Articles by George Milios

George Milios

Contributor at Start Business Online. This profile includes qualifications, professional background, and external publications where available.

A financial market researcher specializing in Prop Trading infrastructure. He analyzes broker spreads, payout logistics, and regulatory frameworks to help traders navigate the grey market.

Prop Firms, Trustpilot and “Breach of Guidelines” Warnings

Prop Firms, Trustpilot and “Breach of Guidelines” Warnings

In the prop-firm boom, Trustpilot has become one of the first places traders look before buying a challenge. A long list of five-star reviews can feel like a safety net – especially if you’re about to drop several hundred dollars on a 100K or 200K account. But in {{date}}, a growing number of prop firms (and prop-adjacent services) now carry a red banner ...

Prop Trading Thailand: Best Firms, THB Costs, SEC/BOT

Prop Trading Thailand: Best Firms, THB Costs, SEC/BOT

Prop trading in Thailand is moving from niche to mainstream as traders in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen look for scalable capital, disciplined rulebooks, and predictable payouts without locking up large personal funds. If you’re exploring prop trading in Thailand, this guide covers the model, the Thailand-specific regulatory lens (SEC Thailand, Bank of ...

Filter vs. Betrayal: Analyzing the Prop Firm Reckoning

Filter vs. Betrayal: Analyzing the Prop Firm Reckoning

⚔️ The Great Filter vs. The Great Betrayal: Analyzing the Prop Firm Reckoning Executive Summary At-a-glance overview FocusCore ConflictKey Data PointsTrader Takeaway Prop Firm Rules Change, Trader Payout Denial, Prop Firm Liquidity Crisis The erosion of trust due to retroactive rule changes and payout blackouts disguised as compliance ...

Prop Trading in Vietnam: Rules, Costs (VND), SSC/SBV, & Payouts

Prop Trading in Vietnam: Rules, Costs (VND), SSC/SBV, & Payouts

Prop trading in Vietnam is quietly moving from niche to notable. Traders from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang are turning to prop evaluations (thi quỹ Forex) to access scalable capital (quỹ cấp vốn), apply disciplined risk frameworks, and withdraw profits in a predictable cadence—without tying up large personal funds. If you’re exploring prop ...

Prop Firm Rule Changes: 3 Major Shifts Every Trader Must Know

Prop Firm Rule Changes: 3 Major Shifts Every Trader Must Know

The proprietary trading firm industry is in a phase of rapid maturity, and the rules of the game are changing. Over the last months, major players like Lark Funding, Instant Funding, Finotive Funding, Top One Trader, Maven Trading, ATFunded, AquaFunded, FundedNext, Funding Traders and OANDA Prop Trader have introduced sweeping updates to their programs. If you ...

The Hidden Fine Print Behind Prop Firm Profit Targets

The Hidden Fine Print Behind Prop Firm Profit Targets

Series: AI, GEO & Prop Trading Reality Check – Part 2 This article grew directly out of trader comments on our AI search & GEO guide. If you want the bigger picture first, start with Part 1: how traders should research prop firms with AI search. On the surface, most prop firms look simple: hit 8%–10% profit, respect the drawdown rules, get funded. ...

AI Search and Trading: How Traders Should Research Prop Firms

AI Search and Trading: How Traders Should Research Prop Firms

Series: AI, GEO & Prop Trading Reality Check – Part 1 This article kicks off an ongoing series built from real trader comments about AI search, GEO, and prop firm fine print. AI search is rapidly becoming the default discovery layer for prop trading, meaning more traders now start their research inside conversational answer boxes instead of scrolling ...

Best Prop Trading Firms for German Traders (BaFin-aware, SEPA)

Best Prop Trading Firms for German Traders (BaFin-aware, SEPA)

Prop trading in Germany appeals to traders who prize BaFin-aware conduct standards, Frankfurt’s market infrastructure, and efficient EUR payout rails. If you’re considering prop trading in Germany, this guide explains the evaluation model, what matters under the German regulatory lens (BaFin), how to compare programs, and practical tactics to pass ...

Top Prop Trading Firms for French Traders (AMF-aware, SEPA Payou

Top Prop Trading Firms for French Traders (AMF-aware, SEPA Payou

Prop trading in France is gaining traction among disciplined retail and semi-professional traders who want access to scalable capital, institutional-style risk controls, and reliable payout processes—without immobilizing large personal balances. If you’re evaluating prop trading in France, this guide maps the model, what matters under the French regulatory ...

