Crypto Prop Trading vs. Trading Your Own Account: Key Differences

Published: February 15, 2026
Written by Neeti Ash
Neeti Ash

Neeti Ash

Crypto Writer
Expertise : Blockchain Architect, Web3
Neeti is a crypto analyst and content writer with more than eight years of experience in the blockchain industry. She covers crypto markets, regulation, and product research, with a strong focus on crypto cards, digital payments, and how users spend crypto in real-world scenarios. She has worked with several leading crypto platforms, contributed to Blockchain Council’s certification programs, and ghostwritten for Cryptonews. Her work is grounded in issuer documentation, fee structures, custody models, and usability rather than promotional claims.
Read full bio
  • 2 Million+ Readers
  • Verified Unbiased Projects
  • Reviewed By Crypto Experts
  • 2 Million+ Readers
  • Verified Unbiased Projects
  • Reviewed By Crypto Experts

CoinGape has been covering cryptocurrency and blockchain markets since 2017. Our editorial team evaluates projects and platforms using structured review frameworks focused on transparency, utility, and risk assessment. You can explore our review methodologies to see how we assess and rate different categories. We maintain clear editorial standards and disclose advertising or affiliate relationships where applicable.

Investment disclaimer
The content reflects the author's personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure
This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links, To get more information on the partner link placements visit our affiliate policy page . All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Capital investment is the main prerequisite for trading cryptocurrencies. What if I told you that you could trade and earn profit without investing any money? Crypto prop firms offer capital to skilled investors who can trade and keep up to 90% of the profit. However, traditional crypto exchange trading is straightforward and requires capital investment.

Now, the choice between prop trading and trading from one’s own account is based on personal finances, risk tolerance, and goals. In this article, we will walk you through the differences between prop trading and trading on your own account. Let us begin.

What is Crypto Prop Trading? 

As per a blog, prop trading is not a new concept; it has been around for over 100 years and gained traction in the 1980s. Back in the 1980s, banks and financial institutions hired skilled traders to earn profits on their behalf and were paid a portion of the profits. Later, the concept spread worldwide. The business model in which a company invests capital (proprietary funds) to earn a return. This industry is booming with crypto investors. 

All of this sounds very profitable, right? However, there is an evaluation in which the trading skill set is being assessed. Once passed, firms will allow traders with their own funds to trade. 

Prop trading has benefited traders, firms, and the economy worldwide. Prop trading firms have grown enormously and now control stock market sentiment. However, with cryptocurrency, the segment’s growth is steady but gradual. The segment has huge potential and is expected to perform well. 

How does Crypto Prop Trading differ from trading on a crypto exchange?  

Let’s break down the features of crypto prop trading and compare them with traditional crypto trading. 

1. Capital access

The capital is the most important feature offered by the prop firm. The prop trader does not have to invest their hard-earned capital, but they do gain significant leverage. However, if you trade from your own account, the capital, fees, and charges are all deducted from the trader’s pocket.

2. Profit sharing 

While crypto-prop firms provide capital, profits are discounted. Firms have the option of deducting profits, which should fall between 10 and 30%. The remaining 70-90% goes into the trader’s pocket. FX2funding gives up to 95% of the profit to the trader. When a trader trades from their own account, however, they retain full ownership of any profits made.

Source: FX2funding

3. Risk Management

When a crypto prop trade makes the trade, the risk is borne by the firm. There might be a small amount chargeable under the head of challenge fee; otherwise, the trader remains unburdened. The crypto trader who is trading from their account has to bear the entire risk solely. 

4. Control and flexibility 

The traders using their account have complete autonomy over the trades. However, that is not the case with prop traders. They have to follow strict rules of maximum downdraw, daily loss limits, and many more. 

5. Resources and support 

Crypto prop firms want their traders to have complete access to trading news and information. As a result, they provide access to mentoring, elite communities, and data. This is why the segment is rapidly growing, as it receives strong support from prop companies. However, traders with personal capital must do everything on their own.

5. Psychological pressure

The prop trading has an unsaid pressure of a performance benchmark. The result of the traders also adds to your overall reputation, which sometimes can be stressful. Therefore, the segment requires professional traders who can perform better despite the pressure. The traders who put up their capital have no such pressure. Moreover, all investment entails risks but has no performance pressure. Many prop firms offer psychological test for the traders to help them cope the pressure.

Source: FTMO

What is the difference in regulatory compliance between Crypto Prop Trading and trading on your own account?

All prop trading firms, including cryptocurrencies, have to follow strict regulatory compliance as compared to trading through your own account. Here they are: 

  • Regulatory status : Crypto prop firms must comply with SEC, CFTC, and FINRA regulations. Many prop trading firms use capital from simulated trading to avoid traditional financial regulation. Nonetheless, even these businesses must be legally registered. However, the traders using their capital face relatively less stringent regulations. 
  • Licensing : Depending upon the regions, firms and traders dealing with prop trading must carry licenses. However, trading with cryptocurrencies requires no professional license. 
  • Key compliances : All traders must comply with the tax laws and regulations. Any prohibitions implied by the region must be followed. For prop traders, all firms must adhere to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. They also have a reporting obligation to tax authorities and regulators. 
  • Internal obligations : Crypto prop trading firms have a set of stringent regulations drafted internally to keep traders in check. Any trader who fails to comply with these regulations will face legal consequences. As a result, all prop traders must review the regulations prior to making an investment. In contrast, traders who use their personal accounts have no such restrictions and can trade freely. 

Conclusion 

The choice between prop trading and independent trading is entirely up to the traders and their preferences. Prop trading has numerous advantages, including capital support and access to learning trading techniques, among others. There are a few disadvantages, including extensive regulatory compliance and no complete control over profits. However, if choosing to trade with your account, you get to control the trades and profits autonomously. 

 

Recent Articles

About Author
About Author
Neeti is a crypto analyst and content writer with more than eight years of experience in the blockchain industry. She covers crypto markets, regulation, and product research, with a strong focus on crypto cards, digital payments, and how users spend crypto in real-world scenarios. She has worked with several leading crypto platforms, contributed to Blockchain Council’s certification programs, and ghostwritten for Cryptonews. Her work is grounded in issuer documentation, fee structures, custody models, and usability rather than promotional claims.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.