City Traders Imperium Help Hub
City Traders Imperium FAQ
130 Real Questions Answered (2026)
City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a UK-founded, Dubai-headquartered forex prop firm founded in 2018 by Daniel Martin and Martin Najat that pairs funded accounts with a free trading education academy and an available free trial. Four current funding tracks (1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, Instant Funding Pro), scaling up to $2M per account and $4M combined across programs, profit splits of 60-100%, the CTI Academy education program, and automation paths via PickMyTrade where the underlying platform is supported. Trustpilot 4.3 from 1,700+ reviews; $367M+ allocated capital across 21,000-36,000 funded traders since 2018.
Founded
2018, London UK
Plans
1-Step / 2-Step / Instant / Instant Pro
Profit split
60% to 100%
Trustpilot
4.3 / 1,700+ reviews
Platforms
MT5, Match-Trader
Scaling cap
$2M per account / $4M combined
We strive for accuracy, but prop firm rules change frequently — always verify details on the official firm website before funding an account or trading.
City Traders Imperium Basics
12 answersWhat is City Traders Imperium and how does its model work?
City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a UK-founded forex prop firm launched in 2018, headquartered in Dubai under CTI FZCO. CTI is unique because it bundles a full trading education program (CTI Academy) with every funded account purchase, and offers a free trial account at no cost. Traders pay an evaluation or instant-funding fee, hit profit targets without breaching drawdown, and graduate to a funded account paying 60-100% profit split that progresses through Funded, Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Trustpilot 4.3 from 1,700+ reviews (May 2026).
Who founded City Traders Imperium and when?
CTI was founded in 2018 in London, UK by Daniel Martin (a forex trader and educator with two decades of market experience) and co-founder Martin Najat. The firm grew out of Daniel Martin's earlier London trading-education work and became one of the longest-running forex prop firms still operating. The operating entity today is CTI FZCO, headquartered in Dubai. Verify founder bios directly on citytradersimperium.com/about-us.
Where is CTI headquartered?
CTI was originally established in London, United Kingdom in 2018. The operating legal entity today is CTI FZCO, a free-zone company registered in Dubai, UAE. The firm publishes UK and UAE addresses across its corporate footprint, so CTI is best described as "UK-founded, Dubai-headquartered" for current operational purposes.
Is City Traders Imperium regulated?
CTI operates as a proprietary trading firm, not a regulated broker-dealer. It frames its product as an educational simulation/assessment program with discretionary payouts — the standard structure for retail prop firms globally. CTI FZCO is licensed in the Dubai free zone as a corporate entity, but the funded-trader product itself is not under FCA/CFTC/ASIC retail brokerage regulation.
Is CTI legit or a scam?
Legit. CTI has 7+ years of operation, 4.3/5 Trustpilot from 1,700+ reviews, an industry-cited range of 21,000-36,000 funded prop traders, and $367M+ in allocated capital across funded accounts since 2018. Independent prop-firm review sites consistently rank CTI among the more credible forex-focused firms because of its long track record and education-first positioning. Common Trustpilot complaints focus on payout cadence questions and KYC turnaround, not scam indicators.
How much has CTI paid out cumulatively?
The $367M+ headline CTI publishes is allocated capital (the simulated trading capital placed across funded accounts), NOT cumulative cash payouts to traders. Actual payout totals are not published as a single headline figure. Independent payout evidence comes from Trustpilot reviews (one client published $14,418 over 12 months as a representative case) and payout-proof posts on prop-firm community forums. Treat the $367M as an allocation metric, not "paid out to traders."
How many traders does CTI have?
Public source figures vary. Some 2026 reviews cite 21,000+ funded prop traders since 2018; CTI marketing and other reviews cite 36,000+. The exact current count is not officially audited, so treat 21,000-36,000 as the cited range. Active traders span 60+ countries. CTI does not publish a public pass-rate figure, but independent reviews place forex prop firm pass rates broadly in the 7-20% range, which is industry-typical.
What asset classes does CTI cover?
CTI is forex-first. Standard symbols include all major and minor forex pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, etc.), spot metals (XAU/USD gold, XAG/USD silver), major indices (US30, NAS100, GER40, UK100), and oil. Cryptocurrency CFDs are available on some plans. CTI does not offer CME futures, equities, or direct crypto-exchange spot trading.
What makes CTI different from other forex prop firms?
Four things. First, education: every funded account unlocks the full CTI Academy course library at no extra cost, and a free trial is available without purchase. Second, longevity: 2018-founded, one of the oldest still-operating forex props. Third, mixed drawdown design — the 2-Step Challenge uses static balance-based max drawdown, while the 1-Step Challenge runs on a 5% trailing balance-based model that locks in profits as the high-water mark closes upward. Fourth, the multi-tier profit-share ladder (Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold) with on-demand payouts and salary at the top tier.
Does CTI trade real capital or simulated capital?
Sim-funded. Orders fill against simulated quotes mirroring real-time market data; profit payouts are real cash from sim performance. This is the standard prop firm structure post-2023, used by virtually all major retail funded-trader firms including CTI.
Who is City Traders Imperium for?
Forex-focused swing and intraday traders who want a choice between trailing 1-Step or static 2-Step drawdown models, profit split scaling up to 100%, and free trading education bundled with the account. Particularly strong for traders building a long-term career path: the academy plus the Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold scaling ladder is designed for traders who plan to grow through multiple payouts rather than gun for a one-time pass.
Is CTI active on social media and YouTube?
Yes. CTI maintains two YouTube channels — City Traders Imperium (main brand) and City Traders Imperium Academy (education focused). Also active on Discord, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn. The Academy YouTube channel is the best free preview of the paid course content.
CTI Academy & Education Program
10 answersWhat is the CTI Academy?
CTI Academy is the in-house trading education program bundled with every funded account purchase. It covers everything from intro-level forex concepts to advanced strategy frameworks, trader psychology, and risk-management technique. The Academy is what distinguishes CTI from pure evaluation firms — it positions CTI as a trader-development platform, not just a funding gate.
Is the CTI Academy free?
Yes. The full Academy course library is free of charge when you purchase any CTI funded account (1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, or Instant Funding Pro). In addition, CTI publishes a free trial that includes Academy access without any purchase. The education is part of the funded-account proposition rather than a separately sold product.
What courses does CTI Academy offer?