Prop Trading in Singapore: Rules, Costs, MAS, Payouts

Prop Trading in Singapore: Rules, Costs, MAS, Payouts

For Singapore-based traders, the real edge isn’t location—it’s timing and cashflow. Sitting in GMT+8 lets you catch the last pulse of Asia and the full London Open from the CBD (≈3:00–4:00 PM SGT), while many prop programs price and pay in USD even though you earn/spend in SGD. This guide cuts through the noise on prop trading in Singapore: how ...

Prop Trading in the Philippines: Rules, Costs & Payouts

Prop Trading in the Philippines: Rules, Costs & Payouts

Prop trading in the Philippines is maturing fast. Ambitious retail and semi-pro traders from Metro Manila to Cebu and Davao are turning to funded evaluations to access scalable capital, institutional-style risk controls, and predictable payout schedules—without tying up large personal balances. If you’re weighing prop trading in the Philippines, this guide ...

Prop Trading in Hong Kong: Best Prop Firms, SFC Rules & Tips

Prop Trading in Hong Kong: Best Prop Firms, SFC Rules & Tips

Prop trading in Hong Kong attracts serious retail and semi-professional traders thanks to its sophisticated financial ecosystem and strong rule of law. If you’re exploring prop trading in Hong Kong, this guide gives you the full picture: how prop firms work, what Hong Kong’s SFC expects, how to compare programs, a curated shortlist, and precise tips to pass ...

Prop Trading in Indonesia: Best Prop Firms, Rules & Tips

Prop Trading in Indonesia: Best Prop Firms, Rules & Tips

Prop trading in Indonesia is gaining momentum as retail traders seek capital access, professional risk frameworks, and scalable profit splits—without committing large personal balances. If you’ve wondered whether prop trading in Indonesia is right for you—legally, financially, and practically—this guide covers the model, the Indonesia-specific ...

Prop Trading in Bangladesh: Best Prop Firms & Rules

Prop Trading in Bangladesh: Best Prop Firms & Rules

Prop trading in Bangladesh is gaining real traction. Retail traders are looking beyond traditional brokerage accounts to access firm capital, modern platforms, and attractive profit splits. If you’ve been wondering whether prop trading in Bangladesh makes sense for you—legally, financially, and practically—this long-form guide distills everything: how ...

Prop Trading Firm Affiliate Programs That Pay the Most

Prop Trading Firm Affiliate Programs That Pay the Most

Affiliate marketing has evolved into one of the most profitable side-income models in modern finance. Within the proprietary trading world, Prop Trading Firm Affiliate Programs allow traders, educators, and creators to earn substantial recurring income by referring new traders to funded account challenges. In 2025, these programs have become one of the ...

How and Why Prop Affiliate Programs Work (2025 Guide)

How and Why Prop Affiliate Programs Work (2025 Guide)

Affiliate marketing has become one of the fastest-growing revenue channels in finance. Within prop trading, Prop Firm Trading Affiliate programs give marketers, educators, and influencers a powerful way to earn commissions by referring traders who buy funded account challenges. This guide explains how these programs work, why firms run them, and what affiliates ...

Prop Trading in Australia (2025): ASIC Rules & Best Prop Firms

Prop Trading in Australia (2025): ASIC Rules & Best Prop Firms

TL;DR: Prop trading is legal in Australia. If a program distributes CFDs to Australian retail clients, ASIC rules (AFSL, DDO, leverage caps to 23 May 2027) apply. Start by comparing fees, drawdown rules (daily vs max; equity vs balance), payout policies, and AFCA recourse. Use our shortlist and FAQ below to choose the right fit. Proprietary (prop) trading is ...

On-Demand Payouts vs. Daily Rewards in Prop Trading: The Hidden

On-Demand Payouts vs. Daily Rewards in Prop Trading: The Hidden

The Hidden Realities of Payouts No One Talks About When evaluating prop trading firms, traders are often lured by flashy terms like “daily payouts” or “on-demand withdrawals.” These promises suggest fast, seamless access to your profits—but rarely deliver as advertised. Earlier this year, we broke down the illusion of so-called daily payouts and ...

No Activation-Fee Prop Firms: Data, ROI Math & Best Options

No Activation-Fee Prop Firms: Data, ROI Math & Best Options

What $0 Activation Actually Changes in Your P&L Activation fees sit quietly between you and your first payout. Some futures prop programs remove this cost entirely at the funded stage; others charge a flat one-time fee or waive it via promotions. This guide explains what “$0 activation” really changes in your economics, the hidden costs to watch, and ...

The Truth Behind “Daily Payouts” in Prop Trading: Busting the My

The Truth Behind “Daily Payouts” in Prop Trading: Busting the My

In the competitive world of prop trading, firms are racing to offer faster payouts to attract serious traders. “Daily payouts” has become the new marketing gold standard—but does it actually mean what traders think it does? Spoiler alert: In most cases, it doesn’t. This article breaks down what daily payouts really mean, where most prop firms fall ...

