City Traders Imperium Review 2027 Fees, Features and Safety

This City Traders Imperium review for 2027 looks at the London, United Kingdom-based prop firm, founded in 2018, and covers the profit split of up to 100%, funding of up to $4.0M, evaluation rules and payouts, so you can decide whether it fits the way you trade.

City Traders Imperium overview (2027)

City Traders Imperium, usually shortened to CTI, is a London-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2018 by Daniel Martin and Martin Najat. It predates the boom in retail prop firms and has always described itself as a trader development company first. CTI combines funding programmes with coaching and education, and it is known for patient rules that suit swing traders.

Programmes

• Two-step challenge: a first phase with a target of around 8% to 10% and a second phase of 5%, with daily and overall loss limits.
• One-step challenge: a single phase with one target and tighter drawdown.
• Instant funding: a programme that provides a funded account from the start, with a lower initial profit share and strict risk limits, intended for experienced traders.

Account sizes range from $2,500 to $100,000 depending on the programme. The firm has revised its product range several times, moving from an earlier model with longer evaluation periods to formats closer to the industry standard.

Relaxed time and trading conditions

CTI's rules are built for traders who do not want to rush. There are no time limits on its evaluations. Positions can be held overnight and over the weekend, and news trading is permitted. There is a low minimum number of trading days. These conditions make CTI one of the more natural homes for swing and position traders, who are often poorly served by firms designed around intraday trading.

Risk rules

The two-step challenge applies a daily loss limit of about 5% and a maximum drawdown of 10%. Instant funding accounts use a lower overall limit. A stop loss is expected on trades on some programmes, and there are limits on risk per position for instant accounts. Expert advisors are permitted with restrictions. Martingale strategies, arbitrage and account sharing are prohibited.

Profit split and payouts

The profit share depends on the programme and on progress through the scaling plan. Challenge-funded traders typically begin at 80%, and the split rises in stages to 100% as the account is scaled. Instant funding accounts start lower and increase with each level.

Payouts can be requested on demand or on a weekly to bi-weekly basis once conditions are met, and CTI has a long record of paying traders. The challenge fee is refunded on reaching funded status or with an early payout on eligible programmes.

Scaling

CTI's scaling plan is one of its main attractions. Each time a funded trader achieves a 10% profit, the account balance is increased, and this can be repeated through many levels. The maximum allocation is $4 million. The plan rewards steady performance over months and years.

Platforms and markets

The firm offers MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader, with DXtrade available at times. Traders can access forex pairs, gold, indices and other commodities. Leverage is moderate, typically up to 1:33 on challenge accounts and lower on instant funding. Lower leverage fits the firm's emphasis on controlled risk but limits position size for traders using tight stops.

Education and coaching

Education sets CTI apart. Its founders are active traders and mentors, and the firm provides:

• a structured trading course available to clients;
• regular live webinars and market breakdowns;
• performance coaching and feedback for funded traders;
• a community where traders share analysis.

For developing traders, this support has real value beyond the capital on offer.

Fees

Fees are competitive. A $100,000 two-step challenge is priced at roughly $450 to $550, and smaller accounts start from a few dozen dollars. Instant funding costs more per dollar of capital. Discounts are offered periodically.

What to keep in mind

The maximum starting account of $100,000 is modest, and the lower leverage will not suit every strategy. The firm's programme structure has changed over the years, so older reviews may describe products that no longer exist. Accounts are simulated, and CTI is not a regulated financial institution.

Who is City Traders Imperium best for?

CTI is a strong choice for swing traders and for developing traders who want coaching alongside funding. Its unlimited time, weekend holding and long scaling ladder reward patience and consistency.

Scalpers who need high leverage, and traders who want large initial accounts, will find better matches elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: operating since 2018, no time limits, weekend holding and news trading allowed, profit split rising to 100%, scaling to $4 million, strong education and coaching, instant funding option.
• Cons: lower leverage, $100,000 maximum starting account, limited platform choice, product range has changed several times.

City Traders Imperium review: verdict for 2027

City Traders Imperium is one of the more experienced and education-minded firms in the industry. It will appeal most to traders who think in weeks, not minutes, and who want to grow steadily with support along the way.

Compare this City Traders Imperium review with all 35 prop firms in our 2027 list, and confirm the latest terms on the official City Traders Imperium website before you open an account.