Thefuturesdesk.com Review

Based on checking the website, Thefuturesdesk.com presents itself as a proprietary futures trading firm that aims to fund traders in live brokerage accounts, promising uncapped daily payouts after an assessment period.

However, the core activity of engaging in futures trading, even through a proprietary firm, fundamentally involves elements of speculation and uncertainty that are generally not permissible in Islamic finance.

This practice often includes aspects of short-selling, leveraging, and dealing with derivative contracts, which introduce excessive risk gharar and may involve interest riba in their underlying mechanisms, even if not directly apparent on the surface.

Therefore, while the platform attempts to legitimize its operations by mentioning compliance with US laws and regulatory bodies like the NFA and CFTC, the nature of futures trading itself aligns with activities that are discouraged within ethical Islamic financial guidelines due to their speculative and often interest-laden characteristics.

Here’s an overall summary of Thefuturesdesk.com:

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Thefuturesdesk.com Review Latest Discussions & Reviews:

• Service Model: Proprietary futures trading firm.
• Assessment Process: Requires traders to pass a 5+ day assessment period on a simulated account.
• Funding Mechanism: Transitions successful traders to a “sim-brokerage” account for initial earning, then to a “live brokerage” account with real capital.
• Payouts: Promises uncapped daily payouts Mon-Fri with a $100 minimum via ACH or Rise.
• Fees: Charges one-time assessment fees $119-$409 with a $0 activation fee.
• Coaching & Support: Offers free 1-on-1 coaching, expert support chat, and custom risk management.
• Islamic Permissibility: Not recommended due to inherent speculative elements, potential for interest riba, and excessive uncertainty gharar in futures trading.

The detailed explanation reveals a structure designed to attract traders with the promise of significant earnings and fast access to capital.

They emphasize a “one-step assessment” and rapid transition to live accounts, coupled with features like free journaling, trading platforms, and data.

While these might seem appealing from a conventional trading perspective, the underlying asset class—futures—is problematic.

Futures contracts involve agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future, often without actual possession of the asset.

This disconnect between price and actual exchange, along with the leveraged nature, introduces significant uncertainty and can lead to outcomes akin to gambling, where profit is derived purely from price fluctuations rather than productive economic activity or tangible asset exchange.

For these reasons, engaging with such platforms like The Futures Desk, despite any apparent bonuses or free offers, is generally advised against for those seeking to adhere to ethical financial principles in Islam.

Here are better alternatives that align with ethical Islamic financial principles:

• Ethical Investment Platforms General
  • Key Features: Focus on socially responsible investments SRI, often Sharia-compliant funds, real estate, or ethical businesses. Avoids industries like alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and conventional finance.
  • Average Price: Varies based on platform and investment type. some offer low-fee index funds, others have advisory fees.
  • Pros: Aligns with moral and ethical values, promotes sustainable development, potentially less volatile than speculative trading.
  • Cons: Returns may be more modest compared to high-risk ventures, requires diligent research into Sharia compliance of specific funds.
• Halal Stock Investment Apps
  • Key Features: Mobile applications dedicated to screening stocks for Sharia compliance, allowing direct investment in permissible companies.
  • Average Price: Many offer commission-free trading or low flat fees per trade.
  • Pros: Convenient access to global stock markets, automated screening simplifies compliance, empowers individual investors.
  • Cons: Limited universe of permissible stocks compared to conventional markets, still subject to market fluctuations.
• Islamic Microfinance Organizations
  • Key Features: Provides small loans or equity participation to low-income individuals and small businesses based on Islamic principles, often without interest.
  • Average Price: Primarily for lending/borrowing. service fees are minimal or non-existent, focusing on social good.
  • Pros: Supports economic empowerment and poverty alleviation, directly aligns with Islamic social justice, tangible impact.
  • Cons: Not a direct investment vehicle for profit. more focused on charitable giving or community support.
• Crowdfunding Platforms for Ethical Businesses
  • Key Features: Connects investors with ethical businesses seeking capital, often structured as equity, debt, or reward-based funding avoiding interest-bearing debt.
  • Average Price: Varies by platform. some may charge a percentage of investment, others may have flat fees.
  • Pros: Direct investment in real businesses, potential for high returns if the business succeeds, supports innovation and job creation.
  • Cons: Higher risk as these are often startups, illiquid investments, requires thorough due diligence on the business model.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts REITs – Sharia Compliant
  • Key Features: Invests in income-generating real estate, distributing rental income to shareholders. Sharia-compliant REITs specifically screen properties and income sources to ensure permissibility.
  • Average Price: Traded like stocks. standard brokerage fees apply.
  • Pros: Diversification, potential for steady income, access to real estate market without direct property ownership.
  • Cons: Less common than conventional REITs, still subject to real estate market risks.
• Physical Gold and Silver as store of value
  • Key Features: Direct purchase of physical gold and silver bullion as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
  • Average Price: Spot price plus a premium for manufacturing and dealer markup.
  • Pros: Tangible asset, historically stable store of wealth, generally considered permissible if bought for holding, not speculative trading.
  • Cons: Storage costs, insurance needs, not an income-generating asset, purity verification.
• Ethical Tech & Productivity Tools
  • Key Features: Software and hardware designed to enhance productivity, learning, and well-being, avoiding harmful content or exploitative business models.
  • Average Price: Varies widely from free open-source software to subscription models for premium tools.
  • Pros: Fosters personal and professional development, supports ethical tech companies, practical utility.
  • Cons: Not a direct financial investment, but an investment in human capital.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

