MyFunded Futures, one of the prominent US-based prop firms in the futures space, is actively pursuing full registration as an Introducing Broker (IB) regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). If successful, it would make MyFunded Futures one of the first retail-focused futures prop firms to operate under full regulatory oversight in the United States.
The company has publicly signaled its intentions by posting a job listing for a “Director of Brokerage Operations – Futures Brokerage,” a US-based role that will oversee the completion of the firm’s IB registration and the establishment of formal supervisory practices. Founder Matthew Leech has also confirmed publicly that pursuing NFA and CFTC compliance is a strategic priority for the firm.
Why This Matters for the Prop Trading Industry
Regulation has been the defining issue for prop trading challenges and funded account programs heading into 2026. The CFTC, FCA, ASIC, and other global regulators have significantly increased their scrutiny of the funded trader model, particularly for firms that offer access to futures markets. By voluntarily pursuing registration, MyFunded Futures is positioning itself ahead of what many industry observers believe will eventually become a mandatory licensing requirement.
This proactive approach stands in contrast to many other firms that have either resisted regulatory engagement or remained in a gray area regarding their compliance obligations.
The My Forex Funds Ruling That Changed the Landscape
MyFunded Futures’ decision to pursue licensing comes against the backdrop of the landmark My Forex Funds court case, in which a US federal judge dismissed the CFTC’s complaint against Traders Global Group — the parent company of My Forex Funds — with prejudice. The court went further and approved sanctions against the CFTC itself, with several agency lawyers and an investigator placed on administrative leave over allegations of misconduct during the case.
The ruling was widely seen as a setback for the CFTC’s aggressive posture toward prop firms. However, rather than treating the ruling as a green light to operate without oversight, MyFunded Futures appears to be taking the opposite approach — using the current regulatory uncertainty as an opportunity to establish itself as a fully compliant operation.
What Full Licensing Would Mean for Traders
For traders, a fully licensed prop firm offers several potential benefits. NFA-registered firms are subject to regular audits, capital requirements, and compliance standards that provide a layer of protection not available with unregulated platforms. Traders would have access to formal dispute resolution through the NFA, and the firm would need to maintain transparent record-keeping and reporting practices.
It also means that MyFunded Futures’ scaling programs and funded account structures would need to meet the same standards applied to traditional introducing brokers, which could set a precedent for how other prop firms structure their products going forward.
Registration Status and What Comes Next
As of now, MyFunded Futures does not yet appear in the NFA’s Background Affiliation Status Information Centre (BASIC) database, meaning the registration process is still underway. The timeline for full approval remains unclear, but the firm’s public hiring for compliance leadership suggests it is moving with urgency.
If the registration goes through, it would represent a significant milestone for the entire prop trading industry — demonstrating that the funded trader model can operate within established regulatory frameworks rather than outside of them.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why is this story important for prop traders?
It signals a shift in how serious prop firms are approaching regulation. If MyFunded Futures successfully obtains NFA and CFTC registration, it sets a benchmark that other firms may need to follow, especially those operating in the US futures market.
Which area of prop trading does this story relate to?
This primarily relates to futures prop trading and regulatory compliance. It also touches on the broader question of whether funded trader programs should be subject to the same oversight as traditional brokerage operations.
How does this development compare to broader industry trends?
It aligns with a growing industry-wide push toward legitimacy. FTMO has introduced KYB frameworks, several prop firms have obtained broker licenses, and regulators globally are developing specific guidelines for funded trader models. MyFunded Futures’ move is the most direct step toward full US regulatory compliance we have seen from a retail-focused futures prop firm.
What should traders do in response to this news?
Traders should pay attention to which firms are pursuing or already hold regulatory licenses. As the industry matures, regulated firms are likely to offer greater stability, better dispute resolution, and more trustworthy payout processes. Choosing regulated firms when possible is a sound risk management strategy for your trading career.
Which types of prop traders are most affected?
US-based futures traders are the most directly affected, as they face the greatest uncertainty around regulatory enforcement. However, traders globally should take note, as regulatory trends in the US often influence how other jurisdictions approach the prop trading model.
Is this a positive or negative development for the prop trading industry?
This is overwhelmingly positive. Voluntary regulatory compliance increases trust, protects traders, and strengthens the long-term viability of the funded trading model. It may create higher operational costs for firms, but those costs translate into safer conditions for the traders they serve.
How does this affect prop firm selection for new traders?
New traders should add regulatory status to their evaluation criteria when choosing a prop firm. A firm that is actively pursuing or has obtained NFA/CFTC registration demonstrates a level of commitment to transparency and trader protection that unregulated competitors simply cannot match.
