applies across all TradeMakers programs — including Equities, Futures, Instant, and Challenge accounts.
It establishes a universal code of conduct that ensures all traders act with honesty, fairness, and professionalism within the funding ecosystem.

💡 Definition and Rationale

The Good Faith Policy exists to protect the integrity of TradeMakers’ funding structure.
It ensures that all performance and payouts result from genuine, compliant trading behavior — not system manipulation or coordinated activity.

⚖️ What “Good Faith” Means

Trading in good faith means:

• Executing trades manually and transparently.
• Respecting all firm rules and compliance limits.
• Avoiding any activity designed to manipulate systems or exploit loopholes.
• Treating staff and other traders with professionalism and respect.
• Reporting potential issues honestly and promptly.

🚫 Violations of the Good Faith Policy

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited under this policy:

‍

💬 Professional Conduct

TradeMakers expects traders to conduct themselves professionally in all communications:

• Maintain respectful and courteous interaction with support and compliance staff.
• Refrain from harassment, profanity, or aggressive language.
• Submit requests and appeals factually, with clear context.

Abusive or disrespectful communication may result in temporary suspension or permanent exclusion from the program.

‍

🔍 Enforcement and Review

TradeMakers conducts ongoing audits of trading logs and communication records to ensure compliance.
Accounts are reviewed automatically if performance patterns or order timing suggest manipulation.

Review Process:

1. Account flagged by automated detection or manual audit.
2. Compliance review initiated within 24–48 hours.
3. Trader notified and given the opportunity to explain or appeal.
4. Final determination issued; if violation confirmed, profits forfeited and account closed.

‍

Understanding the different types of drawdown models is essential to managing risk and maintaining compliance across all TradeMakers programs.

Drawdowns determine how much your balance can decrease before an account is automatically closed or disqualified.

Each program — whether Equities or Futures — uses a version of Static, End-of-Day Trailing, or Intraday Trailing Drawdown to control losses and encourage disciplined trading.

💡 Overview

A drawdown is the maximum allowable decline in account equity from its highest point.
It ensures that a trader’s losses never exceed predefined risk limits.
Once the drawdown is breached, all open positions are liquidated and the account becomes ineligible for payouts or continuation.

⚙️ Drawdown Models

Static Drawdown

A Static Drawdown remains fixed at a set dollar amount below your starting balance.
It does not move with your profits — the buffer stays the same regardless of equity growth.

Example:

• $50,000 account
• Static Drawdown = $2,000
• Liquidation occurs if balance falls to $48,000, even after profits increase.

Used In:

• Instant Equities (consistent swing and positional strategies).

‍

End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown

An End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown adjusts upward based on your balance at the end of each trading day.
It trails your profits, locking in gains while giving you a larger protected cushion.

Example:

• $100,000 account with $3,000 EOD drawdown.
• Day 1: Profit to $104,000 → drawdown moves to $101,000.
• Day 2: Loss to $102,500 → drawdown remains at $101,000 (does not fall).
• If the balance drops below $101,000 at any point thereafter → breach.

Used In:

• Challenge Equities (Funded Stage)
• Challenge Futures (Funded Stage)

Intraday (Live Trailing) Drawdown

An Intraday Drawdown updates in real time as your account equity (balance + open positions) changes.
It’s the most dynamic and strict form of drawdown control.

Example:

• $150,000 account with $4,500 trailing drawdown.
• Highest equity reached = $154,000 → new drawdown = $149,500.
• If equity (including open PnL) dips below $149,500 at any time → auto-liquidation.

Used In:

• Challenge Equities (Evaluation Phase)
• Challenge Futures (Evaluation Phase)

The Challenge Futures Trading Rules are designed to assess not only profitability but also control, consistency, and discipline.
Adhering to these rules during both the evaluation and funded stages ensures compliance with TradeMakers’ professional trading standards and protects payout eligibility.

💡 Overview

All Challenge Futures traders must follow uniform risk and behavior parameters that mirror real proprietary trading conditions.
Breaking any of these rules results in immediate disqualification for that payout cycle or termination of the evaluation

Permitted Trading Hours

‍

🧩 Position Management

• All open trades must be actively monitored.
• If a trader loses connection, reconnect immediately to prevent unmanaged positions.
• Stop losses are mandatory for all trades..

‍

🚫 No Hedging Policy

Hedging is strictly forbidden in all Challenge Futures accounts.

If hedging or offset trades are detected, all profits from that cycle are forfeited and the account is closed.

‍

🧮 DCA and Scaling Rules

DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging):
Permitted only when applied within account margin and daily loss limits.

Scaling In / Out:
Allowed for active positions as long as:

• Position size remains within max contract limits.
• Each addition maintains overall compliance with exposure and margin use.

‍

📰 News Event Trading

Trading through high-impact economic announcements is not permitted, but must be done responsibly:

• Avoid large exposure within 2 minutes before and after scheduled data releases (CPI, NFP, FOMC, etc.)
• Sudden profit spikes or manipulative activity around news events trigger compliance review.

‍

🧱 Auto-Liquidation Triggers

Auto-liquidation occurs when:

• Daily loss or trailing drawdown is breached.
• Margin usage exceeds 100%.
  
  

When triggered, all open positions are immediately closed, and the account enters compliance review.

‍

The Challenge Futures Evaluation phase tests not only profitability but also consistency, rule adherence, and emotional discipline.
To qualify for funding, traders must meet several performance and compliance benchmarks that prove they can operate sustainably within TradeMakers’ risk framework.