Multiple structured courses including: Intro to Trading (beginner foundation), Bank Level Trading (BLT — CTI's flagship strategy framework), Trading Psychology Blueprint, and additional modules covering swing, day, and position trading strategies. Curriculum is delivered as on-demand video at academy.citytradersimperium.com — learn at your own pace.
What is Bank Level Trading (BLT)?
Bank Level Trading is CTI's flagship strategy course, taught primarily by founder Daniel Martin. It frames forex through institutional-flow concepts — supply/demand zones, order-block behaviour, liquidity sweeps — rather than retail indicator-stacking. BLT is one of the most-referenced education tracks in independent CTI reviews because it's been refined continuously since launch.
Does the CTI psychology course actually help?
The Trading Psychology Blueprint is designed for traders struggling with fear, greed, overtrading, or revenge trading. It covers emotion regulation, journaling structure, and discipline frameworks. Independent reviews give it mixed-to-positive scores — useful if you're disciplined enough to apply it; less impactful if you skip the exercises.
Can I access the CTI Academy without buying a funded account?
Yes. CTI offers a free trial account that includes Academy access without requiring any purchase. Additional preview content is published on the CTI Academy YouTube channel and on academy.citytradersimperium.com. The deeper structured library and live community sessions ramp up further once a funded-account or trial is registered. Verify current trial scope at citytradersimperium.com.
Who teaches the CTI Academy courses?
Founder Daniel Martin teaches the core Bank Level Trading material and contributes across other modules. Supporting CTI educators handle psychology, intro-level content, and platform-specific guidance. The Academy is led by named instructors rather than anonymous "trader X" style content.
Does the Academy include 1-on-1 mentorship?
Standard Academy access is on-demand video plus community Q&A inside CTI's Discord and member areas. Dedicated 1-on-1 mentorship is generally limited to higher VIP tiers or selected funded-trader achievement levels — not the default for new account buyers. Verify the current mentorship terms in your CTI dashboard.
Free trial vs funded-account — which is the right CTI entry?
Start with the free trial if you're brand new — it gives you Academy access without paying. Once you have a defined edge and want a real funded path, buy the smallest 2-Step Challenge account ($2,500 or $5,000), unlock the full Academy, complete the Bank Level Trading curriculum, then attempt the evaluation. The paid fee is your education investment plus funded-account access — that's the CTI proposition.
Does CTI offer live trading rooms or webinars?
Yes — periodic live webinars, market analysis sessions, and Discord chat rooms accompany the on-demand courses. Frequency varies. The YouTube channels also publish regular market-analysis videos free to the public. This live layer is part of why the Academy is positioned as "structure plus feedback" rather than just a video library.
Plans: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, Instant Funding Pro
12 answersWhat plans does CTI offer in 2026?
Four current tracks: 1-Step Challenge (single-phase evaluation with 8% target and 5% trailing drawdown), 2-Step Challenge (two-phase 10%/5% targets, static drawdown), Instant Funding (skip the challenge, start at 60-70% split), and Instant Funding Pro (higher-tier instant program). Several 2026 reviews also still list a 3-Step Challenge variant. All plans unlock the CTI Academy. Verify the live plan menu at citytradersimperium.com.
What is the CTI 2-Step Challenge?
The 2-Step Challenge is CTI's classic forex evaluation. Phase 1 target: 10%. Phase 2 target: 5%. Daily loss: 5%. Maximum total drawdown: 10% (static, balance-based). Minimum 3 profitable trading days per phase (each at least 0.5% net). Pass both phases, get funded, then progress through the Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold ladder. This is the lowest-priced way to access a CTI funded account.
What is the CTI 1-Step Challenge?
The 1-Step Challenge is CTI's single-phase evaluation. Profit target: 8%. Maximum drawdown: 5% trailing, balance-based (the floor anchors to the highest closed daily balance and locks in as you stay profitable). There is no daily loss limit on this plan. Priced higher per account size than the 2-Step, but a faster path to funded for traders confident in a defined edge. "Direct Funding" is the legacy URL name CTI uses for this product, not a separate plan.
What is CTI Instant Funding?
Instant Funding skips both evaluation phases. You pay a higher upfront fee, get a funded-equivalent account immediately, and start at a 60-70% profit-share tier (Level 1 starts at 60-70%, Level 2 at 70%, Level 3 at 80%). Profit share progresses through Bronze (90%) and Silver (100%) as you hit 10% milestones. Profit target on Instant is 10% per level, with a 6% static drawdown. Instant Funding Pro is a higher-tier variant with adjusted parameters — verify current Pro specs at checkout.
1-Step vs 2-Step vs Instant Funding — which CTI plan is best?
2-Step Challenge: cheapest entry, two phases (10%/5%) with static 10% drawdown and a daily-loss limit — best for new CTI traders testing the firm. 1-Step Challenge: faster single-phase path with 8% target and 5% trailing drawdown, no daily-loss limit. Instant Funding: bypasses evaluation entirely; starts at 60-70% split and scales up to 100%. Instant Funding Pro is the higher-tier instant variant. Choose 2-Step for cost, 1-Step for speed, Instant or Pro for zero-challenge access.
Which CTI plan has the highest profit split?
All four plans can scale to 100% profit split via the Funded -> Bronze -> Silver tier ladder, with Gold layering on a monthly salary on top of the 100% share. Challenge plans (1-Step and 2-Step) start at 80% at Funded tier; Instant Funding starts at 60-70%, then Level 2 (70%), Level 3 (80%), Bronze (90%), Silver (100%). Reaching the top split requires successive 10% milestones with steady, consistent trading.
Which plan is best for beginners on CTI?
Start with the free trial to gauge the platform, then move to the 2-Step Challenge at the smallest size ($2,500 or $5,000). The two-phase structure paces you, the cost is the lowest, and you still unlock the full CTI Academy curriculum to build skills before risking larger fees. Most CTI educators recommend this as the entry path for unfunded traders.
Which plan is best for experienced traders on CTI?
1-Step Challenge if you want to compress the eval into a single phase (8% target, 5% trailing, no daily-loss cap), or Instant Funding / Instant Funding Pro if you have a proven backtested edge and want zero evaluation lag. Experienced swing traders frequently choose the 1-Step because the cost-per-funded-dollar is reasonable and the path is faster than 2-Step.
Can I run multiple CTI plans at once?
Yes, within CTI's per-trader cap. The firm-wide ceiling is $2M per account and $4M combined across programs — Challenge accounts (1-Step / 2-Step) and Instant Funding accounts share that combined $4M envelope through CTI's milestone scaling. You can hold multiple accounts simultaneously as long as you don't cross-account hedge or share strategies in prohibited ways.
