City Traders Imperium scored 72/100 overall because while it has some great features like funded trader salaries and two instant funding models, account sizes, profit splits, and the selection of trading instruments are much smaller than its competitors.
City Traders Imperium Key Features
City Traders ImperiumProp Firm Details
One Phase Evaluation
Two Phase Evaluation
Instant Funding
Up to $4m Scaling Plan
Fees From$29
Account Sizes2.5K -100K
Min Forex Spread0.3 pips
Commission Fee$2.50
Max Daily Loss5% - 6%
Profit Targets5% - 10%
Profit Share50% – 100%
Trading Platforms
Consistency Rules
Compulsory Stop Loss
High Impact News Trading
Expert Advisors / Automated Trading
FOREX
INDICES
COMMODITIES
CRYPTO
SHARES
City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a prop firm that was founded in 2018 by Martin Najat and Daniel Martin in Dubai, making it one of the older firms. They have a decent offering with two instant funding accounts plus one and two step challenges, all on MetaTrader 5, but their most popular features are scaling up to $4 million and a trader salary once you are funded.
CTI’s main strength is its account types, with one and two step challenges, plus two instant funding models.
| Challenge Type | Audition Fees | Account Sizes | Max Time Limit | Min Active Trading Days | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Profit Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Step Evaluation Process | $39 - $519 | $2.5k - $100k | Unlimited | 5 Days | 10%, 5% | 10% | 80-100% |
| 1-Step Evaluation Process | $29 - $449 | $2.5k - $100K | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | 80-100% |
| Instant Funding | $69 - $1,499 | $2.5k - $80k | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | Up to 100% |
| Instant Funding Pro | $299 - $4,799 | $5k - $80k | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | Up to 100% |
This is CTI’s fastest evaluation process with just one step. Upfront fees are low at $29 for a $2.5K account, or $469 for their largest $100K account. You need to hit a 8% profit target to pass, and there’s no drawdown limit or max trading days, but it is a trailing drawdown.
The massive downside of this challenge is scaling is capped at $200K per account, so while they promote a max of $4 million this is only for instant funding models.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Profit Target | Max Absolute Drawdown (%) | Max Absolute Drawdown ($) | Monthly Salary for CTI Traders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $69 | $250 | 6% | $150 | $12.50 per month |
| $5,000 | $129 | $500 | 6% | $300 | $25 per month |
| $10,000 | $249 | $1,000 | 6% | $600 | $50 per month |
| $20,000 | $449 | $2,000 | 6% | $1,200 | $100 per month |
| $40,000 | $849 | $4,000 | 6% | $2,400 | $200 per month |
| $80,000 | $1,499 | $8,000 | 6% | $4,800 | $400 per month |
The two step challenge is their traditional setup, fees are slightly higher starting from $39 and going up to $519, but account sizes are the same between $2.5K and $100K.
To receive a funded account you need to work through the evaluation, where you must reach a 10% profit target in step one, but it drops to 5% in the second step, all while staying within a 5% daily limit and 10% overall. Again there’s no time limit here so you don’t have to rush, but similarly to the one step scaling is capped at $200K per account.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Profit Target (Phase 1) | Profit Target (Phase 2) | Max Absolute Drawdown ($) | Max Daily Drawdown ($) | Monthly Salary for CTI Traders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $39 | $250 | $125 | $250 | $125 | $12.5 per month |
| $5,000 | $59 | $500 | $250 | $500 | $250 | $25 per month |
| $10,000 | $99 | $1,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $500 | $50 per month |
| $25,000 | $179 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $125 per month |
| $50,000 | $329 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $250 per month |
| $100,000 | $519 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $500 per month |
Instant Funding
Instant Funding skips the evaluation phase entirely, giving you live capital from day one. Fees are much higher because of this, starting at $129 for a $2.5K account and climb to $2,399 for an $80K account.
Each account comes with a 6% static drawdown, and if you hit a 10% profit milestone the balance doubles, with scaling available up to $2M per account or $4M overall.
The trade off is in the profit split and payout rules. You start at just 50% and only move higher as you progress through scaling levels, which is really low compared to most instant funding firms.
While the freedom for news trading, weekend trading, and holding is a perk, the profit split is very low.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Initial Balance | Fully Funded Amount | Profit Target to Scale Up | Profit Share | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $129 | $1,250 | $2,500 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $5,000 | $249 | $2,500 | $5,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $449 | $5,000 | $10,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $20,000 | $849 | $10,000 | $20,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $40,000 | $1,499 | $20,000 | $40,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $80,000 | $2,399 | $40,000 | $80,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
Instant Funding Pro
Instant Funding Pro is the upgraded version of CTI’s instant model. Fees start at $299 for a $5K account and go up to $4,799 for an $80K account, so it’s a more expensive entry point.
