City Traders Imperium is one of the longer-running names in the prop trading industry. This CTI review looks at its current trading rules, payouts, 60-second Stop Loss requirement, trader complaints, EA verification, account conditions and overall Forex Wave Expert rating.
CTI has operated since 2018 and offers several routes for traders looking for evaluation and funded-style programs.
Public trader feedback is generally positive. Successful payout reports, different program choices and a longer operating history are important strengths.
However, CTI also has rules that deserve close attention. The 60-second visible Stop Loss requirement is one example. Public payout disputes, Risk Team decisions, EA verification and device or IP requirements are other areas traders should understand before purchasing an account.
After considering both the positive and negative sides, Forex Wave Expert currently gives City Traders Imperium an FWE Rating of 66/100 and places CTI in our Recommended category.
City Traders Imperium Review 2026: Quick Overview
Company: City Traders Imperium
Also Known As: CTI
Company Type: Proprietary Trading Firm
Established: 2018
FWE Rating: 66/100
FWE Category: Recommended
Risk Assessment: Moderate
Review Status: Generally Positive, With Important Rule Concerns
Last Reviewed: September 2026
Reviewed By: Forex Wave Expert Editorial Team
City Traders Imperium Review 2026: FWE Rating
Who Is City Traders Imperium?
City Traders Imperium, commonly known as CTI, is a proprietary trading company established in 2018.
The firm offers several evaluation and simulated-funded trading routes. The programs reviewed for this article include 1-Step, 2-Step and Instant Funding-style options.
CTI also supports different trading platforms across selected programs.
One positive point is the company’s operating history. Many prop firms have entered the industry only in recent years, while CTI has been operating for considerably longer.
However, operating history alone does not guarantee the same experience for every trader.
Trading rules, payout conditions, risk requirements and individual trading styles still matter.
City Traders Imperium 2-Step Challenge Rules
The CTI 2-Step Challenge has a relatively straightforward evaluation structure.
Under the conditions reviewed by Forex Wave Expert in September 2026, the main terms include:
- Phase 1 Profit Target: 10%
- Phase 2 Profit Target: 5%
- Maximum Static Drawdown: 10%
- Maximum Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Minimum Profitable Days: 3 per phase
- Time Limit: None
- News Trading: Allowed
- Weekend Holding: Allowed
- Overnight Holding: Allowed
- Profit Share: 80% to 100%
- First Payout: 7 days
- Platforms: MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader
The 10% static maximum drawdown is an important feature.
Static drawdown works differently from trailing drawdown, so traders comparing CTI programs should check the exact drawdown structure for the account they plan to use.
Rules also differ between CTI programs. A condition available on the 2-Step program should not automatically be assumed to apply to every CTI account.
City Traders Imperium 60-Second Stop Loss Rule
One of the most important rules in our City Traders Imperium review is the Stop Loss requirement.
Applicable CTI programs require every trade to have a visible Stop Loss within 60 seconds after execution.
Older information online may describe a different time period. This review uses the 60-second requirement contained in the material reviewed by Forex Wave Expert for September 2026.
A hidden or stealth Stop Loss does not meet the requirement.
This rule deserves particular attention from manual traders.
Some traders enter a position first and then take a short period of time to determine or place the exact Stop Loss. A 60-second requirement gives that style less flexibility.
The rule is disclosed, so our concern is not that the requirement is hidden.
The concern is how restrictive it can feel during live trading.
Forex Wave Expert considers the 60-second Stop Loss requirement one of CTI’s more restrictive conditions.
Why the CTI 60-Second Stop Loss Rule Matters
A Stop Loss rule can look simple when reading an account table.
In live trading, execution speed matters.
A trader might enter during a fast-moving market and need time to place the correct Stop Loss. Internet delays, platform response and manual execution can also affect the process.
CTI expects the visible Stop Loss within the required period on applicable accounts.
Traders should therefore understand this requirement before starting an evaluation instead of discovering it after opening positions.
This is particularly relevant for manual traders and short-term trading styles.
City Traders Imperium Payouts in 2026
Payout reliability is one of the most important areas in any prop-firm review.