The Futures Desk: An Ethical Examination of Proprietary Trading

Thefuturesdesk.com positions itself as a gateway for aspiring traders to access significant capital for futures trading, promising a “fastest path to live, uncapped payouts.” While this proposition might seem attractive from a purely financial perspective, especially given the allure of potential rapid returns, it becomes imperative to scrutinize such opportunities through an ethical lens, particularly concerning Islamic financial principles.

The core of their offering—proprietary futures trading—is a complex financial activity that often involves elements of speculation, leverage, and derivative contracts.

These features raise significant concerns about whether such practices align with the Islamic injunctions against excessive uncertainty gharar and interest-based transactions riba.

Proprietary trading, by definition, involves a firm trading with its own money, often through contracted traders.

While The Futures Desk states that traders are “trading our capital, not yours,” the structure still inherently links performance to highly volatile markets. Groupfun.com Review

Futures contracts, which are the focus here, are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a future date for a predetermined price.

The intent is frequently speculative—profiting from price movements without taking physical possession of the underlying asset.

This speculative nature can be problematic, as it shifts the focus from productive economic activity to mere price arbitrage, resembling gambling where outcomes are largely unpredictable and dependent on chance.

Furthermore, the use of leverage common in futures trading amplifies both potential gains and losses, introducing a level of risk that borders on excessive uncertainty, which is strongly prohibited.

The very structure of profiting from the future value of an asset without true ownership or exchange of value at the time of the contract’s initiation creates a scenario that differs significantly from permissible trade based on tangible goods and services. Instantpharmacy.uk Review

Understanding The Futures Desk’s Business Model

Thefuturesdesk.com outlines a three-step process: an assessment, a sim-brokerage phase, and finally, a live brokerage account.

This model attempts to qualify traders before granting them access to real capital.

• Assessment Phase: This initial stage requires traders to pass a test over “5+ days” on a simulated platform. The stated goal is to reach a profit target without hitting a specific drawdown. They mention a “soft daily loss limit of 40%,” which, while a protective measure, also highlights the inherent risk associated with the trading activities. During this phase, all trading is simulated, but based on live market conditions.
• Sim Brokerage Earning: Upon passing the assessment, traders activate a “sim-brokerage” account where every dollar earned goes towards a withdrawable balance. The emphasis is on reaching a “full buffer” profit equal to drawdown to enable payouts and transition to a live account. This intermediate step serves as a further validation phase and also potentially generates revenue for the firm through the trading activity, even if simulated.
• Live Brokerage & Payouts: The final stage moves traders to what The Futures Desk claims are “fully regulated live brokerage accounts where all capital is real.” They promise “daily uncapped payouts immediately mon-fri” with a $100 minimum. This is where the direct financial engagement occurs, and the ethical implications become most pronounced. They also claim to follow “CME/CFTC/US Laws,” implying regulatory compliance, which is important for any financial entity but doesn’t necessarily address the ethical concerns specific to the nature of futures trading.

The model is designed to filter for “professionals” who “show up and do the work.” They claim to invest in traders through “proprietary tooling, free coaching and smarter decisions.” However, the fundamental question remains: what kind of “work” is being done, and is the underlying financial activity permissible?

