Review
What is QT Funded? Key Company Information
To understand QT Funded’s value proposition, it’s essential to analyze its corporate structure, its mission in the market, and the team that backs it. The firm presents a particular business model that distinguishes it from many of its competitors.
Mission and Vision in the Prop Trading Sector
QT Funded’s stated mission is to position itself as the ultimate partner for talented traders worldwide, based on the premise that access to sufficient capital is the main barrier to success. Its vision is to consolidate itself as a dominant force in foreign exchange brokerage and proprietary trading, constantly redefining industry standards through innovation and the construction of a solid and collaborative trading community.
The firm’s operational structure is a key point. QT Funded offers its evaluation programs in a simulated, educational trading environment. These services are provided in conjunction with Quant Tekel (Pty) Ltd, an entity that operates as a regulated broker in South Africa under FSP License No. 53227. This vertical integration, where the prop firm and the broker are intrinsically connected, suggests total control over the trading environment, which can translate into smoother execution and optimized conditions.
Leadership Team and Transparency
Information about the company’s leadership presents some ambiguity. The comparison platform PropFirmMatch identifies Tanswell Sassman as the CEO of the firm. On the other hand, a Forbes article mentions James Manto as Co-Founder of Quant Tekel. Additionally, some user reviews in the community highlight the figure of “CEO Alex” for his direct involvement in problem-solving and his active presence on communication channels.
This lack of a single, consistently promoted leadership figure, coupled with the fact that the firm is the result of a rebranding from a previous entity called Ascendx, may be a point of consideration for traders who value a long track record and a completely transparent corporate structure. However, the active presence of a leader in the community, as reported in reviews, can counteract these concerns by offering a direct and effective communication channel.
The Associated Broker: Quant Tekel
Quant Tekel is not just a partner, but the broker through which QT Funded operates. It promotes itself as a broker with true STP (Straight Through Processing) execution, with no dealing desk, which in theory eliminates conflicts of interest with its clients.
The technical infrastructure it promises is high-level, with execution speeds below 30 ms and access to liquidity from more than 20 top-tier providers. Furthermore, they claim to offer raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a transparent pricing policy, with no hidden fees or requotes, which is fundamental for the operations of high-frequency traders or scalpers.
Funding Programs: A Look at All Plans
QT Funded has structured its offering into four distinct programs, designed to adapt to different trading styles, experience levels, and risk preferences. The range includes everything from instant funding to two and three-phase evaluations.
General Features and Key Differences
The main difference between the plans lies in the process of accessing capital. The QT Instant program eliminates the evaluation phase, granting a funded account immediately in exchange for stricter operating rules. On the other hand, the QT Prime and QT Power programs require the trader to demonstrate their skill and consistency through one or more evaluation phases before receiving an account with real capital.
QT Instant Plan (Instant Funding)
This program is designed for traders who are confident in their strategy and wish to trade with the firm’s capital without undergoing a challenge. In exchange for this immediate access, tighter risk limits are established.
| Account Size | Daily Drawdown Limit (%) | Maximum Drawdown Limit (%) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,250 | 3 | 6 | $26 |
| $2,500 | 3 | 6 | $52 |
| $5,000 | 3 | 6 | $84 |
| $10,000 | 3 | 6 | $132 |
| $25,000 | 3 | 6 | $250 |
| $50,000 | 3 | 6 | $460 |
QT Prime Plan (2 and 3-Phase Evaluation)
The QT Prime plan is the firm’s most traditional evaluation model, offering two variants: a standard two-phase challenge and a unique three-phase option with lower and more consistent profit targets.
| Account Size | Profit Target Phase 1 (%) | Profit Target Phase 2 (%) | Daily Drawdown Limit (%) | Maximum Drawdown Limit (%) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $60 |
| $10,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $110 |
| $25,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $230 |
| $50,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $360 |
| $100,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $680 |
| $200,000 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 10 | $1,300 |
The three-phase version reduces pressure on the trader by setting more achievable profit targets at each stage.
| Account Size | Profit Target (Phases 1, 2, 3) (%) | Daily Drawdown Limit (%) | Maximum Drawdown Limit (%) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $54 |
| $10,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $99 |
| $25,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $207 |
| $50,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $324 |
| $100,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $612 |
| $200,000 | 6 | 4 | 10 | $1,170 |
QT Power Plan (Simplified 2-Phase Evaluation)
The QT Power plan is presented as a more accessible alternative to the two-phase Prime. It offers lower profit targets, but in return, the drawdown limits are also stricter, requiring more precise risk management from the trader.
| Account Size | Profit Target (Phases 1 and 2) (%) | Daily Drawdown Limit (%) | Maximum Drawdown Limit (%) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 6 | 4 | 8 | $26 |
| $10,000 | 6 | 4 | 8 | $52 |
| $25,000 | 6 | 4 | 8 | $105 |
| $50,000 | 6 | 4 | 8 | $210 |
| $100,000 | 6 | 4 | 8 | $400 |
Detailed Trading Rules at QT Funded
QT Funded establishes a framework of rules designed to encourage disciplined risk management. These rules vary significantly between the different programs, reflecting the risk profile of each.