Forex Wave Expert currently gives City Traders Imperium 14/20 for Payout Reliability.
Positive payout reports exist, including reports from traders describing repeated successful payouts.
The current 2-Step structure reviewed by FWE lists the first payout after seven days.
This is a positive part of the program.
However, successful payout reports do not represent every trader experience.
Public feedback also contains payout disputes. For that reason, CTI does not receive a perfect payout score.
At the same time, the information reviewed for this article does not support describing CTI as a firm where profitable traders generally fail to receive payouts.
The overall picture is more balanced.
City Traders Imperium Payout Complaints
Some traders have publicly reported rejected or disputed CTI payouts.
One 2026 public complaint described a trader who reportedly passed three $5,000 accounts and generated around $1,500 in profit.
According to that trader’s account, several payout requests were rejected while one payment of approximately $450 was received.
This represents the trader’s version of events.
Forex Wave Expert does not have access to the private account records required to independently verify the full dispute.
Other complaints involve payout decisions connected with risk or compliance reviews.
CTI has responded to some disputed cases by referring to prohibited trading or high-risk behaviour.
The challenge for an independent review is evidence.
Complete trade logs, compliance records, device information and internal Risk Team data are normally unavailable publicly.
We therefore describe these cases as disputed trader reports rather than proven wrongdoing by either CTI or the trader.
City Traders Imperium Risk Team Reviews
Risk reviews are another important subject in our City Traders Imperium Review 2026.
Some payout or account disputes involve CTI reviewing a trader’s activity under its risk policies.
A Risk Team review does not automatically mean a trader broke a rule.
Likewise, a trader disputing an account decision does not prove CTI made an incorrect decision.
Each case needs supporting evidence.
Forex Wave Expert does not have access to CTI’s complete internal compliance data.
For this reason, our rating considers the existence and nature of public disputes without treating every allegation as an established fact.
Traders should pay attention to more than profit targets and drawdown. Risk and compliance policies can matter throughout the entire account lifecycle.
City Traders Imperium Rules and Transparency
Forex Wave Expert gives CTI 11/20 for Rules & Transparency.
Several areas are positive.
Major program conditions are published. Traders can review profit targets, drawdown limits, minimum profitable days, news-trading conditions, payout timing and other account requirements.
The 60-second Stop Loss requirement is also disclosed.
Still, CTI has additional compliance requirements that need careful reading.
These become especially important for traders using EAs, several devices, VPS services or trading setups involving unusual access patterns.
Reading only the main challenge table is not enough.
Before purchasing an account, traders should review the conditions connected with their exact CTI program.
City Traders Imperium EA Verification Rules
Algorithmic traders need to pay particular attention to CTI’s EA requirements.
A significant 2026 complaint involved a trader using an Expert Advisor.
According to the trader, CTI requested the full source code of the EA during verification.
The trader did not want to disclose the source code because the EA represented private intellectual property.
CTI responded to the dispute and stated that source-code verification formed part of the applicable account terms. The company also stated that an NDA was offered to protect the trader’s code.
For this reason, Forex Wave Expert does not describe the source-code requirement as a hidden rule.
However, it remains an important consideration.
An algorithm developer may spend years developing a proprietary strategy. Sharing complete source code with a third party can be a major decision even where an NDA is offered.
Algorithmic traders should therefore review the latest EA verification conditions before purchasing a CTI account.
City Traders Imperium Device, IP and VPS Rules
Device and IP rules also form part of CTI compliance.
Under the guidance reviewed for this article, traders are allowed to use up to two devices without prior approval.
Additional devices may require whitelisting through support.
This matters because device and account-access patterns can become part of a compliance investigation.
The same principle applies to VPS use and other access arrangements.
A trader moving frequently between devices or locations should understand the relevant account-access rules before trading.
Keeping account access simple and consistent can also reduce unnecessary verification questions.
City Traders Imperium Trading Conditions
Forex Wave Expert rates CTI Trading Conditions 14/20.
Several features support this score.
- 10% static maximum drawdown on the reviewed 2-Step Challenge
- No fixed evaluation time limit
- Weekend holding allowed
- Overnight holding allowed
- News trading allowed under the reviewed 2-Step conditions
These are useful features for traders who prefer more flexibility.