Does CTI offer a 3-Step Challenge?
Yes — multiple 2026 review sources still list a 3-Step Challenge alongside the headline 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro plans. The 3-Step format spreads the evaluation across three phases at a lower entry cost. CTI rotates the marketing emphasis between these variants, so verify the live SKU lineup at citytradersimperium.com before purchase.
What is the CTI scaling plan?
Funded traders scale at 10% profit milestones. Each milestone advances both the profit-share tier (Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold) and, where applicable, the capital allocation (the account size typically doubles up to a $2M per-account ceiling). The firm-wide combined cap is $4M across all programs (Challenge and Instant). Scaling is performance-based and progresses traders through the payout-cadence ladder described in the Payouts section.
Are there VIP tiers on CTI?
Yes — CTI's funded-trader ladder is itself the tier system: Funded (entry, monthly 80/20 payouts), Bronze (weekly 90/10), Silver (on-demand 100/0), and Gold (on-demand 100/0 plus a monthly salary). Each tier is reached by hitting successive 10% scaling milestones with consistent trading. Verify your current tier and benefits inside the CTI dashboard.
Account Sizes & Pricing
10 answersWhat account sizes does CTI offer?
Challenge plans (1-Step and 2-Step) are offered at $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000. Instant Funding is offered from $5,000 up to $80,000 direct purchase. All accounts scale via 10% milestones up to $2M per account, with a $4M firm-wide combined ceiling across programs. Verify the live size grid at citytradersimperium.com.
How much does a CTI $2,500 account cost?
CTI's entry-level $2,500 2-Step Challenge starts from around $29 list price. This is one of the lowest-cost funded-account entries in the prop industry. The small fee plus the Academy bundle (and the available free trial) makes it popular as a "test the firm" purchase. Discount codes typically bring this even lower during promotional periods.
How much does a CTI $10,000 account cost?
2-Step Challenge $10K typically runs in the $79-$99 range list price; 1-Step Challenge $10K is higher (around the $150 area); Instant Funding $10K and Instant Funding Pro $10K are the most expensive variants of the same size. Active CTI discount codes can take 15-30% off list. Verify the live price at checkout because promotional rates change.
How much does a CTI $50,000 account cost?
2-Step Challenge $50K is typically in the $250-$350 range. 1-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro all run higher at the same size. CTI publishes the live pricing matrix at the checkout step — promotional discounts (15-30%) are frequent, so don't rely on list-price screenshots from older reviews.
How much does a CTI $100,000 account cost?
2-Step Challenge $100K is typically in the $450-$600 range list price. 1-Step Challenge $100K is higher. Instant Funding tops out at $80K direct (the largest Instant size before milestone scaling kicks in) and is priced higher than the equivalent Challenge plan. Discount codes routinely bring 2-Step $100K under $400 during sale windows.
Can I buy a CTI $200,000 account directly?
No — the largest direct-purchase Challenge size is $100,000 (1-Step or 2-Step). Larger allocations up to $2M per account, $4M combined are reached via the 10% milestone scaling ladder, not by direct purchase. Instant Funding tops out at $80K direct. Anyone offering a "$200K direct buy" today is reading older marketing. Verify SKUs at citytradersimperium.com.
Is the CTI evaluation fee refundable after funding?
CTI's published policy is generally to reimburse the evaluation fee with the first qualifying profit payout on the 1-Step and 2-Step Challenge plans (subject to all rules being met). Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro do not include a refund of the upfront fee. Verify the exact refund terms attached to your specific plan in the CTI dashboard before purchase.
Are there monthly fees on funded CTI accounts?
No recurring monthly fees. The evaluation fee is one-time. CTI does enforce an inactivity rule — accounts inactive for an extended period (typically 30 days on funded) may be flagged or closed. PickMyTrade check pickmytrade.io for current pricing is independent of CTI and only applies if you automate via supported platforms.
Does CTI have discount codes?
Yes. CTI runs ongoing promotional discounts in the 15-30% range, with deeper sales (up to 40%-50% off) during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, year-end, anniversary, and CTI-specific brand moments. Affiliate codes also stack with seasonal pricing during select campaigns. Verify the active code before checkout.
Does CTI have an affiliate program?
Yes — CTI runs an active affiliate program paying commissions on referred evaluation and Instant Funding purchases. Apply via the CTI dashboard. Education-led affiliates (YouTube reviewers, prop-firm comparison sites) and Discord-community partners are common channels.
Profit Targets, Drawdown & Daily Loss
12 answersWhat is the profit target on CTI 2-Step Challenge?
Phase 1: 10% of starting balance. Phase 2: 5% of starting balance. Minimum 3 profitable trading days per phase (each contributing at least 0.5% net profit). No profit target on the funded phase — once funded, you trade for payouts under scaling milestones rather than a fixed monthly goal. This is the classic CTI evaluation structure.
What is the profit target on the CTI 1-Step Challenge?
The 1-Step Challenge uses a single 8% profit target to graduate to funded — not 10%. There is no daily loss limit on this plan, but the 5% trailing balance-based drawdown means the floor anchors to your highest closed daily balance, so you have to defend any equity high you set. No profit target on the funded phase itself.
What is the profit target on CTI Instant Funding?
Instant Funding skips the evaluation phase but uses a 10% scaling target per level (Level 1 -> Level 2 -> Level 3 -> Bronze -> Silver). Maximum drawdown is 6%, static. The first payout requires 10 Active Trading Days (ATDs) plus a $100 minimum profit. Instant Funding Pro layers the same scaling on top of higher-tier parameters — verify Pro specifics at checkout.
What is the maximum drawdown on CTI 2-Step Challenge?
10% maximum total drawdown, measured from the initial account balance (static, balance-based — not equity-trailing). A 5% daily loss limit also applies. The static design gives traders more breathing room after profitable runs because the floor doesn't move up with profits, which is the headline structural feature of the 2-Step relative to trailing-drawdown competitors.
What is the maximum drawdown on the CTI 1-Step Challenge?
5% trailing drawdown, balance-based — the floor follows the highest closed daily balance upward and locks in once it reaches the initial balance plus 5% (or the configured stop). There is no separate daily loss limit on the 1-Step. The trailing design rewards consistent gains but punishes giving back a high-water mark, so plan a strategy that doesn't routinely test the 5% envelope.
What is the maximum drawdown on CTI Instant Funding?
