City Traders Imperium (CTI) stands out in the crowded world of proprietary trading firms by offering a distinctly flexible and trader-centric approach to funding. While many prop firms focus on short-term performance through aggressive challenges, CTI takes a longer-term investment view, allowing traders to build real careers through scalable capital and risk management training.
Founded in London, CTI has garnered a reputation for transparency, education-first policies, and sustainable growth for serious traders. In this review, we’ll explore what makes City Traders Imperium unique, its funding models, rules, platform support, and how it stacks up in 2025’s competitive prop firm landscape.
Evaluation Programs and Funding Models
CTI doesn’t follow the one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it offers multiple programs tailored to different trading styles and levels of experience.
1. Classic Evaluation Program:
This is CTI’s standard model for traders who prefer a phased challenge structure.
Account Sizes: $10,000 – $100,000
Profit Target: 7% in 45 days
Drawdown Limit: 5% (Hard), 10% (Overall)
Refundable Fee: Yes
Leverage: 1:10
Scaling Opportunities: Yes, up to $2 million
2. Direct Funding Program:
CTI is one of the few firms to offer direct capital without requiring a challenge.
Capital Access: $20,000 – $100,000 instantly
Drawdown Limit: 5%
Profit Split: Starts at 60%, increases to 80%
Monthly Performance Review: Required to maintain account
3. Portfolio Manager Program:
Designed for advanced traders seeking to manage large capital and access long-term trading resources.
Capital Access: $100,000 – $2 million+
Profit Share: Up to 100% depending on negotiation and performance
Trading Flexibility: Highest among all CTI offerings
Custom Terms: Available for institutional-level traders
This level of customization is extremely rare in the prop trading industry, where most firms stick to rigid challenge models.
Trading Conditions and Rules
City Traders Imperium promotes responsible trading by limiting leverage and emphasizing long-term risk management. This may not appeal to high-frequency scalpers, but it’s perfect for traders who prefer swing and position strategies.
Key Trading Rules:
Leverage: 1:10 for evaluation; 1:100 in funded accounts
Weekend Holding: Allowed
News Trading: Allowed
Minimum Trading Days: No restriction
EAs/Algos: Allowed (with approval)
Lot Size Limits: None
CTI does not penalize traders for minor technical violations and instead encourages communication. This mature approach is part of what builds trust with its global trader base.
Platforms and Instruments
CTI supports MetaTrader 5 via its partnered brokerage, offering a clean and fast execution experience.
Available Instruments:
Major and Minor Forex Pairs
Commodities (Gold, Silver, Oil)
Indices (US30, SP500, NAS100, FTSE100)
Crypto (on request or with custom portfolio)
While the firm is more forex-centric, it allows sufficient room for diversification and accommodates multi-asset traders under its higher-tier programs.
Payouts and Profit Splits
One of CTI’s standout features is its flexible profit-sharing structure. While most firms stick to a flat 80-90%, CTI allows traders to earn up to 100% in some cases, especially under the Portfolio Manager Program.
Default Structure:
Evaluation Phase: No payout
Funded Phase: 60%–100%
Payout Frequency: Monthly (or bi-weekly for large portfolios)
Minimum Withdrawal: $100
Withdrawal Methods: Bank Transfer, Wise, Crypto
Traders can request a profit share increase after demonstrating consistency, further enhancing long-term motivation.
Education and Community Support
Unlike most prop firms, CTI operates as a trading incubator with a strong emphasis on mentorship, education, and psychological support.
CTI Academy Includes:
Risk Management Modules
Psychology Coaching
Webinars with Institutional Traders
Trade Review Sessions
One-on-One Coaching (for higher-tier traders)
This makes CTI ideal for beginners who want to learn and grow into professional traders. It's one of the few firms where educational resources are as valuable as the funding itself.
Scaling Plan
Traders who perform consistently are eligible for the firm’s scaling roadmap.
Scaling Tiers:
$10k → $100k → $500k → $2 million
Evaluated every 30 trading days
Must maintain 3–5% average monthly return with no major violations
This scaling is realistic and rewards patience and professionalism—hallmarks of institutional trading.
Pros
Direct Funding Option Available
Up to 100% Profit Split (in advanced programs)
Realistic Profit Targets and Drawdowns
Strong Educational Framework
Risk Management Training
Weekend and News Trading Allowed
Long-Term Growth Opportunities
Trader-Centric Customer Support
Cons
Leverage is lower compared to most competitors
Higher evaluation cost than challenge-only firms
Profit targets might be tough for short-term traders
Who Is City Traders Imperium Best For?
CTI is not a quick-flip or “get-funded-fast” platform. It’s tailored for:
Traders who want to build a career, not just pass a challenge
Traders who value capital growth and scaling
People looking for mentorship, coaching, and structure
Risk-conscious traders with consistent strategies
It’s especially ideal for swing traders, position traders, and algorithmic traders looking to secure institutional-level backing.
Final Verdict
City Traders Imperium brings a fresh and professional perspective to proprietary trading. It’s less of a “gamified challenge” prop firm and more of a professional trading career incubator. The combination of flexible funding, high potential profit splits, in-depth educational content, and long-term capital scaling makes CTI a top-tier choice for serious traders.
If you’re looking to build a long-term trading business with the backing of a firm that acts more like a partner than a gatekeeper, City Traders Imperium should be at the top of your list in 2025.