1. Evaluation Models and Program Variety
Both firms offer a wide range of entry points, but their philosophies differ significantly in terms of complexity and speed.
- Funded Trading Plus (FTP): Focuses on three main pillars: Experienced (1-Step), Advanced/Premium/Prestige (2-Step), and Master (Instant). Their 2-step programs vary mainly in drawdown type and profit targets, allowing traders to choose between lower targets (Prestige Lite at 6%) or higher drawdown limits (Advanced at 10%).
- Maven: Offers a broader structural variety including 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step, Instant, and "Mini" accounts. The 3-Step program is particularly notable for its very low entry price and conservative targets (3% per phase), catering to traders who prefer a slow and steady approach.
- The "Mini" Factor: Maven provides a unique 24-hour "Mini" account designed for ultra-short-term results, a feature entirely absent in FTP’s more traditional lineup.
2. Drawdown Logic and Risk Management
The way drawdown is calculated is the most critical technical difference between these two firms.
- FTP’s Hybrid Trailing Drawdown: In most FTP programs (Experienced, Advanced, Premium), the drawdown is trailing but stops following at the initial balance level.
- Consequence: Once you have earned a profit equal to the maximum drawdown, the limit locks at your starting balance, effectively becoming a static drawdown from that point forward.
- Maven’s Static vs. Trailing: Maven uses a Static Drawdown for its 2-Step and 3-Step programs, which is generally considered superior for traders as it doesn't "eat" into realized profits. However, their 1-Step and Instant accounts use a standard Trailing Drawdown.
- Daily Drawdown Calculation:
- FTP uses the higher value between balance and equity.
- Maven uses an EOD (End of Day) High-Watermark, meaning your limit is set based on the highest point your account reached by the end of the trading day.
3. Payout Restrictions and Financial Limits
While both firms pay out, the "ceiling" for successful traders is vastly different.
- Maven’s Withdrawal Cap: Maven imposes a strict $10,000 maximum withdrawal limit per 30-day cycle. Additionally, once a trader surpasses $5,000 in total profit, they must undergo a risk interview.
- Consequence: High-capital traders ($100k+ accounts) will find this limit extremely restrictive, as it caps potential monthly income regardless of account size or performance.
- FTP’s Flexibility: FTP does not list a specific maximum withdrawal amount (UNKNOWN/Unlimited), making it more suitable for professional traders looking to scale their income alongside their account balance.
- Consistency Rules: Maven enforces a 20% consistency rule on Instant and Mini accounts (no single day can represent more than 20% of total profit). FTP is much more lenient, focusing on prohibiting "boom or bust" news gambling rather than mathematical consistency scores.
4. Trading Rules and Strategy Freedom
The operational freedom afforded to the trader varies, especially regarding automation and news.
- Expert Advisors (EAs):
- FTP allows EAs without major restrictions, making it a destination for algorithmic traders.
- Maven prohibits EAs, allowing only manual trading or manual copying.
- News Trading:
- FTP allows news trading across the board.
- Maven has a strict 2-minute "no-trade" window before and after high-impact news. This includes TPs and SLs being triggered, which can lead to accidental breaches during high volatility.
- Copy Trading: FTP strictly prohibits any form of copy trading between accounts. Maven allows it, but only if done manually.
5. Leverage and Trading Conditions
- Forex Leverage: Maven offers significantly higher leverage at 1:75, compared to FTP’s 1:30.
- Consequence: Maven allows for larger position sizes relative to the account balance, which is beneficial for the 3-Step or Mini programs but increases the risk of hitting daily drawdown limits quickly.
- Commissions: Both are competitive. FTP charges roughly $7 per lot on Forex and Metals, while Maven is lower at $4 for Forex and $6 for Metals.
- Platforms: FTP offers a wider variety of modern platforms, including DXTrade and MatchTrader, alongside MT4/MT5. Maven focuses on MT5, MatchTrader, and cTrader.
6. Scaling and Long-term Growth
- FTP Scaling: Traders can scale up to $2,500,000. The requirements are clear: 10% profit over at least 2 months to double the balance.
- Maven Scaling: Limits scaling to $1,000,000. It requires 10% profit over 4 months (2.5% monthly average) and at least one payout per month.
- Refund Policy: FTP offers a refund after reaching a 10% profit in the funded stage (on 1 and 2-step plans). Maven requires you to reach the 3rd payout to receive a refund, which is a much higher hurdle.
7. Summary: Which Firm to Choose?
Choose Funded Trading Plus if:
- You use Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated strategies.
- You are a high-volume trader who wants to withdraw more than $10,000 per month.
- You want a trailing drawdown that eventually becomes static (locks at balance).
- You prefer trading news events without restrictions or "forbidden windows."
- You need specific platforms like DXTrade.
Choose Maven if:
- You are looking for the lowest possible entry price (their 3-step and 1-step small accounts are extremely cheap).
- You prefer a Static Drawdown from day one (available in 2 and 3-step plans).
- You need higher leverage (1:75) for your trading style.
- You are a beginner looking to practice with a 3-Step evaluation or a 24-hour Mini account.
- You are comfortable with a manual trading environment and a $10k monthly withdrawal ceiling.