Instant Funding's overall drawdown is 6%, static and balance-based. Wider than the 1-Step's 5% trailing envelope but tighter than the 2-Step Challenge's 10% static envelope. The 6% reflects the higher allocation risk CTI absorbs by skipping the evaluation gate. Instant Funding Pro may use different drawdown parameters — verify at checkout.
Is CTI's drawdown trailing or static?
Mixed by product. The 2-Step Challenge uses a 10% static balance-based max drawdown that anchors to the initial balance. The 1-Step Challenge uses a 5% trailing balance-based max drawdown that follows the highest closed daily balance upward and locks in once it reaches the start-plus-5% mark. Instant Funding (and Instant Funding Pro) use a 6% static balance-based envelope. Pick the model that fits how your strategy gives back equity highs.
What is the daily loss limit on CTI?
The 2-Step Challenge uses a 5% daily loss limit measured from each day's starting balance. The 1-Step Challenge has NO daily loss limit — only the 5% trailing max drawdown. Instant Funding uses an intraday equity component within its 6% overall static envelope. Verify the exact daily-loss figure for your specific plan and size in the CTI dashboard.
Does the daily loss reset?
Yes. The daily loss limit re-anchors at each new trading day's starting balance (server time). Forex/CFD platforms typically reset at the broker server's daily rollover (commonly around GMT/EET-aligned cycles depending on the configured MT5 or Match-Trader server).
Does CTI use balance-based or equity-based drawdown?
Balance-based across both static (2-Step, Instant) and trailing (1-Step) models — unrealized PnL on open positions doesn't directly move the drawdown floor, which anchors to closed balance. However, the 2-Step's daily loss is measured against current equity intraday, so an unrealized open loss CAN breach the daily limit even if no trade is closed. Read the CTI rule page carefully for the exact intraday equity treatment on each plan.
What happens if I breach drawdown on a CTI funded account?
The funded account is closed and the trader must purchase a new evaluation (or new Instant) to restart. CTI does not offer resets on a breached funded account — only on evaluation phases. Loss of a funded account is a hard stop, so risk management around the 10% static (2-Step), 5% trailing (1-Step), or 6% static (Instant / Instant Funding Pro) drawdown is essential.
Does CTI count weekend gaps against drawdown?
Weekend holding is allowed across all plans, but gap-risk is on you. Monday-open gaps that push equity below the static drawdown floor (or trigger the daily loss limit at the Sunday/Monday open candle) will breach the account. Most CTI risk-management content recommends sizing weekend exposure conservatively for this reason.
Consistency & Minimum Trading Days
8 answersDoes CTI use a numeric Consistency Score?
No — CTI does not publish a numeric Consistency Score (eg "80/100") that governs scaling. Some third-party reviews have invented that mechanic; it is not in CTI's official rule set. CTI's scaling is performance-based: hit a 10% profit milestone and the account doubles up to $2M per account ($4M combined), while the profit-share tier progresses through Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold. Consistent, non-binge trading is encouraged via general guidelines rather than a published score.
How does CTI evaluate consistent trading?
CTI evaluates consistency qualitatively rather than via a published numeric score. The risk team reviews dispersion of trade outcomes — flagging oversized single trades, single days that contribute disproportionately to total profit, and aggressive lot-size jumps. A trader with a steady win/loss distribution across many trades and small position-size variance moves through the scaling milestones reliably; a trader who lands one massive day may be flagged during scaling-eligibility review.
Does the consistency rule apply to the evaluation phase?
Evaluation phases enforce drawdown and daily-loss limits plus a general "no aggressive lot-size distortion" guideline. The 2-Step Challenge also requires a minimum of 3 profitable trading days per phase (each contributing at least 0.5% net profit), which is the closest formal consistency check during the eval. Funded-phase consistency is assessed qualitatively at each scaling milestone.
Does CTI require a minimum number of trading days?
Yes. The 2-Step Challenge requires a minimum of 3 profitable trading days per phase, each contributing at least 0.5% net profit. The 1-Step Challenge has no daily-loss limit but still wants steady trading across multiple sessions. Instant Funding's first payout requires 10 Active Trading Days (ATDs) plus a $100 minimum profit. Verify the live requirement per plan at checkout — CTI has updated these values over time.
Can I pass a CTI evaluation in one day?
No on the 2-Step Challenge — each phase requires 3 profitable trading days at 0.5%+ net each, so even if you hit the 10% target on day one you must continue trading. The 1-Step Challenge is less prescriptive on minimum days but still rewards multi-session consistency. Confirm the minimum-days figure attached to your specific plan in the CTI dashboard.
What happens if my trading looks inconsistent on CTI?
Inconsistent trading does not breach the account by itself — there is no published numeric Consistency Score that kills funding. What it can do is delay or block scaling-milestone advancement when the risk team reviews dispersion, single-day concentration, or aggressive lot-size jumps. Steady incremental gains move you cleanly through Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold; binge days slow that ladder down.
What is the minimum profit per trading day on CTI funded?
On the 2-Step Challenge, each "profitable trading day" must contribute at least 0.5% net profit to count toward the 3-day-per-phase minimum. On Instant Funding, the first payout requires 10 Active Trading Days (ATDs) plus a $100 minimum profit. There is no published per-day percentage minimum on the funded phase itself.
Does CTI penalize aggressive single-trade lot sizes?
Yes — explicitly via CTI's "no aggressive trading swings" guideline. A single trade that lands 5%+ in a session may flag the account for scaling-eligibility review at the next milestone, even though no numeric Consistency Score is published. Steady incremental gains across many trades is the sweet spot for moving through the Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold ladder cleanly.
Payouts & Scaling
12 answersHow often does CTI process payouts?
Cadence depends on your tier. Default Funded tier is monthly at 80/20 split. Bronze tier moves to weekly at 90/10. Silver tier is on-demand at 100/0 (you keep 100% of profits). Gold tier is on-demand at 100/0 plus a monthly salary on top. The first payout on Instant Funding becomes available once you hit the 10 Active Trading Days plus $100 minimum profit gate.
What is the minimum CTI payout?
$100 minimum net profit on the first payout, alongside the 10 Active Trading Days (ATDs) gate. Subsequent payouts follow the cadence tied to your tier — monthly at Funded, weekly at Bronze, on-demand at Silver and Gold. The $100 floor exists to prevent micro-withdrawals that don't justify processing overhead.
How fast does CTI pay out?
