Top 5 Prop Firms That Allow HFT in 2025

High-frequency trading can be an intimidating endeavor, especially for traders looking to work with a proprietary firm. Many prop firms have stringent requirements for their traders before allowing them to access company capital. For high-frequency traders, these challenges can significantly impact their operations, potentially leading to substantial losses. 

Luckily, there are no-challenge prop firms that allow high-frequency trading to operate with minimal restrictions. In this guide, we'll explore prop firms that will enable HFT, so you can quickly identify the best firms to suit your trading objectives. 

While Goat Funded Trader’s prop firm does not support high-frequency trading (HFT), it allows the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) and enables traders to get funded without any challenges.

What is High Frequency Trading (HFT)

High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a sophisticated trading approach that leverages advanced computer systems and algorithms to execute a massive number of trades in fractions of a second. The primary aim is to profit from tiny price differences that exist only for a moment, often lasting just milliseconds. By acting faster than traditional traders, HFT participants can capitalize on these fleeting opportunities, accumulating significant profits through high turnover and rapid-fire transactions. 

HFT relies on powerful computers and intricate algorithms that scan multiple markets simultaneously, searching for price discrepancies or emerging trends. Once an opportunity is identified, the system automatically places orders to buy or sell assets, sometimes holding positions for only a few seconds or less. The process is highly automated, requiring minimal human intervention, and is designed to exploit even the most minor inefficiencies in the market. Proprietary trading firms, often called "prop firms," play a central role in the world of HFT. 

These firms provide traders with the capital, technology, and infrastructure necessary to participate in high-frequency trading, enabling individuals to engage in this complex activity without risking their funds. Prop firms typically invest heavily in ultra-fast hardware, direct market access, and co-location services that physically place their servers close to exchange data centers, minimizing delays and maximizing speed advantages. Engaging in HFT is not as simple as running a basic trading program. The strategy demands specialized infrastructure, including high-speed networks, real-time data feeds, and robust risk management strategies. 

The costs and technical expertise required to build and maintain such systems are significant, making it nearly impossible for individual traders to compete without institutional backing. Prop firms fill this gap by offering the resources and support necessary for successful HFT operations, including access to proprietary algorithms, direct market connections, and the financial backing to handle large volumes of trades.

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Top 5 Prop Firms That Allow HFT in 2025

1. FTUK

FTUK is a global proprietary trading firm offering instant, one-step, and two-step funding programs designed to scale traders rapidly while allowing them to keep up to 80% of their profits. The firm offers simulated forex accounts with transparent rules, clear payout structures, and fast scaling options, accommodating trading capital ranging from $5,000 to $6.4 million. 

FTUK supports a variety of trading styles, including news trading and weekend holds, with no mandatory stop loss and no minimum trading days for many programs, making it flexible for different strategies. FTUK also caters to high-frequency trading (HFT) by providing traders with access to ultra-fast execution and cutting-edge trading platforms suitable for HFT strategies. 

The firm emphasizes low latency and advanced technology, enabling traders to execute numerous trades quickly and efficiently. FTUK’s infrastructure supports HFT by allowing traders to leverage their skills on virtual accounts, with scalable funding and transparent evaluation processes that enable them to prove their trading performance and receive profit shares.  

Key Features of FTUK

• Instant, one-step, and two-step funding programs ranging from $5,000 to $6.4 million  
• Profit share up to 80% with refundable evaluation fees  
• Leverage up to 50:1 on funded accounts  
• Transparent trading rules with no hidden conditions  
• Support for news trading, weekend holds, and no mandatory stop loss  

Pros  

• Fast scaling with capital doubling upon hitting profit targets  
• Flexible trading rules suitable for various strategies, including HFT  
• Global accessibility with no license required and acceptance of traders worldwide  
• Average payout time of about 1 hour  
• 14-day trial period to test the platforms and the dashboard  

Cons

• Fewer educational resources compared to bigger firms.  

2. Optimal Traders

Optimal Traders is a proprietary trading firm headquartered in Dubai, offering traders access to live funded accounts with zero liability for losses. The firm provides straightforward evaluation programs, including a unique algorithmic (ALGO) account specifically designed for traders who employ automated and high-frequency trading strategies. Optimal Traders prides itself on transparent rules, low fees, and fast payouts, with a reputation for excellent customer support and a trading environment that accommodates various trading styles.  

The firm supports high-frequency trading (HFT) explicitly through its 1-Step ALGO account, allowing traders to leverage algorithmic strategies during the evaluation phase and beyond. Optimal Traders offers scalable funding up to $400,000 for challenge accounts and up to $6.5 million for its Optimal Trader Program. 

