Seacrest Funded

What is SeacrestFunded?

Origins and Evolution: From MyFundedFX to SeacrestFunded

To understand SeacrestFunded, it is essential to know its history. The firm is the result of the evolution and rebranding of the formerly known MyFundedFX. This change was not merely aesthetic; the company presented it as a strategic transformation that reflected its commitment to innovation and growth in the industry.

The transition was managed by assuring the existing community of traders that their trading activities, accounts, payments, and daily operations would not be affected. The core of this evolution was to align the name of the funding platform with that of its newly launched brokerage arm, Seacrest Markets. This move represents a response to the vulnerabilities of the sector, where reliance on third-party brokers and platform providers has proven to be a significant risk. By verticalizing its operation, the company has sought to build a more resilient and stable business model for the future.

The Prop Firm Model with its Own Broker: Seacrest Markets

One of the most distinctive features of SeacrestFunded is its “broker-backed” model. This broker is Seacrest Markets, a CFD brokerage entity that, although a recent market participant, obtained a license from the South African regulator, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), in 2023.

This vertical integration has proven to be a crucial competitive advantage. For example, it was fundamental for the firm to be able to reintroduce the popular MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform for its non-US clients, after industry-wide issues affected access to said platform. By controlling its own brokerage infrastructure, SeacrestFunded significantly reduces its exposure to third-party risks, such as the loss of a brokerage partner, an event that has been detrimental to other firms in the sector. For traders, this translates into a potentially more reliable trading environment and a lower probability of abrupt service interruptions.

Key Company Information

SeacrestFunded was founded by Matthew Leech and operates through two registered legal entities: MyFunded Capital (HK) Ltd in Hong Kong and MyFunded Capital Solutions Ltd in Cyprus.

Funding Programs: The Path to Becoming a Funded Trader

SeacrestFunded defines itself as an “Evaluation Services Firm.” It is crucial to understand that the entire trading process, from the initial challenge to the funded account, is carried out in a simulated demo environment. The firm is transparent about this, clarifying that even “Live Sim” accounts, which may appear as “Real” on the broker’s platform, are still simulated.

1-Step Challenge Program: The Fast Track

This program is designed for traders seeking a quick path to funding through a single evaluation phase. The profit target is 10%.

However, its risk parameters are the most defining aspect. It includes a maximum daily loss of 4% and a maximum total loss of 6% of the trailing type. A key restriction of this plan is that trading during high-impact news events is not allowed.

The trailing drawdown is the real challenge of this plan. Unlike a static drawdown, the invalidation level is continuously recalculated based on the high-water mark reached by the account balance. This means that as a trader makes profits, their risk cushion in dollar terms is reduced, severely penalizing strategies that allow for significant drawdowns, even if the trades end up being profitable. This model demands a high-precision trading style with minimal equity fluctuation.

1-Step Plan Accounts

Account Size	Price	Profit Target	Max Daily Loss	Max Total Loss
$5,000	$50	10% ($500)	4% ($200)	6% ($300) Trailing
$10,000	$100	10% ($1,000)	4% ($400)	6% ($600) Trailing
$25,000	$200	10% ($2,500)	4% ($1,000)	6% ($1,500) Trailing
$50,000	$300	10% ($5,000)	4% ($2,000)	6% ($3,000) Trailing
$100,000	$500	10% ($10,000)	4% ($4,000)	6% ($6,000) Trailing

2-Step Challenge Program: The Industry Standard

This is the most traditional and flexible evaluation model, divided into two phases. Phase 1 requires reaching a profit target of 8%, while Phase 2 requires 5%.

The risk parameters are considerably more permissive: a maximum daily loss of 5% and a maximum total loss of 8% of the static type, calculated on the initial balance. A major advantage is that news trading is allowed in this plan.

The static drawdown is the key feature that makes this plan safer and more suitable for a wider range of traders. The account invalidation level is permanently fixed from the start. If a trader increases their account balance, their risk cushion in dollars also increases, which provides greater psychological security and allows for more flexible trade management, especially for styles like swing or position trading.