General Rules: Drawdown and Risk Management
Drawdown management is the cornerstone of risk rules at QT Funded. The firm uses different calculation methods depending on the plan, demonstrating a nuanced approach to risk management.
The Daily Drawdown limit for some plans is calculated based on the End of Day Equity. The Maximum Drawdown is static for the Prime (10%) and Power (8%) plans, while for the Instant plan it is a trailing type (6%), meaning it adjusts with the highest point the account balance reaches. This trailing drawdown is the most demanding for the trader, as the loss threshold moves up as profits are made, but does not move back down.
Additionally, the firm explicitly prohibits “all or nothing” strategies or any approach that could be considered gambling.
Program-Specific Rules (Consistency, Stop Loss, etc.)
The QT Instant program, by offering immediate capital, imposes the most restrictive operating conditions. Traders on this plan must place a stop loss within 60 seconds of opening a trade and cannot have more than three positions open simultaneously on the same asset (“layering” rule). A 25% consistency rule also applies, which stipulates that the profits from a single trading day cannot exceed 25% of the total profit at the time of requesting a withdrawal. Before the first withdrawal, a total profit of 8% is required.
The QT Power plan, for its part, has a 35% consistency rule.
It is important to note that the firm has shown flexibility, recently updating its rules to make them more favorable to traders. Notable changes include the removal of the 3% safety buffer for withdrawals in the Instant plan, the doubling of the maximum risk per trade to 2% in the same plan, and the removal of the “layering” rule for the Prime plan and the maximum risk rule for the Power plan.
Policy on News Trading and Expert Advisors (EAs)
QT Funded’s policy on news trading is generally permissive, though with certain caveats. Trading during news events is allowed, but the firm reserves the right to classify trades as “unrealistic” if the execution or fill prices appear anomalous. In the specific case of the QT Power plan, manually opening or closing trades within 5 minutes before and after the release of high-impact news is prohibited.
The use of Expert Advisors (EAs) and copy trading tools is permitted but requires prior approval from the firm. QT Funded warns that the use of the same EA by multiple traders may be detected and flagged as a violation of the copy trading rules, which could lead to the voiding of the account.
Scaling Plan: Growth up to $2,000,000
One of the biggest attractions of QT Funded is its scaling plan, which offers successful traders a clear path to significantly increase their capital under management and their profit share.
Eligibility Criteria for Scaling the Account
To be eligible for the scaling plan, a trader must meet a set of rigorous criteria that demonstrate profitability and consistency over time:
- Achieve a total net profit of at least 10% over a period of eight consecutive weeks.
- Have received a minimum of three profit payouts during this same 8-week period.
- End the last trading cycle of the evaluation period with a positive account balance.
Plan Benefits and Progression
Traders who meet the eligibility criteria can see their account grow to a maximum of $2,000,000. The profit share, which starts at 80%, can increase to 90%.
The scaling plan not only increases capital but also unlocks additional benefits at different stages of progression. These include improvements in drawdown limits, salary offers of up to $120,000 annually, and even the possibility of obtaining a physical position at the firm’s offices.
| Period | Account Size | Benefits | Maximum Daily Loss | Total Maximum Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Weeks | $220,000 | – | $11,000 | $22,000 |
| 16 Weeks | $240,000 | +1% to Max Drawdown, +5% to Profit Split, +10% Additional Lots | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| 24 Weeks | $260,000 | Salary Offer | $13,000 | $26,000 |
| 32 Weeks | $280,000 | +1% to Daily Drawdown, Salary up to $120k | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| 40 Weeks | $300,000 | Position in the Office | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Technical Aspects and Trading Conditions
The technical conditions of a prop firm are crucial, as they directly impact the trader’s ability to execute their strategy effectively. QT Funded offers a robust and diverse infrastructure.
