Why FTMO Monitors Certain Patterns in Trading Behaviour
Do you have questions about patterns in trading behaviour and their impact on account suspensions or rewards processing? FTMO is committed to transparency and education, and in this article, we summarise why FTMO monitors certain trading behavioural patterns.
There Is No Fixed Limit for Position Size
Every trader has a different trading style and a unique approach to risk. FTMO therefore does not set universal limits on how much of the account balance can be risked on a single trade, nor on the reward-to-risk ratio (RRR). The key condition when trading with FTMO remains compliance with the Trading Objectives: the Maximum Daily Loss and Maximum Loss.
FTMO recommends risking 1–1.5% per trade. However, this is only a best practice and not a restriction. Occasional larger positions in terms of margin or risk can be part of a healthy trading approach, provided they are based on a well-designed, functional strategy.
Why FTMO Monitors Trading Behaviour
FTMO provides traders with an environment that simulates real market conditions. Once traders successfully complete the entire Evaluation Process and pass the evaluation, they gain access to a demo FTMO Account and can earn performance-based financial rewards. The aim is to offer traders a simulated market environment in which they can trade with greater capital without risking their own funds.
Our conditions are designed not only to help traders build habits applicable to real market trading but also to protect our services from manipulative or abusive behaviour. It is therefore essential to ensure that trading behaviour remains sustainable and replicable in the long term.
Examples of inappropriate behaviour include:
• gambling: trading without a plan, “all-in” strategies (more details HERE),
• organised coordination: traders cooperating in a malicious way to gain an unfair advantage,
• behaviour not reflecting real market conditions: strategies that would not be viable and replicable in real market environments.
The purpose of monitoring is not to restrict trading freedom, but to protect honest traders and the integrity of the educational programme.
When a Reward May Be Withheld
A Reward may be temporarily or permanently withheld only if:
• There is suspicion of rule violations,
• The behaviour indicates manipulation or coordinated action,
• The strategy relies on exploiting unrealistic conditions.
FTMO openly states that the majority of reward withdrawals are processed smoothly, and only a very small number require internal review. This is not a “penalty” for trading larger positions, but a standard measure to maintain fair trading practices.
When inappropriate behaviour is identified, traders are first notified and given the opportunity to adjust their approach. If these warnings are ignored, their account may be terminated, and the reward will not be paid. In case of breaches of Terms and Conditions, the account may be terminated immediately.
FTMO Supports Honest Traders
To help traders maintain their path towards professional trading, we provide:
• Account MetriX showing the real-time status of the account and Trading Objectives,
• FTMO Trading Journal and PnL Calendar for trade analysis and feedback,
• and a range of other tools that help manage risk and test strategies.
FTMO services are intended for serious traders, and our goal is to support the development of trading skills and help traders identify which strategies and behaviours could be deployed even in real market conditions.
Key takeaways
• FTMO does not set general limits on margin used or risk that can be taken.
• We monitor only behaviour that conflicts with professionalism and long-term sustainability.
• Gambling and manipulative strategies do not lead to healthy trading habits and will not be supported.
• Traders are first warned about inappropriate behaviour; if they continue despite the warning, their account may be terminated, and the reward may not be paid. In severe cases, the account may be terminated immediately.
• We offer a wide range of trading tools and educational content to support your development throughout your trading journey.
About FTMO
FTMO developed a 2-step Evaluation Process to find trading talents. Upon successful completion you can get an FTMO Account with a balance of up to $200,000. How does it work?.