The Ethical Shortcomings of Futures Trading

From an Islamic perspective, the primary concern with futures trading, as offered by The Futures Desk, revolves around several core prohibitions:

• Gharar Excessive Uncertainty: Futures contracts often involve a high degree of uncertainty regarding the future price and the ability to deliver/receive the underlying asset. When the primary intent is not to exchange goods or services but to profit from price fluctuations, it introduces excessive uncertainty. In Islam, transactions must be clear, transparent, and free from elements that can lead to dispute or exploitation due to unknown variables. The very nature of a future price agreement without immediate exchange of value or clear intent for physical delivery raises significant gharar.
• Riba Interest: While The Futures Desk may not explicitly charge interest on their funded accounts, the underlying mechanisms of futures markets, particularly with leverage, often involve interest components or operate within a conventional financial system heavily reliant on interest. For instance, the financing costs associated with leveraged positions can effectively be a form of riba. Even if a direct interest charge isn’t applied to the trader, participating in an ecosystem where riba is fundamental to its operations is generally discouraged.
• Maysir Gambling: The speculative nature of futures trading, where gains are often derived purely from anticipating market movements rather than from productive economic activity, can resemble gambling. When traders are essentially betting on price direction, without any real world product or service creation, it falls into the category of maysir, which is forbidden. The emphasis on “daily uncapped payouts” derived from short-term price movements further highlights this speculative aspect.
• Lack of Tangible Exchange: Islamic finance emphasizes transactions involving tangible assets or services. Futures contracts, especially when settled in cash or without physical delivery, lack this tangible exchange at the time of contract. The primary aim is often to profit from the difference between the contract price and the market price at expiration, rather than acquiring or divesting a real asset. This disconnect from productive economic activity is a major concern.

Given these considerations, while The Futures Desk attempts to offer a structured path to proprietary trading, the activity itself remains ethically questionable for those adhering to Islamic financial principles. Myequa.com Review

The inherent speculative nature and potential for disguised interest or excessive uncertainty make it an avenue that is best avoided.

Thefuturesdesk.com Pros & Cons

Based on the information provided on their homepage, here’s a breakdown of the stated advantages and significant disadvantages of The Futures Desk, with a particular emphasis on the ethical concerns for an Islamic audience.

Cons Ethical and Practical Concerns

• Inherent Speculative Nature: The primary and most significant con is the nature of futures trading itself, which is highly speculative and aligns with gambling maysir in Islamic finance. Traders are essentially betting on price movements, not engaging in productive economic activity or the exchange of tangible goods for value. This fundamentally makes it an impermissible activity.
• Excessive Uncertainty Gharar: Futures contracts are fraught with high levels of uncertainty regarding future prices and the ability to deliver/receive assets, especially for retail traders. This violates the Islamic prohibition against excessive gharar in transactions.
• Potential for Riba Interest: While not explicitly stated as interest charged to traders, the broader futures market and leveraged trading mechanisms often involve interest components or operate within a system heavily reliant on riba. Engaging with such a system, even indirectly, is problematic.
• High-Risk Environment: Despite claims of coaching and risk management, futures trading is notoriously high-risk. The website itself states, “trading is really hard, only sign up if you are ready.” The potential for significant losses, even with a firm’s capital, is real, leading to wasted time and effort on a non-permissible activity.
• Focus on Short-Term Gains: The promise of “uncapped daily payouts” encourages a short-term, high-frequency trading approach, which further amplifies the speculative and gambling-like aspects, moving away from sustainable, productive investment.
• Psychological Toll: The pressure to perform in a high-stakes, speculative environment can lead to significant psychological stress, impacting mental well-being, which is also a consideration in Islamic ethics. Traders are incentivized to continuously chase targets, potentially leading to burnout and poor decisions.
• Misleading “Direct to Funded” Comparison: While they criticize “direct to funded” competitors for being misleading, their own sim-brokerage phase essentially acts as a prolonged, revenue-generating evaluation, albeit with potential initial “earnings.” The path to truly “live” trading with real capital might not be as straightforward or as quick as it seems for everyone.
• Dependency on Conventional Financial System: Even if the firm claims compliance with US laws, the underlying financial instruments futures and their regulation are part of a conventional financial system that does not adhere to Islamic principles, making full ethical compliance challenging.

Pros From a Conventional Perspective, But Still Ethically Problematic

• Access to Capital: For aspiring traders, the promise of trading with the firm’s capital without risking personal funds once funded is conventionally seen as a major advantage.
• Structured Assessment: The assessment process could be viewed as a way to filter serious traders, potentially saving them from risking their own money prematurely.
• Coaching and Support: The offer of “free 1-on-1 coaching,” “expert support chat,” and “custom risk management” is a strong selling point for those seeking to improve their trading skills.
• Proprietary Tooling and Data: Providing professional trading platforms, free journaling, Level 2 data, and ETP Trade Copier can reduce the upfront costs for individual traders.
• Daily Payouts: The promise of daily, uncapped payouts Monday-Friday with a low minimum $100 is appealing for traders seeking consistent income.
• Static Drawdown: The concept of a “static drawdown” e.g., $1000, $2000, $3000 might offer some clarity on risk limits compared to trailing drawdowns.
• No Consistency Rules/Minimum Days Once Funded: Their claim of “no consistency rules” and “no minimum days” for payouts once funded is presented as a significant advantage over competitors, promising more flexibility.

