7 Best Prop Trading Firms in Australia in 2026

trading-tools-resources | 22-09-25

Prop trading in Australia is classified as a "Service Contract." For Futures, Apex Trader Funding remains the leader due to its low-cost entry for Australian residents. For Forex/CFDs, FTMO and Fidelcrest are the primary choices. Note for 2026: Under current ASIC scrutiny, retail prop firms are not required to hold an AFSL because they do not take client deposits, but traders should declare all payouts as Business Income to the ATO to maximize tax deductions.

Top 7 Prop Firms in Australia

1. Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding has established itself as the most accessible option for Australian traders, especially those focused on futures markets. Unlike firms that emphasize forex or CFDs, Apex is dedicated to futures trading, giving traders a clear path to grow in this asset class. Its evaluations are affordable, and the rules are transparent, making it easier to focus on performance rather than restrictions.

Through Apex, traders gain access to platforms and tools such as:

• Rithmic – fast data feeds for accurate futures execution
• Tradovate – professional-grade charting with flexible order management
• WealthCharts – real-time analytics and strategy testing
• Rule-tracking dashboards – built-in tools to monitor daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns 

With profit splits that favor the trader, Apex positions itself as a firm that supplies both resources and opportunity in the futures space.

2. Topstep

Topstep is one of the most recognized futures-only prop firms in the world and has a strong presence among Australian traders. Its structured evaluations are designed to measure discipline, with rules around drawdowns and minimum trading days that reflect real-world conditions in futures markets. Beyond funding, Topstep offers a wide range of educational tools and coaching resources, making it a strong choice for traders who want to sharpen both strategy and mindset.

3. FTMO

FTMO is a global leader in forex and CFD trading, and it has built a strong following in Australia. Known for its transparent risk dashboards and wide asset coverage, FTMO allows traders to experiment with currency pairs, indices, and commodities. While it does not focus on futures markets, it remains one of the most respected prop firms worldwide for forex and CFD traders who value advanced tracking and flexible account options.

4. Fidelcrest

Fidelcrest is best known for its forex and CFD funding programs, which appeal to Australian traders interested in global currency pairs and derivative markets. It offers some of the largest account sizes in the industry, along with aggressive scaling plans for those who show consistency. Its flexible rules and worldwide reach make it especially attractive for traders looking to build larger positions in the forex or CFD space.

5. The 5%ers

The 5%ers focus on forex and CFD markets, with programs that emphasize low-risk evaluations and steady growth. For Australian traders, it offers a pathway to build long-term consistency in forex without the pressure of aggressive profit targets. Its structured scaling plans and emphasis on gradual account expansion make it well-suited for those looking to grow slowly and sustainably.

6. Earn2Trade

Earn2Trade combines education with funding and specializes in futures trading. Its flagship “Gauntlet” program is designed not just as an evaluation but as a structured learning pathway. Australian traders benefit from both practical funding opportunities and structured lessons that build professional habits.

The program provides:

• Practical funding pathways for futures accounts
• Risk management lessons built directly into evaluation rules
• Educational content and mentoring for strategy development
• Step-by-step structure that helps traders grow steadily toward funding 

This makes Earn2Trade more than just a prop firm — it functions as a true training ground for futures traders.

7. OneUp Trader

OneUp Trader is a futures-focused prop firm that emphasizes flexibility. Traders are not pressured by time limits during evaluations, making it especially useful for Australians balancing trading with other commitments. With compatibility across multiple platforms, from basic charting systems to advanced order flow tools, OneUp allows traders to select resources that match their style while still preparing for the demands of funded futures accounts.

Tools That Matter for Australian Traders

For traders in Australia, access to the right tools often makes the difference between passing an evaluation and falling short. Prop firms that offer reliable data feeds, professional charting platforms, and real-time rule tracking give traders the resources they need to focus on execution rather than technical barriers. Platforms like Rithmic and Tradovate provide speed and stability, while analytics tools such as WealthCharts help track performance and refine strategies. These resources turn evaluations into structured learning experiences, ensuring that traders build the habits required for long-term success.

For those trading forex and CFDs, widely used platforms such as MetaTrader 4/5 (MT4/MT5) and cTrader remain essential. They offer automated trading features, customizable charting, and broad broker support, giving traders the flexibility to design and test strategies effectively. When combined with firm-provided dashboards that track rule compliance, these tools help forex and CFD traders develop the same discipline and structure that futures-focused platforms reinforce.

🇦🇺 The "Aussie Edge" Setup: Payouts & Compliance

Being a prop trader in Australia in 2026 is a professional business activity. To maximize your take-home pay and ensure smooth execution, follow these standards:

• Apply for an ABN: Don’t trade under your TFN alone. By registering as a Sole Trader and obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN), you can categorize your evaluation fees and platform costs (like TradingView or NinjaTrader) as tax-deductible business investments.
• Latency is the Enemy: Sydney and Melbourne are over 14,000 km from the Chicago (CME) servers. A standard home connection will see pings of 200ms+. To trade effectively, you must use a Chicago or New York-based VPS (like QuantVPS or Beeks) to bring your execution speed down to under 25ms.
• Superannuation: As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own future. Voluntarily contributing to your Super from your prop payouts not only builds your wealth but can significantly reduce your taxable income for the 2026 financial year.

Australian Latency Checklist: Going Sub-25ms

For high-frequency futures trading on Apex or Topstep, your data packets must travel across the Pacific. Use these 2026-optimized providers for the best "AU-to-US" routing:

• QuantVPS (Chicago/Aurora): Best for CME Futures, offering Ryzen-class CPUs and fiber cross-connects for sub-1ms routing once on the server.
• Beeks Financial Cloud: The institutional choice for Sydney-based traders needing dedicated cross-connects.
• AWS (Chicago Region): A reliable, scalable option for algorithmic traders who need custom server architecture.

Final Thoughts

The best prop firms are those that provide more than just capital. The true value lies in the tools, platforms, and structured resources that help traders develop discipline and consistency. By focusing on risk management, adaptability, and steady growth, traders can use these firms as stepping stones toward lasting success.

Ready to begin your journey? Start with a 25K WealthCharts account, explore a 25K Tradovate account, or learn more directly at Apex Trader Funding. These options give you access to professional-grade tools while offering a pathway to build consistency and scale responsibly.