E8 Markets

General Information

History and Evolution: From E8 Funding to E8 Markets

E8 Markets, originally launched as E8 Funding in 2021, is a proprietary trading firm that has undergone a remarkable evolution in a short period. Since its inception, the firm has positioned itself as an innovator in the industry, introducing features that challenged the status quo. Key milestones in its history include the elimination of minimum and maximum trading day rules, a move that granted unprecedented flexibility to traders, and the introduction of the industry’s first three-phase evaluation program, designed to offer a lower-cost entry point.

The year 2024 marked a fundamental turning point with the rebranding from E8 Funding to E8 Markets. This transition was not merely cosmetic; it represented a deliberate strategic pivot. In an environment where the prop firm industry faces increasing scrutiny from regulators and platform providers, the term “funding” can imply a direct financial relationship that companies seek to avoid. By repositioning itself as a “simulated markets company,” E8 Markets establishes a crucial operational and legal distinction.

This new approach is reflected in its terms and conditions, which emphasize that all trading is conducted in a demo environment with fictitious funds. The company does not “fund” traders in the traditional sense; instead, it offers them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a simulation and, if successful, rewards them by paying for the data and performance generated by their strategies. This business model, focused on technology and data, not only mitigates regulatory risk but also aligns the company with its long-term vision of being a bridge between retail analysts and institutional capital through data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This move can be interpreted as a defensive and proactive strategy to ensure business sustainability in a volatile sector.

Despite its relative youth, the firm has achieved significant figures, reporting over $57 million in payouts to traders and a user base exceeding 350,000.

Company Mission and Philosophy

The stated mission of E8 Markets is “to empower traders with tools and knowledge to outperform the markets.” This philosophy moves away from the purely transactional model of other firms and focuses on talent development. The company defines itself as a team of “traders with a passion for discovering hidden talent” within its community.

A central pillar of its philosophy is the creation of a “positive-sum environment,” where the success of one trader contributes to the collective success. This is materialized through its focus on collecting and analyzing trading data. According to its terms, the company reserves the right to use the data generated by users on the platform to optimize its own algorithms and risk models. This data-driven approach suggests that E8 Markets not only seeks profitable traders to replicate their trades but also uses the collective performance to build more robust algorithmic trading systems, creating a symbiotic ecosystem.

Industry Reputation and Trader Reviews

The reputation of E8 Markets in the trading community is mostly positive, as reflected by a high rating on review platforms like Trustpilot. Traders consistently praise several key aspects of the firm.

Fast payouts are one of the most highlighted points, with numerous testimonials confirming withdrawals processed within 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes even faster. The user dashboard also receives frequent praise for being intuitive, well-designed, and efficient, considered by some as one of the best in the industry. Finally, the clear rules and absence of hidden clauses are appreciated by traders looking for a transparent and fair environment.

However, the company is not without criticism. A recurring point in user reviews is that the spreads are not the tightest in the market. This can be an important consideration for scalpers or traders whose strategies are very sensitive to transaction costs. Additionally, as is common in the industry, there are isolated reports of traders who have experienced account closures for alleged rule violations or have had issues with order execution, attributing them to price manipulation or slippage.7 It is crucial that traders read and thoroughly understand all rules to avoid misunderstandings.

Evaluation Programs

Overview of Markets and Customization

E8 Markets offers traders the opportunity to trade in three of the most important financial markets: Forex, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies. This diversification allows specialists in each asset class to find a program that suits their experience.

One of the most distinctive and strategic features of E8 Markets is its high degree of customization. During the purchase process, the platform functions as an “evaluation builder,” allowing users to configure a challenge to their liking. Traders can select:

• The number of evaluation phases (1, 2, or 3).
• The trading platform (MT5, cTrader, Match Trader, etc.).
• The maximum drawdown level allowed.
• The profit split percentage.

