Let’s break this down using actual numbers and logic instead of marketing claims.

Back in 2019, the CEO of FTMO mentioned that only 275 traders were consistently withdrawing profits.

Now combine that with known industry data (for example from MyForexFunds before it shut down):

• 10% pass Phase 1
• 24% of those pass Phase 2
• Only 3% of those actually withdraw

Let’s do the math

Start with 1,000 traders:

• 100 pass Phase 1
• 24 pass Phase 2
• 0.72 traders withdraw

That’s 0.072% of all participants.

Now scale that to FTMO’s numbers

If 275 traders represent that 0.072%, then:

• ~9,167 traders passed Phase 2
• ~38,194 passed Phase 1
• ~381,944 people bought a challenge

Revenue estimation

Assume an average challenge price of $225:

• 381,944 × $225 = $85,937,400

That’s ~$85 million in revenue
from challenge fees alone.

And this is from one firm, using older data, back when trading wasn’t even as popular as it is today.

What this shows

The business model is simple:

• The vast majority fail
• A tiny percentage withdraw
• Revenue comes from volume, not trader success

Important note

This doesn’t mean making money is impossible.
It just means you’re competing to be in the top ~0.1%.

Conclusion:
Prop firms can generate tens of millions in revenue primarily from evaluation fees, because only a very small percentage of traders ever reach payouts.

This post was translated by AI.