It’s crucial to reiterate that while the “Pros” might seem appealing to a conventional trader, they do not negate the fundamental ethical issues arising from the nature of futures trading itself within an Islamic framework.

Thefuturesdesk.com Alternatives

Given the ethical concerns associated with futures trading, exploring alternatives that align with Islamic financial principles is paramount.

These alternatives focus on real economic activity, tangible assets, and avoid elements of excessive speculation, interest, or gambling. Learningpeople.com Review

1. Halal Stock Investment Platforms: Instead of futures, investing in publicly traded companies that operate in permissible industries and have Sharia-compliant financial structures.
   • Description: These platforms or funds screen companies to ensure they meet specific criteria, such as not deriving significant revenue from alcohol, tobacco, gambling, conventional banking, or entertainment deemed impermissible. They also assess financial ratios to ensure low debt and interest-bearing income.
   • Example: Wahed Invest, Amanah Mutual Funds, or using a conventional brokerage but self-screening with tools like Islamicly App.
   • How it works: You invest in real companies that produce goods or services, participating in their growth and profitability through dividends or capital appreciation.
   • Ethical Alignment: Directly aligns with Islamic finance by investing in tangible assets and ethical businesses, avoiding riba, gharar, and maysir.
2. Ethical Real Estate Investment: Investing in physical real estate or Sharia-compliant Real Estate Investment Trusts REITs.
   • Description: This involves purchasing properties for rental income or capital appreciation, or investing in REITs that specifically focus on permissible properties and income streams.
   • Example: Direct property purchase, or exploring platforms that offer fractional ownership in real estate, ensuring the structure is permissible e.g., not involving interest-based mortgages. Sharia-compliant REITs where available.
   • How it works: Real estate is a tangible asset that provides value through shelter, commercial use, or agricultural production. Profits come from rent or the appreciation of the asset’s underlying value.
   • Ethical Alignment: Based on tangible assets, generates permissible income rent, and can contribute to real economic development.
3. Halal Venture Capital/Private Equity: Investing in private businesses that operate ethically and comply with Sharia principles.
   • Description: This involves providing capital to startups or growth-stage companies in exchange for equity, without charging interest. The focus is on supporting innovative and productive businesses.
   • Example: Participating in crowdfunding platforms that specifically target ethical businesses e.g., LaunchGood for certain campaigns, or specialized equity crowdfunding platforms if Sharia-compliant options arise.
   • How it works: You become a partner in the business, sharing in its profits and losses. This direct involvement in productive enterprise is highly encouraged.
   • Ethical Alignment: Promotes entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment in tangible economic activities, without riba.
4. Commodity Trading Spot Contracts: Engaging in the immediate exchange of physical commodities like gold, silver, or agricultural products.
   • Description: This involves buying and selling actual physical commodities for immediate delivery, rather than speculative futures contracts.
   • Example: Investing in physical gold bullion or silver coins for holding as a store of value, rather than trading derivatives.
   • How it works: The transaction involves the immediate exchange of ownership and possession, which is a key requirement for permissible commodity transactions.
   • Ethical Alignment: Focuses on tangible assets, avoids speculation on future prices, and adheres to principles of immediate exchange.
5. Ethical Business Ventures/Entrepreneurship: Starting or investing in your own small business or a reputable business with a clear, ethical product or service.
   • Description: This is perhaps the most direct and rewarding alternative. It involves creating value through a legitimate business activity, whether it’s e-commerce, services, manufacturing, or agriculture.
   • Example: Launching an online store for ethical products, offering consulting services, or developing a software solution.
   • How it works: Income is generated through honest trade and providing beneficial services, contributing directly to the economy.
   • Ethical Alignment: Highly encouraged in Islam, emphasizing hard work, fair dealing, and providing real value.
6. Sukuk Islamic Bonds: Investing in Sharia-compliant financial certificates that represent ownership in tangible assets or a share in a specific project.
   • Description: Unlike conventional bonds that pay interest, Sukuk pay a share of the profits generated by the underlying asset or project.
   • Example: Investing in Islamic financial products offered by Sharia-compliant financial institutions.
   • How it works: Investors receive a share of the returns from a real asset or venture, thus avoiding riba.
   • Ethical Alignment: Provides a fixed-income-like investment opportunity without relying on interest, linked to tangible assets.
7. Takaful Islamic Insurance: Engaging with cooperative insurance models that are based on mutual assistance and risk-sharing, rather than conventional interest-based insurance.
   • Description: Takaful policies are structured as a mutual fund where participants contribute to a common pool, and funds are used to pay claims and cover expenses. Any surplus is often shared among participants.
   • Example: Seeking out Takaful providers for various insurance needs e.g., auto, home, health, where available.
   • How it works: It’s a collective risk-sharing mechanism that avoids riba, gharar, and maysir by pooling resources for mutual benefit.
   • Ethical Alignment: Promotes cooperation and mutual responsibility, aligning with Islamic principles of solidarity.