2-Step Plan Accounts

Account Size	Price	Target Phase 1 / Phase 2	Max Daily Loss	Max Total Loss
$5,000	$50	8% ($400) / 5% ($250)	5% ($250)	8% ($400) Static
$10,000	$100	8% ($800) / 5% ($500)	5% ($500)	8% ($800) Static
$25,000	$200	8% ($2,000) / 5% ($1,250)	5% ($1,250)	8% ($2,000) Static
$50,000	$300	8% ($4,000) / 5% ($2,500)	5% ($2,500)	8% ($4,000) Static
$100,000	$500	8% ($8,000) / 5% ($5,000)	5% ($5,000)	8% ($8,000) Static

Trading Rules: What You Need to Know to Trade

General Rules Applicable to All Plans

SeacrestFunded offers a set of basic rules that provide remarkable flexibility to traders. The most outstanding is the absence of a maximum limit on trading days in all phases and plans. This eliminates one of the biggest sources of psychological pressure present in other firms.

During the evaluation phases, a minimum of 3 profitable trading days are required. A profitable day is defined as one that closes with a profit of at least 0.5% of the initial account balance. This rule does not apply once the funded account is obtained.

Additionally, the firm allows holding trades over the weekend, a significant advantage for swing traders. The use of a stop-loss is not mandatory, although it is strongly recommended as a responsible risk management practice.

Policies on Trading Styles (EAs, Copy Trading, Hedging)

The firm announces that it allows “any trading style,” including strategies such as hedging (as long as it is within the same account), scalping, martingale, and grid trading. However, this flexibility has important nuances, especially regarding automation.

The use of Expert Advisors (EAs) or bots is generally prohibited on the MT5 platform, with the sole exception of specific tools that must be pre-approved by the firm, such as STT Social Trader Tools. Copy trading is allowed, but on the condition that it is not done through an EA and that the trades of other traders are not replicated across multiple accounts. These rules are designed to filter out low-effort, high-abuse-potential strategies, seeking instead traders with a personal and demonstrable market edge.

The Policy on News Trading

The regulation on trading during high-impact news varies depending on the chosen plan, which requires special attention from the trader.

In the 1-Step Challenge program, news trading is explicitly prohibited. In contrast, the standard 2-Step Challenge program does allow it, offering greater freedom.

Additionally, the firm offers a specialized “2-Step News Plan.” This plan, while allowing news trading, imposes stricter rules to manage the associated risk. These include a 35% consistency rule during the challenge phase and a ban on “bracketing” strategies (placing simultaneous buy and sell stop orders before an announcement). This segmented approach allows the firm to differentiate between traders who skillfully manage news volatility and those who are simply looking for a lucky break.

Strictly Prohibited Trading Practices

SeacrestFunded categorically prohibits certain practices that are considered abusive or do not reflect genuine trading behavior. These include high-frequency trading (HFT), tick scalping (extremely short-duration trades), any form of arbitrage, and the exploitation of system or price feed errors.

It is vitally important to note that there are additional rules that apply exclusively to already funded accounts. Once a trader passes the evaluation, they must adhere to two new guidelines:

1. The total risk of all open positions must not exceed 2% of the account balance.
2. The average duration of trades must be longer than 2 minutes.

These rules can be a significant adjustment for traders who passed the challenge with a more aggressive style. Ignoring them in the funded phase can result in the voiding of earned profits. The firm imposes these restrictions to ensure sustainable risk management on the accounts from which profit shares are paid.

Growth and Trader Benefits

Payment System and Profit Split

The standard profit split at SeacrestFunded is 80% for the trader, a competitive figure in the industry. There is an option to increase this percentage to 90% by purchasing an “add-on” at the time of acquiring the challenge.

Payments can be requested every 14 calendar days, and the minimum amount for a withdrawal is only $50. The payment methods offered are flexible, including Rise and Cryptocurrencies, which facilitates access to funds for traders from all over the world.

Scaling Plan: A Path to One Million Dollars

SeacrestFunded offers a clear and attractive scaling plan for its most consistent traders. A trader is eligible to increase their account capital if they achieve a net profit of 12% or more over a 3-month period.

The most outstanding and advantageous feature of this plan is that the profits that count towards that 12% target can be withdrawn. The trader is not required to keep the earnings in the account to qualify for scaling. This eliminates the conflict between generating short-term income and growing the account in the long term, an immense practical advantage.

Each time the requirements are met, the account balance is increased by 25% of the initial capital. This process can be repeated until a maximum capital of $1 million is reached.