💡 Overview

Passing the evaluation isn’t about hitting one big trade — it’s about controlled performance over time.
TradeMakers evaluates your results based on drawdown protection, day-to-day profit balance, and behavioral consistency.

⚖️ Consistency Rule (50% Profit Distribution Rule)

• No single trading day may contribute more than 50% of your total profits during the evaluation.
• This rule prevents high-risk, “all-in” trading behaviors and ensures balanced performance.

Example:
If your total evaluation profit is $6,000, no single day can exceed $3,000 in realized gains.
Breaching this rule voids the evaluation regardless of profitability.

💰 Activation Fee and Transition

• The evaluation fee (paid upfront) covers only the evaluation
• There is an activation fee that will be paid after successful completion.

Evaluation Pass Criteria Checklist

The Challenge Futures Program is designed to assess a trader’s consistency, discipline, and ability to manage risk effectively before gaining access to a funded simulated account.
By completing the evaluation phase successfully, traders demonstrate the skill required to operate within TradeMakers’ live funding environment.

💡 Challenge Structure & Objective

The goal of the Challenge Futures evaluation is to identify traders who can generate steady profits while maintaining strict drawdown and consistency limits.
Unlike the Instant model, which provides immediate funding, this program requires traders to prove their performance through a simulated assessment phase before unlocking a funded account.

Program Highlights

• Live Simulated Evaluation: Real-time data feed with live execution conditions.
• One Phase Evaluation: Reach profit target while adhering to all rules.
• Automatic Funding: Pass the evaluation and transition directly to a funded simulated account.
• Trailing Drawdown Enforcement: Real-time drawdown tracking to assess risk management.
• High Payout Potential: Keep up to 90% of profits once funded.

Core Evaluation Requirements

‍

Steps to Becoming Funded

Step 1: Choose Your Evaluation Account

Select an account size that aligns with your experience and typical trading style.
Available sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K, and $200K.
Each has a defined drawdown, daily loss, and profit target.

Step 2: Complete the Evaluation Phase

• Trade with real market data using the BlackArrow Trading Platform.
• Maintain compliance with all program rules — no hedging, no automation, and no Good Faith violations.
• Hit your profit target without breaching drawdown or daily loss limits.

If all conditions are met, your performance is automatically reviewed by the system and verified by compliance.

Step 3: Pass the Evaluation

Upon completing all criteria:

• You’ll receive confirmation of evaluation success and be prompted to pay the activation fee
• A Funded Simulated Account is issued with identical drawdown and payout rules.
• Your profit split begins immediately on the first payout cycle.

Step 4: Begin the Funded Phase

Once funded:

• Trade continues under the same risk structure.
• Payouts begin after 6 active trading days and meeting profit thresholds.

‍

Key Differences — Challenge vs Instant Futures

‍

Summary

• The Drawdown Model is one of the most important components of the Instant Futures Program.
• It determines how much loss a trader can sustain before their account is automatically closed or reset.
• Understanding how the Trailing Drawdown works is essential for staying compliant and preserving payout eligibility.
• TradeMakers’ Instant Futures accounts use EOD drawdowns, giving traders a fixed, predictable risk limit.

End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown Explained

Though not used in Instant Equities accounts, traders should understand how EOD trailing drawdowns differ — particularly if they transition to a Challenge account later.

Definition

An End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown adjusts upward only after the trading day ends and your account closes in profit.
Intraday fluctuations do not affect the trailing limit.

Example:

• Start: $100,000 balance, $5,000 EOD drawdown.
• End of Day 1: Finish at $103,000 → new limit = $98,000.
• End of Day 2: Finish at $106,000 → new limit = $101,000.

This structure locks in daily profits gradually, tightening protection as gains accumulate.

Trader Benefit: More flexibility during the trading day, less risk of intraday fluctuations triggering violations.

Intraday Trailing Drawdown Explained

For reference, our challenge accounts use an Intraday Trailing Drawdown, where the limit moves in real-time with unrealized profits.

Definition

As your equity rises intraday, the drawdown level “trails” up automatically — reducing your buffer if those gains retrace.

Example:

• Start: $100,000 with a $5,000 trailing limit.
• You hit $105,000 → drawdown rises to $100,000.
• Later drop to $99,500 = instant breach, even if you end the day positive

Practical Trading Example

Trader Example – $50K Account

• Max Trailing Drawdown: $2,000
• Equity starts at $50,000 → drawdown floor = $48,000
• Balance rises to $53,000, trailing drawdown moves to $51,000
• Balance drops to $50,900 → account breach, since equity < drawdown floor

This ensures that traders preserve at least a portion of their gains rather than giving back all profits through excessive risk.

All Instant Futures accounts operate under a unified risk framework to promote consistency, transparency, and capital protection.
These trading rules ensure traders follow disciplined strategies while maintaining eligibility for payouts and scaling.

‍

💡 Overview

The Instant Futures Program grants traders immediate access to funded simulated accounts, but that access comes with clearly defined trading limits. The rules cover position management, daily loss limits, maximum drawdown, contract exposure, and trading hours.

Core Trading Rules

‍

Risk Parameters per Tier

‍

Trading Hours

‍

⚖️ Compliance Enforcement

All Instant Futures accounts are monitored in real time for:

• Position size and margin breaches
• Hedging across correlated assets.
• Automation, copy trading, or latency exploitation.

Detected violations are automatically flagged for compliance review and will result in account closure and profit forfeiture.

‍

🧭Summary

‍

💡 What Is the Instant Futures Program?

