City Traders Imperium: Information and detailed review

The company

City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a proprietary trading firm established in 2018, making it one of the more experienced players in the modern prop firm industry. The company is headquartered in the Algaroud Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is led by CEOs Daniel Martin and Martin Najat.

Since its inception, the firm has positioned itself as an institution-focused provider, emphasizing long-term trader development rather than high-turnover gambling. This is reflected in their substantial track record, including over 1,600 Trustpilot reviews, and a corporate structure that leans toward professional trading standards. Unlike many firms that rely on third-party brokerage exclusively, CTI operates with its own brand "City Traders Imperium" as the designated broker, which suggests a more integrated technical environment for their users.

Evaluation models

CTI offers four distinct pathways to funding, each designed to cater to different risk appetites and experience levels. These models range from traditional evaluation phases to direct access programs.

1-Step and 2-Step Evaluations

These are the standard challenge-based models.

• 1-Step Evaluation: This model is designed for traders seeking a faster route to funding. It requires hitting a single profit target. However, it is important to note that this model utilizes a trailing drawdown, which makes risk management more restrictive as the account balance grows.
• 2-Step Evaluation: A more traditional approach consisting of two phases. Phase 1 has a higher profit target, while Phase 2 is reduced. This model uses a static drawdown, which is generally considered more favorable for conservative traders as the maximum loss limit does not move upward with profits.

Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro

For traders who prefer to bypass evaluation phases entirely, CTI provides two direct funding options.

• Instant Funding: Traders receive an active account immediately. This model is structured around levels. While the initial profit split is lower (starting at 50%), it allows for aggressive scaling where the account balance doubles every time a 10% target is achieved, reaching up to $2 million.
• Instant Funding Pro: This is a premium direct funding option with a higher entry cost but more favorable initial terms, such as a 70% profit split from the start (at Level 2). Unlike the standard Instant Funding, this model does not offer a registration fee refund.

Drawdown and risk management

Risk management at City Traders Imperium is governed by specific drawdown rules that vary significantly between the chosen programs. Understanding these differences is crucial for account longevity.

Static vs. Trailing Drawdown

The distinction between the models is sharp:

• Static Drawdown: Applied to the 2-Step and Instant Funding programs. The maximum drawdown limit is fixed based on the initial balance. This provides a clear "hard floor" for the trader, regardless of how much profit is accumulated.
• Trailing Drawdown: Applied exclusively to the 1-Step program. This drawdown "trails" the highest balance achieved. If a trader gains profit, the drawdown floor moves up. This requires a more active adjustment of position sizing to avoid breaching the limit during retracements from peak equity.

Daily Drawdown and Stop Loss Requirements

The daily drawdown is balance-based, meaning it is calculated against the account balance at the start of the trading day. This provides more transparency than equity-based calculations that fluctuate with open positions.

A unique feature of CTI’s risk policy is the Mandatory Stop Loss. Every trade must have a stop loss attached. Failure to do so is categorized as a "soft breach." Instead of closing the account, the system will automatically close any trade without a stop loss after one minute. This serves as a forced discipline mechanism that protects both the firm and the trader from catastrophic "black swan" events.

Trading rules and restrictions

CTI allows for a variety of trading styles but maintains strict prohibitions on strategies it deems exploitative or non-representative of real market participation.

Permitted and Restricted Strategies

• Expert Advisors (EAs) and VPNs: Both are permitted. However, the use of third-party EAs is strictly limited to the 1-Step Challenge. For other programs, EAs must be unique or significantly modified.
• Prohibited Tactics: The firm explicitly bans "Group Hedging," "Martingale" (except in 1-Step), "Grid Trading," and "Bracketing Strategies." These are viewed as high-risk gambling methods or attempts to exploit the demo environment.
• News and Weekend Trading: CTI is relatively flexible here, allowing both news trading and holding positions over the weekend, which is a significant advantage for swing traders.