This flexibility goes beyond being a simple feature; it is a fundamental business strategy. The prop firm market is saturated with rigid and standardized programs. By allowing traders to build their own challenge, E8 Markets vastly expands its target market. An aggressive trader might opt for a one-phase challenge with a more generous drawdown, while a more conservative trader might prefer a three-phase program with a lower initial cost. This “a la carte” model ensures that almost any trader visiting their website can find a configuration that aligns with their trading style and risk tolerance, thus maximizing conversions and positioning the firm as one of the most flexible and trader-centric in the sector.

General Comparison of Programs

To provide a clear view of its main offerings, E8 Markets structures its programs around the number of evaluation phases. Each program is designed for a different trader profile, balancing cost, speed, and profitability targets.

Program	Number of Phases	Main Profit Target	Main Drawdown Type	Ideal Trader Profile
E8 One	1 Phase	Higher (e.g., 9%-10%)	Relative / Trailing	Experienced and confident traders looking for the fastest path to a funded account.
E8 Signature	1 Phase	Lower (6%)	Based on end-of-day (EOD) balance	Day traders who need intraday flexibility and trade with consistency.
E8 Classic	2 Phases	Standard (e.g., 8% + 4%)	Fixed / Absolute	Traders who prefer the industry standard model and a balanced approach.
E8 Track	3 Phases	Standard (divided into 3)	Fixed / Absolute	Price-sensitive traders looking for the lowest entry cost who don’t mind a longer process.

E8 One Program (1 Phase)

Main Features and Ideal Trader Profile

The E8 One program is designed to be the most direct and fastest route to becoming an E8 Trader. By eliminating additional phases, it allows traders who pass a single set of objectives to directly access an account with a profit split.

This model is ideal for traders with a high level of confidence in their strategy and their ability to manage risk under pressure. Generally, one-phase programs require a higher profit target and may have stricter drawdown rules compared to multi-phase programs. One of the most attractive features of the E8 One is the inclusion of the “Payout on Demand” functionality, which offers superior withdrawal flexibility.13

E8 One Account Parameters

The E8 One program offers a wide range of account sizes, from micro-capital to high-value accounts, allowing traders to select the capital level that best suits their risk management strategy and income goals.

Account Size	Price (USD)	Profit Target	Daily Loss Limit	Maximum Loss Limit	Profit Split
$5,000	$48	10%	4%	6% (Relative)	80%
$10,000	$88	10%	4%	6% (Relative)	80%
$25,000	$188	10%	4%	6% (Relative)	80%
$50,000	$288	10%	4%	6% (Relative)	80%
$100,000	$488	9%	4%	8% (Relative)	80%
$200,000	$998	9%	4%	8% (Relative)	80%
$500,000	$1,998	9%	4%	8% (Relative)	80%

E8 Signature Program

Unique Features

The E8 Signature program is a highly specialized offering, meticulously designed for the day trader profile. Although it is a single-phase program, its rules differentiate it significantly from other models and reveal a sophisticated approach by the firm.

The main feature and biggest attraction is its drawdown rule, which is calculated on the end-of-day (EOD) balance. This means that intraday fluctuations do not trigger a violation of the maximum loss rule, as long as the account closes above the EOD threshold. This is a considerable advantage for day traders, who often experience significant volatility during the session.

However, this attractive benefit comes with a set of backend rules that function as a risk filter for the company. First, all positions must be closed before the end of the trading day (23:00 server time), completely eliminating the risk of overnight or weekend gaps for the firm. Second, it introduces stricter payout rules, such as a “Payout Ladder” that limits initial withdrawals and a more demanding consistency rule of 35% (compared to the usual 40%).

This design is ingenious. E8 Markets uses the EOD drawdown as a “hook” to attract a large volume of day traders. Then, through the mandatory daily closing rules and consistency requirements for payouts, it effectively filters traders, selecting only those who can generate small, consistent profits day after day. This approach minimizes the firm’s exposure to “one-hit wonder” traders and maximizes the collection of data from disciplined and sustainable trading strategies.

E8 Signature Account Parameters

This program focuses on day traders looking for a trading environment that forgives intraday volatility but rewards long-term consistency.