The VIP Program: Rewards for Loyalty and Consistency

For its most successful and loyal traders, SeacrestFunded has designed a VIP Program. To be eligible, a trader must have traded with the firm for a minimum of 3 months, have received at least 5 payouts, and have demonstrated a trading style with “tolerable risk,” excluding speculative or high-risk behaviors.

The benefits are substantial and are structured in tiers. They include a profit split that can reach up to 92.75%, the ability to request weekly or anytime withdrawals, and the most valuable reward: a significant increase in drawdown limits. At the highest level, the limits expand to a 6% daily loss and a 12% maximum total loss. This program functions as a true career path within the firm, rewarding not only profitability but also longevity and responsible risk management.

Infrastructure and Trading Conditions

Available Trading Platforms (Match Trader, MT5, cTrader)

SeacrestFunded offers a selection of platforms to meet the diverse preferences of traders, including Match Trader, MT5, and cTrader. The availability of MT5 for non-US clients is guaranteed through its own broker, Seacrest Markets.

The firm highlights Match Trader as a Progressive Web App (PWA), a modern technology that allows for a synchronized and fluid trading experience across web, desktop, and mobile devices, without the need for traditional installations. This platform offering is comprehensive, balancing the industry standard with newer technological solutions.

Leverage, Commissions, and Spreads

The leverage offered during the evaluation phases is 30:1. Commissions are a key differentiating factor and vary depending on the chosen platform. On MT5, commissions are $5 per lot round trip on most assets. On Match Trader, these are significantly reduced to $3 per lot.

It is important to note that trading in Indices and Cryptocurrencies has no commissions on any of the platforms. For active traders, the 40% difference in commissions on Forex and Metals between MT5 and Match Trader can have a substantial impact on net profitability.

Asset Class	Commission on MT5 (per lot)	Commission on Match Trader (per lot)
Forex (FX)	$5	$3
Metals	$5	$3
Energies	$5	$3
Indices	No Commission	No Commission
Cryptocurrencies	No Commission	No Commission

Tradable Financial Instruments

The firm claims to offer more than 175 different instruments, covering Forex, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies. A notable feature is the availability of cryptocurrency trading during weekends, allowing for continuous market access.

However, one point for improvement is the lack of a detailed and easily accessible symbol list on their website or help center. Traders whose strategies depend on minor currency pairs or exotic assets should verify their availability in a demo account before purchasing a challenge.

Administrative and Support Aspects

Restricted Countries and Verification (KYC) Requirements

SeacrestFunded has a clear list of restricted countries. The most significant restriction is not accepting new purchases from United States clients indefinitely. The list also includes other countries such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria, among others. This stance, especially regarding the U.S., reflects a strategy of regulatory prudence to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.

Before receiving a funded account, all traders must complete an identity verification (KYC) process managed by Sumsub.com. This standard procedure requires the submission of a government-issued ID and a recent proof of address.

Customer Support and Discord Community

Customer support is one of the firm’s strengths. Its model focuses on the aforementioned Discord community, where traders can receive quick assistance from both staff and other community members. Testimonials on their website corroborate the effectiveness and speed of this channel.

For more formal matters or those requiring the submission of sensitive information, the firm also has traditional support channels such as email (fundedsupport@seacrestmarkets.io) and a live chat on its website.

Strengths of SeacrestFunded

• Solid and Stable Business Model: The integration with its own FSCA-regulated broker, Seacrest Markets, minimizes the risk of third-party dependence and demonstrates a focus on long-term stability.
• Exceptional Flexibility for Traders: The combination of unlimited time to complete challenges, permission to hold trades over the weekend, and a wide range of accepted trading styles make their offer very attractive, especially for swing traders.
• Clear and Attractive Growth Plans: The Scaling Plan and the VIP Program offer a tangible career path. Practical rules, such as the ability to withdraw profits that count towards scaling, and valuable rewards, like increased drawdown limits, are powerful incentives.
• Competitive Trading Conditions: Low commissions, particularly on the Match Trader platform ($3 per lot), position it as one of the most cost-effective options on the market in terms of operational costs.
• Transparent and Effective Customer Support: The use of a public Discord community as a pillar of its support fosters transparency and has proven to be a quick and efficient method for resolving user questions and issues.