You still get the same 6% static drawdown and 10% profit milestones, but with Pro you skip the first scaling level and start higher up.
You still begin at 50% and only climb as you move through the scaling plan, so while Pro gives you a head start with scaling, it doesn’t address the earning potential early on.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Fully Funded Amount | Profit Target to Scale Up | Profit Share | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $299 | $5,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $599 | $10,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $20,000 | $1,199 | $20,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $40,000 | $2,399 | $40,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $80,000 | $4,799 | $80,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
CTI runs a loyalty program called the Golden Trader, which rewards you the longer you stay consistent. There are three levels, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and each level improves your payout conditions, but it’s an ambitious program with hard targets.
At Bronze, profit share increases to 90% and payouts move to weekly instead of monthly. You also get VIP support, a free coaching session, and discounts on future purchases. To qualify, you need four months of clean trading with no account failures, at least four payouts processed, and 4% profit on each.
Silver builds on that and profit share moves to 100% and payouts become on demand. You also get free CTI merchandise and an in person coaching session, but the requirements are another four months of consistent trading, four more payouts, and at least 3% profit each time.
Gold is the top level where you can unlock institutional style conditions, tailored funding options, and even the possibility of a one year guaranteed salary. You also become part of CTI’s elite trading team, but to reach Gold, you’ll need another four months at Silver with four successful payouts and 2% profit per cycle.
The structure is clear and gives you something to aim for, but realistically most traders are never going to get to the higher tiers. You need months of consistent performance to move up, so while the perks are attractive, don’t expect these conditions.
Scaling with CTI depends heavily on which program you choose. If you’re trading through the One Step or Two Step challenges, you’ll eventually run into the cap of $200K per account. It’s enough for getting started, but if you’re aiming to grow into serious size, you’ll feel boxed in fairly quickly.
The instant funding models are where CTI offers much more potential. Each time you hit a 10% profit milestone, your account doubles, with the possibility of reaching $2M per account or $4M across multiple accounts. Profit splits also improve along the way, starting at 80% once you’re funded and rising to 100% if you keep your performance consistent.
Verdict on Challenges
CTI does well in offering different routes to funding, whether you want a structured evaluation or instant capital, but the limitations show in the details. Scaling for one and two step challenges is capped at 200K, and instant accounts start with a 50% profit split which hold them back and why they scored 8/10. It’s their strongest score, but still well short of the best prop firms.
CTI’s spreads are reasonable but not the tightest you’ll find. EUR/USD averages around 0.3 pips, which is fine for most strategies, but it isn’t consistently lower than other top prop firms.
The bigger issue is that CTI doesn’t publish much detail beyond the majors, so if you trade indices, commodities, or cross pairs, you’re left guessing what your real costs will look like until you’re in the account.
Execution is handled through Broctagon, a CySEC regulated liquidity provider. That setup gives you access to institutional grade liquidity rather than a forex broker feed.
Commission fees are straightforward and competitive, especially for commodities and forex trading where roundturn commission is $5 per lot, well below the industry average of $7.
Indices are cheaper at $0.50 per lot, and crypto is commission free.
| Asset Class | Commission Fee (Per Side) | Commission Fee (Roundturn) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | $2.50 per lot | $5 per lot |
| Commodities | $2.50 per lot | $5 per lot |
| Indices | $0.25 per lot | $0.50 per lot |
| Crypto | Zero commission | Zero commission |
Verdict on Spreads
Overall, costs for forex and indices are competitive, and if you’re mostly focused on majors, the setup works well. If you trade a broader range of markets, it’s harder to judge whether CTI offers good value compared to other firms.
CTI gives access to 50 instruments in total, split between 28 forex pairs, 13 indices, 3 commodities, and 6 cryptocurrencies. The coverage is okay but the real issue is leverage, which is far lower than you’ll find at the majority of prop firms.
On the One Step and Two Step accounts, CTI sets forex leverage at 1:30, which lines up with what you’ll see with regulated forex brokers. The real limitation is on the instant funding side, where leverage is just 1:10 for forex, indices, and commodities, with crypto stuck at 1:2 no matter which model you trade.