‍

The Instant Futures Program allows traders to start trading immediately after purchase on a fully funded simulated account.
There is no challenge phase, no profit target to pass first — you trade live from day one.

This structure mirrors professional proprietary trading environments, where traders are trusted with instant simulated capital but must adhere strictly to TradeMakers’ risk parameters and compliance rules.

‍

🎯 Key Features

‍

👥 Who Is It Designed For?

‍

The Instant Futures Program is ideal for:

• Experienced futures traders who want immediate capital access.
• Traders with consistent profitability and low drawdowns.
• Scalpers, intraday, or swing traders seeking flexible trading conditions.
• Professionals transitioning from demo or challenge models to funded simulations.
  
  

Note: This model prioritizes risk management over aggressive growth. Maintaining consistency is more important than large, short-term wins

‍

🔍Key Differences: Instant vs. Challenge

‍

⚖️ Risk & Compliance

Even though the account is funded immediately, the same Good Faith and Risk Management policies apply:

• No hedging, automation, or latency exploitation.
• Auto-liquidation triggers if max drawdown or daily loss limits are breached.
• Compliance reviews are required before every payout cycle.

Failure to respect these rules will result in immediate account closure and forfeiture of profits for that cycle.

‍

🧩 Payout Structure

Instant Futures traders are eligible for 90% profit splits once profit goals and trading-day requirements are met.
Each account tier has a specific payout target and minimum balance that must be maintained.

For detailed payout tiers and profit targets, refer to the Payout Policy

‍

Summary

TradeMakers maintains a strict compliance framework to ensure all payouts reflect legitimate, rule-abiding trading activity.
This section outlines what is reviewed during payout verification, common violations that can void a payout, and how traders can remain fully compliant.

‍

Overview

‍

All payout requests undergo a mandatory compliance review before approval.
This process protects both the trader and the firm by ensuring profits were generated ethically, consistently, and within defined account limits.

A payout will only be approved if your trading history shows:

• Steady, rule-based profit generation.
  
  
• No evidence of Good Faith or risk violations.
  
  
• Proper management of open positions and drawdown.
  ‍

What Compliance Reviews

‍

Before approving any payout, TradeMakers’ compliance team evaluates:

1. Trading Consistency
   
   
   
   • Daily profit distribution relative to the 20–40% consistency rule.
     
     
   • Whether profits came from steady trading rather than isolated wins.
     
     
2. Drawdown & Risk Limits
   
   
   
   • No breaches of the Max Daily Loss, Max Account Loss, or trailing drawdown.
     
     
   • Margin use remains within approved leverage limits.
     
     
3. Behavioral Integrity
   
   
   
   • No signs of system manipulation, platform exploitation, or coordinated trades.
     
     
   • No duplicate trading patterns across accounts suggesting copy or hedge behavior.
     
     
4. Automation & Bot Use
   
   
   
   • Manual execution verified via timing and input data.
     
     
   • No identical order timestamps, scripts, or algorithmic execution behavior.
     
     
5. Profit Legitimacy
   
   
   
   • Profits confirmed as realized gains (not unrealized spikes).
     
     
   • Consistency between trading logs and system-calculated results.
     
     
     

Violations That Void a Payout

‍

The following behaviors immediately disqualify traders from receiving a payout:

‍

‍

Soft vs Hard Violations

‍

‍

💡 Tip: If your payout is placed on hold for a soft violation, compliance will contact you to clarify or correct the issue.

‍

Compliance Review Outcomes

‍

After completing review, the compliance team will label your payout request as one of the following:

‍

‍

Appeals Process

‍

If you believe your payout was unfairly denied:

1. Submit a written appeal within 5 business days of the decision.
   
   
2. Include your account ID, trade log, and explanation of the event.
   
   
3. Compliance will re-review your data and respond within 10 business days.
   
   

All appeal decisions are final once completed.

‍

Best Practices for Compliance

‍

• Follow the Good Faith Policy at all times.
  
  
• Keep your strategy consistent and realistic.
  
  
• Avoid sudden volume spikes or order patterns that appear non-human.
  
  
• Communicate openly with support about potential technical issues.
  
  
• Maintain your balance above the withdrawal threshold until payout approval.
  
  

 Summary

‍

‍

✅ TradeMakers’ payout compliance standards ensure that every payout represents genuine trading performance achieved through fair, disciplined, and transparent trading practices.

TradeMakers ensures that all payouts are handled efficiently, transparently, and fairly.
This section details the end-to-end payout process, expected timelines, and how traders can ensure their requests are approved without delay.

‍

💡 Overview

Once a trader meets all payout eligibility requirements for their respective account type (Instant, Challenge), they can submit a payout request directly through the TradeMakers dashboard. All requests undergo a compliance review before being approved and processed.

 Step-by-Step Payout Process

‍

📆 Processing Timelines

• Normal Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST.
• Weekend or Holiday Requests: May take up to 72 hours for processing.
• Approved Requests: Processed within 24 hours of compliance approval whenever possible.

📋 Common Payout Requirements

Before approval, TradeMakers verifies the following for every payout request:

• Account remains above minimum withdrawal balance.
• Minimum trading-day requirement is met (6 days).
• All consistency and drawdown rules are respected.
• No open rule violations or active compliance reviews.

Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in denial for that payout cycle.

💰 Payout Delivery

All payouts are made in USD via the trader’s registered withdrawal method.
The payout amount is deducted directly from the trading account once approved.

