Spotware, the company behind the trading platform cTrader, has introduced a new account type designed specifically for proprietary trading firms. The free prop trial accounts provide time-limited demo access for traders, allowing firms to run competitions, onboarding tests, or recruitment campaigns without requiring paid participation.
According to Spotware, several leading firms, including FTMO, Instant Funding, and Vision Trade, have already implemented the feature to enhance engagement and streamline trader acquisition.
A smarter way to recruit traders

The prop trial accounts offer full access to the cTrader ecosystem but are automatically deactivated after a set duration. Each account is clearly marked with a “FREE” label, ensuring transparency for both the firm and the trader.
Prop firms can use these accounts to host trading competitions, run evaluation challenges, or simply allow potential traders to experience their environment firsthand. This helps reduce friction in recruitment and ensures that only qualified, engaged traders move forward in the funding process.
“Free prop trial accounts give prop firms a powerful new way to showcase their trading environment and lower the entry barrier for prospective traders,” said Ilia Iarovitcyn, CEO of Spotware.
The accounts can be created instantly via cTrader Admin or through API integration, offering firms complete control over issuing, tracking, and managing trials. Traders can log in from any device (desktop, web, or mobile) and access the full suite of tools, including charting, risk management, algorithmic trading, and order types.
Driving growth and conversion for prop firms
By providing controlled demo access, prop firms can now attract traders at scale while maintaining clean internal systems and compliance workflows. The time-limited structure prevents misuse while giving firms a new way to convert leads into active participants.
The integration aligns with Spotware’s broader mission to provide transparent, broker-neutral technology for the global trading community.
The adoption by major names like FTMO and Instant Funding further validates the model, with both firms known for innovation in trader development and evaluation.

cTrader 5.4 adds python support and major upgrades
In addition to launching the new prop account type, Spotware also released cTrader version 5.4, which introduces native Python support for cBots, indicators, and plugins, complementing its existing C# framework.
The update includes:
- Enhanced APIs for dashboard customization and algorithmic integration
- New risk-reward tools for Mac users
- Docker compatibility for Linux deployment
- Charting improvements with preset date ranges, new time axis, and full-screen mode
- Mobile WebView plugins, enabling third-party tool integration
With these enhancements, Spotware continues to strengthen cTrader as a multi-asset, developer-friendly, and institutional-grade platform.
Conclusion
By introducing free prop trial accounts, Spotware empowers firms like FTMO and Instant Funding to scale recruitment, increase trader conversion, and maintain transparency.
Combined with the latest cTrader 5.4 upgrades, this innovation underscores Spotware’s commitment to advancing technology for prop trading in 2025 and beyond.