Balance-Based Drawdown vs Equity-Based Drawdown in the Prop Firm

Balance-Based Drawdown vs Equity-Based Drawdown in the Prop Firm

Drawdown rules are among the most critical elements of any proprietary trading challenge. Whether you're navigating a 2-step evaluation or instant funding model, understanding the difference between balance-based and equity-based drawdown can be the key to your success—or failure. In this article, we break down both models and help you decide which is best ...

Exploring Proprietary Trading Firms with Balance-Based Drawdown

Exploring Proprietary Trading Firms with Balance-Based Drawdown

Balance-based drawdown rules are often considered more forgiving for prop firm traders, especially those who use swing or news-based strategies. These models calculate risk based only on closed trades, allowing flexibility with floating positions. But which firms offer these, and are they really better for traders? What Is Balance-Based Drawdown? With ...

Exploring Proprietary Trading Firms with Equity-Based Drawdown

Exploring Proprietary Trading Firms with Equity-Based Drawdown

Equity-based drawdown rules are becoming increasingly common in proprietary trading firms, reshaping the way traders manage risk and capital. These rules consider the current equity (balance + floating profit/loss) rather than just the static account balance, making real-time risk control more stringent. But what does this mean for traders, and which firms ...

Top Prop Firms Using MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Top Prop Firms Using MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) continues to be a staple platform for many proprietary trading firms in 2025, despite increased scrutiny and licensing limitations imposed by MetaQuotes. Known for its powerful charting tools, multi-asset support, and algorithmic trading capabilities, MT5 remains a top choice among high-performance trading outfits. In this article, we review ...

Cheapest Prop Firm Funded Accounts: $100K Challenges

Cheapest Prop Firm Funded Accounts: $100K Challenges

The prop trading world is booming, but not all traders want to spend hundreds of dollars just to get started. If you're searching for the most cost-effective way to access capital, you're in the right place. We compared dozens of top proprietary firms and ranked the cheapest options based on their $100K two-step evaluation challenge fees. Our focus wasn't just ...

What Prop Firms Really Want: How to Become a Fundable Trader

What Prop Firms Really Want: How to Become a Fundable Trader

Prop trading isn't just about hitting targets — it's about staying funded. As the prop firm model matures, firms are becoming more transparent about what separates sustainable traders from those who burn out. This article demystifies the misunderstood expectations around payouts, risk management, and trading behavior, giving you a roadmap to thrive — not ...

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Prop Firm Challenges

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Prop Firm Challenges

Start Your Trading Journey with the Right Foundation Welcome to our curated list of beginner-friendly prop firm challenges. If you're just stepping into the funded trading space, choosing the right challenge can be the difference between confidence-building success and unnecessary frustration. The firms listed here offer challenges that are built for learning, ...

Higher Risk, Higher Reward Top 10 Prop Firm Challenges

Higher Risk, Higher Reward Top 10 Prop Firm Challenges

Prop Firm Challenges for Risk-Tolerant Traders — For Those Who Trade with Precision If you’re the kind of trader who thrives under pressure and sees challenge as fuel, this is your arena. While most traders search for safe havens and flexible structures, you’re wired differently. For you, tighter margins, sharper targets, and leaner risk rules are not ...

Top 15 Prop Firm Challenges for Low-Risk Traders

Top 15 Prop Firm Challenges for Low-Risk Traders

In recent years, proprietary trading firms have emerged as an increasingly viable path for retail traders to access significant capital and scale their operations. While some traders thrive in high-octane environments (check out our guide to higher-risk, higher-reward prop firm challenges), others find success in patience, discipline, and risk control. That’s ...

Daily Payout Prop Firms: How Traders Get Paid Faster

Daily Payout Prop Firms: How Traders Get Paid Faster

The Rise of Daily Payout Prop Firms: A Game Changer for Traders In the fast-moving world of proprietary (prop) trading, a relatively new trend has caught the attention of traders-daily payout prop firms. Unlike traditional prop firms that operate on weekly or monthly withdrawal schedules, these firms allow traders to access their profits every single day. For ...

Forex Prop Firms in Asia: A Country-by-Country Overview

Forex Prop Firms in Asia: A Country-by-Country Overview

Prop trading (short for proprietary trading) refers to a setup where traders use a firm's capital to trade and share in the profits, often after meeting specific assessment criteria. In recent years, several prop trading firms have expanded their programs across Asia, offering local traders the opportunity to trade without risking personal capital. Below, we ...