However, the 60-second Stop Loss requirement and broader risk controls reduce the score.
Program differences also matter. CTI’s 1-Step and 2-Step structures do not use identical conditions.
City Traders Imperium News Trading Rules
News trading is permitted on the CTI 2-Step structure reviewed by Forex Wave Expert.
This can be useful for traders who hold positions through economic releases or trade around scheduled market events.
News trading still carries execution risk.
Markets can move quickly around major announcements. Spreads may widen and available prices can change rapidly.
Some traders have raised concerns about execution or slippage during volatile market periods.
Our source material does not provide enough independent evidence to state that CTI deliberately creates excessive slippage during news events.
Forex Wave Expert therefore treats these execution complaints as an area worth monitoring rather than evidence of intentional manipulation.
City Traders Imperium Trader Feedback
Trader feedback is one of CTI’s stronger areas.
Forex Wave Expert gives City Traders Imperium 15/20 for Trader Feedback & Reputation.
At the time of our September 2026 review, the source material showed a large majority of positive ratings.
Positive feedback commonly focuses on:
- Customer support
- Successful payouts
- Onboarding
- Trading conditions
- General account experience
Negative feedback tends to focus on:
- Rejected payout disputes
- Account termination
- Risk-policy enforcement
- Verification requirements
- EA source-code concerns
- Compliance decisions
The overall feedback profile is therefore positive but not free from serious complaints.
City Traders Imperium Support and Dispute Handling
Forex Wave Expert gives CTI 12/20 for Support & Dispute Handling.
CTI responds publicly to many negative complaints. We consider this a positive point.
A company explaining its side of a dispute gives traders more information than silence.
However, a public response alone does not prove an account decision was correct.
The same standard applies to trader complaints. A negative review alone does not prove a company acted unfairly.
Independent verification often requires private trading records that are unavailable to the public.
FWE therefore considers both sides when reviewing disputes.
What Traders Like About City Traders Imperium
Established Since 2018
CTI has a longer operating record than many newer prop firms.
10% Static Maximum Drawdown
The reviewed 2-Step Challenge includes a 10% static maximum drawdown.
No Fixed Evaluation Time Limit
The reviewed structure does not impose a fixed evaluation deadline.
News Trading
News trading is allowed under the reviewed 2-Step conditions.
Weekend and Overnight Holding
Both weekend and overnight holding are permitted under the reviewed structure.
Positive Trader Feedback
Public trader feedback is generally positive, including successful payout reports.
Published Program Information
CTI publishes a substantial amount of information about its program conditions.
Main Concerns With City Traders Imperium
60-Second Stop Loss Requirement
Applicable accounts require a visible Stop Loss within 60 seconds. For some manual trading styles, this can feel restrictive.
Payout Disputes
Some traders allege rejected payouts after profitable trading. CTI has disputed cases and linked some decisions with risk or prohibited-trading concerns.
EA Verification
Algorithmic traders need to understand possible source-code verification requirements before purchasing an account.
Device and IP Rules
Device, IP and VPS compliance requirements deserve attention before trading.
Different Rules Across Programs
A rule from one CTI program should not automatically be assumed to apply to every other account type.
City Traders Imperium Pros and Cons
Pros
- Established in 2018
- Multiple account programs
- 10% static maximum drawdown on reviewed 2-Step program
- No fixed evaluation time limit
- News trading allowed on reviewed 2-Step structure
- Weekend holding allowed
- Overnight holding allowed
- 80% to 100% profit share under reviewed structure
- First payout listed after seven days
- Many positive trader reports
- Successful payout reports
- Public responses to complaints
- MT5 and Match-Trader on reviewed 2-Step program
Cons
- 60-second visible Stop Loss requirement on applicable programs
- Public payout disputes
- Strict risk-policy enforcement
- EA source-code verification concerns
- Device and IP compliance requirements
- Account termination complaints
- Rules differ across CTI account types
- Some trader complaints remain disputed
City Traders Imperium FWE Rating Breakdown
Why FWE Classifies City Traders Imperium as Recommended
Forex Wave Expert currently gives City Traders Imperium a Recommended classification with a 66/100 rating.
