Prop trading in Singapore attracts disciplined traders who value MAS-supervised market standards, efficient payment rails, and tight institutional spreads around the CBD and Marina Bay. If you’re considering prop trading in Singapore, this deep-dive explains how evaluations work, what matters for compliance, how to compare programs, and how to pass evaluations while managing risk in SGD.
Page Contents
- 1. TL;DR — At a Glance (SG)
- 2. How Prop Trading Runs in Singapore
- 3. Why Singapore Is a Hotspot
- 4. Regulatory Snapshot (SG): MAS & Structure
- 5. Costs & EV in SGD
- 6. Table A — Common Evaluation Models (Directional, in SGD)
- 7. Table B — Pass/Fail EV Sketch (Illustrative, SGD)
- 8. Drawdown Architectures — Know the Enforcement
- 9. Worked Sizing Example (SGD, Illustrative)
- 10. 30-Day Pass Plan (SG, Two-Step)
- 11. Starter Playbooks (SG Sessions)
- 12. 1) Gold Momentum Breakout
- 13. 2) Index Intraday Mean-Reversion
- 14. 3) Swing FX with News Filters
- 15. SG Checklist & Payout Rails
- 16. Shortlist & Quick Picks (SG)
- 17. Pros & Cons
- 18. Tips to Pass (SG)
- 19. Stats & Insights (SG Context)
- 20. Conclusion (SG)
- 21. Prop Trading in Singapore — FAQs
- 22. Related Reading
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TL;DR — At a Glance (SG)
- Model: Pass evaluation → gain funded (often simulated) capital → trade within daily/max DD → share profits.
- Targets (directional): ~6–10% phase targets; ~8–12% max DD; daily loss ~4–5% common.
- SG lens (MAS): Confirm if the program is simulation-only with contractual payouts or distributing CFDs to SG retail (licensing/conduct may apply).
- Total cost in SGD: Evaluation + resets + platform/data + payout/FX; compute EV per attempt.
- Execution: Size from the tightest constraint; stop trading after predefined drawdown (−1R/−2R).
How Prop Trading Runs in Singapore
Prop trading in Singapore mirrors global practice but benefits from world-class connectivity and session overlaps that suit XAUUSD and US indices. You’ll typically trade via MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, or DXtrade through partner brokers; the best operators keep rules stable and payouts punctual via trusted rails (FAST/PayNow/bank transfer).
Why Singapore Is a Hotspot
- Global hub advantages: Tight spreads and deep liquidity during London–NY overlap; robust infrastructure in Raffles Place/Marina Bay.
- Execution discipline: Rulebooks incentivize selective trading and strict risk budgeting.
- Scaling & payouts: Splits typically 70/30–90/10; consistent performance unlocks higher allocation tiers.
Regulatory Snapshot (SG): MAS & Structure
- MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore): Regulates capital markets services. If a program issues or distributes CFDs/leveraged products to SG retail, licensing and conduct rules can apply.
- Structure matters: Many challenges are simulation-only with contractual payouts; others are operationally linked to OTC derivatives via partners. Confirm the model for SG residents.
- KYC/AML & payouts: Expect robust verification and rails like FAST/PayNow or established processors. Name-matched accounts and audit trails reduce delays.
Bottom line: The prop model is allowed; compliance questions hinge on what is being marketed/distributed and to whom. Ask for explicit license types if such claims are made.
Costs & EV in SGD
- Upfront: Evaluation fee.
- Variable: Resets, platform/data, payout fees, FX.
- Hidden: Time cost, news slippage, cognitive load of trailing DD.
Table A — Common Evaluation Models (Directional, in SGD)
Note: SGD ranges are for budgeting—validate current pricing before purchase.
| Model | Profit Target | Max DD | Daily Loss | Min Days | Typical Fee Range (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | ~8–10% | ~8–10% | ~4–5% | 0–5 | S$320–S$900 |
| 2-Step | ~6–10% / 4–8% | ~8–12% | ~4–5% | 5–10 | S$240–S$760 |
| Instant | Lower targets; stricter rules | ~6–10% | ~3–5% | 0–3 | S$550–S$1,300 |
Table B — Pass/Fail EV Sketch (Illustrative, SGD)
| Assumption | Value (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Evaluation Fee | S$300 |
| Average Resets per Pass | 1 (S$150) |
| Expected First Payout | S$900 |
| Estimated Pass Probability | 25% (directional) |
| Expected Cost | S$450 |
| Expected Benefit | 0.25 × S$900 = S$225 |
Decision lens: Maximise your pass chance by enforcing a daily hard stop and limiting correlated exposures (e.g., gold and USD-sensitive indices simultaneously).
Drawdown Architectures — Know the Enforcement
- Equity vs Balance: Equity DD accounts for floating P/L intraday; balance DD references closed equity.
- Static vs Trailing: Trailing headroom shrinks after new highs; static remains fixed.
- Intraday vs EOD: Intraday rules require path-aware sizing—plan for worst-case swings, not just net change.
Worked Sizing Example (SGD, Illustrative)
Daily loss cap = S$2,000. Trading XAUUSD with ≈ US$10/tick (≈ S$13.5/tick, directional). 30-tick stop → ≈ S$405 per lot.
Target ≤ 70% of daily cap → 0.70 × 2,000 = S$1,400 risk/day Max lots if 1 trade = 1,400 / 405 ≈ 3.45 → use 3 lots If 2 trades/day = 700 per trade → 700 / 405 ≈ 1.72 → 1 lot/trade 30-Day Pass Plan (SG, Two-Step)
- Days 1–3: Platform/fill checks; smallest size; document slippage around US data.