Accepted Methods:

• Bank Transfer (USD)
• Approved third-party processors or wallets (if applicable)
  
  

⚠️ Note: TradeMakers will only issue payouts to accounts under the trader’s verified name. Third-party payouts are not permitted.

‍

❌Common Reasons for Delay or Denial

‍

📩 After Receiving Payment

Once payout confirmation is sent:

• You’ll receive an email receipt confirming the payout amount and transaction details.
• Your account balance will reflect the withdrawal.
• The 6-day trading counter resets, marking the start of the next payout cycle.
  
  

💡 Tip: Keep all payout emails and confirmations for personal records and tax documentation.

‍

🧭Summary

‍

✅ Following these payout procedures and maintaining compliance ensures fast, reliable, and hassle-free profit withdrawals for all funded TradeMakers traders.

TradeMakers’ Futures Challenge Program rewards traders who successfully pass the evaluation and transition into funded simulated accounts.
This payout policy explains eligibility, payout goals, and the approval process for all funded Futures Challenge accounts.

‍

💡 Overview

After completing the Futures Evaluation, traders gain access to a Simulated Funded Account where they keep 90% of profits.
To receive payouts, traders must meet consistency, risk, and profitability standards as outlined below.

‍

✅Payout Eligibility Requirements

‍

💰Payout Profit Goals

Profit goals are the cumulative profit targets required before each payout. After every successful payout, the target resets and increases progressively.

‍

‍

⚠️ Note: Your equity must remain above the required minimum until payout approval.

‍

Payout Goal Table

‍

📆Payout Procedure

1. Submit Request:
   
   • Submit your payout request from your TradeMakers dashboard once all requirements are met.
2. Compliance Verification:
   
   • Complete client KYC Procedure
   • Account activity and consistency are reviewed.
   • If approved, your account status changes to “Approved for Payout.”
3. Processing & Payment:
   
   • Funds are deducted from your trading account.
   • Payment is issued within 24 hours after approval (up to 72 hours on weekends or holidays).

⚖️ Payout Guidelines

• Each payout request is final and cannot be edited or canceled once submitted.
• If you have multiple accounts, each is processed independently.
• Violating consistency or risk rules may void pending payouts.‍
• All payouts are denominated in USD.
  

‍

Summary

‍

✅ The Futures Challenge payout structure rewards consistent and disciplined traders, ensuring profits are earned responsibly under strict compliance standards.

The Instant Futures (Straight-to-Sim) program offers traders immediate funded access without an evaluation phase.
This payout policy defines eligibility, limits, and procedures for traders operating under the Instant Futures model.

💡 Overview

Instant Futures accounts (also called Straight-to-Sim Funded Accounts) provide instant access to capital after purchasing the chosen account size.
Once funded, traders keep 90% of all realized profits, subject to TradeMakers’ payout and compliance rules.

‍

✅ Payout Eligibility Requirement

‍

💰 Payout Profit Goals

Each account must achieve the required profit goals between payouts.Profit goals reset after each approved payout.

‍

💵 Payout Tiers

Each payout request corresponds to a payout tier.The payout cap increases as you complete more successful payout cycles

‍

💵 Minimum Balance for Withdrawal

To qualify for payout, your account equity must exceed the withdrawal threshold.

‍

⚠️ Note: Your balance must remain above this minimum throughout payout approval. Falling below cancels the request.

‍

Payout Procedure

1. Submit Request:
   
   • Submit your payout request from your TradeMakers dashboard once all requirements are met.
2. Compliance Verification:
   
   • Complete client KYC Procedure
   • Account activity and consistency are reviewed.
   • If approved, your account status changes to “Approved for Payout.”
3. Processing & Payment:
   
   • Funds are deducted from your trading account.
   • Payment is issued within 24 hours after approval (up to 72 hours on weekends or holidays).

⚖️ Payout Guidelines

• Each payout request is final and cannot be edited or canceled once submitted.
• If you have multiple accounts, each is processed independently.
• Violating consistency or risk rules may void pending payouts.
• All payouts are denominated in USD.

🧭Summary

‍

✅ The Instant Futures payout model offers flexibility and rapid access to profits — rewarding traders who maintain discipline, consistency, and adherence to all TradeMakers’ compliance standards.

TradeMakers’ Challenge Equities program rewards traders who have successfully passed the evaluation and transitioned to funded status.
This policy details the payout structure, requirements, and procedures for all Challenge Equities funded accounts.

💡 Overview

Once funded, traders earn 80% of all realized profits from their Challenge Equities account.
Payouts can be requested once all trading and consistency requirements are met, provided no risk or compliance rules have been violated.

Each funded account operates independently and must qualify for payouts individually.

✅ Payout Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a payout under Challenge Equities, traders must meet the following:

‍

‍

⚙️ Trading Day Definition:
Any day where at least one valid trade occurs between 6:00 PM EST (previous day) and 5:00 PM EST (current day) counts as a trading day.

💵 Minimum Balance for Withdrawal

Each Instant Equities account must maintain a balance above its minimum withdrawal threshold at the time of payout request.

‍

⚠️ Note: The account balance must remain above this level until payout approval. Dropping below will void the payout.

💵 Payout Profit Goals:

• Payout Profit Goals are the profit you need to reach in between payout requests (from starting balance for your first payout goal)
• Payout Profit Goals reset after each payout and to achieve the next payout you move on to the next Payout Profit Goal.
• Profit is calculated and determined upon account reconciliation, which happens daily between 5:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. EST/EDT.