Independent Trustpilot reviews frequently cite payout speeds as fast as 1.5 hours after request approval. Standard processing window is 1-3 business days for most traders. KYC must be complete before the first payout — if KYC is pending, the wait extends until verification finalizes.
What is the starting profit split on CTI 1-Step / 2-Step Challenges?
1-Step and 2-Step Challenge funded accounts start at the Funded tier (80% to trader, 20% to firm) and progress through Bronze (90/10 weekly), Silver (100/0 on-demand), and Gold (100/0 on-demand plus monthly salary). The 80% Funded-tier entry is competitive with FTMO's standard and slightly above several newer entrants in the forex prop space.
What is the starting profit split on CTI Instant Funding?
Instant Funding starts at a 60-70% profit share at Level 1. Level 2 moves to 70%, Level 3 to 80%, Bronze tier to 90%, and Silver to 100%. Each level requires hitting a 10% profit milestone. The lower starting split (versus the 80% Funded entry on the Challenge plans) reflects the no-evaluation-gate path — CTI absorbs more allocation risk upfront. Instant Funding Pro uses an adjusted variant of this same ladder.
How does CTI scaling work mechanically?
At each 10% profit milestone, two things advance together: the profit-share tier moves up the ladder (Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold) and the capital allocation typically doubles, up to the $2M per-account ceiling and $4M combined cap across programs. Consistency reviewed qualitatively at the milestone — there is no published numeric score. Aggressive single-day or single-trade concentration can delay the advancement.
What is the maximum scaling cap on CTI?
$2M per account and $4M combined across all programs (1-Step, 2-Step, Instant, Instant Funding Pro). Challenge accounts and Instant accounts share the same $4M combined ceiling — you scale up to it via successive 10% milestone passes, not via direct purchase of larger sizes. Direct-purchase Challenge tops out at $100K; Instant tops out at $80K direct.
What payout methods does CTI support?
CTI supports bank wire, crypto (typically USDT on supported networks), and various international payment rails depending on the trader's country. Crypto is the fastest route. Bank wires may take 2-5 business days for cross-border settlement. Specific methods available depend on KYC-verified country and identity.
Are there hidden fees on CTI payouts?
No CTI-side fees published. Crypto withdrawals carry standard network fees (gas/network costs). Bank wires may incur correspondent-bank charges depending on the destination country. CTI itself does not apply a discretionary processing fee on top of the published profit split.
Can I withdraw from an evaluation account?
No. Evaluation phase profits exist only on paper — they qualify you for funding but are not withdrawable. Only the funded phase (or Instant Funding once active) generates real payouts. This is standard across the prop firm industry, not unique to CTI.
Does CTI reimburse the evaluation fee with the first payout?
On the 1-Step and 2-Step Challenge plans, CTI's published policy typically refunds the evaluation fee with the first qualifying payout (subject to all rules being met during the eval phase and funded ramp-up). Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro do NOT include a fee refund. Verify the exact terms in your purchase confirmation before relying on a refund.
When is the first payout available on Instant Funding?
As soon as you meet both gates: 10 Active Trading Days (ATDs) AND at least $100 in net profit. After the first payout, your cadence depends on tier — monthly at Funded (80/20), weekly at Bronze (90/10), and on-demand at Silver and Gold (100/0, with Gold adding a monthly salary on top).
News, Hedging, EAs & Copy Trading
10 answersDoes CTI allow news trading?
Yes — CTI permits news trading, including during high-impact events like NFP, CPI, FOMC, and central bank announcements. This is one of CTI's notable trader-friendly policies versus competitors that lock down 2-5 minute news windows. News trading is allowed across 1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro plans.
Does CTI allow overnight holding?
Yes. Overnight position holding is allowed across all four CTI plans — 1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro. This makes CTI suitable for swing traders and position traders, not just intraday scalpers. Swap charges apply per the broker's MT5 or Match-Trader server configuration.
Does CTI allow weekend holding?
Yes — weekend holding is permitted across all plans. Combined with overnight and news trading allowance, CTI is one of the more permissive forex props on event/gap risk. Trader assumes Monday-open gap risk; a gap below the static drawdown floor will breach.
Does CTI allow hedging?
Hedging within a single account (long and short on the same pair simultaneously) is generally allowed on MT5. Cross-account hedging — using one CTI account as a long bias and another as a short bias on the same pair — is prohibited and treated as evaluation/funded rule abuse.
Does CTI allow Expert Advisors (EAs)?
Yes — with conditions. Personal EAs you wrote or legally own (with source code or licensing proof) are allowed. The 1-Step Challenge is the most permissive on EA usage. The 2-Step Challenge and Instant Funding plans restrict third-party EAs without source code — traders must prove ownership before deploying them on a funded account.
Does CTI allow signal-service copying?
No. Paid signal services, rented signal feeds, and copying another trader's account onto your CTI account are prohibited. The funded account must reflect your own decision-making (manual or via your own EA), not a third-party trader's positions.
Does CTI allow copy trading between my own accounts?
Yes — copying between accounts you personally own is allowed. You can copy from your own personal (non-CTI) account into your CTI funded account, or from your CTI funded account out to other external accounts. What's banned is copying OTHER traders' positions onto your CTI account.
Does CTI allow high-frequency or ultra-short trades?
Sub-1-second arbitrage, latency exploitation, and tick-scalping bots that abuse simulated quote delays are prohibited. Manual scalping with normal entry/exit timing is allowed. CTI's risk team reviews patterns that look like quote-feed exploitation; legitimate fast manual trading typically isn't flagged.
Does CTI allow Martingale or grid strategies?
Not explicitly banned in CTI's published rules, but they are functionally hostile to both the static and trailing drawdown models. A Martingale doubling sequence will hit the 5% (1-Step trailing), 10% (2-Step static), or 6% (Instant static) drawdown floor quickly on any losing run. Grid bots that average down also breach drawdown faster than the envelope tolerates. Use at your own risk.
Does CTI allow VPS hosting?
Yes. Running your MT5 or Match-Trader instance on a VPS is permitted and common among EA traders who want 24/5 uptime without keeping a home machine running. Choose a VPS region close to your CTI broker server (typically London or Amsterdam) for minimal latency.
Automation & PickMyTrade
10 answersCan I connect City Traders Imperium to PickMyTrade?
Only if CTI offers Match-Trader for your account. PickMyTrade supports Tradovate, Rithmic, IB, TradeStation, ProjectX, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradier, Binance, and Bybit. Note: cTrader is not currently supported by PMT. CTI's primary platforms are MT5 and Match-Trader; if your CTI account is MT5-only, PMT cannot bridge it. The only PMT-compatible path is a Match-Trader CTI account.