Account Size	Fee	Profit Target	Daily Loss Limit (Pause)	Maximum Drawdown (EOD)	Key Payout Rules
$25,000	Monthly	6%	2%	4%	Payout ladder, 35% consistency, minimum 5 profitable days.
$50,000	Monthly	6%	2%	4%	Payout ladder, 35% consistency, minimum 5 profitable days.
$100,000	Monthly	6%	2%	4%	Payout ladder, 35% consistency, minimum 5 profitable days.
$150,000	$267 (Activation)	6%	2%	4%	Payout ladder, 35% consistency, minimum 5 profitable days.

E8 Classic Program (2 Phases)

The Standard Evaluation Model

The E8 Classic program represents E8’s version of the standard two-phase challenge, which is the most recognized and widespread model in the proprietary trading industry. This program is designed for traders who are comfortable with a two-stage verification process and seek a balance between profit targets and drawdown rules.

The structure is straightforward: Phase 1 requires the trader to reach an 8% profit target, while the less demanding Phase 2 has a target of 4% or 5%. This staggered approach allows the firm to verify both the trader’s ability to generate profits and their skill in protecting capital once the initial target is met. It uses a fixed drawdown based on the initial balance, which provides clarity and predictability in risk management.

E8 Classic Account Parameters

This program is the preferred choice for many traders due to its familiar structure and balanced rules.

Account Size	Price (USD)	Phase 1 Target	Phase 2 Target	Daily Loss Limit	Maximum Loss Limit	Profit Split
$5,000	$59	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$10,000	$98	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$25,000	$228	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$50,000	$348	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$100,000	$588	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$200,000	$1,228	8%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%

E8 Track Program (3 Phases)

The Lowest Initial Cost Program

The E8 Track program is one of the firm’s most unique offerings, claiming to have been the first in the industry to introduce a three-phase evaluation model. The main appeal of this program is its significantly lower entry cost compared to one or two-phase models.

It is designed for traders who are more price-sensitive or perhaps just starting out and wish to risk less capital on the evaluation fee. In exchange for this lower cost, the verification process is longer. The total profit target is divided into three stages, for example, 8% in Phase 1, followed by 4% in Phase 2 and another 4% in Phase 3. This model is ideal for patient traders who are confident in their long-term consistency and prefer to demonstrate their skills over a more extended trial period.

E8 Track Account Parameters

This program offers the possibility of accessing large accounts with the lowest initial investment of all E8 Markets programs.

Account Size	Price (USD)	Phase 1 Target	Phase 2 Target	Phase 3 Target	Daily Loss Limit	Maximum Loss Limit	Profit Split
$10,000	$59	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$25,000	$118	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$50,000	$218	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$100,000	$358	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$250,000	$688	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%
$400,000	$1,188	8%	4%	4%	4%	8% (Fixed)	80%

Trading Rules

Profit Targets and Trading Days

One of the most significant advantages of E8 Markets is the flexibility regarding trading time. The firm has eliminated the minimum and maximum trading day rules in all its programs. This means a trader can complete the evaluation objectives in a single day if the market allows, or they can take several months to achieve them. This freedom removes the pressure of having to force trades to meet a time requirement, allowing traders to operate only when their strategies identify high-probability opportunities. The only time-related rule is an inactivity clause, which requires at least one trade to be placed every 30 days to keep the account active.

Drawdown Rules

Drawdown is the most critical rule in any prop firm program. E8 Markets uses different types of drawdown depending on the program, so it is vital to understand their differences.

Daily Loss

For most programs (E8 Classic, E8 Track, and some versions of E8 One), the daily loss is a fixed limit calculated as a percentage of the account’s initial balance. For example, on a $100,000 account with a 4% limit, the trader cannot let their account equity drop below $96,000 at any point during a trading day. This limit resets every day at midnight, server time. In the E8 Signature program, this limit functions more like a “daily pause”; if reached, the account is disabled for trading until the next day, but it does not constitute a full violation of the challenge.

Maximum Loss

This is where the differences are most notable.

