Funding vs. Brokerage: What’s the Real Difference?
Traders today have two major paths to build capital: use their own money in a traditional brokerage account, or get funded by a proprietary firm like Ment Funding. Each model offers unique advantages and tradeoffs. The choice depends on your capital, risk tolerance, trading goals, and preferred structure. This article compares Ment Funding with a standard broker account to help you decide which path fits you best.
Capital Requirements
With a broker account, you need your own trading capital—often thousands of dollars just to get started. With Ment Funding, you pay a small evaluation fee, and if you pass, the firm provides access to funded capital. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
Risk Exposure
Brokerage accounts expose your personal funds to risk. Every trade you make puts your money on the line. At Ment Funding, you’re risking the firm’s capital once funded, and your only upfront cost is the evaluation fee.
Rules and Restrictions
Broker accounts give more freedom but fewer guardrails. This can lead to overtrading and emotional decision-making. Prop firms like Ment Funding impose strict rules—drawdowns, daily loss limits, and required profit targets—which help reinforce discipline and structure.
Profit Split
Brokerage profits are 100% yours—but so are the losses. With Ment Funding, you keep 75–90% of profits, depending on the plan. While you share a portion, you also avoid risking your own capital once funded.
Support and Tools
Ment Funding offers trader dashboards, evaluation feedback, and performance metrics—features most retail brokers do not provide. These tools help traders assess their edge and improve execution.
Psychological Pressure
Trading your own money can induce stress and poor decision-making. Ment Funding reduces this by placing risk on the firm while maintaining strict discipline standards. Many traders find this structure more manageable mentally.
Growth Opportunities
Most brokers offer flat accounts. With Ment Funding, traders can scale to higher levels of funding based on performance. That’s a huge incentive for consistent traders looking to grow beyond their starting balance.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you have a reliable strategy and want to minimize personal risk, Ment Funding is an ideal path. If you prefer full autonomy and can afford to risk your own capital, a brokerage account may suit you. Many traders use both simultaneously: funding for growth, brokerage for flexibility.
Wrap-Up
Both models have their place. But for traders seeking structure, access to capital, and a chance to grow without risking personal funds, Ment Funding offers a powerful advantage worth exploring.