‍

‍

💰 Payout Profit Amount

Each account is eligible for a max payout amount as outlined below

‍

Key Notes:

• Profit goals are cumulative between payout cycles.
• After payout #4, your maximum withdrawal cap increases.
• Profit calculations are finalized daily between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM EST.

Payout Procedure

1. Submit Request:
   
   • Submit your payout request from your TradeMakers dashboard once all requirements are met.
2. Compliance Verification:
   
   • Complete client KYC Procedure
   • Account activity and consistency are reviewed.
   • If approved, your account status changes to “Approved for Payout.”
3. Processing & Payment:
   
   • Funds are deducted from your trading account.
   • Payment is issued within 24 hours after approval (up to 72 hours on weekends or holidays).

⚖️ Payout Guidelines

• Each payout request is final and cannot be edited or canceled once submitted.
• If you have multiple accounts, each is processed independently.
• Violating consistency or risk rules may void pending payouts.
• All payouts are denominated in USD.
  
  

🧭 Summary

TradeMakers’ Instant Equities program allows traders to request payouts after reaching required trading milestones while maintaining proper risk and consistency.
This policy outlines the payout eligibility rules, conditions, and processing timeline for all Instant Equities accounts.

💡 Overview

Payouts for Instant Equities accounts are available Up to 3 times per month once all criteria are met.
Traders can withdraw profits while continuing to trade as long as they stay above the minimum equity thresholds listed below.

✅ Payout Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a payout, traders must satisfy the following conditions:

‍

‍

⚙️ Trading Day Definition:
A trading day counts as any session in which at least one trade is placed between 6:00 PM EST (previous day) and 5:00 PM EST (current day).

‍

💵 Minimum Balance for Withdrawal

Each Instant Equities account must maintain a balance above its minimum withdrawal threshold at the time of payout request.

‍

⚠️ Note: The account balance must remain above this level until payout approval. Dropping below will void the payout.

💵 Payout Profit Goals:

• Payout Profit Goals are the profit you need to reach in between payout requests (from starting balance for your first payout goal)
• Payout Profit Goals reset after each payout and to achieve the next payout you move on to the next Payout Profit Goal.
• Profit is calculated and determined upon account reconciliation, which happens daily between 5:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. EST/EDT.

‍

‍

💰 Payout Profit Amount

Each account is eligible for a max payout amount as outlined below

‍

Key Notes:

• Profit goals are cumulative between payout cycles.
• After payout #4, your maximum withdrawal cap increases.
• Profit calculations are finalized daily between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM EST.

Payout Procedure

1. Submit Request:
   
   • Submit your payout request from your TradeMakers dashboard once all requirements are met.
2. Compliance Verification:
   
   • Complete client KYC Procedure
   • Account activity and consistency are reviewed.
   • If approved, your account status changes to “Approved for Payout.”
3. Processing & Payment:
   
   • Funds are deducted from your trading account.
   • Payment is issued within 24 hours after approval (up to 72 hours on weekends or holidays).

⚖️ Payout Guidelines

• Each payout request is final and cannot be edited or canceled once submitted.
• If you have multiple accounts, each is processed independently.
• Violating consistency or risk rules may void pending payouts.
• All payouts are denominated in USD.
  
  

🧭 Summary

TradeMakers provides transparent and structured payout policies to ensure traders are rewarded fairly and efficiently once they meet eligibility requirements.
This overview explains how payouts work across all program types — Instant, Challenge, and ™ Special accounts — and what criteria must be met before funds are released.

General Eligibility Rules

To qualify for a payout on any funded account, you must meet the following:

1. Active Funded Status — Your account must be in good standing with no open rule violations.
2. Minimum Trading Days — You must complete the required minimum number of active trading days since your last payout (usually 6).
3. Consistency Rule — Daily profits should be distributed evenly (no single trade or day exceeding the consistency cap).
4. Profit Threshold — The account must exceed the minimum balance for withdrawal listed in the payout tables.
5. Compliance Review — Your trading activity will be reviewed before approval

Additional Conditions

• All payouts are processed in USD.
• Each account’s balance, activity, and drawdown limits are reviewed individually.
• Traders may request a payout only after meeting the time and performance criteria for their specific program.

Account Independence Rule

Each funded account is treated as its own entity for payout purposes.

• Profits are calculated per account — not across multiple accounts.
• You may withdraw from one account even if others are still in evaluation or waiting periods.
• Requests must be submitted individually for each account ID.

Payout Frequency

• Standard Frequency: Upto 3 times per month
• Minimum Trading Days: 6 qualifying days between each payout.
• Trading Day Definition:
  A trading day counts when at least one valid trade is placed between 6:00 PM EST (previous day open) and 5:00 PM EST (current day close).

After each successful payout, the trading day counter resets to zero, and a new 6-day period begins for the next payout cycle.

Payout Approvals

• Payout requests are verified by compliance before approval.
• Once approved, your account balance is adjusted, and the payout amount is deducted.
• Payments are then issued within 24–72 hours (depending on weekends or holidays).

Tip: Keep your trading account above the minimum balance threshold while waiting for payout processing — if equity drops below the threshold, the payout will be denied.

‍

⚙️ General Payout Processing

‍

Summary

‍

✅ Understanding these general payout rules helps you plan trading activity efficiently and ensures smooth, timely withdrawals once profit targets are met.

What Is the Instant Funding Model?

‍

The Instant Funding Model allows qualified traders to begin trading immediately on a live simulated account without completing an evaluation challenge.
Instead of paying a recurring evaluation fee, traders pay a one-time, higher upfront cost to access funded capital from day one.