When you compare it to firms like FundedNext, which goes as high as 1:100, or DNA Funded and Blueberry Funded, which both offer 1:50 on their two step challenges, CTI seems restrictive.
| Asset Class | Number of Markets | Leverage (1-Step & 2-Step) | Leverage (No Evaluation) | Examples of Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 28 | 1:30 | 1:10 | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, USD/CAD |
| Commodities | 3 | 1:10 | 1:10 | XAU/USD, XAG/USD, XTI/USD |
| Indices | 13 | 1:10 | 1:10 | US30, UK100, DE40 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 6 | 1:2 | 1:2 | BTC/USD, ETH/USD, ADA/USD |
Verdict on Markets
CTI offers an average product range with forex, indices, commodities, and a few cryptos, but no stocks or broader coverage. The biggest issue is leverage, capped at 1:30 on challenges and only 1:10 on instant funding, which is well below most firms. Therefore, minimal markets and low leverage means they only earnt a 7/10 score for markets.
CTI now offers two platforms: MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and MatchTrader but what you can use depends on where you live. MT5 is available to traders outside the US, while US clients are limited to MatchTrader.
MT5 is the natural upgrade from MT4, with more timeframes, extra indicators, depth of market, and an integrated economic calendar. It supports automated trading and gives you the flexibility to run advanced strategies, whether you’re on desktop, web, or mobile. For most experienced traders outside the US, MT5 will feel like the obvious choice.
Match Trader is the alternative for US traders and has fewer features than MT5, but it covers the basics well. You still get multiple order types, solid charting, and mobile or web access, so it works fine if you’re looking for an easy-to-use setup without the complexity of MT5.
Verdict of Trading Platforms
The split between MT5 and Match Trader isn’t ideal, as US traders miss out on the more advanced platform. Still, having both options does give CTI coverage across regions, and while MT5 is the stronger of the two, Match Trader holds up as a functional alternative.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers flexible payment options for audition fees and profit payouts, including bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, and credit/debit cards. However, the minimum withdrawal is relatively high, and the withdrawal methods differ from the options available for paying fees.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers multiple payment methods for the one-time audition fee, including credit cards, debit cards, cryptocurrencies, and bank wire transfers. The fee range depends on the evaluation process and funding level selected, ranging from $39 to $4,799.
The cryptos available for fee payments are:
It is worth noting, to pay via bank transfer, you’ll need to contact support and request an invoice, providing details of the funding program and preferred payment method.
CTI offers a 100% refund of the evaluation fee for traders who reach their first 10% profit milestone in both the 1-Step (Instant Funding) and 2-Step Evaluation programs. However, for the No Evaluation (Direct Funding) program, the fee is non-refundable. This refund policy incentivizes traders to reach their profit targets while rewarding successful participants with the return of their initial costs.
You’ll face a minimum profit withdrawal of $100, yet CTI makes the profit payouts relatively straight-forward through their centralized Dashboard Wallet. Once you reach your profit targets, you can transfer your earnings from the trading account to your Wallet for withdrawal. Payment methods for withdrawals include bank transfers and cryptocurrency wallets.
Fully funded traders who meet CTI’s salary criteria receive monthly payments based on their account size. These salary payments are separate from profit payouts and are available only to traders who have completed the evaluation phase. Salary payments are deposited directly into the trader’s bank or crypto wallet.
Verdict on Payments and Payouts
Profit payouts are efficient, with straightforward withdrawal processes via bank transfer or cryptocurrency. The addition of funded trader salaries further rewards consistent performance.
City Traders Imperium focuses on supporting traders through dedicated customer service and comprehensive educational programs. Below we’ll look at the various support options available and the educational resources designed to enhance prop trading skills and knowledge.
City Traders Imperium provides customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and a comprehensive FAQ section, which is managed by an interactive chat bot. While helpful for basic queries, the chat bot is less advanced compared to AI bots used by prop firms like IC Funded or FundedNext, which may offer more dynamic responses.
City Traders Imperium offers a wide range of educational resources to help traders at all skill levels:
City Traders Imperium complements these resources with ongoing courses and webinars, diving into specific trading strategies and market analyses, equipping traders with the knowledge to succeed in professional trading environments.
Verdict on Support
CTI provides comprehensive support through live chat, email, and an FAQ section. The active Discord community and educational resources enhance the overall trader experience.
City Traders Imperium (CTI), established in 2018 and based in Dubai, has quickly built a reputation for creating a solid prop trading community with generally favorable feedback from clients.