Traders benefit from competitive spreads, low commissions, and the ability to combine multiple accounts under the same program, making it a flexible choice for high-frequency trading (HFT) practitioners and algorithmic traders seeking capital and professional trading conditions.  

Key Features of Optimal Traders  

• Funding programs with capital up to $6.5 million  
• 1-Step ALGO account permitting high-frequency and algorithmic trading  
• Live trading on all funded accounts with zero loss liability  
• Fast payouts are processed within 48 hours and paid within three business days  
• Low commissions and competitive spreads on MetaTrader platforms  

Pros

• Supports high-frequency trading via dedicated ALGO accounts  
• Transparent and straightforward evaluation rules  
• Excellent customer service with active community support  
• Ability to scale accounts and combine multiple accounts under limits  
• Quick and reliable payout process  

Cons

• Some account types cannot be merged (e.g., ALGO vs. challenge accounts)  

3. FunderPro 

FunderPro is a proprietary trading firm that offers traders a variety of challenge types tailored to different trading styles and objectives, with three main challenge options including one-phase (Fast Track), Regular, and Swing. FunderPro offers flexible paths to funding, enabling traders to secure funding faster or focus on intraday or longer-term trading strategies. The firm promotes transparency, fairness, and security, with a unique daily reward system that allows funded traders to request profit withdrawals multiple times a day once they reach at least a 1% profit on their account balance.  

Regarding high-frequency trading (HFT), FunderPro permits the use of trading bots and automated strategies, including HFT, as long as they comply with the platform’s rules and do not engage in prohibited activities such as excessive order placing within unreasonable timeframes or arbitrage strategies. 

However, the official terms also state that high-frequency trading is generally forbidden, and clients placing an excessive number of orders may receive warnings or have their accounts suspended. This suggests that while some automated trading is permitted, strict high-frequency trading (HFT) practices may be restricted or closely monitored to maintain market integrity and effective risk management.  

Key Features of FunderPro

• Three challenge types: One-Phase (Fast Track), Regular, and Swing accounts  
• Daily profit rewards with multiple daily withdrawal opportunities  
• Funding up to $200,000 with scalable options  
• Support for trading bots via TradeLocker API and cTrader cBots  
• No trailing drawdown and allowance for news and weekend holding on Swing accounts  

Pros

• Transparent and fair funding model with daily payouts  
• Multiple challenge types catering to different trading styles  
• Ability to use automated trading tools and create custom bots  
• No minimum trading days on Swing accounts  
• 24/7 customer support via live chat  

Cons

• Some trading strategies, like arbitrage and specific scalping methods, are prohibited  

4. FundwayPlus

FundwayPlus is a proprietary trading firm that offers traders access to capital up to $1 million through a streamlined evaluation process. The firm provides two main challenge types: a standard one-step challenge with a 9% profit target, and a dedicated high-frequency trading (HFT) one-step challenge with an 8% profit target. 

FundwayPlus emphasizes fast payouts every two weeks and a progressive scaling plan that allows traders to increase their simulated capital as they meet profit milestones, supporting both traditional and HFT trading styles.  FundwayPlus is specifically designed to accommodate high-frequency trading by offering a tailored HFT evaluation account with clear rules, including a maximum daily drawdown of 4% and a total loss limit of 12%. 

The firm leverages advanced technology and infrastructure to ensure ultra-low latency and efficient trade execution, making it suitable for traders using algorithmic and rapid trading strategies. FundwayPlus also provides flexible payout options via crypto or bank transfer, with withdrawals processed within 48 to 72 hours.  

Key Features of FundwayPlus

• Funding up to $1 million with progressive scaling  
• Dedicated HFT one-step evaluation with an 8% profit target  
• Maximum daily drawdown of 4% (static) for HFT accounts  
• Fast payouts every two weeks with crypto and bank transfer options  
• No minimum trading days and allowance for news and weekend holding  

Pros  

• Explicit support for high-frequency trading strategies  
• Competitive profit targets and clear risk management rules  
• Quick and efficient payout process  
• Scalable capital growth based on trader performance  
• Optimized trading environment for smooth execution  

Cons

• Strict daily and total drawdown limits for HFT accounts  

5. Hudson River Trading

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is a leading quantitative trading firm specializing in multi-asset class trading and providing liquidity across global markets. Founded in 2002, HRT has developed one of the most advanced computing environments for research, modeling, and risk management. The firm employs a large team of mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists who design and implement sophisticated automated trading algorithms. 

