# Proprietary trading firm funding models > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/proprietary-trading-firm-funding-models > Updated: 2026-09-10T11:01:25.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Proprietary trading firms in 2026 are utilizing diverse models to attract traders, primarily through fee refund programs and instant funding options. Early reports indicate that firms like FundedNext, FTMO, and The 5%ers offer to refund initial evaluation costs once traders achieve profitability or their first payout, with some scaling accounts up to $4 million. As the market evolves, firms are increasingly specializing their account structures and pricing. Providers such as Eleonex offer simulated trading evaluations through specific programs like Ignite, which allows traders with established track records to bypass traditional evaluations for instant funding under specific drawdown rules. Market analysis suggests that the total cost of these trading challenges is determined by a combination of entry fees, refundability, drawdown limits, and payout terms. While some firms like Atlas Funded and Maven Trading focus on low upfront costs, others like Pivex and Velotrade emphasize refundable fee structures. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Prop trading firms offer specialized funding and pricing models Proprietary trading firms are offering diverse simulated evaluation models, with companies like Eleonex providing specialized funding routes and others focusing on low-cost entry and refundability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prop-trading-firms-offer-specialized-funding-and-pricing-models ### 2026-08-26: Proprietary trading firms offer fee refunds and instant funding Proprietary trading firms in 2026 are offering diverse models, including fee refunds after successful evaluations and instant funding options to bypass traditional trading challenges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/proprietary-trading-firms-offer-fee-refunds-and-instant-funding --- Cite as: Proprietary trading firm funding models. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/proprietary-trading-firm-funding-models