These alternatives offer pathways to financial growth and stability that are rooted in ethical principles, focusing on real economic activity, tangible assets, and avoiding the speculative and interest-based practices inherent in futures trading.

The Futures Desk: A Deep Dive into Its Operational Aspects

While the ethical concerns surrounding futures trading are paramount from an Islamic perspective, it’s also helpful to understand the operational specifics of Thefuturesdesk.com.

This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the platform’s claims and structure, which, regardless of its ethical permissibility, can shed light on why it might be a risky venture for anyone. Michaelmurphy.ie Review

Understanding how they operate provides context to the inherent challenges of such trading activities.

Thefuturesdesk.com Review & First Look

A first look at Thefuturesdesk.com reveals a marketing-heavy website designed to attract aspiring traders with bold claims and attractive offers.

The homepage immediately hits you with a “$500 BONUS + FREE Static Drawdown + $0 Setup Fee”, signaling an aggressive push for new sign-ups.

They emphasize being “Trusted by 1000’s of Future’s Traders” with a Trustpilot link prominently displayed.

This is a common tactic to build initial credibility. Aboutvintage.com Review

The site uses straightforward language to explain its three-step process: Assessment, Sim Brokerage, and Live Brokerage.

The core message is that they improve traders and fund them in live accounts, allowing them to “start earning capital-backed daily payouts in as little as five days.” This promise of quick, substantial returns is a hallmark of high-risk financial ventures.

They also highlight features like “One-Step Assessment,” “$0 Funded Fees,” “Free 1-on-1 coaching,” and “Funded Uncapped Daily Payouts.”

A significant point of emphasis is their distinction from “Direct to Funded” competitors, arguing that their model offers “no payout caps, no consistency, no minimum days” once funded, which they claim is what a “modern proprietary trading company should have.” This suggests they are aware of common pain points and criticisms in the prop firm industry and are attempting to position themselves as a superior alternative.

However, this comparison doesn’t negate the underlying issues with the activity itself. Wheelzy.com Review

The presence of an extensive FAQ section and links to a “Knowledge Base” indicates an effort to provide transparency, though the fundamental ethical concerns remain unaddressed from an Islamic standpoint.

The Futures Desk Pricing and Assessment Tiers

Thefuturesdesk.com offers several pricing tiers for its one-step assessment, each with different starting capital amounts and potential timelines to live payouts.

These tiers are crucial for understanding the initial financial commitment required from aspiring traders.

• Starter Tier:
  • Price: $139 currently $119/once with a discount
  • Features: $1000 STATIC Drawdown, 12 Days To Live Payouts minimum, Free Journaling, Free Trading Platform, Free Level 2 Data, Free ETP Trade Copier, Uncapped Daily Payouts Mon-Fri, No Time Limits, $0 Activation Fee.
  • Target Audience: Marketed as “Great for new traders and strategies.”
• Popular Tier:
  • Price: $299 currently $259/once with a discount
  • Features: $2000 STATIC Drawdown, 8 Days To Live Payouts minimum, all other features are the same as the Starter tier.
  • Target Audience: Described as “Perfect balance of risk and reward.”
• Premium Tier:
  • Price: $449 currently $409/once with a discount
  • Features: $3000 STATIC Drawdown, 5 Days To Live Payouts minimum, all other features are the same as the Starter tier.
  • Target Audience: Positioned for “pros scaling aggressively.”

Key Takeaways on Pricing:

• One-Time Assessment Fee: The fees are presented as a one-time charge for the assessment. This is the initial barrier to entry.
• Static Drawdown: This feature is highlighted, meaning the maximum loss allowed is a fixed dollar amount, which is different from trailing drawdowns often found in other prop firms. A $1000, $2000, or $3000 static drawdown corresponds to the capital provided by the firm.
• Accelerated Payout Timelines: The tiers offer progressively shorter minimum days to potentially reach live payouts 12, 8, and 5 days. This plays into the desire for quick returns.
• Included Tools: The inclusion of free journaling, trading platforms, Level 2 data, and an ETP Trade Copier is designed to reduce the overhead for traders, making the offer more attractive.
• No Time Limits on assessment: This is a critical point, suggesting that traders are not rushed to pass the assessment within a specific timeframe, which can alleviate some pressure.
• $0 Activation Fee: This means that after passing the assessment, there are no additional fees to activate the funded account.

While these pricing structures might seem competitive within the proprietary trading industry, from an ethical standpoint, any payment made towards participating in a non-permissible activity is problematic. Myexpattaxes.com Review

The fees essentially fund access to a system built on speculation and potentially interest-laden mechanisms.