Trading Platforms: MT5, cTrader, and TradeLocker
One of QT Funded’s strengths is its offering of multiple trading platforms, allowing it to cater to a wide range of preferences. Traders can choose between:
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An industry-standard platform, known for its advanced technical analysis tools and support for algorithmic trading.
- cTrader: Preferred by many discretionary traders for its modern interface, depth of market (DOM), and fast execution.
- TradeLocker: A modern and intuitive web-based platform that integrates TradingView charts.
It is crucial to note that, due to the platform provider’s policies, MetaQuotes-based services (MT5) are not available to residents of the United States. These clients can opt to use TradeLocker as an alternative.
Available Leverage
The firm offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:100, which allows traders to control larger positions with relatively small capital. While high leverage can magnify profits, it also exponentially increases the risk of losses.
Commissions and Spreads
QT Funded promises competitive trading conditions with spreads that can start from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs during peak market liquidity hours. The commission structure varies depending on the chosen funding program.
| Plan | Commission Model | Details |
|---|---|---|
| QT Power & Instant | Fixed Commission | $4 per lot on all assets. Oil has no commissions. |
| QT Prime | Flexible | The trader can choose between “Raw Spreads + Commission” or “No Commission + Variable Spread”. |
User opinions on this aspect are mixed. Some traders praise the tight spreads, even mentioning 0 pips on EURUSD, while others report high commissions or excessively wide spreads, over 15 pips, especially on the TradeLocker platform.
Tradable Financial Instruments
The range of available instruments is broad, allowing traders to diversify their strategies across different markets. The offering includes:
- Forex: Major, minor, and exotic pairs.
- Commodities: Precious metals and energies.
- Stock Indices: The main global indices.
- Cryptocurrencies: Popular digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Stock CFDs: Over 150 CFDs of the world’s largest companies.
Deposits, Withdrawals, and Profit Split
The financial logistics, including payment methods and the profit-sharing policy, are a determining factor in choosing a prop firm.
Accepted Payment Methods
For the purchase of evaluation programs, QT Funded accepts payments via Cryptocurrencies and Bank Transfer (Wire Transfer). Some sources also indicate the availability of Credit/Debit Card payments. The same methods are usually available for profit withdrawals.
Profit Split Policy and Withdrawal Process
The initial profit split for funded traders is up to 80%. Through the scaling plan, this share can increase to 90%.
Payments are processed bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) and the firm claims to have an average processing time of 8 hours. Recently, the option of “payout on demand” has been introduced for the QT Power plan, provided that the minimum requirements are met.
Customer Support and Community Reviews
The quality of support and the experience of other traders are valuable indicators of a firm’s reliability and service.
Support Channels and Response Times
QT Funded offers multiple communication channels to serve its clients, including Live Chat, email, and a telephone line. One aspect the firm highlights is that its support team is composed of real traders, which theoretically ensures a deeper understanding of users’ needs and problems. User reviews largely corroborate the effectiveness of the support, frequently highlighting the speed of response times.
Trader Perspective: Common Advantages and Criticisms
The trading community has a polarized view of QT Funded.
Among the most mentioned positive aspects are the fast and efficient support, reliability in payments, tight spreads on certain pairs, affordable prices for the challenges, and the active participation of the leadership in the Discord community.
On the other hand, criticisms focus on commissions considered high on some instruments, very wide spreads on others, accounts being disqualified for reasons considered minor (such as issues with IP address), occasional errors in the dashboard, and a general distrust stemming from the company’s past name changes.
Restricted Countries and Jurisdictions
QT Funded, like many other firms in the sector, restricts its services in certain jurisdictions. The company itself states that it does not offer services in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States, among other sanctioned jurisdictions.
The restriction for US clients is specifically linked to the inability to use MetaQuotes platforms like MT5. Furthermore, lists of prohibited jurisdictions from related entities like QUANT Financial, along with standard international sanctions lists, suggest that services are not available in countries such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the regions of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk in Ukraine, among many others.
Strengths of QT Funded
- Diversity of Programs: With four distinct models (Instant, Prime 2-Step, Prime 3-Step, Power), the firm caters to a wide variety of trader profiles.
- Multiple Trading Platforms: The offering of MT5, cTrader, and TradeLocker is a significant differentiator that provides great flexibility.
- Ambitious Scaling Plan: The possibility of managing up to $2,000,000 and obtaining a 90% profit split and a salary is a very powerful incentive.
- Integrated Broker Model: The relationship with Quant Tekel can result in better execution conditions and spreads.
- Flexibility in Rules: The firm has demonstrated its ability to adapt and relax its rules for the benefit of traders.
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