Key Benefits

• No challenge phase – trade instantly after registration.
• Simple structure – no profit targets or consistency restrictions to unlock funding.
• Quick earnings – eligible for monthly payouts (subject to payout policy).
• Professional capital access – up to $350 000 in funded equity.
• Fair risk parameters – static drawdowns and soft breach limits that mirror real risk management.
  
  

How It Works

1. Choose an account tier (Express → Ultimate).
2. Pay the upfront funding fee (no monthly subscription).
3. Receive your funded simulated account with pre-defined limits.
4. Trade under the official TradeMakers rules and risk guidelines.
5. Qualify for payouts after meeting the minimum trading-day and profit requirements.
   
   

‍

Funding Highlights

‍

⚠️ Platform Execution fee: $5 per 1000 shares, $1 minimum ticket each way.
⚠️ Payouts: Processed monthly with a $300 minimum (see Payout Policy).

‍

Who Is the Instant Funding Program For?

The Instant Funding Program suits traders who:

• Already possess live-market experience and prefer to bypass the evaluation phase.
• Seek consistent, rule-based capital access rather than repetitive challenges.
• Value time efficiency and immediate scalability.
• Maintain strong discipline and risk control, capable of protecting static drawdown limits.
• Trade actively and regularly, meeting the 14-day activity rule.

It is not recommended for beginners who are still developing consistency or discipline under real-time pressure.

💡 Tip: New traders may benefit from beginning with a smaller Instant account or a Challenge Equities account to build familiarity with TradeMakers’ parameters.

‍

Key Differences from Challenge Accounts

Trading Rules and Parameters

Daily Loss Limits & Maximum Drawdown

TradeMakers’ Instant Equities accounts include two distinct layers of risk protection:

Daily Loss Limit (Soft Breach)

The Daily Loss Limit sets how much your equity may fall within a single trading day before your account is reviewed for compliance.

• Breaching this limit does not immediately close the account, but consistent violations may lead to suspension.‍
• Traders are expected to maintain discipline and manage open risk well below this threshold.

Key Notes

• The Daily Loss Limit resets at market close
• The Max Drawdown is static — it never moves upward with profits.
• If equity ever drops below the Max Drawdown threshold, the account is permanently closed

‍

Max Overnight Percentage & Swing Rules

Traders may carry a portion of their open positions overnight or over multiple days, subject to clear limits.

• Maximum Swing Exposure: 30 % of the total account size.
• Closing Requirement: Positions must be reduced or fully closed by 3:58 PM EST.‍
• Earnings Restriction: Stocks reporting earnings after-market or pre-market are not permitted for overnight holds.
  ‍

‍

Tip: For long-term swing ideas, plan scaling entries so your combined overnight exposure remains below 30 %.

Summary

• Daily Loss Limits protect intraday discipline.
• Static Max Drawdowns maintain a predictable risk floor.
• 30 % Swing Limit allows moderate overnight exposure without excessive leverage.‍
• Positions must be reduced by 3:58 PM EST, or liquidation occurs and accounts are deemed ineligible for payout.

Overview

Understanding your drawdown type and how it interacts with your trading performance is crucial.
TradeMakers’ Instant Equities accounts use static drawdowns, giving traders a fixed, predictable risk limit.
Unlike trailing drawdowns, static drawdowns do not move upward as you gain profits — meaning your “cushion” increases as your account grows.

Static Drawdown Explained

Definition

A static drawdown is a fixed maximum loss limit that never changes after account activation.

Example:
If you have a $100,000 account with a $4,000 static drawdown, your minimum allowable equity is $96,000. Even if your account grows to $120,000, your minimum threshold remains $96,000.

Key Points:

• Profits do not trail the drawdown upward.
• Static drawdowns give traders a larger buffer as the account grows.
• Breaching the static drawdown threshold immediately invalidates the account.

Why TradeMakers Uses Static Drawdowns

• Promotes strategic patience and proper position sizing.
• Allows profit cushion growth as the trader succeeds.
• Creates realistic capital protection similar to proprietary firm standards.
  
  

💡 Tip: Treat your drawdown as a hard stop-loss on total equity rather than a soft guideline.
Your goal is to trade consistently well above that line to maintain a healthy buffer.

End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown Explained

Though not used in Instant Equities accounts, traders should understand how EOD trailing drawdowns differ — particularly if they transition to a Challenge account later.

Definition

An End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown adjusts upward only after the trading day ends and your account closes in profit.
Intraday fluctuations do not affect the trailing limit.

Example:

• Start: $100,000 balance, $5,000 EOD drawdown.
• End of Day 1: Finish at $103,000 → new limit = $98,000.
• End of Day 2: Finish at $106,000 → new limit = $101,000.

This structure locks in daily profits gradually, tightening protection as gains accumulate.

Trader Benefit: More flexibility during the trading day, less risk of intraday fluctuations triggering violations.

Intraday Trailing Drawdown Explained

For reference, some firms use an Intraday Trailing Drawdown, where the limit moves in real-time with unrealized profits.

Definition

As your equity rises intraday, the drawdown level “trails” up automatically — reducing your buffer if those gains retrace.

Example:

• Start: $100,000 with a $5,000 trailing limit.
• You hit $105,000 → drawdown rises to $100,000.
• Later drop to $99,500 = instant breach, even if you end the day positive

‍

Overview

TradeMakers encourages traders to use structured, transparent, and risk-conscious strategies.
You are free to trade in any style that reflects professional, real-world decision-making—provided it doesn’t exploit system mechanics or violate the Good Faith Policy.

