If you’re an experienced trader, you understand the value of discipline, consistency, and smart risk management. Starting your own prop firm is a natural next step.
One that allows you to turn your trading expertise into a scalable business. Rather than relying on spreads or commissions, you create a system where traders pay to participate in challenges that you design, and you profit by supporting top-performing traders.
You set the rules, you define the goals, and you build a brand that resonates with traders.
In doing so, you stay connected to the markets while creating new income streams and fostering a loyal trading community.
Sounds interesting?
Here’s what it takes to launch a prop firm.
Step 1: Build a simple website
Your website is your storefront. It should build trust, explain who you are, and make it easy for traders to get started. Don’t overthink or overspend.
A clean landing page, an FAQ, and a few sections explaining your prop firm and challenges are enough to start. You don’t need a complex site. Three to four pages will do.
Focus on clear messaging, attractive visuals, and a user-friendly structure.
You should start collecting emails and building anticipation before you even launch. The purpose of the website is to educate, build trust, and guide traders to purchase a challenge.
Step 2: Payment options
After building your site, you need a way for traders to pay for challenges.
Crypto payment providers are the easiest and fastest to integrate. They usually charge a small setup fee (around $1,500) and offer low transaction fees, between 0.4% and 1.5%.
Fiat payment providers (credit card processors) are harder to get and more expensive. Fees can range from 4% to 9%. But they’re also critical. Many traders prefer paying with cards, and offering this option can improve your conversion rate significantly.
It’s smart to have at least two or three payment providers ready, so your prop firm stays up even if one gets disrupted.
Step 3: Set up a CRM
Your CRM (customer relationship management system) is the core tech that powers your prop firm.
It lets you monitor traders, track challenge progress, manage payouts, and handle support. It also provides traders with a portal where they can track their stats, see where they stand, and know exactly what to do next.
CRM setup can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the provider.
Costs vary: you may pay a one-time setup fee between $5,000 and $25,000 or pay a monthly subscription per-challenge fee, or a revenue share.
This is not the place to cut corners. Your CRM will define how smoothly your prop firm runs.
Step 4: Choose a trading platform
You need a trading platform that supports your model, offers customization, and works well with your CRM and payment solutions.
TradeLocker onboarding takes 2–4 weeks and it includes direct integration with CRMs and payment gateways. It’s fast, customizable, and designed with user experience in mind.
Traders will execute their trades here so the trading platform has to be reliable and easy to use.
TradeLocker is designed to support prop firms and offers deep customization options. Learn more here.
Step 5: Add a pricing provider
A trading platform alone doesn’t come with prices or instruments. You need to connect it to a liquidity provider or bridge to define the instruments, spreads, leverage, and trading conditions.
You can manage your own bridge or use a service provider that does it for you.
Maintaining your own infrastructure gives you full control but requires more time and technical knowledge.
Most new firms start with a “done-for-you” model. Start with a simple setup and scale later.
Keep in mind, you are the one that defines which instruments show on the chart, including fees, leverage, and spreads.
Step 6: Set up marketing channels & branding
Your website needs traffic. This means planning a marketing strategy from the start.
You can use email automations to welcome users, remind them to complete purchases, and share promotions. Optimize your site to convert leads into customers. Start building your brand presence on social media platforms that traders use.
Things like testimonials, trading tips, and challenge updates go a long way.
We recommend investing in a strong visual identity and a content plan that builds trust.
Step 7: Launch & promote
Once everything is in place, your site, payment processors, CRM, trading platform, and pricing setup, you’re ready to launch.
Use your email list and social media to create excitement. Consider creating promotions, offering giveaways, or partnering with influencers in the trading space.
Pay attention to feedback and make sure to continuously refine your offer.
At TradeLocker, we’ve helped over 100 prop firms launch and scale in just the last year. We provide a full-service solution:
- Website and CRM integrations
- Payment gateways
- Platform + bridge setup
- Ongoing guidance and support
You bring the vision. We bring the infrastructure. You can open your prop firm in just 7 days with TradeLocker. Start here.
Conclusion
Starting a prop trading firm is more accessible than ever, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
It takes the right tools, a clear roadmap, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
By focusing on simplicity, automation, and trust-building from the start, you set yourself up for long-term success.
Whether you’re a trader ready to transition into entrepreneurship or someone looking to build a scalable, tech-driven business, the opportunity is here.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
TradeLocker is here to take care of the tech, so you can focus on building your brand, community, and revenue.
Ready to launch your prop firm?
Let’s make it happen together. Start here.