Maverick Trading

Maverick Trading is one of the longest-running proprietary trading firms in the United States, founded in 1997. Unlike the newer wave of challenge-based prop firms, Maverick operates on a training-first philosophy: aspiring traders complete a structured education program before receiving access to funded capital. This model prioritizes building durable trading skills over simply passing a profit target test under artificial conditions.

The firm specializes in options and equities trading, providing traders with professional-grade capital once they graduate through the training pipeline. The curriculum covers technical analysis, risk management, position sizing, and options strategies, with live mentorship sessions guiding traders through real market conditions. Paper trading and simulated practice are incorporated during the learning phase before real funds are allocated.

Funded traders at Maverick receive a profit split of up to 70–80%, with the firm absorbing downside risk. The training program fee serves as both a qualification gateway and an ongoing educational resource, distinguishing Maverick from pure-evaluation firms that offer little ongoing support. Mentors remain accessible post-funding, making the model particularly valuable for traders who want long-term development rather than a one-time funded account.

While the upfront program cost is higher than typical challenge fees at newer firms, the depth of mentorship and the firm's 25+ year track record make it a compelling option for committed traders. Its focus on options strategies and US equities does limit market coverage compared to multi-asset prop firms, and the absence of modern fintech tools may feel dated to traders accustomed to slicker platforms.