Below you’ll find details on permitted and prohibited trading behaviors under Instant Equities accounts.

Permitted Strategies

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Definition: DCA means entering a position in multiple executions at varying price levels to achieve a blended average entry price.

Rules for DCA:

• Fully permitted when used as part of a structured plan.
• Should align with reasonable position sizing and risk per trade.
• Must not be abused to chase losses or artificially extend drawdown capacity.
• Avoid exceeding your maximum allowed swing or daily loss limits.
  
  

💡 Tip:
Use DCA to improve trade entries on volatile stocks, not as a tool for recovering losing trades.

Scaling In & Out

Definition: Scaling involves adding to a position as it moves in your favor (scaling in) or closing portions as profits are realized (scaling out).

Rules for Scaling:

• Allowed on all accounts.
• Each additional entry must be risk-managed within your drawdown limit.
• Avoid aggressive scaling that increases total exposure beyond the 30% swing cap.

Example:
A trader may scale into a $100,000 account position using three smaller entries (e.g., $15k → $10k → $5k) while maintaining total exposure under the swing threshold.

Flipping

Definition: Flipping refers to quickly reversing direction (e.g., going long, then short) in response to market momentum.

Rules for Flipping:

• Permitted if done manually.
• Must comply with daily loss and good faith policies.
• Frequent flipping for latency exploitation or “tick catching” is not permitted

Prohibited Strategy: Hedging

What Is Hedging?

Hedging means holding opposing positions (long and short) on the same or correlated instruments simultaneously. Some traders use this to reduce net exposure or speculate in both directions.

Why It’s Prohibited

TradeMakers prohibits hedging because it:

• Distorts risk behavior — does not simulate real capital exposure.
• Creates artificial equity stability — misleading account performance.

Can be used to exploit the evaluation environment or payout triggers.

Examples of Prohibited Hedging

‍

Violation Consequence:

‍
Any account found to be hedging may be immediately disqualified or terminated.
Profits associated with the violation may be forfeited.

Strategy Best Practices

To maintain compliance and integrity:

• Stick to single-directional exposure per symbol or correlated asset.
• Document your risk and scaling logic if trading actively during high volatility.
• Do not replicate trades across multiple Instant accounts simultaneously.
• Keep daily and swing exposure below your designated thresholds.

‍

Summary

🎯 What Is the Evaluation Process?

The Challenge Equities Program follows a standard evaluation-based funding model, designed to identify consistent and disciplined traders before providing funded capital.

Traders pay a monthly evaluation fee, complete the defined challenge parameters, and once passed, receive access to a simulated funded account under live trading conditions.

How It Works

1. Select a Challenge Tier — INTM, ADV, or Pro Trader.
2. Pay the monthly evaluation fee to begin your challenge.
3. Trade for a minimum of 5 days within a 30-day window.
4. Maintain a 50% consistency rule -  Your best day’s profit cannot exceed 50% of your total profit target — this ensures consistency across all trading days.
5. Reach the profit target while staying within all loss limits.
6. Pass verification — compliance checks your performance for consistency.
7. Receive simulated funding and transition to a funded account.

Evaluation Structure Summary

‍

⚙️ Activation Fee (Funded Stage): $149 (paid after passing).

🕒 Maximum Challenge Duration: 30 Days.

‍

Evaluation Goals

• Consistency Rule: Minimum of 5 trading days required to pass.
  
• Profit Target: Reach 6% of your starting balance without breaching loss limits.
  
• Risk Limits: 2% max daily loss, 4% total loss.‍
• Profit Concentration Rule: No single day may account for more than 50% of total profits.

‍

‍

Activation Fee (Funded Stage): $149 (paid after passing).

How Funding Works After Passing

Once a trader passes the challenge, they progress to a Simulated Funded Account.

Transition Steps

1. Challenge Verification
   
   • TradeMakers reviews your account for rule compliance and consistency.
   • If all conditions are met, your funded account is activated.
     
     
2. Account Activation
   
   • A $149 one-time activation fee is required.
   • The funded account mirrors the challenge parameters but uses End-of-Day (EOD) trailing drawdown instead of intraday.
     
     
3. Profit Split
   
   • Funded traders receive an 80 / 20 profit split (80% to trader).
   • Payout eligibility begins once you’ve met the minimum trading-day and profit conditions outlined in the Payout Policy.
     
     
4. Risk Management Continuity
   
   • Max Daily Loss and Max Account Loss remain unchanged from the challenge stage.
   • Drawdown rules transition from intraday to EOD trailing for more flexibility

‍

TradeMakers’ Challenge Equities Program evaluates traders based on skill, risk management, and consistency. To pass the challenge and become funded, traders must meet all defined parameters within the given evaluation window.

‍

🎯 Core Evaluation Requirements

‍

‍

30-Day Challenge Period

Traders have 30 calendar days to complete the evaluation:

• The timer begins once your account is activated.
• You may pass early, but you must still complete at least 5 trading days.
• Weekends and holidays are counted in the 30-day window.

Consistency Rule

To demonstrate consistent performance, traders must trade on at least 5 separate trading days during the evaluation period.

• Each trading day must include at least one trade over 1 minute long.
• Days without trades do not count.
• Meeting the consistency rule ensures your results reflect stable skill, not one-time luck.

Profit Target

You must reach 6% total profit while staying within all loss limits.

