FTMO acquires stake in OANDA. End of the wild west era in prop trading?

FTMO and OANDA - a groundbreaking deal

FTMO, the world's largest prop trading firm, has acquired a majority stake in OANDA - a regulated broker with over 25 years of history. This deal changes the rules for the entire industry.

Why this matters

For years, prop trading firms operated in a regulatory gray zone. Most are technology companies offering "simulated trading accounts" - not subject to financial regulation.

FTMO's acquisition of OANDA means:

1. Industry legitimization - prop trading becomes part of the regulated financial sector
2. Consolidation - smaller firms without licenses may disappear
3. Higher standards - KYC/AML, data protection, transparency

What it means for traders

Positive: Greater fund safety, transparency, better consumer protection.

Negative: Likely stricter rules, higher entry requirements, end of extremely cheap challenges.

Regulation in 2026

CFTC, FCA, and ASIC plan to require licenses from prop trading firms. An estimated 80-100 firms closed between 2023-2024. In 2026, this trend may intensify.

For traders, the key is choosing firms with good reputation and payout history. At PropGate, we work exclusively with verified firms - FTMO, BrightFunded, Blue Guardian, FundedNext and FXIFY.