Does PickMyTrade support MetaTrader 5?
No — PickMyTrade does not provide an MT4, MT5, or DXtrade broker bridge. PMT's supported broker list is Tradovate, Rithmic, IB, TradeStation, ProjectX, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradier, Binance, and Bybit. Note: cTrader is not currently supported by PMT. For CTI traders who use MT5, automation must happen inside MT5 via an Expert Advisor on a VPS rather than via a PMT TradingView webhook.
How do I connect a CTI Match-Trader account to PickMyTrade?
If your CTI setup is configured on Match-Trader: 1) Log into the PMT dashboard. 2) Add Match-Trader as a broker integration. 3) Enter your CTI-issued Match-Trader credentials and server. 4) In PickMyTrade, go to Generate Alert to create your alert — you will receive a JSON payload and a webhook URL. Paste the JSON into the TradingView alert message box and paste the webhook URL into the TradingView webhook field. PMT then forwards each alert as a Match-Trader order on the CTI account.
What does PickMyTrade cost for CTI users?
PickMyTrade is a check pickmytrade.io for current pricing subscription. The single price covers all your linked accounts across all supported brokers — CTI Match-Trader plus any other prop firm or live brokerage you connect. There is no per-account, per-trade, or per-alert pricing layer.
Does using PickMyTrade void my CTI account?
No — using PickMyTrade as a personal automation bridge for your own strategies is fully compatible with CTI's rules. What CTI prohibits is copying other traders' signals or rented signal services. When PMT executes YOUR TradingView alerts from YOUR Pine Script on YOUR CTI account, that is personal automation and is permitted.
Can I automate the CTI 2-Step Challenge via PickMyTrade?
Yes if the evaluation account is on Match-Trader. Connect Match-Trader to PMT, paste the webhook into your TradingView alert, and your Pine strategy will fire orders into the CTI 2-Step account. Evaluation rules (Phase 1 10%, Phase 2 5%, 5% daily loss, 10% static max drawdown, 3 profitable trading days per phase) still apply — automation doesn't relax them.
Can I automate the 1-Step Challenge via PickMyTrade?
Yes — same Match-Trader path, provided your CTI 1-Step account is on Match-Trader. The 1-Step's 5% trailing drawdown means you should size positions conservatively in your TradingView strategy and avoid systems that give back equity highs aggressively, since the floor follows your closed-balance peaks upward. PickMyTrade simply executes the alerts; risk parameters live in your Pine Script.
Can I automate Instant Funding via PickMyTrade?
Yes when the account is on Match-Trader. Instant Funding's 6% static drawdown plus the qualitative consistency review favours steady automated systems with controlled lot sizes and predictable position sizing. Avoid Pine strategies that spike position size on signals — even if profitable, that pattern may delay scaling-milestone advancement during CTI's risk-team review. Instant Funding Pro follows the same automation pattern.
Can I run PickMyTrade across CTI plus other prop firms?
Yes. The PickMyTrade check pickmytrade.io for current pricing rate covers all your linked accounts simultaneously. A single TradingView alert executes on all connected MatchTrader accounts simultaneously — so one alert can fire into multiple CTI Match-Trader accounts or across CTI plus other MatchTrader-based firms at once. Note: the Manual Trade Copier feature is NOT available for MatchTrader connections; it is only available for Tradovate and ProjectX. This multi-firm strategy diversifies firm-specific rule-change risk and platform-outage risk.
What if my CTI account is only available on MT5?
PickMyTrade does not bridge MT5. For MT5-only CTI accounts, automation must happen via an Expert Advisor running inside MT5 itself (typically on a VPS). PMT can still be useful if you also hold accounts on supported platforms — but for the MT5 leg specifically, a TradingView-to-MT5 PMT path is not available.
Can I set trading time restrictions in PickMyTrade for City Traders Imperium?
PickMyTrade includes a Trading Time feature available across all supported broker connections. You can configure specific active trading windows with start and end times (24-hour ET format). Any TradingView alerts received outside your configured hours are automatically rejected — no new trades are placed. Existing open positions remain active. Settings can be applied to specific accounts or all accounts at once. Full guide: https://docs.pickmytrade.io/docs/trading-time-settings/
Platforms & Tradable Assets
10 answersWhat platforms does City Traders Imperium support?
Two current platforms in 2026: MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and Match-Trader. CTI dropped MT4 during the post-MetaQuotes-licensing shift. cTrader, TradeLocker, and DXtrade are not currently part of the CTI funded-side lineup. Platform availability depends on your account configuration; existing US clients continue trading on the platform their account was issued on.
Does CTI support MetaTrader 4?
No. CTI does not offer MT4 in 2026. The firm migrated fully to MT5 and Match-Trader as part of the broader industry shift after MetaQuotes' licensing changes. Older CTI documentation that mentions MT4 is out of date.
Does CTI support cTrader?
No, not as a current platform option for new account purchases. The active CTI platform lineup is MT5 and Match-Trader. cTrader may have been offered historically but is not listed in 2026 plan configurations. Verify on citytradersimperium.com if cTrader appears at checkout for your region.
Does CTI support Match-Trader?
Yes — Match-Trader is one of CTI's two current platforms. Web-based, modern UI, mobile and desktop access, simpler feature set than MT5. Match-Trader is the platform of choice for traders in regions where MT5 access is restricted, and it's the path that can integrate with PickMyTrade for TradingView automation.
MT5 vs Match-Trader on CTI — which is better?
MT5 wins on depth: more timeframes, advanced indicators, market depth, integrated economic calendar, and full EA support via MQL5. Match-Trader wins on accessibility: simpler UI, web-first, available in more regions, and supports PickMyTrade TradingView automation. Pick MT5 for EA-heavy strategies; pick Match-Trader for TradingView/Pine integration.
What forex pairs can I trade on CTI?
All majors (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, NZD/USD, USD/CAD) plus minor crosses (EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, etc.) and a wide selection of exotics. CTI's symbol list is competitive with major forex prop firms and exceeds the basic-majors-only offering at some newer entrants.
Can I trade gold and silver on CTI?
Yes. XAU/USD (gold) and XAG/USD (silver) are standard CTI symbols across MT5 and Match-Trader. Gold trading is permitted under the same drawdown and daily-loss rules as forex pairs. Position sizing on gold should account for its higher pip value vs major pairs.