• Fixed/Absolute Drawdown: Used in the E8 Classic and E8 Track programs, this limit is calculated only once from the initial balance and does not change.2 On a $100,000 account with an 8% maximum drawdown, the equity can never fall below $92,000.
• Relative/Trailing Drawdown: Common in one-phase programs like E8 One, this limit is more dynamic. It follows the highest point the account’s equity reaches (high-water mark). If on a $100,000 account with a 6% relative drawdown, the trader brings the balance to $105,000, the new violation floor will move from $94,000 to $99,000 ($105,000 - 6%). This type of drawdown is more demanding and requires stricter risk management.

The Consistency or “Best Day” Rule

This rule is E8 Markets’ main defense mechanism against traders who rely on luck rather than a sustainable strategy. For most accounts, the rule states that the profits from a single trading day cannot account for more than 40% of the total accumulated profit at the time of requesting a payout. In the E8 Signature program, this rule is even stricter, setting the limit at 35%.

The purpose of this rule is clear: to filter out “gamblers.” A trader could, theoretically, pass an evaluation with a single high-leverage trade during a volatile news event. However, this type of trading is not replicable, does not provide valuable strategy data for the firm, and represents an unmanageable risk. The consistency rule forces the trader to demonstrate that their profitability is the result of a strategy applied consistently over several days, and not a single stroke of luck. It is a non-negotiable rule for the firm because it ensures that only traders with a disciplined and sustainable approach advance to the profit-sharing stage.

Policies on News Trading

E8 Markets’ policy on news trading is nuanced. During the evaluation phase, trading during high-impact news events is generally allowed.14 This gives traders the freedom to apply their strategies in all market conditions.

However, once a trader reaches the E8 Trader stage (the account with profit sharing), restrictions apply. A prohibition period is established that begins 5 minutes before the release of a high-impact news event and extends until 5 minutes after. The objective of this restriction is to protect both the trader and the firm from the extreme volatility, widening spreads, and severe slippage that often accompany these events, conditions that can lead to catastrophic and unpredictable losses.

Use of Expert Advisors (EAs) and Copy Trading

E8 Markets allows the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) or trading robots, which is an advantage for algorithmic traders. However, there is a crucial condition: the strategy implemented by the EA must be unique to the trader. If the firm detects that multiple users are using the same third-party EA and executing the exact same trades, it may consider this a violation of the “one strategy per user” rule, which could lead to the termination of the accounts.

Copy trading is also permitted, but with specific restrictions. It is prohibited to copy trades between multiple E8 evaluation accounts; each evaluation must be completed independently. However, a trader can copy trades from an E8 Trader (funded) account to an E8 evaluation account, provided they can prove they are the owner of both accounts.

Overnight and Weekend Trading

For most of its programs, E8 Markets allows positions to be held open overnight and over the weekend. This flexibility is essential for swing traders and position traders whose strategies require holding trades for several days or weeks. The firm warns, however, that the trader is fully responsible for any losses that may occur due to market gaps at the Monday open.

The main exception to this rule is the E8 Signature program, which, being designed for day traders, requires all positions to be closed at the end of each trading day.

Prohibited Trading Strategies

To maintain the integrity of its simulated trading environment and the quality of the data they collect, E8 Markets explicitly prohibits certain trading practices. These include:

• Hedging Across Multiple Accounts: Opening opposing positions on the same asset in different accounts to mitigate risk is strictly prohibited.
• High-Frequency Trading (HFT): Defined by the firm as holding more than 50% of trades for less than one minute.
• “All or Nothing” Trading: Risking a disproportionate share of the allowed drawdown on a single trade is considered irresponsible risk management and can be penalized.
• Latency Arbitrage or Data Feed Exploitation: Using any strategy that takes advantage of system inefficiencies or data delays is prohibited.
• Martingale Strategies: Although not explicitly prohibited by name, strategies involving doubling the position size after a loss can be classified as “irresponsible trading” and are subject to review.

