FTMO and SabioTrade both accept South African traders, but they suit different people. This comparison covers the rules, costs, payouts and platforms that decide which firm is the better fit for you, based on each firm’s published terms as of September 2026.
Quick verdict
Choose FTMO if you want a static drawdown, EAs and a proven payout record. Choose SabioTrade if you’re newer, want built-in education and trade patiently without automation.
Side-by-side comparison
| FTMO | SabioTrade | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Prague, Czech Republic | Dublin, Ireland |
| Evaluation | 2-Step (10% / 5%) or 1-Step (10%) | 1-Step (10%) |
| Daily loss | 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) | 5% of previous day’s close (includes floating) |
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) | 6% trailing from highest balance |
| Consistency rule | None on 2-Step; 50% Best Day Rule on 1-Step | 55% per day and per trade |
| Time limit | None | None (one trade every 30 days) |
| Cheapest entry | €89 ($10K) | $139 ($20K) |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% via scaling | 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+) |
| Payout frequency | First after 14 days, then bi-weekly or on demand | Every 7 days |
| Payout speed | Usually fast | Bank transfer or crypto |
| Platforms | MetaTrader, cTrader, DXtrade | Sabio Traderoom (Quadcode) |
| EAs | Allowed | Banned (scalping and hedging too) |
| Our rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
Evaluation rules and drawdown
FTMO offers 2-Step (10% / 5%) or 1-Step (10%), with a daily loss of 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) and a maximum loss of 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step). SabioTrade offers 1-Step (10%), with a daily loss of 5% of previous day’s close (includes floating) and a maximum loss of 6% trailing from highest balance.
The biggest practical difference is the drawdown. FTMO uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits, while SabioTrade uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance. After a winning run, the trailing limit leaves you much less room for a pullback. Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown for worked examples.
Consistency rules. FTMO: None on 2-Step; 50% Best Day Rule on 1-Step. SabioTrade: 55% per day and per trade.
Costs
FTMO starts at €89 for $10K, while SabioTrade starts at $139 for $20K. Fees are charged in USD or EUR, so South Africans should expect a card conversion fee on top. Check whether each firm refunds the fee with your first payout.
Profit split and payouts
| Firm | Profit split | Payout schedule | Speed and methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 80%, up to 90% via scaling | First after 14 days, then bi-weekly or on demand | Usually fast |
| SabioTrade | 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+) | Every 7 days | Bank transfer or crypto |
Look beyond the headline split: payout frequency, withdrawal fees and consistency conditions decide how much you actually receive and when. Both firms pay in USD (or EUR), so South Africans should compare conversion costs across payout methods.
Platforms and strategies
| Firm | Platforms | Expert Advisors (EAs) |
|---|---|---|
| FTMO | MetaTrader, cTrader, DXtrade | Allowed |
| SabioTrade | Sabio Traderoom (Quadcode) | Banned (scalping and hedging too) |
If you already use MetaTrader or run automated strategies, check that your platform and EA are supported before paying for a challenge.
What it costs in rand
At an illustrative rate of R18 per US dollar (check today’s rate and your card’s foreign transaction fee):
| Firm | Cheapest entry | Approx. in rand |
|---|---|---|
| FTMO | €89 | about R1,800 (EUR) |
| SabioTrade | $139 | about R2,500 |
Card payments to offshore firms count toward your single discretionary allowance, and payouts arrive in foreign currency that you’ll convert to rand. See how to withdraw prop firm profits in South Africa.
Trading from South Africa
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00–18:00 SAST in the Northern summer and 15:00–19:00 in winter. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 15:30 or 16:30 SAST. Payouts are income for SARS, usually declared through provisional tax: see prop firm tax in South Africa.
Which should you choose?
FTMO is the stronger all-round firm: its 2-Step’s static 10% maximum loss is far more forgiving than SabioTrade’s 6% trailing drawdown, and it allows EAs. SabioTrade makes sense for developing traders who value its Academy and weekly reward requests.
Visit FTMO Read our FTMO review
Visit SabioTrade Read our SabioTrade review
FTMO vs SabioTrade FAQ
Which is cheaper, FTMO or SabioTrade?
FTMO starts at €89 for $10K, while SabioTrade starts at $139 for $20K.
Which has the better profit split?
FTMO pays 80%, up to 90% via scaling. SabioTrade pays 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+).
Which has the easier drawdown rules?
FTMO uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits; SabioTrade uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance. Static limits are generally easier to manage.
Can South Africans use both FTMO and SabioTrade?
Yes. FTMO: Yes; fees charged in EUR. SabioTrade: Yes, via international site.
Can South Africans use both FTMO and SabioTrade?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents; confirm eligibility at checkout.
How much does it cost in rand?
Entry prices are in foreign currency; at an illustrative R18 per US dollar, FTMO starts at about R1,800 (EUR) and SabioTrade at about R2,500.