While we consider CTI a well-established and trusted prop firm, it is important to note that CTI is not a brokerage service but a proprietary trading firm. They partner with a CySEC regulated broker and liquidity provider, Broctagon, to ensure high-quality trading conditions and regulatory compliance, enhancing the security and reliability of their trading environment.
CTI maintains an excellent TrustPilot score of 4.3 out of 5. Customer reviews frequently praise the platform for its comprehensive support and prop trading tools. However, there are occasional critiques regarding server reliability during volatile market conditions, which the company actively addresses in its responses, highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement.
The community engagement at CTI is extensive and active, shown by their over 24K Discord members, including over 700 funded traders. CTI’s discord channel provides valuable trading information and client support, as well as announcements around promotions and giveaways.
On social media, CTI has a significant presence with 21.1k followers on Twitter/X, 4.5k on Facebook, and over 21.2k on Instagram. These platforms are utilized not just for announcements and support but also for sharing success stories and educational content, which helps maintain a connected and informed community.
Verdict on Trust and Community
CTI’s strong TrustPilot score (4.3/5) and partnerships with CySEC-regulated liquidity providers establish it as a reliable and secure prop trading firm.
City Traders Imperium sees around 9,900 Google searches each month, ranking it as the 30th most searched prop firm in 2025. It also received 189,390 global visits in March 2025, placing it 26th for website traffic among the prop firms we track.
Since launching in 2018, CTI says it has funded over 36,000 prop traders and allocated more than $367 million in capital, making it one of the most established names in the prop trading industry.
Search interest is highest in the United States and India, followed by the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Nigeria, showing where CTI has its largest trading communities.
| Country | Q1 2025 Monthly Searches |
|---|---|
| United States | 880 |
| India | 880 |
| United Kingdom | 720 |
| South Africa | 390 |
| Nigeria | 390 |
| Pakistan | 260 |
| Vietnam | 260 |
| Canada | 210 |
| Indonesia | 210 |
| Germany | 170 |
| Malaysia | 170 |
| Kenya | 170 |
| France | 170 |
| Australia | 140 |
| Brazil | 110 |
| Italy | 110 |
| Spain | 90 |
| Singapore | 90 |
| Netherlands | 90 |
| Philippines | 90 |
| Poland | 50 |
| Uzbekistan | 40 |
| Austria | 30 |
| Cyprus | 20 |
| Hong Kong | 20 |
United States
|
880
1st
|
India
|
880
2nd
|
United Kingdom
|
720
3rd
|
South Africa
|
390
4th
|
Nigeria
|
390
5th
|
Pakistan
|
260
6th
|
Vietnam
|
260
7th
|
Canada
|
210
8th
|
Indonesia
|
210
9th
|
Germany
|
170
10th
|
Getting started with City Traders Imperium (CTI) is straightforward. Follow these steps:
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers a well-rounded prop trading experience with attractive profit splits of up to 100% and flexible funding options, including Instant Funding, 1-Step, and 2-Step challenges. The firm’s use of MetaTrader 5 provides advanced trading tools, though some may prefer more platform choices.
With affordable fees, monthly trader salaries, and an engaged community, CTI is a strong choice for both beginner and experienced traders looking for scalable capital and long-term growth opportunities.
CTI offers four challenge types: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro. The 1-Step and 2-Step challenges involve hitting profit targets while managing drawdown limits. In the 1-Step challenge, traders aim for a 10% profit target in one phase, while the 2-Step requires 10% in the first phase and 5% in the second. Instant Funding options skips evaluations, providing immediate access to capital, allowing traders to start earning a profit share right away.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) does not accept clients from the United States. This restriction is due to regulatory limitations, as CTI is based in Dubai and operates under international rules that prevent offering services to U.S. residents. Traders from other regions are welcome to join CTI’s funded programs, which offer access to a variety of financial markets. It’s essential for potential clients to ensure they comply with local regulations before signing up.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers an initial profit share of 70-80%, depending on the funding program. This percentage can increase up to 100% as traders hit specific profit milestones. CTI also provides a salary for funded traders who consistently meet performance goals, including maintaining a 3% monthly profit over six months. Payment scales with account size, offering both profit share and a steady income for qualified traders, incentivizing long-term, consistent trading success.
Proprietary trading firms, also known as prop firms, provide traders with access to capital to trade financial markets in exchange for a share of the profits. Unlike retail trading, traders at prop firms use the firm’s capital instead of their own, reducing personal financial risk. In return, traders must meet specific performance criteria, such as profit targets and drawdown rules. Prop firms typically offer various funding programs, including challenges, evaluations, and instant funding options.