Can I trade indices on CTI?
Yes. Major indices like US30 (Dow), NAS100 (Nasdaq), SPX500 (S&P), GER40 (DAX), UK100 (FTSE), and JPN225 (Nikkei) are available as CFDs on CTI. Trading conditions vary by platform — Match-Trader and MT5 carry slightly different symbol naming and spreads.
Can I trade crypto on CTI?
Crypto CFDs (BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and select altcoins) are available on CTI for some plans and regions. This is crypto-CFD, not spot or futures crypto. Availability and the symbol list vary by platform configuration and account size. Verify at checkout before committing.
What leverage does CTI offer?
1:30 on forex is the figure cited most commonly across 2026 reviews of the Challenge plans, while the 1-Step (formerly Direct Funding) page lists "up to 1:10" as the overall ceiling on that program. Leverage is lower again on metals, indices, and crypto. Specific leverage values depend on plan tier, account size, and platform (MT5 vs Match-Trader); the live numbers display in your terminal.
Countries, KYC & Eligibility
8 answersWhat countries does CTI accept?
CTI serves traders in 60+ countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Most jurisdictions are accepted at checkout. Sanctioned nations (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria) are restricted. The United States is in transition — CTI paused onboarding new US clients in January 2026 while it works on a US-compatible solution; existing US clients continue trading. Verify your country at the CTI checkout page before purchase.
Does CTI accept US-based traders?
Partially. CTI paused onboarding new US clients in January 2026, but existing US clients continue to trade their funded and evaluation accounts. CTI has publicly stated it is working on a US-compatible solution, so the pause is not framed as permanent. New US traders should monitor citytradersimperium.com for re-opening announcements or seek alternative prop firms in the meantime.
Is CTI available in India?
Yes. India is generally accepted by CTI for evaluation and funded-account purchase. Payouts to Indian bank accounts may route via international wire or supported intermediaries. Indian traders should consult their tax advisor on the treatment of CTI payouts under ITR-3 business-income rules.
Is CTI available in the UK?
Yes — CTI was UK-founded and remains accessible to UK-resident traders. Funded-trader payouts to UK residents typically fall under self-employment income for HMRC purposes. CTI's UK origin and continued UK community presence make it a familiar choice for British forex traders.
Is CTI available in Nigeria, South Africa, MENA?
Yes. CTI accepts traders from most African, Middle East, and North African countries — Nigeria, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, etc. The Dubai HQ makes CTI a familiar option in MENA. Crypto payouts (USDT) work well for African and MENA traders where bank-wire friction is high.
How does CTI KYC verification work?
CTI runs KYC via a third-party KYC provider per its Terms of Service. KYC is typically triggered after you complete the evaluation, or before your first withdrawal if you chose Instant Funding. You'll be asked for a government-issued photo ID, proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement), and a selfie holding your ID. The exact provider name is not always publicly confirmed — check CTI's privacy/help pages for the current vendor.
How long does CTI KYC take?
Typically 24-72 hours when documents are clean and clearly legible. Edge cases (low-resolution scans, expired IDs, mismatched address) can extend KYC to 5-7 days while the third-party verification team requests resubmission. Submit clean, valid documents on the first attempt to avoid payout delays.
Is there an age minimum on CTI?
Yes — 18 years minimum. CTI enforces standard adult-age eligibility at KYC. Trader names on the account, ID, and bank/crypto withdrawal address must all match; mismatch is one of the common reasons payouts get held pending document refresh.
Failed Accounts, Resets & Refunds
6 answersWhat happens if I fail a CTI evaluation?
The evaluation account closes. You can purchase a reset (typically priced lower than a fresh evaluation) or buy a new evaluation outright. CTI does not offer resets on a breached funded account — that path requires starting over from a new evaluation purchase.
Can I reset a failed CTI account?
Yes — resets are available for failed evaluations. Reset pricing is typically 20-50% of the original evaluation fee, varying by plan and account size. Resets restore the original starting balance and reset the drawdown clock. Resets are NOT available on breached funded accounts.
How much does a CTI reset cost?
Reset pricing is not standardized publicly and varies by plan, size, and any active promotions. Industry-typical resets sit at 20-50% of the original eval price. Check the reset offer that appears in your CTI dashboard at the point of failure — it usually shows the exact reset cost for your specific account.
Is the CTI evaluation fee refundable if I fail?
No — evaluation fees are non-refundable on failure. Fee reimbursement only applies via the first-payout refund path on the 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Challenge plans, contingent on passing the evaluation and meeting the first-payout conditions. Failed evals receive no refund.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind before trading?
CTI's pre-trade refund policy depends on time elapsed and whether the account has been activated. Contact CTI support immediately after purchase if you need to cancel before placing your first trade — case-by-case basis. Once trades are placed, refunds are generally not available.
What are the most common reasons CTI accounts breach?
Top breach causes: 1) Hitting the 10% static (2-Step), 5% trailing (1-Step), or 6% static (Instant / Instant Funding Pro) total drawdown floor. 2) Hitting the 5% daily loss limit on the 2-Step. 3) Weekend gap risk pushing equity below the floor on Monday open. 4) Aggressive lot-size spikes that slow scaling and trigger risk-team review. 5) Sanctioned-country sign-up flagged at KYC. 6) Copy-trading from external signal providers.
CTI vs Competitors & Misc
10 answersCTI vs FTMO — which is better?
FTMO has a larger global brand (2015-founded, 200K+ Trustpilot reviews) and a more rigid trailing-drawdown model. CTI (2018) offers a choice between 5% trailing (1-Step) and 10% static (2-Step) drawdown, bundled education via the CTI Academy, a free trial, news/weekend allowance, and a more permissive EA policy. FTMO suits traders who prioritize brand recognition; CTI suits traders who want education plus a flexible drawdown structure.
CTI vs FundedNext — which is better?
FundedNext has bigger scale (30K+ Trustpilot reviews) and aggressive promotional pricing. CTI competes on three fronts: longer track record (2018 vs FundedNext's 2022), bundled Academy education plus free trial, and the choice between 5% trailing (1-Step) or 10% static (2-Step) drawdown models — versus FundedNext's tighter trailing rules on some plans. CTI for traders who want a long-term career-development platform.
CTI vs FundingPips
FundingPips is newer (2022 launch) with very low entry fees and aggressive scaling promises. CTI has the longer track record, the bundled Academy, and a more developed VIP/payout-cadence structure. FundingPips for pure cost-per-dollar-funded; CTI for traders who value firm longevity and education.
