What is Simulated-Live Account?
A simulated-live account is a trading environment that mirrors real market conditions (real-time pricing, real spreads, real slippage) but doesn't execute trades on a live exchange. The trader's performance on the simulated account determines their payout, which is paid from the firm's treasury rather than from real market profits. Almost all retail prop firm 'funded' accounts are simulated-live as of 2026. This isn't inherently a scam — it's the industry-standard business model — but it explains why firms have strict daily loss rules to manage their treasury exposure.
Key takeaways
Simulated-Live Account vs. Funded Account
Two terms that frequently get conflated. Here's how they actually differ.