City Traders Imperium (CTI) has been operating since 2018, offering instant funding, 1-step, and 2-step evaluations with scaling potential up to $4,000,000 and profit splits reaching 100% at VIP levels. Founded by Martin Najat and Daniel Martin in Dubai, CTI has built a solid reputation with a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,600+ reviews.
TL;DR: CTI's scaling to $4M and path to 100% profit split make it one of the most ambitious prop firms for long-term traders. The instant funding option, low spreads (0.3 pip average on EUR/USD), and flexible trading rules add to the appeal. Pricing is on the higher side, particularly for instant funding, and the two-step wallet-based payout process adds friction. Best for traders planning a multi-year funded trading career who want maximum scaling.
How City Traders Imperium Works
CTI offers three funding pathways:
- 1-Step Challenge: Single-phase evaluation with 8% profit target
- 2-Step Challenge: Two-phase evaluation with standard targets
- Instant Funding: Skip the evaluation entirely and start trading immediately
The firm doubles your account size every time you hit a 10% profit target, with scaling potential up to $4,000,000. That's the same ceiling as The 5%ers and higher than FTMO's $400K cap.
Account Types & Pricing
| Program | Account Sizes | Price Range | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | $2,500-$100,000 | $29-$469 | 70-100% |
| 2-Step | Varies | Varies | 70-100% |
| Instant Standard | $10K-$40K | $216-$1,059 | 80% |
| Instant Pro | $10K-$80K | $299-$4,799 | 80%+ |
The 1-Step program at $29 is the most accessible entry point. The Instant Pro pricing at up to $4,799 for an $80K account is premium territory. That high cost reflects the zero-evaluation model and higher scaling speed.
Trading Rules & Conditions
- 1-Step: 8% profit target, 5% trailing drawdown, NO daily loss limit
- 2-Step: 10% profit target (Phase 1), 10% max drawdown, 5% daily loss limit
- Leverage: Up to 1:30 (varies by instrument)
- Spreads: Average 0.3 pip on EUR/USD
- Allowed: News trading, overnight holding, weekend trading
- Platforms: MetaTrader 5
The absence of a daily loss limit on the 1-Step is unusual and trader-friendly. The tight EUR/USD spreads are among the lowest in prop trading.
Payout Structure & Methods
CTI uses a two-step wallet system:
- Transfer profits from trading account to Dashboard Wallet (reviewed within 2 business days)
- Withdraw from Wallet to bank account or crypto (processed within 1 business day)
- Profit split: Starts at 70-80%, scales to 100% at VIP levels
- Minimum withdrawal: $100
- Payout cutoff: 15:00 GMT weekdays
- Scaling: Account doubles at every 10% profit milestone
The two-step process adds friction compared to firms with direct withdrawals. But the scaling to $4M and 100% profit split at VIP compensate for the extra step.
What We Like
- Scaling to $4,000,000 is among the highest in the industry
- 100% profit split achievable at VIP level
- 0.3 pip average EUR/USD spread is competitive
- Operating since 2018 with a solid track record
- No daily loss limit on 1-Step challenges
- Flexible rules allowing news, overnight, and weekend trading
What Could Be Better
- Instant Pro pricing up to $4,799 is expensive
- Two-step wallet payout adds processing time and friction
- Starting profit split of 70% is below the 80% industry norm
- Scaling takes time to reach the $4M ceiling
- 4.3/5 Trustpilot is good but not exceptional
Is City Traders Imperium Legit?
Yes. Operating since 2018 with a consistent payout history, 1,600+ Trustpilot reviews, and a Dubai-based operation. The firm has survived multiple market cycles, which is a strong trust signal.
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.0/5
CTI is built for the long game. If you're a trader who plans to grow a funded account over months and years, the $4M scaling ceiling and 100% profit split make it one of the best destinations. The upfront costs and lower starting splits mean it's not the best value for short-term trading, but the end-game rewards are hard to beat.
FAQ
Is City Traders Imperium legit?
Yes. Operating since 2018 with a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating and consistent payout history.
How much does CTI cost?
1-Step from $29, Instant Standard from $216, Instant Pro from $299.
What is CTI's profit split?
Starts at 70-80% and scales to 100% at VIP level.
Can I use CTI in the US?
Yes, CTI accepts US-based traders.
How fast are CTI payouts?
2 business days for internal transfer review, then 1 business day for withdrawal processing.
What's the maximum funding at CTI?
$4,000,000 through progressive scaling (account doubles at each 10% profit milestone).
Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading involves risk of loss.