7 Best Prop Trading Firms in the Philippines in 2026

trading-tools-resources | 29-09-25

Best Philippines Prop Firms

Prop trading is legal in the Philippines as a Service Industry, where traders act as independent contractors. For Futures, Apex Trader Funding is the #1 choice due to its low-cost entry and high payout reliability via Wise/Deel. For Forex/CFDs, FundedNext is preferred for its native support of GCash/Maya payments and local communities. Filipino traders should note that payouts are taxed as Professional Income (typically 8% flat rate for those under ₱3M gross).

Top 7 Prop Trading Firms in the Philippines

The strength of a trader isn’t measured by one big win, but by the ability to repeat small, disciplined gains day after day.

The "Golden Hour" for PHT Traders (8:30 PM - 11:30 PM)

The single biggest advantage for Filipino traders is the time zone. While you work your day job, the US markets are closed.

• The 20:30 (8:30 PM PHT) Open: This is when the New York session begins. For Filipinos, this is the "Golden Hour" for trading high-volatility futures like the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) or Nasdaq (NQ) via Apex or Topstep.

Why it works: You get the highest liquidity of the day right as your evening free time starts. You don't need to stay up until 3:00 AM; the first 2–3 hours of the New York Open provide enough movement to hit daily profit targets.

1. Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding has become a leading choice for Filipino traders who want to build skills in futures markets while working within structured evaluations. Its appeal lies in making professional-level tools and funding accessible at low cost. Traders can learn discipline through rules such as daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns, which are designed to build resilience rather than encourage risky behavior.

Key educational strengths of Apex include:

• Affordable entry: Low-cost evaluations that allow new traders to practice without risking large personal savings.
• Professional platforms: Integration with Rithmic, Tradovate, and WealthCharts provides exposure to industry-grade tools.
• Performance focus: Profit splits that reward consistent, rule-following traders rather than one-off big wins.
• Scalable growth: Pathways that help traders move from small accounts to larger allocations as discipline is proven.
   

By combining affordability with professional resources, Apex positions itself as more than a funding provider—it becomes an educational platform where Filipino traders can grow into long-term market participants.

2. FTMO

FTMO has established itself as a benchmark for prop trading worldwide, and Filipino traders often choose it for its structured learning environment. Its transparent dashboards make it easy to track performance, while its rules reinforce the importance of risk management. Rather than treating challenges as obstacles, FTMO frames them as educational steps that prepare traders for real-world market conditions.

3. FundedNext

FundedNext appeals to Filipino traders who want flexibility in how they learn and progress. The firm offers multiple account types and provides continuous feedback during evaluations. This system helps traders not just “pass a challenge” but understand how different strategies perform under various conditions. For those still sharpening their skills, FundedNext creates a space where trial and error is part of structured growth.

4. Goat Funded Trader

Goat Funded Trader is one of the newer firms gaining traction in the Philippines, especially among beginners. Its evaluations are designed to be approachable, making it easier for traders to take their first step without being overwhelmed by complex requirements. By emphasizing step-by-step progress, it turns the learning process into manageable milestones, which is particularly valuable for traders still mastering consistency.

5. WeMasterTrade

WeMasterTrade is a standout choice for Filipino traders who value local proximity and instant accessibility. Unlike many offshore firms, WeMasterTrade has built a significant community presence in Metro Manila, offering a unique "boots on the ground" feel. It is particularly famous for its Instant Funding model, which allows experienced traders to bypass lengthy evaluation phases and start trading virtually immediately.

📍 Local Connection: WeMasterTrade

WeMasterTrade stands out as the only firm on this list with a significant "boots on the ground" presence in Manila. While most prop firms are offshore entities, WeMasterTrade fosters a local community. If you are a trader who values local seminars or face-to-face networking, their LocalBusiness Schema (located in Metro Manila) is a major trust signal for Filipino professionals.

6. Topstep

Topstep is especially valuable to Filipino traders interested in futures markets. Beyond its evaluations, Topstep has a long history of providing educational content, structured coaching, and detailed feedback. Its scaling models reward traders who respect rules and build habits that mimic professional environments. For anyone in the Philippines seeking a prop firm with a strong futures focus, Topstep remains a trusted name.

7. City Traders Imperium

City Traders Imperium emphasizes mentorship and education above all else. Unlike firms that only test performance, CTI integrates personal coaching into its structure. Filipino traders benefit from direct guidance, which helps them avoid common mistakes and accelerate their learning curve. Its model positions trading as a career path, not just a short-term challenge.

Education Before Funding

In the Philippines in 2026, prop trading should be seen as a structured journey rather than a shortcut to quick profits. Evaluation fees act like business expenses—investments into testing whether you can follow a disciplined, rule-based approach. Most accessible prop firms are retail, challenge-based companies, where trading is done on simulated accounts designed to measure consistency, not luck.

Key educational takeaways for Filipino traders:

• Prop trading is a business, not a gamble → treat evaluations like professional training grounds, not get-rich-quick schemes.
• Simulated accounts are part of the model → even “funded” accounts may not involve live capital, but the rules teach habits that matter in real markets.
• Risk management is everything → respecting drawdowns and loss limits matters more than chasing large wins.
• Regulatory awareness is critical → most global prop firms are not licensed by the Philippine SEC, so traders must research carefully.
• The real value is education → challenges train discipline, provide access to advanced platforms, and offer a safe space to test strategies.
   

🇵🇭 Filipino Trader’s Guide: Payments & Taxes (2026)

Funding Your Eval: Most firms require USD. To avoid high bank fees, use GCash Mastercard or Maya Virtual Cards. As of early 2026, Maya offers a competitive 1.75% forex fee on international transactions (reverting to 2.75% after Feb 1st), which is often lower than traditional credit cards.

BIR Tax Status: Payouts are considered Foreign Sourced Income. Under the TRAIN Law, you can register as a "Professional/Sole Proprietor" with the BIR. If your annual gross receipts are below ₱3M, you can opt for the 8% Flat Income Tax (calculated on gross income exceeding ₱250,000), which replaces both graduated income tax and percentage tax.

Withdrawals: For the lowest "spread" loss, use Wise to receive your USD/EUR payout. From Wise, you can transfer directly to BDO, BPI, or UnionBank via InstaPay or PESONet for near-instant PHP settlement.

Prop trading firms test strategies, but more importantly, they reveal character—the patience, resilience, and consistency that define a true professional.
 

💳 Local Payments & Maya Alerts

In 2026, the barrier between PHP and USD has collapsed.

• QRPH & GCash: Firms like FundedNext and WeMasterTrade now support QRPH, allowing you to scan and pay for evaluations directly from your GCash or Maya wallet.

The Maya 1.75% Hack: As of early 2026, the Maya Virtual Card remains the most cost-effective way to pay for US-based evaluations (like Apex). Note that the special 1.75% forex fee is scheduled to revert to 2.75% after February 1st, so timing your purchases can save you significant conversion costs.

Final Thoughts

For traders in the Philippines, prop firms are not just funding providers but training grounds. Firms like Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, and Topstep offer more than capital; they provide structured systems where education comes first. The real value of prop trading lies in the lessons learned—discipline, risk control, and strategy—that prepare traders for long-term success.

Start your trading journey with the right tools. Explore Apex Trader Funding with a 25K Tradovate account and a 25K WealthCharts account to practice discipline and consistency on professional platforms.