Dubai, UAE – November 25, 2025 – City Traders Imperium (CTI), a leading proprietary trading firm, is calling for increased transparency and accountability in the proprietary trading industry. Amid a rise in questionable practices and trader complaints, CTI is urging prop firms to prioritize the success of their traders over short-term profits.
Martin Najat, Co-Founder of City Traders Imperium, said, “The prop trading model should be about giving traders an opportunity to grow – not profiting from their failure. Unfortunately, some firms have lost sight of this and prioritize evaluation fees over ethical funding practices.”
CTI’s stance comes as the industry faces heightened scrutiny. In recent months, several firms have been accused of operating on simulated accounts, hiding payout policies, and manipulating rules mid-challenge. One notable case reported by Finance Magnates involved a prop firm disappearing with over $85 million in trader funds, raising concerns about oversight and legitimacy.
Trader forums and social media platforms have also seen an increase in users sharing red flags such as strict or changing rules, delayed payouts, inflated success claims, and a lack of transparency around ownership or regulation.
In contrast, CTI focuses on trader development and creating a fair and supportive environment for traders to grow and succeed. The firm’s model is built on fair evaluations, clear expectations, and consistent payouts, all designed to support traders in their journey.
“We believe in empowering traders, not tricking them into funding challenges they are set up to fail,” Najat stated. “If a firm is confident in its model, it should have no problem being transparent about its operations.”
CTI is urging firms to reevaluate their practices and communication with traders. This includes setting clear and reasonable evaluation rules, being transparent about profit-split structures, issuing timely payouts without hidden conditions, and disclosing whether funded accounts are simulated or live. These standards, although simple, are not commonplace in the current market.
Additionally, CTI highlights that the only sustainable long-term model for proprietary trading firms is one that responsibly monetizes trader performance data through A-booking profitable traders. While some firms rely heavily on evaluation fees, which creates a business model dependent on trader churn, A-booking aligns incentives between the firm and its traders. By routing successful traders’ strategies to real execution, firms create genuine economic value while giving traders the opportunity to grow with a transparent model instead of marketing hype.
Najat stated, “When firms monetize real trading skill instead of failure, everyone benefits. A-booking isn’t just a technical choice; it’s the foundation of a stable prop ecosystem. It ensures firms can remain healthy without relying on endless challenge sales, and it rewards traders for performance rather than penalizes them with hidden traps.”
He added, “While there may be regulatory gaps, it does not excuse shady business models. It is up to firms to earn trust through transparency, regardless of regulations.”
CTI’s message to traders is equally direct: do your due diligence, ask difficult questions, and do not settle for unclear answers. If a firm is not transparent about its operations, registration, or payout processes, it is not innovation – it’s a red flag.
At the same time, the firm is reinforcing its long-term vision: a healthier, more sustainable industry where success is measured by the traders who go on to thrive, not the challenge fees collected.
Learn more about City Traders Imperium at citytradersimperium.com.
About City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a proprietary trading firm that believes traders thrive with structure, support, and time to grow. Since 2018, CTI has helped both aspiring and experienced traders build sustainable careers through fair funding models, clear rules, and ongoing education. The company is committed to raising industry standards and supporting traders who take their craft seriously.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.