Best Prop trading firms in Malaysia

Best Prop trading firms in Malaysia

Prop (proprietary) trading offers Malaysian traders the chance to access a company’s capital rather than risk their own, and this appeal is rising in a market where Bursa Malaysia often sees daily volumes of RM2–4 billion. Prop trading is also thriving globally, with over 50% of daily forex volume estimated to come from non-institutional traders. In this ...

Best Prop trading firms in Turkey

Best Prop trading firms in Turkey

Overview of Forex Prop Trading in Turkey Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading, involves the exchange of currency pairs with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in their exchange rates. Operating as a decentralized market, forex trading runs 24/7, enabling traders to participate in transactions across major financial hubs worldwide. In ...

Best Forex Prop Trading Firms In South America

Best Forex Prop Trading Firms In South America

Forex trading has been steadily growing in popularity across South America, a region not traditionally associated with wealthy economies. As awareness of Forex trading spreads, more people are recognizing it as an accessible opportunity to generate income and improve their financial circumstances. For many in South America, Forex has become a potential pathway ...

Best Prop trading firms in Brazil

Best Prop trading firms in Brazil

Introduction Proprietary trading firms in Brazil are rapidly emerging as a driving force in this great Latin American country’s financial landscape. With a significant increase in trading volume over the past few years, Brazil-based prop firms are leveraging cutting-edge technology to capitalize on the vast opportunities that the booming of prop trading has ...

Forex Prop Trading in Canada: Best Prop firms Guide

Forex Prop Trading in Canada: Best Prop firms Guide

Canada has been emerging for a long time as a key destination for forex brokers and a jurisdiction where interest in online retail trading has also been booming. The country’s proximity to the USA has rendered it an attractive platform from where regulated brokers have sought to establish themselves, looking to expand into North America. Against this ...

Forex Prop Trading in United Kingdom - Top Prop Firms in UK

Forex Prop Trading in United Kingdom - Top Prop Firms in UK

With its capital London featuring prominently as one of the world’s leading forex trading hubs, the UK is a country where the forex industry has long been a booming field. In fact, currently the UK accounts for a significant share of the global daily forex trading volume, with an average of $2.9 trillion traded daily out of the $7.5 trillion forex market ...

Best Prop trading firms in Italy

Best Prop trading firms in Italy

Against the backdrop of its rich and long history, Italy has emerged as a vibrant hub of trading activities, in consort to the country’s overall economic strength and its bustling financial sector. In this dynamic landscape, in recent years, and in accordance to global trends, proprietary (prop) trading firms have emerged as key players in the Italian market ...

Forex Prop Trading in the US - Top Prop Firms for USA Traders

Forex Prop Trading in the US - Top Prop Firms for USA Traders

The Rise of Retail Forex and Prop Trading in the US During the last decade, the retail forex and prop trading sectors in the USA have witnessed a rapid growth, aided by technological advancements and the development and dominance of online platforms. This has meant that entry barriers have been obliterated and the massive global currency market, where $7.5 ...

Prop Trading Boom in Nigeria: Best Prop Firms

Prop Trading Boom in Nigeria: Best Prop Firms

Nigeria, the giant of Africa, pulsates with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond its rich natural resources, a new wave of opportunity is surging through the nation's financial markets: ...

Forex Prop Trading in India - Prop Firms, and Regulations

Forex Prop Trading in India - Prop Firms, and Regulations

The foreign exchange market, with its colossal $7.5 trillion daily trading volume (as of 2023, according to the Bank for International Settlements), remains one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world. Forex trading has captivated traders across the globe, including those in India. However, navigating the Indian forex landscape requires a ...

Funded Sports Betting: Scaling Winnings with Limited Capital

Funded Sports Betting: Scaling Winnings with Limited Capital

The World of Funded Sports Betting The online betting landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with more firms seeking talented sports bettors to manage their capital. This presents exciting opportunities for bettors but also challenges for those navigating the complex world of sports betting fund providers. A sports betting fund works similarly ...

Forex Prop Trading in Pakistan - Prop Firms, and Regulations

Forex Prop Trading in Pakistan - Prop Firms, and Regulations

Overview of Forex Trading in Pakistan Forex trading in Pakistan has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increasing access to high-speed internet and reliable trading platforms. Many Pakistanis are drawn to forex trading due to its high liquidity and profit potential. However, as a relatively new industry in the country, many traders are ...

From Forex Prop Trading to Funded Sports Bettors: A New Era

From Forex Prop Trading to Funded Sports Bettors: A New Era

For years, forex prop trading has given traders the chance to profit by using someone else’s money. By passing an evaluation and proving their profitability, traders gain access to large amounts of capital and keep a significant share of the profits. This approach has transformed how traders scale their careers, eliminating the need for huge upfront ...