HRT is recognized for its commitment to market integrity and transparency, operating with an internal code of ethics that surpasses regulatory standards. As a pioneer in algorithmic and high-frequency trading (HFT), Hudson River Trading executes a significant portion of its trades at ultra-fast speeds, leveraging cutting-edge technology and mathematical models. 

Although it differs from typical HFT firms by holding about 25% of its capital overnight and having average holding times of around five minutes, HRT remains a dominant player in the HFT space. The firm trades on over 200 markets worldwide and has expanded its business through acquisitions and diversification into hedge-fund-style strategies, generating billions in revenue annually.  

Key Features of Hudson River Trading  

• Advanced multi-asset class quantitative trading platform  
• Extensive global market access across 200+ venues  
• Sophisticated automated trading algorithms and models  
• A large team of expert algorithm developers and engineers  
• Strong ethical standards exceeding regulatory requirements  

Pros

• Industry leader in high-frequency and algorithmic trading  
• Robust technology infrastructure supporting rapid execution  
• Diverse trading strategies, including long-term and HFT approaches  
• Global presence with offices in major financial hubs  
• Commitment to market transparency and fairness  

Cons  

• Highly competitive and selective recruitment process  

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How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for Your Trading Style

Know Your Trading Style and Funding Goals

Choosing the right prop firm is subjective and depends on your unique trading style and goals. First, identify your trading style. Are you a high-frequency trader (HFT), day trader, swing trader, or position trader? Some prop firms allow high-frequency trading (HFT) strategies, while others focus on more disciplined, longer-term approaches. Next, define your risk tolerance. Know how much drawdown or daily loss you can comfortably handle. Finally, set funding goals. Determine the account size and profit targets you aim to achieve with the prop firm. 

Evaluate The Trading Rules And Restrictions Of Prop Firms

Different prop firms have unique rules and restrictions that may impact how you trade. HFT allowance is one of the first things to look for, especially if you use algorithmic trading strategies or plan to trade very frequently. Some firms have strict rules limiting such methods to control risk and maintain market efficiency. Next, review the drawdown limits applicable to funded accounts. These rules protect both your capital and the firm’s funds, but vary widely between firms.

Also, understand the profit targets required to pass the evaluation phase and whether the challenge is realistic for your trading style. Finally, position sizing and stop-loss requirements may also affect your trading approach. Some firms enforce strict position sizing and mandatory stop-loss orders to minimize risk exposure.

Consider Funding And Profit Sharing

Prop firms vary widely in terms of funding and profit-sharing arrangements. First, look for firms offering account sizes that match your trading ambitions, from smaller $5,000 accounts to large $1,000,000+ capital allocations. Next, check the profit split ratios, which typically range from 70% to 90% for traders. Higher splits are favorable but may come with stricter rules or fees. Finally, review all fees, including evaluation costs, monthly subscriptions, and withdrawal charges, to ensure transparency and value.

Assess Technology And Platform Compatibility

Technology can impact your trading performance and experience. First, check the trading platform. Ensure the firm provides a reliable and user-friendly platform that is compatible with your preferred trading software and tools. Then, confirm the availability of markets you trade, such as Forex, Futures, Stocks, or Crypto. Finally, some firms offer institutional-grade tools, market data, and algorithms that can enhance your trading efficiency. 

Review Reputation, Transparency, And Support Services

Before committing to a prop firm, research its reputation in the trading community. Look for reviews and testimonials from other traders on platforms like TrustPilot. Transparency is also vital. Choose firms with clear, upfront rules and no hidden conditions to avoid surprises during trading or evaluation. Finally, consider customer support. Quality, responsive support, and educational resources can significantly impact your trading experience and growth. 

Use A Structured Evaluation Strategy

Choosing the right prop firm can be challenging. To simplify the process, use a structured evaluation strategy. First, compare multiple firms. Systematically assess each firm based on the above criteria to find the best fit for your style and goals. Next, analyze risk policies. Ensure the firm’s risk management aligns with your approach, promoting disciplined trading rather than restrictive limitations. Finally, utilize tools and reviews. Leverage online review platforms, trading forums, and financial tracking tools to gather insights and validate your choice. 

For traders who prefer a non-HFT, disciplined trading environment, Goat Funded Trader is a strong option. They emphasize structured risk management and support traders focusing on consistency and strategy over speed. This makes them ideal for those seeking a balanced, transparent prop firm experience. 

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