The Consistency Score

The Consistency Score is a critical metric for those in the Instant Funding programs who wish to scale their accounts. It is calculated by taking the absolute value of the trader's most profitable (or losing) day and dividing it by the sum of the absolute P/L of all trading days. A score of 20% or lower is required for scaling, ensuring that a trader's success isn't the result of a single "lucky" trade, but rather a series of disciplined entries.

Payouts

The payout structure at CTI is designed to reward consistency over time, with increasing benefits for those who remain profitable over multiple cycles.

1-Step and 2-Step Payouts

• Initial Payout: Can be requested after 7 profitable trading days (defined as days with at least 0.5% profit) and a minimum net profit of 2% or $100.
• Subsequent Payouts: These occur monthly during the last five days of each month.
• Profit Split: Starts at 80% and can reach 100% through the VIP program.

Instant Funding Payouts

• Level 1 & 2: The first 50% profit share from Level 1 is only available once the 10% target is hit on Level 2.
• Subsequent Payouts: Once the initial hurdles are cleared, payouts can be requested bi-weekly (on the 14th/15th and at month-end) or "On Demand" if specific profit and trading day criteria are met.

Refund Policy

CTI offers a "Sign-up Fee Refund" for most programs. For 1-Step and 2-Step, 100% of the fee is returned upon reaching the 10% profit target on the funded account. For standard Instant Funding, a 50% refund is provided at Level 2. Instant Funding Pro does not include a refund.

Platforms, assets and limitations

The technical environment at CTI provides standard industry tools with specific leverage constraints designed to mimic professional trading conditions.

• Platforms: Traders can choose between MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the industry standard for technical analysis, and MatchTrader, which offers a more modern web-based interface.
• Assets: The firm provides access to Forex, Commodities (Metals and Energies), Indices, and Cryptocurrencies.
• Leverage: Leverage is capped at 30:1 for Forex, 10:1 for Metals, Indices, and Energies, and 2:1 for Crypto. These limits are significantly lower than "offshore" prop firms, aligning more closely with regulated European or UAE brokerage standards.
• Geographic Restrictions: CTI does not accept traders from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Vietnam.

Loyalty and VIP Programs

CTI distinguishes itself through a comprehensive progression system that rewards long-term tenure.

VIP Tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold)

As traders complete more payout cycles and maintain profitable accounts, they can ascend through VIP levels:

• Bronze: Increases profit split to 90% and enables weekly payouts.
• Silver: Offers a 100% profit split and "On Demand" withdrawals.
• Gold: Includes the potential for a guaranteed monthly salary for one year and institutional-grade trading conditions.

Loyalty Program

Beyond the VIP tiers, the firm operates a "Loyalty Program" where traders earn points by completing daily and weekly quests. These points can be redeemed for discounts, cash prizes, or even free evaluation accounts, adding a gamified layer to the professional trading environment.

Summary: who this firm suits

City Traders Imperium is a firm built for the disciplined, long-term trader rather than those seeking high-leverage, short-term gains.

Key Strengths:

• Longevity and Reputation: Operating since 2018 with a strong track record.
• Progression Path: One of the few firms offering a clear path to a 100% profit split and a fixed salary.
• Static Drawdown: Available on most plans, providing a more stable risk environment.
• Flexible Rules: Allows news trading and weekend holding.

Key Limitations:

• Mandatory Stop Loss: Traders who prefer mental stops or "soft" exits may find the 1-minute auto-close rule frustrating.
• Trailing Drawdown on 1-Step: This specific model is significantly harder to manage than the 2-step version.
• Lower Leverage: The 30:1 cap may be restrictive for traders used to high-leverage environments.

Ideal Trader Profile: CTI is best suited for swing traders and disciplined intraday traders who value a fixed drawdown and a professional growth path. It is an excellent choice for those who view prop trading as a career rather than a quick challenge, as the most significant benefits (100% split, salary) require months of consistent performance.