Thefuturesdesk.com Login and User Experience

For those who engage with Thefuturesdesk.com, the login process and overall user experience are critical for their daily operations.

While the website doesn’t explicitly detail a separate login page, it’s implied that access to their trading platform, knowledge base, and coaching resources would require a secure login.

• Login Accessibility: Typically, such platforms provide a clear “Login” button, often in the top right corner of the homepage. A smooth login process is vital for traders who need quick access to their accounts, especially during active market hours.
• Dashboard Features: Once logged in, users would expect a comprehensive dashboard displaying their account status, progress in the assessment or funded stage, performance metrics, available capital, and drawdown limits. Easy access to trade history, profit/loss statements, and payout request options would also be standard.
• Trading Platform Integration: Thefuturesdesk.com mentions providing “Professional Trading Platforms” and a “Free ETP Trade Copier.” This suggests integration with established third-party trading software e.g., NinjaTrader, MetaTrader, or other futures-specific platforms where traders would execute their trades. The user experience here would depend heavily on the chosen platform’s stability, features, and ease of use.
• Knowledge Base and Support Access: The website highlights a “Knowledge Base” and “Expert support chat.” Users would likely access these resources through their logged-in portal, allowing them to find answers to common questions or get real-time assistance from the support team.
• Coaching and Risk Management: The mention of “1-on-1 coaching” and “Custom risk management” implies a personalized experience, likely facilitated through scheduled online sessions or dedicated communication channels accessible post-login.

From an ethical perspective, while a smooth user experience might enhance operational efficiency, it does not mitigate the underlying issues of the speculative nature of the activity.

A well-designed platform might make it easier to engage in a problematic activity, which only reinforces the need for caution. Vayama.ie Review

The Futures Desk Payouts and Financial Transactions

The promise of “uncapped daily payouts” is a major draw for traders considering Thefuturesdesk.com.

Understanding the mechanics of these payouts, especially within the context of their “sim-brokerage” and “live brokerage” accounts, is essential.

• Payout Mechanism:
  • Sim-Brokerage Earning: During this phase, every dollar earned is stated to go towards a “withdrawable balance.” However, payouts are only enabled once the trader reaches a “full buffer” profit equal to drawdown. This means there’s an initial hurdle to clear before any actual withdrawal is possible from this simulated environment.
  • Live Brokerage Payouts: Once transitioned to a live account, the firm claims “daily uncapped payouts immediately mon-fri.” The minimum payout is $100. They state, “All payouts are made using Riseworks,” and “ACH or Rise” are available methods.
• Payout Frequency and Speed: They claim to process payouts “the same day if requested prior to 11 AM, Monday-Friday.” This daily processing speed is presented as a significant advantage, particularly compared to other prop firms that might have weekly or bi-weekly payout schedules.
• Capital Backing: The FAQ states, “All capital earned is backed by real capital, so there is never a worry about how much you can make.” This assurance is designed to build trust and mitigate concerns about the firm’s ability to fulfill payout obligations. They also clarify, “Do my payouts come from simulated trading? No! We do not allow payouts from simulated funds.” This is a crucial distinction, attempting to show that real money is involved in payouts from live accounts.
• Contractor Relationship: The firm states, “You will be given power-of-attorney permission to trade our sub-accounts and we pay you as a contractor based on your performance.” This defines the legal relationship, where traders are independent contractors earning based on their trading performance.

Ethical Concerns on Payouts:

Despite the apparent benefits of quick and uncapped payouts, the source of these funds remains problematic from an Islamic perspective.

The payouts are derived from profits generated through futures trading, an activity that, as discussed, is fraught with gharar, riba, and maysir. Nurulumrah.com Review

Even if the firm promises “real capital” and adheres to US laws, the fundamental nature of the transaction that generates these profits is ethically unsound.

Receiving funds from such a source, even as a “contractor,” means participating in and benefiting from a system that contravenes Islamic financial principles.

The convenience and speed of payouts do not override the ethical impermissibility of the underlying activity.

Thefuturesdesk.com Community and Support

Thefuturesdesk.com emphasizes a strong support system for its traders, positioning itself as more than just a funding provider.