- Days 4–10: One playbook only; 1–2 trades/day.
- Days 11–16: Maintain pace; avoid adding new strategies mid-phase.
- Days 17–22: Skip low-quality overlaps; protect equity curve.
- Days 23–27: Close target with high-conviction setups; stop if emotions spike.
- Days 28–30: Trade only if needed—and only A+ signals.
Starter Playbooks (SG Sessions)
1) Gold Momentum Breakout
- Instrument/TF: XAUUSD, M15–H1; London–NY overlap (~8:00 PM–12:00 AM SGT).
- Execution: Break of session high; ATR stop; partials at 1.0R/1.5R; 20-EMA swing trail.
2) Index Intraday Mean-Reversion
- Instrument/TF: US100/US30, M5–M15 (9:30 PM–4:00 AM SGT).
- Execution: Fade 2–3× ATR expansions into VWAP confluence; exit at VWAP/first structure.
3) Swing FX with News Filters
- Instrument/TF: Majors, H1–H4; Asia/London transitions.
- Execution: Break-retest + RSI divergence; take profits at prior swing or 2.0R.
SG Checklist & Payout Rails
- Structure: Sim-only vs derivatives distribution to SG retail; ask for license types if claimed.
- Drawdown logic: Equity/balance; static/trailing; intraday/EOD.
- Payouts: FAST/PayNow and bank transfers via established processors; confirm fees/FX and timelines.
- All-in cost: Evaluation + resets + platform/data + payout + FX.
- Evidence: Payout proofs, dispute handling SLAs, stable T&Cs.
Shortlist & Quick Picks (SG)
Use this starting universe to explore options. Inclusion ≠ endorsement; verify Singapore fit before paying.
- FTMO — Two-step; strong education/history. Best for: structured traders.
- The5ers — Flexible timelines/scaling. Best for: consistency profiles.
- E8 / E8 Markets — Polished dashboards; 1–2 step options. Best for: UX lovers.
- DNA Funded / True Forex Funds — Competitive pricing; verify payout stability.
- Region-friendly picks: Programs that explicitly accept SG applicants and detail payout rails.
The Best Prop Trading Firms in 2025
Rating breakdown
Things we liked:
Exclusive Discount Code (20% Off Exclusive Offer)Unlimited time for completion
Real Funding and Daily Payouts
Things we didn't like:
High challenge difficulty
Rating breakdown
Things we liked:
Exclusive Discount Code (10% Off Exclusive Offer)Unlimited time for completion
Real Funding and Daily Payouts
Things we didn't like:
Futures onlyNo free retry
Rating breakdown
Things we liked:
Up to 100% Profit SplitUnlimited Number of Trading Days
Fast Payouts
Things we didn't like:
10% Max Loss Limit on Accounts$10 Withdrawal Processing Fee
No swap free accounts
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Scalable capital; high splits; disciplined frameworks; world-class rails and platforms.
- Cons: Evaluation/reset costs; complex rules; ensure regulatory posture aligns with MAS expectations.
Tips to Pass (SG)
- Engineer to the daily cap (worst day ≤ 60–70%).
- ATR-normalize risk and limit correlated themes.
- Daily kill switch at −1R to −2R; stop for the session.
- Favor A+ setups during London–NY overlap; avoid illiquid tails.
- Journal screenshots; reconcile fills to platform statements.
Stats & Insights (SG Context)
- Global retail-facing props expanded rapidly post-2020 (directional estimate: hundreds of thousands of users).
- Payout cycles: often biweekly or monthly, thresholds near US$100–$250 equivalent.
- Phase targets: ~6–10% with ~8–12% max DD; daily loss commonly ~4–5% (intraday enforcement varies).
Conclusion (SG)
Prop trading in Singapore can be a disciplined, scalable path if you choose transparent operators, size to the strictest constraint, document process, and scale only after withdrawals.
Prop Trading in Singapore — FAQs
Yes—when you have a durable edge, position sizes tied to risk, and a ruleset you can obey without exception. Prioritise clear terms, realistic phase targets, and trader-friendly splits (commonly 70/30–90/10).
The prop model itself is allowed. The compliance question is whether any regulated product (e.g., CFDs) is being marketed or distributed to SG retail and, if so, whether the provider holds the appropriate MAS permissions. Many challenges are simulation-based with contractual payouts—verify which structure you’re joining.
Outcomes vary widely. Track risk-adjusted performance, your payout percentage, and account size in SGD. Smooth, consistent gains beat sporadic spikes—especially under daily loss limits.
Potentially—if you size from the tightest constraint (often the daily loss cap), limit correlated exposures, and stop trading after a predefined drawdown (e.g., −1R/−2R) for the day.
The London–New York overlap (≈ 8:00 PM–12:00 AM SGT) often delivers liquidity and directional moves. Filter out major data releases if your rules forbid news trading.
Some providers or their processors support them directly; others prefer traditional bank transfers. Name-matched KYC and a clean audit trail usually result in the fewest delays.
With an average outcome near 1.2R and a ~45% win rate, roughly 9–12 high-quality trades can suffice. Fewer, better setups generally outperform high-frequency dabbling.
Related Reading
How to Choose a Prop Firm • Beginner-Friendly Challenges • Cheapest Challenges
