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What Are Restricted Countries

Restricted countries refer to specific regions or nations from which traders are not allowed to purchase or operate accounts with certain prop firms. This restriction is most commonly seen among futures-focused firms and can apply during both the evaluation and funded stages. The list of restricted countries varies from firm to firm and is often based on legal, regulatory, or compliance-related factors.

Why These Restrictions Exist

Firms restrict access from certain countries primarily due to regulatory and legal limitations. In some cases, financial authorities in specific countries do not permit foreign proprietary trading firms to offer services without a local license. Other times, restrictions are tied to international sanctions, compliance with anti-money laundering protocols, or limitations placed by payment processors and banking partners.

Firms must also consider risk exposure, legal liability, and the ability to enforce contracts or resolve disputes. If a firm cannot guarantee compliance with a region’s financial regulations or lacks infrastructure to support traders there, it may choose to restrict access entirely. These decisions are typically made to protect both the firm and the trader from operating in a legally uncertain environment.

Variations Between Firms and Account Types

Variations in Restrictions

Not all firms restrict the same countries, and the type of account being offered can also influence access. Some firms may allow traders from restricted countries to purchase simulated funded accounts but prohibit them from accessing live-funded accounts. This distinction allows the firm to provide access to education or practice accounts while avoiding legal exposure related to real-money operations.

For example, a trader in a restricted country might be allowed to complete an evaluation and receive a simulated funded account but would be prevented from receiving payouts or transitioning into a live market account due to jurisdictional rules. This setup is especially common in countries where currency controls, licensing barriers, or international financial restrictions are in place.

Importance of Verifying Eligibility

Traders should always review the restricted country list provided by the firm before attempting to purchase or activate an account. Attempting to bypass regional restrictions through VPNs, false addresses, or third-party access can result in immediate disqualification and loss of account access. Most firms conduct regular checks and may request documentation to verify the trader’s identity and location.

Understanding whether a firm allows access from your country, and whether there are limitations between simulated and live accounts, is essential for long-term participation and payout eligibility.

Summary

Restricted countries are regions where certain prop firms do not allow traders to purchase or operate accounts, often due to legal, regulatory, or risk-related reasons. The list of restricted countries differs across firms and may vary between simulated and live-funded accounts. Traders should confirm their eligibility before signing up and avoid attempting to bypass restrictions. Being aware of these rules helps ensure compliance and protects both the trader and the firm from unnecessary complications.