Payouts and Withdrawals

Profit Split and Scaling Plan

The standard profit split at E8 Markets is 80% for the trader, a competitive figure in the industry. However, during account customization, traders have the option to increase this percentage to 90% or even 100% in exchange for a higher evaluation fee.

Additionally, E8 Markets offers a scaling plan for accounts in the E8 Classic and E8 Track programs. This plan allows traders who demonstrate consistent profitability to increase their account balance over time. Generally, scaling occurs after a certain number of successful payouts, incentivizing long-term consistency and offering a clear path to managing increasingly larger capital.

Withdrawal Process and the “Payout on Demand” Feature

E8 Markets stands out for the speed and flexibility of its payout process. The first profit withdrawal can be requested after just 8 trading days on the funded account, one of the shortest timelines in the industry. Subsequent payouts are typically available every 14 days.

The “Payout on Demand” feature, available in programs like the E8 One, revolutionizes this process. It allows traders to request a withdrawal at any time, without having to wait for a scheduled payout day. To be eligible, the trader must meet certain conditions, such as having a positive balance and the generated profit exceeding 50% of the daily loss limit. This feature provides unprecedented control and flexibility over earnings.

Payment and Withdrawal Methods

The firm offers modern and convenient methods for both purchasing evaluations and withdrawing profits.

• To Purchase Evaluations: E8 Markets accepts major credit and debit cards. Additionally, it offers the option to pay with a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, providing a fast and decentralized option for users worldwide.
• To Withdraw Profits: Payouts are processed through two main providers: Rise and Plane. Rise is a versatile platform that allows receiving payments in both fiat money (cash) and cryptocurrencies. Plane specializes in local bank transfers, covering over 70 countries and facilitating direct withdrawals to the trader’s bank account. E8 Markets does not charge fees for withdrawals, although payment processors may apply their own fees.

Withdrawal Limits and Minimums

To ensure an orderly process, there are certain thresholds for withdrawals. The minimum payout amount is $250 if using Rise (especially for cryptocurrencies) and $50 for bank transfers via Plane.

Additionally, E8 Markets implements initial withdrawal limits on some of its accounts as a risk management measure. For example, “Model 1” accounts have per-transaction limits that are removed after the trader has withdrawn a specific cumulative amount. “Model 2” accounts may have an initial limit of $5,000 per payout, which is lifted after demonstrating greater consistency. These measures are designed to encourage stable trading and protect the firm from massive withdrawals after a single lucky trade.

Technical Aspects and Trading Conditions

Available Trading Platforms

One of the strengths of E8 Markets is its wide range of trading platforms, demonstrating a solid technological infrastructure and a smart diversification strategy. The available options include:

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): The popular platform from MetaQuotes, though with restrictions for US citizens.
• cTrader: An advanced platform known for its superior charting tools and ECN environment.
• Match Trader (MTR): A modern and user-friendly platform, often recommended for beginners.
• TradeLocker: Another innovative alternative with TradingView chart integration.

This diversity of platforms is a key indicator of the resilience of E8’s business model. The prop firm industry was shaken when MetaQuotes began restricting the use of its platforms. Firms that relied exclusively on MT4/MT5 found themselves in a vulnerable position. By proactively integrating multiple platforms, E8 Markets not only attracts a broader user base with different preferences but also protects itself against the risk of a single point of failure. If one platform provider changes its policies, E8’s business is not paralyzed. This technological diversification is a sign of mature management that plans for long-term stability and survival.

Broker and Liquidity Provider

E8 Markets has an official partnership with the broker Purple Trading SC, which provides the infrastructure for its MT5 platform. This collaboration offers trading conditions that suggest an ECN/STP type environment, with spreads that can start from 0.0 pips and fixed commissions per lot, such as the $3 per lot mentioned in some communications. Transparency about their brokerage partner is a positive point that increases the firm’s credibility.

Leverage by Asset Type

The maximum leverage offered by E8 Markets is generally 1:100 for major currency pairs (Forex). The leverage for other asset classes like indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies is usually lower to reflect their higher inherent volatility. Traders should consult the exact instrument specifications on the trading platform to know the applicable leverage.

