TopStep Review - Premier Futures Trading Combine for Kenyan Traders

Introduction

TopStep stands as the pioneer and industry leader in proprietary futures trading, having established the “Trading Combine” model that many other firms have since adopted. Founded in 2012 in Chicago, TopStep has funded over 3,000 traders and paid out more than $200 million, making it one of the most established and trusted names in the prop trading industry. For Kenyan traders seeking a proven path to funded futures trading, TopStep offers unmatched credibility and comprehensive support.

Company Overview

Historical Background

TopStep was founded by Michael Patak with a vision to democratize access to trading capital while maintaining the highest standards of trader development. The company pioneered the concept of the “Trading Combine” - a comprehensive evaluation process that tests not just profitability, but consistency, risk management, and psychological discipline.

Key Milestones:

• 2012: Company founded, first Trading Combine launched
• 2014: Reached 10,000 registered traders
• 2016: $10 million in trader payouts milestone
• 2018: Launched TopStep Academy
• 2020: $100 million in total payouts
• 2022: Expanded to 200,000+ registered traders
• 2024: Over $200 million paid to traders

Mission and Philosophy

TopStep’s mission extends beyond simply providing capital - they aim to develop complete traders through education, mentorship, and real-world experience. Their philosophy centers on:

• Education First: Comprehensive learning before earning
• Risk Management: Discipline over quick profits
• Consistency: Sustainable trading practices
• Community: Supportive trader network
• Transparency: Clear rules and expectations

Trading Combine Program Analysis

Standard Trading Combine

The flagship program that has made TopStep famous, designed to thoroughly evaluate a trader’s skills across multiple dimensions.

Program Structure:

• Account Sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K
• Evaluation Period: 15-60 calendar days
• Minimum Trading Days: 15 days
• Profit Targets: $3,000 (50K), $6,000 (100K), $9,000 (150K)
• Loss Limits: $2,000 (50K), $4,000 (100K), $6,000 (150K)
• Consistency Rule: No single day >30% of total profit

Detailed Requirements by Account Size:

Express Trading Combine

A streamlined version for experienced traders who want to fast-track their evaluation.

Key Differences:

• Shorter Period: 5-30 calendar days
• Minimum Days: 5 trading days
• Higher Fees: Premium pricing for speed
• Same Targets: Identical profit and loss parameters
• Accelerated Path: Faster route to funding

Combine Rules Deep Dive

Daily Loss Limit:

• Fixed dollar amount regardless of account growth
• Calculated from daily starting balance
• Includes open position P&L
• Violation results in immediate failure

Total Loss Limit:

• Same as daily loss limit
• Never resets during evaluation
• Most restrictive rule for most traders
• Requires careful position sizing

Consistency Rule:

• Prevents “home run” trading mentality
• Encourages steady, sustainable profits
• Calculated as percentage of total profit
• Promotes risk management discipline

Platform and Technology Analysis

NinjaTrader Integration

Professional Features:

• Advanced Charting: Institutional-grade analysis
• Strategy Development: Custom indicators and systems
• Market Replay: Historical simulation capabilities
• Order Management: Sophisticated execution tools
• Free License: Included with funded accounts

NinjaTrader Advantages:

• Industry-standard platform
• Extensive customization options
• Strong community support
• Professional-grade tools
• Reliable execution

TradingView Platform

Web-Based Trading:

• No Download Required: Browser-based access
• Social Features: Community analysis and ideas
• Mobile Compatibility: Trade from anywhere
• Custom Indicators: Extensive library
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface

Quantower Platform

Professional Interface:

• Institutional Grade: Advanced trading tools
• Customizable Workspace: Personalized layouts
• Deep Market Data: Level II information
• Multi-Asset Support: Comprehensive coverage
• Low Latency: Optimized for speed

Futures Market Coverage

Index Futures

Major Indices:

• E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Most popular contract
• E-mini NASDAQ-100 (NQ): Technology focus
• E-mini Dow Jones (YM): Blue-chip exposure
• E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY): Small-cap coverage

Trading Characteristics:

• High liquidity throughout US session
• Tight spreads and reliable fills
• Strong correlation to equity markets
• Excellent for trend following strategies

Currency Futures

Major Currencies:

• Euro FX (6E): EUR/USD equivalent
• British Pound (6B): GBP/USD exposure
• Japanese Yen (6J): USD/JPY inverse
• Canadian Dollar (6C): USD/CAD inverse
• Australian Dollar (6A): AUD/USD equivalent

Commodity Futures

Energy Complex:

• Crude Oil (CL): WTI crude oil
• Natural Gas (NG): Henry Hub natural gas
• Gasoline (RB): RBOB gasoline
• Heating Oil (HO): Ultra-low sulfur diesel

Metals:

• Gold (GC): 100 oz gold futures
• Silver (SI): 5,000 oz silver futures
• Copper (HG): High-grade copper
• Platinum (PL): Platinum futures

Agricultural:

• Corn (ZC): Chicago corn futures
• Soybeans (ZS): Chicago soybean futures
• Wheat (ZW): Chicago wheat futures
• Live Cattle (LE): Livestock futures

Educational Resources and Support

TopStep Academy

Comprehensive Curriculum:

• Fundamentals Course: Market basics and terminology
• Technical Analysis: Chart patterns and indicators
• Risk Management: Position sizing and stops
• Trading Psychology: Mental game mastery
• Platform Training: NinjaTrader tutorials

Course Structure:

• Self-paced learning modules
• Interactive quizzes and assessments
• Video lessons with professional traders
• Downloadable resources and guides
• Progress tracking and certificates

Daily Market Analysis

Professional Research:

• Pre-Market Analysis: Daily market outlook
• Key Levels: Support and resistance identification
• Economic Calendar: Important news events
• Sector Analysis: Industry-specific insights
• Trade Ideas: Potential setups and strategies

Live Trading Rooms

Real-Time Education:

• Morning Briefings: Market preparation sessions
• Live Commentary: Real-time market analysis
• Q&A Sessions: Interactive trader support
• Strategy Discussions: Technique sharing
• Performance Reviews: Trade analysis

Mentorship Program

One-on-One Support:

• Personal Coaches: Experienced trader mentors
• Custom Plans: Individualized development paths
• Regular Check-ins: Progress monitoring
• Goal Setting: Milestone establishment
• Accountability: Performance tracking

Kenya-Specific Analysis

Time Zone Challenges and Solutions

US Futures Market Hours (EAT):

• Globex Open: 6:00 PM Sunday - 5:00 PM Friday
• RTH Session: 11:30 PM - 6:00 AM (next day)
• Most Active: 11:30 PM - 2:00 AM EAT

Optimal Trading Strategies for Kenyans:

Evening Session (11:30 PM - 2:00 AM):

• Highest volatility and volume
• Best for scalping and day trading
• Requires late-night schedule adjustment
• Most profitable trading window

Early Morning (4:00 AM - 6:00 AM):

• Market close activity
• Position unwinding opportunities
• Lower volume but still tradeable
• Better for work-life balance

Algorithmic Trading:

• Automated systems for 24-hour coverage
• Reduces time zone disadvantages
• Requires programming knowledge
• Higher success rates for some traders

Technology Infrastructure Requirements

Internet Connectivity:

• Minimum Speed: 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload
• Latency: <100ms to Chicago servers
• Reliability: 99.9% uptime required
• Backup: Mobile hotspot essential

Hardware Specifications:

• Processor: Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB preferred
• Storage: SSD for operating system and platforms
• Monitors: Dual 24” monitors minimum
• UPS: Uninterrupted power supply

VPS Considerations:

• Location: Chicago-based servers preferred
• Specifications: 8GB RAM, 4 CPU cores
• Cost: $50-100/month for quality service
• Providers: Beeks, CNS, or similar

Payment and Banking

Challenge Fee Payment:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard accepted
• Bank Transfer: Wire transfer option
• Processing Time: Immediate to 3 days
• Currency: USD only

Payout Methods:

• ACH: US bank account required
• Wire Transfer: International option
• Check: Physical mail delivery
• Processing Time: 5-10 business days

Banking Solutions for Kenyans:

• Wise (TransferWise): Multi-currency account
• Payoneer: US bank account service
• Local Banks: International wire capabilities
• Cryptocurrency: Not currently supported

Risk Management Framework

Position Sizing Strategies

Conservative Approach (Recommended):

• Risk 0.25-0.5% per trade
• Maximum 1-2 contracts on major indices
• Focus on high-probability setups
• Strict adherence to stop losses

Moderate Approach:

• Risk 0.5-1% per trade
• Maximum 3-4 contracts
• Balanced risk-reward ratios
• Diversified instrument selection

Aggressive Approach (Advanced Only):

• Risk 1-1.5% per trade
• Maximum 5-6 contracts
• Higher frequency trading
• Advanced risk management techniques

Drawdown Management

Daily Loss Limit Strategy:

• Set personal limit at 50% of maximum
• Use alerts and automatic stops
• Take breaks after significant losses
• Review and adjust strategies regularly

Consistency Rule Compliance:

• Track daily P&L carefully
• Avoid “home run” mentality
• Focus on steady, incremental gains
• Use position sizing to control daily profits

Success Strategies for Kenyan Traders

Market Selection

Recommended for Beginners:

1. E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Most liquid and predictable
2. E-mini NASDAQ (NQ): Higher volatility, more opportunity
3. Crude Oil (CL): Strong trending characteristics

Advanced Instruments:

1. Currency Futures: For forex experience
2. Agricultural: Seasonal patterns
3. Metals: Safe-haven characteristics

Trading Strategies

Scalping (0-5 minute holds):

• High-frequency, small profits
• Requires excellent execution
• Best during high-volume periods
• Suitable for ES and NQ

Momentum Trading (5-30 minute holds):

• Follow strong directional moves
• Use breakout strategies
• Focus on news-driven volatility
• Works well across all instruments

Mean Reversion (30 minutes - 2 hours):

• Trade against extreme moves
• Use support/resistance levels
• Lower frequency, higher accuracy
• Suitable for ranging markets

Schedule Management

Full-Time Trading Schedule:

• 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM: Market preparation
• 11:30 PM - 2:00 AM: Active trading
• 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM: Monitoring/light trading
• 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Review and analysis

Part-Time Trading Schedule:

• 11:30 PM - 1:00 AM: Focused trading session
• Weekend: Analysis and preparation
• Algorithmic: Automated strategies
• Swing Trading: Longer-term positions

Performance Metrics and Statistics

Success Rates by Account Size

Historical Data:

• $50K Accounts: 12% pass rate
• $100K Accounts: 10% pass rate
• $150K Accounts: 8% pass rate
• Overall Average: 10% pass rate

Common Failure Points

Risk Management (45% of failures):

• Exceeding daily loss limits
• Poor position sizing
• Lack of stop losses
• Emotional trading decisions

Consistency Rule (25% of failures):

• Single large winning days
• Inconsistent daily performance
• Boom-bust trading patterns
• Lack of steady progress

Minimum Trading Days (20% of failures):

• Insufficient trading activity
• Long periods of inactivity
• Failure to meet requirements
• Poor time management

Other Violations (10% of failures):

• Platform issues
• Rule misunderstandings
• Technical problems
• Account management errors

Funded Trader Performance

Average Statistics:

• First Month Profit: $2,500
• Average Monthly: $4,000-6,000
• Top Performers: $15,000+ monthly
• Retention Rate: 70% after 6 months

Competitive Analysis

TopStep vs. Competitors

Advantages:

• Longest Track Record: 12+ years in business
• Proven Payouts: $200M+ paid to traders
• Educational Excellence: Industry-leading training
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong oversight
• Community Support: Large, active network

Disadvantages:

• Lower Profit Split: 80% vs. competitors’ 90%
• Strict Rules: Consistency requirements
• Limited Instruments: Futures only
• US Focus: Time zone challenges
• Higher Standards: More difficult to pass

Value Proposition

For Serious Traders:

• Comprehensive development program
• Long-term career focus
• Professional trading environment
• Proven success methodology
• Strong support network

Investment in Education:

• TopStep Academy worth $500+ value
• Daily market analysis
• Live trading rooms
• Mentorship opportunities
• Community access

Common Challenges and Solutions

For Kenyan Traders

Challenge 1: Time Zone Management

• Solution: Adjust sleep schedule gradually
• Alternative: Focus on algorithmic trading
• Support: Use market replay for practice

Challenge 2: Internet Reliability

• Solution: Invest in fiber connection + backup
• Monitoring: Use uptime monitoring tools
• Contingency: VPS trading setup

Challenge 3: Banking and Payments

• Solution: Set up Wise or Payoneer account
• Planning: Factor in transfer fees and times
• Documentation: Maintain proper records

Challenge 4: Platform Learning

• Solution: Complete TopStep Academy first
• Practice: Use market replay extensively
• Support: Join community forums

Regulatory Compliance and Security

US Regulatory Framework

CFTC Oversight:

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission registration
• Regular audits and compliance reviews
• Client fund segregation requirements
• Transparent reporting standards

NFA Membership:

• National Futures Association member
• Additional oversight and protection
• Dispute resolution services
• Professional standards compliance

Fund Security

Client Protection:

• Segregated client accounts
• SIPC insurance coverage
• Regular third-party audits
• Transparent financial reporting

Conclusion

TopStep represents the gold standard in proprietary futures trading, offering unmatched credibility, comprehensive education, and proven results. While the 80% profit split and strict consistency rules may seem less attractive than newer competitors, the firm’s 12-year track record, $200+ million in payouts, and comprehensive trader development program provide exceptional value for serious traders.

Ideal for Kenyan Traders Who:

• Prioritize education and development
• Want proven, established programs
• Can adapt to US market hours
• Value community and support
• Seek long-term trading careers

Consider Alternatives If:

• You want higher profit splits
• You prefer more flexible rules
• You need forex trading options
• You want faster evaluation processes
• You require extensive international support

For Kenyan traders willing to invest in comprehensive education and adapt to US market hours, TopStep offers one of the most professional and supportive environments for developing a funded trading career. The firm’s emphasis on education, risk management, and consistency makes it an excellent choice for traders seeking sustainable, long-term success in the futures markets.