Prop Trading Firms Under Fire: Top One Futures and Futures Elite Accused of Unfair Payout Denials

The proprietary trading community is reeling after multiple reports emerged of traders being denied payouts by two prominent firms – Top One Futures and Futures Elite. These allegations have sparked intense debate about transparency and fairness in the prop trading industry.

The Controversy Unfolds

Several traders recently came forward with complaints about unexplained payout denials. One particular case involved a trader who saw profits from 40-tick winning trades completely deducted because the positions were held for less than 10 seconds. This occurred despite the trades meeting all other stated requirements.

“These firms are moving the goalposts,” said one affected trader who wished to remain anonymous. “When you start changing rules after traders have already put in the work, it destroys trust in the entire system.”

Industry Response

Prominent trading educator Kelly Ann, who maintains a comprehensive prop firm rating system, has moved both Top One Futures and Futures Elite to his “scam alert” list. “When multiple traders report the same issues independently, we have to take notice,” Kelly Ann stated in a recent video update.

The controversy highlights growing concerns about:

• Retroactive rule enforcement
• Unclear trading requirements
• Lack of transparency in payout evaluations

Protecting Trader Interests

Industry veterans recommend several precautions:

1. Diversify Across Multiple Firms: “Never put all your eggs in one basket,” advises Kelly Ann. “Spread your risk across several reputable prop shops.”
2. Start Small: “Begin with smaller accounts and verify payout reliability before scaling up.”
3. Read the Fine Print: Pay special attention to minimum trade duration requirements and profit calculation methods.

The Bigger Picture

This incident comes amid rapid growth in the prop trading sector, with new firms emerging weekly. While the model offers traders access to significant capital, these recent events underscore the importance of due diligence.

“Prop trading should be a win-win,” Kelly Ann noted. “When firms start acting in bad faith, it hurts the entire industry’s reputation.”

As the situation develops, traders are advised to monitor their chosen firms closely and document all trading activity in case disputes arise. The trading community awaits responses from the implicated firms regarding these serious allegations.