Commissions, Spreads, and Slippage

E8 Markets offers two types of cost structures to suit different trading styles: standard spread accounts with no commissions and raw spread accounts with commissions.

• Standard Accounts: In this model, the cost of the trade is included in the spread, which will be wider. No additional commissions are charged.
• Raw Accounts: This model offers very tight spreads, often close to zero on the most liquid pairs, but charges a fixed commission for each lot traded. Typical commissions are:
  • Forex: $5 per lot.
  • Metals and Energies: $6 per lot.
  • Indices: Between $6 and $12 per lot, depending on the index.
  • Cryptocurrencies: $35 per lot.

As mentioned earlier, some traders have noted that the spreads may not be the most competitive, especially for scalping strategies. The firm is transparent about the possibility of spreads widening and slippage increasing during periods of high volatility or news, which is a normal market condition.

Tradable Financial Instruments

List of Available Assets

E8 Markets provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, allowing traders to diversify their strategies and trade in the markets they are most familiar with. The available asset classes include:

• Currency Pairs (Forex): Includes major, minor, and exotic pairs.
• Stock Indices: Allows trading on major stock indices from America, Europe, and Asia.
• Commodities: Includes precious metals like gold and silver, as well as energies like crude oil.
• Cryptocurrencies: Offers the ability to trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins.

Summary of Tradable Instruments at E8 Markets

The following table summarizes the asset categories available to traders on the E8 Markets platform.

Asset Class	Notable Examples
Forex Pairs	EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/CAD
Stock Indices	US30 (Dow Jones), SPX500 (S&P 500), NAS100 (Nasdaq), GER40 (DAX)
Commodities	XAU/USD (Gold), XAG/USD (Silver), WTI/USD (WTI Crude Oil)
Cryptocurrencies	BTC/USD (Bitcoin), ETH/USD (Ethereum), XRP/USD (Ripple), LTC/USD (Litecoin)

Customer Support and Community

Support Channels and Availability

E8 Markets places a strong emphasis on customer support, offering multiple communication channels with 24/7 availability, a crucial factor for traders operating in different time zones. The available channels are:

• Live Chat: Accessible directly from their website, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is the fastest method for getting answers to urgent queries.
• Email: The support team can be contacted at support@e8markets.com for more detailed inquiries.
• Help Center: The firm maintains two extensive help centers (one for Forex/Crypto and another for Futures) that function as knowledge bases with dozens of articles covering rules, processes, and frequently asked questions.

The E8 Community on Discord

Beyond technical support, E8 Markets actively fosters a community of traders through its Discord server. This platform serves as a meeting point for users to interact with each other, share market analysis, discuss strategies, and receive announcements and updates directly from the company. Building this community is an integral part of their strategy to increase trader engagement and retention.

Restricted Countries

List of Non-Admitted Jurisdictions

Due to international regulations and payment processing restrictions, E8 Markets does not offer its services to residents of certain countries. The list of restricted jurisdictions includes: Cuba, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Additionally, there are specific platform restrictions. Access to the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform is restricted for citizens and residents of the United States.

Key Advantages of Trading with E8 Markets

After a thorough analysis, E8 Markets stands out for several strengths that position it as one of the top options in the proprietary trading industry.

• Flexibility and Customization: The ability to build a custom evaluation is undoubtedly its greatest competitive advantage. It allows traders of all styles and risk levels to find a program that fits their needs.
• Speed and Flexibility in Payouts: With the first payout available in just 8 days and the innovative “Payout on Demand” feature, E8 Markets leads the industry in terms of access to earnings, a factor of great importance to traders.
• Solid Technology and Platforms: The user dashboard is top-notch, and the wide selection of trading platforms (MT5, cTrader, Match Trader, TradeLocker) not only offers options but also demonstrates a resilient and future-ready technological infrastructure.
• Clear and Flexible Trading Rules: The absence of minimum or maximum trading day requirements eliminates a major source of psychological pressure, allowing traders to operate with greater freedom and discipline.