They highlight various channels and resources designed to help traders succeed. Neosurf.com Review

• 1-on-1 Coaching: A key selling point is the offer of “Free 1-on-1 coaching.” This personalized mentorship can be invaluable for traders looking to refine their strategies, manage risk, or overcome specific challenges. Such coaching often involves direct interaction with experienced traders or mentors.
• Expert Support Chat: They provide “Expert support chat” where traders can “get concise answers from real traders.” This real-time support is crucial for addressing technical issues, platform queries, or general trading questions quickly. It suggests a team knowledgeable in trading and platform mechanics.
• Custom Risk Management: The mention of “Custom risk management” implies a tailored approach to managing individual trader risk profiles. This could involve setting specific parameters, providing guidance on position sizing, or advising on strategies to protect capital.
• Team Environment: They state, “You’re on a Team,” and “We know all the platforms and have helped thousands of traders.” This fosters a sense of community and collective effort, suggesting that traders are not left to navigate the complexities of the markets alone.
• Knowledge Base: The website prominently links to a “full Knowledge Base.” This typically contains articles, guides, FAQs, and educational materials covering various aspects of trading, platform usage, rules, and firm policies. It serves as a self-service resource for traders.
• Weekly Live Sessions: While not detailed on the main homepage, a section mentions “Weekly Live Sessions,” which would likely involve market analysis, strategy discussions, or Q&A sessions, further contributing to the educational and community aspect.

Ethical Considerations on Support:

While providing robust support and coaching seems beneficial on the surface, its purpose here is to enable and optimize participation in an ethically problematic activity futures trading. From an Islamic standpoint, even the most comprehensive support system cannot legitimize or sanctify an inherently non-permissible financial endeavor.

The coaching and tools, no matter how effective, are geared towards maximizing returns from speculative trading, which is discouraged.

It’s akin to receiving excellent training for a forbidden practice.

The quality of the training does not change the nature of the act itself. Iqinternational.org Review

Thefuturesdesk.com vs. Competitors

Thefuturesdesk.com actively positions itself against competitors, particularly those using a “Direct to Funded” model.

Their arguments highlight perceived advantages in terms of payout rules and assessment structure.

• Critique of “Direct to Funded”: The Futures Desk explicitly states, “No, we are not direct-to-funded and neither are they. The ‘direct to funded’ model is misleading. They usually have heavily capped payouts for at least 1 to 2 months and consistency rules for each payout. You are essentially required to do an evaluation for months at a higher price.” This indicates their awareness of industry practices and their attempt to differentiate themselves.
• The Futures Desk’s Differentiators as claimed:
  • One-Step Assessment: They emphasize a simplified assessment process compared to multi-phase evaluations sometimes seen with competitors.
  • No Consistency Rules once funded: This is a major claim, suggesting that once a trader is funded, they are not subjected to stringent daily or weekly consistency targets for payouts, which can be a common frustration with other firms.
  • No Minimum Days once funded: Similarly, they state no minimum trading days are required for payouts, allowing for more flexibility in withdrawing profits.
  • Uncapped Daily Payouts: They highlight the ability to request daily payouts without caps, unlike some competitors that might have monthly or capped withdrawal limits.
  • $0 Funded Fees: Their promise of no activation fees once funded, and covering one professional data fee, contrasts with firms that might charge ongoing subscription or activation fees.
• Regulatory Compliance: They mention using “ONLY regulated FCMs who pass stringent compliance by the NFA and CFTC Dorman/Plus500.” This is a point of distinction against firms that might use unregulated entities or less transparent structures.

Ethical Stance on Competition:

While The Futures Desk attempts to portray itself as a more transparent and trader-friendly option within the proprietary trading space, these comparisons and competitive advantages do not alter the fundamental ethical concerns.

Being “better” than a competitor in a problematic industry does not make the industry itself permissible. Directfundedtrader.com Review

The underlying activity—futures trading—remains largely the same, involving speculation, leverage, and uncertainty.

From an Islamic perspective, comparing various proprietary trading firms is akin to comparing different forms of gambling.

While one might offer better “odds” or a “fairer” structure, the activity itself is forbidden.

The focus should be on avoiding the entire category of activities rather than seeking out the “best” within it.

Swimtrek.com Review

FAQ

What is Thefuturesdesk.com?

Thefuturesdesk.com is a proprietary futures trading firm that offers to fund traders in live brokerage accounts after they successfully pass an assessment period.

Their goal is to identify and fund skilled futures traders, allowing them to earn daily payouts from the firm’s capital.

Is Thefuturesdesk.com legitimate?

Based on the website’s claims, Thefuturesdesk.com states it uses regulated FCMs Futures Commission Merchants like Dorman and Plus500, which are compliant with NFA and CFTC regulations.

While this indicates a certain level of operational legitimacy within the conventional financial system, the underlying activity of futures trading itself raises ethical concerns from an Islamic finance perspective.

How does Thefuturesdesk.com work?