Why Prop Trading Firms Are Diving Headfirst into Sports Betting

Why Prop Trading Firms Are Diving Headfirst into Sports Betting

The online sports betting market is exploding. Fueled by convenience, mobile accessibility, innovative features, and a wider variety of sports, the industry has seen a staggering rise in recent years. This growth has attracted the attention of an unlikely player: prop trading firms, traditionally focused on financial markets. This seemingly unexpected move is, ...

SurgeTrader shuts down. Another firm has closed all operations

SurgeTrader shuts down. Another firm has closed all operations

Another one bites the dust: SurgeTrader shuts down as new clouds The first round of troubles for the prop industry came earlier this year, when in February MetaQuotes, the developer behind MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), initiated a significant crackdown on proprietary trading firms using their platforms, particularly targeting those that operate ...

The Funded Trader and Why They Shut Down Permanently

The Funded Trader and Why They Shut Down Permanently

The prop trading industry keeps taking blows as firm after firm keeps getting into trouble. Having landed squarely on the watchlist of pertinent regulators across the globe, from the USA to the EU, where recently the Belgian FSMA has issued a warning against prop trading firms, there seems to be an unending flow of bad news for specific retail prop firms being ...

Best Prop Firms for Fastest Payouts

Best Prop Firms for Fastest Payouts

As prop trading continues to gain traction and popularity albeit facing challenges against mounting regulatory pressures, it is crucial for existing or prospective prop traders to make the wisest choice possible when selecting their prop firm. An important variable factor to take into account is payouts and their frequency, as they directly impact the trader's ...

Best Offshore Brokers and Trading Platforms

Best Offshore Brokers and Trading Platforms

Understanding Offshore Forex Brokers Offshore forex brokers operate from countries with regulatory frameworks different from your own. While there's a common belief that these jurisdictions have lax ...

Exploring Casino and Sportsbook Payment Solutions

Exploring Casino and Sportsbook Payment Solutions

In search of premier Online Casino and Sportsbook Payment Solutions providers? Your quest ends here at start-business-online.com, your comprehensive hub for top-tier payment solution suppliers. Our ...

How to Select the Optimal Payment Method for a Forex Brokerage

How to Select the Optimal Payment Method for a Forex Brokerage

Navigating the realm of Forex trading comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for brokerage firms. The volatile nature of international currency markets coupled with stringent regulations and high-risk considerations makes choosing the right payment method to employ a crucial decision. Moreover, obtaining a forex merchant account from a bank is often ...

Finding the Perfect Payment Partner for Your Prop Trading Firm

Finding the Perfect Payment Partner for Your Prop Trading Firm

Proprietary trading: a world where your capital dances with the markets, be it in forex, commodities, or other financial realms. This unique approach, utilizing their funds rather than clients’, distinguishes prop trading firms from their hedge fund counterparts. Prop trading entities, affectionately known as prop firms, thrive on the thrill of trading with ...

The Great Prop Trading Revamp: Navigating Uncertain Waters

The Great Prop Trading Revamp: Navigating Uncertain Waters

In the bustling world of prop trading, uncertainty looms large as a whirlwind of change disrupts conventional approaches and challenges the status quo. Let’s delve into the unfolding saga of prop trading’s evolution, where US clients bid adieu, and new trading platforms emerge amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. Farewell, US Clients! A seismic shift has ...

How to Convert Prop Trading Industry Crisis into an Opportunity

How to Convert Prop Trading Industry Crisis into an Opportunity

The world of prop trading has suffered another blow in the wake of an announcement by popular prop firm True Forex Funds, regarding a temporary suspension of their services due to the termination of their licenses by MetaQuotes, the provider of mainstream platforms MT4 and MT5. This situation is unfortunate, while it's not uncommon for businesses, especially in ...

Best Prop Firms - Unlocking Funded Trading

Best Prop Firms - Unlocking Funded Trading

Prop or funded account trading is more than a trend; it's a rapidly growing sector with exciting prospects for traders. Our comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate and make informed decisions for your prop trading ventures. The online trading world is flooded with Prop firms seeking traders, making it challenging for newcomers. A Prop firm provides ...

The First Mover Myth: Why Being an Improver is Actually Better

The First Mover Myth: Why Being an Improver is Actually Better

In the business world, there's this idea that being the first to enter a market guarantees success. But things are changing, especially in the prop trading industry – where companies trade using their own money. See, there's a big shift happening there. Some reports suggest that only a few big companies will control most of the market soon. This change ...