Prop firms face various challenges when implementing the business model. First, the absence of definitive laws to guide operations in the industry leaves firms at the mercy of greedy authorities. Some authorities may ask for kickbacks to facilitate the firms' activities. Established laws and regulations spell out the licensing process and the limits within which firms should operate. The absence of rules leaves a gray area for unscrupulous actors to thrive, hampering the prop trading business.
Second, the absence of definitive laws and regulations regarding prop trading implies the ecosystem is vulnerable to fraudulent
prop firms. Such firms exploit existing gaps in the law to exploit unsuspecting traders, further soiling the collective reputation of the industry.
Third, the lack of a global framework within which prop firms should operate means that many countries prohibit business in their jurisdictions. Without the clarity that comes with regulations, prop firms cannot expand their market because of unnecessary restrictions.
Fourth, increased competition puts downward pressure on evaluation fees and the rigor of the evaluation process. Some firms implement loose evaluation rules, netting many traders at the expense of serious business. The problem is that traders are likely to be shortchanged by the less stringent prop firms, discouraging interest in the industry.
