Proprietary trading (prop trading) allows traders to use a firm’s capital and share profits, usually after passing an evaluation phase. As prop trading gains global traction, Asia has emerged as a major hub, with a diverse mix of regulatory environments, trader behavior, and firm models. Below is a detailed country-by-country overview highlighting legality, key firms, trader participation, and unique characteristics per market.

General Asia Statistics (2025)

• Trader Sign-Up Growth: 35% YoY increase; Asia contributes ~45% of global growth.
• First-Stage Pass Rate: Global average ~40%.
• Funded Account Conversion: ~15% of applicants.
• Most Traded Assets: Forex (60%), Indices (25%), Metals/Commodities (15%).
• Challenge Fees: $100–$600 depending on firm and account size.

Japan

• Key Firm: Fundora (evaluation-based, cTrader platform, local focus)
• Legal? Yes. Regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA).
• Special Note: Japanese traders have one of the highest pass rates (~45%) and form ~10% of Asian applicants.

China

• Key Firm: High-Flyer Quant (AI-driven, quant-focused)
• Legal? Ambiguous. Heavy capital controls via PBoC & SAFE.
• Special Note: ~20–25% of Asian applicants are from China. Many use offshore firms.

Singapore

• Key Firms: Global firms with strong presence (e.g., Jane Street, QRT)
• Legal? Yes. Regulated by MAS.
• Special Note: Highest concentration of Forex-focused traders (74%).

Hong Kong

• Key Firms: Jane Street (expanding operations)
• Legal? Yes. Regulated by SFC.
• Special Note: ~12% of Asian prop firm applicants.

Malaysia

• Key Firms: No major domestic names; traders use global firms.
• Legal? Not explicitly illegal, but regulated by SC Malaysia.
• Special Note: Above-average pass rate (~45%).

Thailand

• Key Firms: Mostly international prop firms.
• Legal? Permitted under supervision by BOT and SEC.
• Special Note: 80%+ of traders use foreign firms.

India

• Key Firms: Estee Advisors (quant); international prop firms popular.
• Legal? Legal. Forex & CFDs regulated by SEBI and RBI.
• Special Note: ~15% of Asia's new prop traders come from India.

Indonesia

• Key Firms: Mostly international.
• Legal? Legal under BAPPEBTI rules.
• Special Note: 8–10% of Asia’s prop firm applicants.

Pakistan

• Key Firms: No major local firms.
• Legal? Not prohibited; SBP oversees forex remittances.
• Special Note: ~5% growth YoY in prop firm interest.

Bangladesh

• Key Firms: Limited local; traders prefer remote firms.
• Legal? FX rules apply. Regulated by Bangladesh Bank.
• Special Note: 3–5% of regional applicants. Stage 1 pass rate ~38–40%.

Philippines

• Key Firms: Mostly global (e.g., MyFundedFX, FTMO)
• Legal? Yes, regulated by SEC.
• Special Note: 6–7% of regional prop applicants.

Vietnam

• Key Firms: No domestic leaders; international firms dominate.
• Legal? No explicit ban; FX transfer limits apply.
• Special Note: 4–5% of Asia-based applicants; growing online trader community.

Final thoughts

Asia is a highly dynamic region for prop trading. While legal and regulatory frameworks vary, the trend is clear: local traders are embracing prop firm models at increasing rates. Firms like Fundora in Japan and High-Flyer Quant in China represent the spectrum of Asia’s prop trading future — from gamified retail platforms to institutional AI-driven powerhouses.

For success, traders should:

• Ensure compliance with local financial authorities
• Understand the terms of engagement with any firm
• Select firms with transparent and fair evaluation processes

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