‍‍

Once the profit target and all rules are met, your account is verified for funding.

Risk Limits

TradeMakers enforces two risk parameters during the evaluation:

• Max Daily Loss: 2% of your starting balance.
  
  • If you begin with $50,000, you cannot lose more than $1,000 in a single day.
• Max Account Loss: 4% of your starting balance.
  
  • Breaching this limit results in immediate disqualification.

Profit Consistency Rule

To ensure traders perform steadily, your best trading day may not represent more than 50% of total profits.

Example:

• Total profit after 30 days = $3,000.
• Your best day’s profit = $1,800 → ❌ Fails consistency test.
• Your best day’s profit = $1,400 → ✅ Passes rule.
• If you make $1,800 in a day it simply means that your total profit needed to pass the challenge will increase to $3,600 such that your $1,800 a day falls below the 50% rule.

This rule prevents one lucky trade from defining your overall evaluation result.

Activation Fee

Upon successfully passing the evaluation, you’ll pay a $149 activation fee to access your funded simulated account.
This fee is required to finalize your transition and set up payout access.

‍

TradeMakers’ Challenge Equities accounts are designed to test both profitability and discipline under defined risk parameters.
This section explains the drawdown structures, loss limits, and profit targets that apply during both the challenge and funded stages.

Understanding Drawdown Types

Intraday Trailing Drawdown (Challenge Phase)

During the evaluation phase, your account uses an Intraday Trailing Drawdown.
This type of drawdown adjusts in real time as your equity increases throughout the day.

How It Works:

• When your account balance rises, the drawdown level trails upward by the same amount.
• If your equity later drops below this trailed level, the account breaches.
• This includes unrealized (open) profits during the trading session.

Example:

• Starting Balance: $50,000
• Max Drawdown: $2,000
• You reach $53,000 intraday → new minimum equity = $51,000.
• If you later fall to $50,900 → ❌ Breach (below trailing level).

Why It Matters:
This model tests your ability to manage profits and avoid giving back large gains during the same session.

End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown (Funded Phase)

Once you pass the evaluation and activate your funded account, the drawdown type switches to End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing.
Here, the drawdown adjusts only once per day after your balance is finalized at market close.

How It Works:

• Unrealized intraday gains do not move the drawdown.
• Only your end-of-day closing equity determines the next day’s minimum balance.
• If your account falls below the locked-in threshold, it breaches.
  
  

Example:

• Start Balance: $100,000, Drawdown: $4,000 → Minimum Equity $96,000.
• Day 1 Close: $103,000 → New Drawdown Threshold $99,000.
• Day 2 Close: $106,000 → New Threshold $102,000.

Trader Benefit:
This approach provides more breathing room and reduces the risk of breaching due to temporary intraday volatility.

Why the Switch?

TradeMakers uses Intraday Trailing in the challenge to emphasize precision and discipline.
Upon funding, the EOD Trailing model allows for smoother risk control and a more realistic experience.

‍

‍

Maximum Loss Rules

‍

Profit Targets

To pass the challenge, traders must hit their designated profit target while remaining within drawdown limits.

‍

‍

Key Rules:

• Profits are measured on net realized P/L, not unrealized equity.
• The target must be achieved within the 30-day challenge period.
• All consistency and concentration rules must also be satisfied to qualify.

TradeMakers’ Challenge Equities program is built around transparency, discipline, and fair participation.
All traders must comply with the following trading rules to ensure consistent evaluation standards and maintain eligibility for funding.

Allowed Instruments

Traders may trade U.S. exchange-listed equities that meet liquidity and compliance standards.

Permitted:

• Stocks listed on NASDAQ, NYSE, or AMEX.
• ETFs and other standard equity instruments.
• Intraday and swing trading (within permitted limits).
  
  

Not Permitted:

• OTC or pink sheet securities.
• Penny stocks trading below $1.00 per share.
• Unlisted, delisted, or suspended securities.

No Hedging Rule

Hedging — taking opposing long and short positions on the same or correlated instruments — is strictly prohibited.
This rule prevents traders from manipulating results or offsetting risk unrealistically.

Examples of Hedging (Not Allowed):

• Going long $AAPL and short $QQQ simultaneously.
• Holding a long and short position in the same symbol.
• Using multiple accounts to offset risk between them.

Why It’s Banned:

• Creates artificial risk reduction.
• Undermines real-market consistency.
• Exploits the evaluation framework.
  
  

Violation Consequence:
Immediate account disqualification and potential loss of eligibility for future programs.

Bot and Algorithmic Trading Restrictions

The Challenge Equities program focuses on testing manual trading skill.
Therefore, automated strategies, bots, and trade copiers are not allowed during the evaluation phase.

Prohibited Automation Includes:

• Personal-coded bots or scripts that send orders automatically.
• Mirrored order software or copy-trading tools.
• High-frequency or latency-arbitrage strategies.

Manual Trading Required:
All orders must be entered and managed by the trader through the official platform interface.

💡 Note:
Keyboard shortcuts and manual hotkeys are allowed — automation tools are not.

News Trading & Earnings Awareness

Traders must exercise caution around high-impact events.
While news trading is not completely banned during the challenge, risk management must be applied responsibly.

Recommendations:

• Avoid trading 2 minutes before and after major market-moving news (FOMC, CPI, GDP, NFP).
• Do not hold positions overnight in companies with earnings announcements scheduled after close or before the next open.
• Use a smaller size if trading volatile catalysts.

These practices ensure fair evaluation without exposure to irregular volatility.

‍

Summary