CTI vs The5%ers
The5%ers pioneered the 1-step / low-target / static-drawdown forex format and has strong brand maturity. The CTI 1-Step Challenge competes directly with The5%ers Hyper Growth — both are single-phase formats. CTI's 1-Step uses a 5% trailing drawdown and 8% target, while The5%ers Hyper Growth keeps a static envelope. The5%ers leans toward "quality" branding; CTI counters with the bundled Academy, free trial, and the Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold scaling ladder.
CTI vs the broader prop firm market
CTI's distinctive positioning is "funded account plus full education plus free trial." Among 2018-or-older forex props still operating, CTI is one of the longest tenured. The dual drawdown model (1-Step trailing or 2-Step static), free Academy bundle, and 60-100% split scaling through Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold separate CTI from the wave of 2022-2024 newcomers chasing pure low-fee competition.
Education-vs-funding — how does CTI position itself?
CTI explicitly markets itself as both an education platform AND a funded-trader firm, with a free trial that includes Academy access. Most competitors are pure evaluation companies that monetize fees and payouts. CTI's hybrid model treats the funded account as a long-term career path (Academy + scaling + Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers + salary at Gold) rather than a one-time pass-or-fail transaction. This is the firm's central differentiator.
Can I run CTI alongside other prop firms via PickMyTrade?
Yes — PickMyTrade's check pickmytrade.io for current pricing covers all linked accounts regardless of firm. Common multi-firm pattern: CTI Match-Trader for forex plus a futures firm on Tradovate or TradeStation for index/ES exposure. One TradingView alert fans out across all linked accounts where the symbol exists. Risk diversification across firms and platforms is a major reason traders adopt PMT.
Do I owe taxes on CTI payouts?
Yes — CTI payouts are taxable income wherever you reside. Most jurisdictions characterise prop-firm payouts as self-employment or business income (not investment income) because they are performance-based licensing fees. UK: HMRC self-employment. India: ITR-3 business income. EU: per-country trading-income rules. Consult a local tax professional for your specific situation.
Can I trade CTI on mobile?
Yes. Both MT5 and Match-Trader have iOS and Android apps. Mobile trading is permitted under standard CTI rules — there's no mobile-specific restriction. For automation, VPS hosting plus a desktop terminal (or PickMyTrade for Match-Trader) remains more reliable than mobile-only setups.
Where can I see CTI payout proof?
CTI's Trustpilot page (1,700+ reviews, 4.3/5 as of May 2026) plus payout-proof posts on independent prop-firm community forums and YouTube reviewers. The firm-published "$367M+ allocated capital" figure is the simulated capital placed across accounts, not cumulative payouts — cross-reference it with community-shared payout screenshots to triangulate credibility. CTI's longevity since 2018 plus consistent reviews are the strongest signal.
Automate City Traders Imperium with TradingView
If your CTI account runs on Match-Trader, PickMyTrade routes TradingView alerts straight into it. MT5-only CTI accounts cannot be bridged by PMT today and require an in-platform Expert Advisor instead. check pickmytrade.io for current pricing covers every PMT-supported broker you connect. Pine Script in, executed orders out.
Start Free TrialDisclaimer
This FAQ is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. City Traders Imperium rule references are compiled from citytradersimperium.com, the CTI official help center (citytradersimperium.com/funding-faqs), academy.citytradersimperium.com, Trustpilot reviews (1,700+ as of May 2026), independent prop firm review sites (TradersUnion, ThePropFirm, PropFirmCompass, FundedTrading, TradingFunder, BestPropFirms, PropFirmMatch, BrokerAnalysis, AquaFunded, QuantVPS, ThePlanetDeals, Surgefunded, ProTradingScam, FairPropReviewer, LivingFromTrading, PropFirmSwitch, PropFirmTrader, TradingFinder, Funding4Traders), and our work helping traders automate CTI Match-Trader accounts. CTI updates rules — verify directly on the official help center before relying on any specific figure.
City Traders Imperium offers two trading platforms in 2026: MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and Match-Trader. CTI does not currently offer MT4, cTrader, TradeLocker, DXtrade, or futures platforms on the funded side. Rules differ across the four current programs — 1-Step Challenge (8% target, 5% trailing drawdown, no daily-loss limit), 2-Step Challenge (Phase 1 10% / Phase 2 5%, 5% daily, 10% static max DD, 3 profitable days at 0.5%+ per phase), Instant Funding (10% target per level, 6% static drawdown, 60-70% start), and Instant Funding Pro (higher-tier instant variant). The Funded -> Bronze -> Silver -> Gold profit-share ladder governs payout cadence and split (monthly 80/20 -> weekly 90/10 -> on-demand 100/0 -> on-demand 100/0 plus salary). Multiple 2026 sources also still list a 3-Step Challenge variant.
Recent 2024-2026 changes: pause on new US client onboarding from January 2026 (existing US clients continue trading; CTI is working on a US-compatible solution), refinement of the qualitative consistency review at scaling milestones, ongoing Academy course-library expansion, free trial with Academy access available without purchase, transition to MT5 + Match-Trader as the standard platform lineup, and growing emphasis on the education-plus-funding hybrid positioning. Trustpilot rating remains in the 4.3/5 range from 1,700+ reviews. Allocated trading capital surpassed $367M, with 21,000-36,000 traders funded since 2018 across cited public figures. The $367M is allocated capital, not cumulative cash paid to traders.
PickMyTrade is an automation bridge. PickMyTrade is not a broker, not a prop firm, and not affiliated with City Traders Imperium. PickMyTrade supports Tradovate, Rithmic, IB, TradeStation, ProjectX, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradier, Binance, and Bybit. PickMyTrade does NOT support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, or DXtrade. PMT does not hold customer funds, does not place trades without your alert, and does not guarantee trade outcomes.
Past performance does not predict future results. Prop firm trading carries a real risk of loss. CTI accounts are simulated assessment programs. Consult a licensed financial advisor and a tax professional before trading.
"City Traders Imperium," "CTI," "CTI Academy," "Bank Level Trading," "Trading Psychology Blueprint," "CTI FZCO," "1-Step Challenge," "2-Step Challenge," "Instant Funding," "Instant Funding Pro," "MetaTrader," "MT5," "Match-Trader," "TradeLocker," "cTrader," "TradingView," "Pine Script," "PickMyTrade" are trademarks of their respective owners.
Last updated: May 2026.