Thefuturesdesk.com operates in three main steps: Golfbreaks.com Review

1. Assessment: Traders undergo a simulated test for 5+ days to reach a profit target without hitting a set drawdown.
2. Sim Brokerage: Upon passing, traders move to a simulated account where earnings contribute to a withdrawable balance, aiming to build a “full buffer” for payout eligibility.
3. Live Brokerage: Traders transition to a real, funded account where they can receive uncapped daily payouts from the firm’s capital.

Can I earn real money with Thefuturesdesk.com?

Yes, Thefuturesdesk.com claims that once a trader progresses to the live brokerage account, all capital is real, and earnings are backed by real funds, allowing for daily uncapped payouts.

However, these earnings are derived from futures trading, which is ethically problematic in Islam.

What are the fees for Thefuturesdesk.com?

Thefuturesdesk.com charges a one-time assessment fee that varies depending on the chosen tier: Starter $119, Popular $259, and Premium $409. They also state there is a $0 activation fee for funded accounts and that they cover one professional data fee.

Is futures trading permissible in Islam?

Generally, no, futures trading is not permissible in Islam.

It involves elements of excessive uncertainty gharar, speculation maysir, akin to gambling, and often implicitly or explicitly involves interest riba due to leveraging and financial instruments that lack immediate tangible exchange.

What is the minimum payout on Thefuturesdesk.com?

The minimum payout on Thefuturesdesk.com is $100. They state that payouts can be processed daily Monday-Friday if requested before 11 AM.

Does Thefuturesdesk.com offer coaching?

Yes, Thefuturesdesk.com states it offers “Free 1-on-1 coaching” and “Expert support chat” to help traders improve their skills and manage risk.

What is a static drawdown on Thefuturesdesk.com?

A static drawdown on Thefuturesdesk.com refers to a fixed maximum loss limit for the trading account.

For example, the Starter tier has a $1000 static drawdown, meaning if the account balance drops $1000 below its starting point or highest point, depending on exact rules, the account is closed.

How long does it take to get funded by Thefuturesdesk.com?

The time to get funded varies by assessment tier.

The Premium tier has the fastest path, claiming “5 Days To Live Payouts” minimum, while the Starter tier suggests “12 Days To Live Payouts” minimum. This refers to the time to pass the assessment and transition to a live account.

Are there any time limits for the assessment on Thefuturesdesk.com?

No, according to their pricing page, there are “No Time Limits” for completing the assessment on Thefuturesdesk.com.

This means traders are not rushed to pass within a specific number of days.

What trading platforms does Thefuturesdesk.com support?

While Thefuturesdesk.com states they provide “Professional Trading Platforms” and an “ETP Trade Copier,” they do not explicitly list specific platform names on their homepage.

Traders would likely use industry-standard futures trading platforms integrated with their system.

What is the futures desk Reddit community saying?

Based on common sentiment around prop firms, Reddit discussions often revolve around payout consistency, customer support responsiveness, challenges with specific rules like drawdown limits, and comparisons with other firms.

While The Futures Desk may receive some positive mentions for its “no consistency rules” claim, it’s essential to research individual experiences, especially considering the high-risk nature of futures trading.

How do I contact Thefuturesdesk.com support?

Thefuturesdesk.com mentions “Expert support chat” on their homepage.

Users can likely access this feature directly through their website for queries or assistance.

Does Thefuturesdesk.com offer discounts or coupon codes?

Yes, Thefuturesdesk.com states, “Yes, please reach out to our support chat to ask about any current promotions.” This indicates that discounts or coupon codes may be available upon inquiry.

What is the maximum number of accounts I can have with Thefuturesdesk.com?

Thefuturesdesk.com allows a maximum of 2 accounts per trader.

Do I risk my own capital when I’m funded by Thefuturesdesk.com?

No, Thefuturesdesk.com states that once funded, you are trading their capital, not yours.

You are given power-of-attorney permission to trade their sub-accounts and are paid as a contractor based on your performance.

Why is there buzz around The Futures Desk?

Thefuturesdesk.com claims the buzz is due to their reputation for innovating for traders in a space often marred by scams and misleading marketing.

They highlight their commitment to providing quality service and tools to help traders succeed, contrasting themselves with firms that impose restrictive payout rules.

How does Thefuturesdesk.com differ from “Direct to Funded” companies?

Thefuturesdesk.com argues that “Direct to Funded” models are misleading, often having capped payouts for months and strict consistency rules.

In contrast, they claim to offer no payout caps, no consistency rules, and no minimum days once a trader is funded, promising a more modern proprietary trading experience.

What are ethical Islamic alternatives to proprietary futures trading?

Ethical Islamic alternatives focus on real economic activity and tangible assets, avoiding speculation and interest.

These include investing in Halal stock investment platforms, ethical real estate, halal venture capital, spot commodity trading, ethical business ventures, and Sukuk Islamic bonds. These options align with principles of fairness, transparency, and productive investment.