Complete The Futures Desk Prop Firm Guide
The Futures Desk offers customizable one-step evaluations with EOD or static drawdown, daily payouts, and a path to live brokerage accounts. Algorithmic trading is allowed. Connects to TradersPost via ProjectX.
Marketing
Bottom Line
- The Futures Desk uses a one-step evaluation model with a path to live funding.
- Funded traders receive an 80% profit split with daily uncapped payouts.
- Supported platforms include TFD-X, Rithmic, and compatibility with Sierra Chart, Quantower, ATAS, Jigsaw, and Bookmap.
- A standout feature is the customizable evaluation parameters, including drawdown type and contract size.
- Notable cons include the 80% profit split being lower than some competitors and a maximum of two funded accounts.
The Futures Desk (TFD) is a futures prop firm founded in 2024 by Josh Schwartzberg1. The firm offers customizable evaluations with EOD or static drawdown, algorithmic trading is explicitly allowed, and funded traders receive daily payouts with no caps2.
TFD connects to TradersPost via ProjectX and Rithmic1. This guide covers the firm's evaluation structure, pricing, rules, and automation capabilities.
Company Overview
Josh Schwartzberg founded The Futures Desk in 2024 after working at another prop firm1. The firm positions itself as a proprietary trading desk rather than a funding company, emphasizing a path from simulated evaluation to live brokerage accounts2.
Evaluation Structure
TFD uses a one-step assessment with a path to live funding2:
Stage 1: Assessment Desk
A single-phase evaluation where the primary fail condition is breaching the maximum drawdown2. A 20% consistency requirement applies during the evaluation phase1. Minimum 5 trading days to pass1.
Stage 2: Sim Brokerage
After passing, traders continue under assessment rules while building a profit buffer. This bridge phase proves sustained profitability before transitioning to live capital2.
Stage 3: Live Brokerage
Live account setup through regulated FCMs with real capital and daily payouts2. TFD covers the first month's pro data fee (approximately $140 value)1.
Account Sizes and Parameters
EOD Drawdown Accounts
- $25K: $1,750 target, $1,000 drawdown, $400 daily loss limit, 1 mini / 10 micro1
- $50K: $3,500 target, $2,000 drawdown, $800 daily loss limit, 3 mini / 30 micro1
- $100K: $5,250 target, $3,000 drawdown, $1,200 daily loss limit, 5 mini / 50 micro1
- $150K: $7,900 target, $4,500 drawdown, $1,800 daily loss limit, 10 mini / 100 micro1
Static Drawdown Accounts
- $25K: $2,000 target, $1,000 drawdown, $400 daily loss limit, 1 mini / 10 micro1
- $50K: $4,000 target, $2,000 drawdown, $800 daily loss limit, 3 mini / 30 micro1
- $100K: $6,000 target, $3,000 drawdown, $1,200 daily loss limit, 5 mini / 50 micro1
- $150K: $9,000 target, $4,500 drawdown, $1,800 daily loss limit, 10 mini / 100 micro1
Profit Split and Payouts
- Profit split: 80% to trader1
- Frequency: Daily (Monday-Friday), uncapped2
- Payout method: Rise (Riseworks)1
Trading Rules
- Drawdown type: EOD trailing or Static (trader's choice)1
- Daily loss limit: 40% of max drawdown — soft limit that pauses trading for the day, not a failure3
- Consistency: 20% during evaluation, none on funded accounts1
- Minimum trading days: 51
- Inactivity rule: One trade every 14 days3
- News trading (live): Limited to 5 micro contracts within 1 minute before/after scheduled events3
- Scalping: Allowed1
- Copy trading: Allowed1
- Algorithmic trading: Allowed1
- Swing trading: Not permitted1
Supported Platforms
- TFD-X: Proprietary web-based platform built on ProjectX (TradersPost compatible)1
- Rithmic: Professional data feed and execution1
- Sierra Chart, Quantower, ATAS, Jigsaw, Bookmap: Via Rithmic connection1
Automation with TradersPost
The Futures Desk explicitly allows algorithmic trading1. TradersPost connects via ProjectX for webhook-based automated execution. Traders can route TradingView or TrendSpider alerts through TradersPost to their TFD account.
No consistency rules on funded accounts means automated strategies can produce occasional outsized gains without penalty1.
Comparison to Other Prop Firms
Evaluation: TFD uses a one-step assessment2. Most competitors use one or two phases.
Customization: TFD allows customizable evaluation parameters (drawdown, contracts, type)1. Most competitors offer fixed tiers.
Payouts: TFD offers daily uncapped payouts2. Most competitors offer bi-weekly or monthly.
Profit Split: TFD offers 80%1. Most competitors offer 80-90% or 100% on an introductory amount.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Customizable evaluation parameters (drawdown, contracts, type)1
- One-step assessment with no consistency rules on funded accounts2
- Daily uncapped payouts on live accounts2
- Path to live brokerage accounts through regulated FCMs2
- Algorithmic trading explicitly allowed1
- TradersPost compatible via ProjectX1
- CME member commission rates ($1.20/side for minis)1
- No activation fees1
- Soft daily loss limit (pauses, does not fail)3
Disadvantages
- Very new firm (founded 2024)1
- 80% profit split is lower than many competitors1
- Maximum 2 funded accounts1
- Swing trading not permitted1
- Static drawdown accounts have higher profit targets than EOD equivalents1
- News trading restricted on live accounts3
- 20% consistency rule during evaluation phase1
Conclusion
The Futures Desk brings a customizable approach to futures prop trading with a one-step assessment2, choice of EOD or static drawdown1, and daily uncapped payouts on funded accounts2.
For TradersPost users, the explicit allowance of algorithmic trading and ProjectX integration make TFD one of the more automation-friendly prop firms available1. The 80% profit split is below industry leaders, and the maximum of 2 accounts limits scaling. Verify current evaluation options, pricing, and rules on The Futures Desk website before purchasing.
References
1 The Futures Desk - Main Website
2 The Futures Desk - How It Works
3 The Futures Desk - Knowledge Base