Several factors support this position.
CTI has operated since 2018, has substantial positive trader feedback and has public reports of successful payouts.
The reviewed 2-Step structure also includes several attractive conditions, including static maximum drawdown, no fixed evaluation deadline, news trading and weekend holding.
Rules are published in detail.
Still, 66/100 is not FWE’s highest rating category.
The 60-second Stop Loss requirement is restrictive. Risk-policy disputes deserve attention, EA verification can create concerns for algorithmic traders and public payout complaints prevent a stronger payout score.
These strengths and concerns together explain CTI’s current FWE classification.
Compare City Traders Imperium With Other Prop Firms
Before choosing a prop firm, compare its payout rules, drawdown structure and trading restrictions with other established firms.
Read our FTMO Review and The5ers Review for additional research.
You can also browse our Forex Wave Expert Prop Firm Reviews to compare CTI with other companies we have reviewed.
For more firms in this classification, visit our Recommended Prop Firms and Forex Brokers section.
What Would Improve the City Traders Imperium Rating?
The current FWE rating can change when meaningful new information becomes available.
Keeping important compliance restrictions highly visible before account purchase would help traders understand their obligations.
More detailed explanations around disputed payout decisions could also improve transparency around Risk Team actions.
EA source-code verification requirements should be easy to find before an algorithmic trader purchases an account.
Clearer explanations following account termination or profit removal would also improve dispute transparency.
Finally, continued evidence of consistent payouts would strengthen the long-term assessment.
City Traders Imperium Review 2026: FWE Final Assessment
66/100
Recommended
Our City Traders Imperium Review 2026 finds a long-running prop firm with several positive features alongside some strict rules.
CTI has operated since 2018. The reviewed 2-Step program offers static maximum drawdown, no fixed evaluation time limit, news trading, weekend holding, overnight holding and an 80% to 100% profit-share range.
Public feedback is generally positive, and successful payout reports support the firm’s current Recommended classification.
However, traders need to understand the restrictions.
The 60-second visible Stop Loss requirement is one of our main concerns. Public payout and Risk Team disputes also deserve attention.
Algorithmic traders should pay close attention to EA verification requirements. Device, IP and broader compliance rules should also be reviewed before trading.
Based on the information reviewed in September 2026, Forex Wave Expert gives City Traders Imperium an FWE Rating of 66/100.
FWE Category: Recommended
City Traders Imperium Review 2026: FAQ
What is the FWE rating for City Traders Imperium?
Forex Wave Expert currently rates City Traders Imperium 66/100 and places CTI in the Recommended category based on our September 2026 review.
How long has City Traders Imperium been operating?
City Traders Imperium was established in 2018, giving it a longer operating history than many newer prop firms.
What is the CTI 60-second Stop Loss rule?
Applicable CTI programs require a visible Stop Loss to be placed within 60 seconds after a trade is executed. A hidden or stealth Stop Loss does not satisfy the requirement described in the material reviewed for this article.
Does City Traders Imperium pay traders?
There are public reports of successful CTI payouts, including repeated payouts. Public payout disputes also exist, so individual outcomes can differ depending on account activity and applicable rules.
Does CTI allow news trading?
News trading is allowed under the 2-Step structure reviewed by Forex Wave Expert. Conditions can differ across programs, so traders should check the rules for their specific account.
Does CTI allow weekend and overnight holding?
The reviewed 2-Step structure allows both weekend and overnight holding. Other CTI programs may use different conditions.
Can CTI request EA source code?
A 2026 public dispute involved an EA trader who said CTI requested full source code during verification. CTI stated that source-code verification was part of the applicable terms and that an NDA was offered. Algorithmic traders should verify the latest requirements before purchasing an account.
Why does FWE classify CTI as Recommended?
CTI’s longer operating history, generally positive trader feedback, successful payout reports and flexible features in the reviewed 2-Step program support the classification. Strict Stop Loss requirements, payout disputes and compliance concerns prevent a higher FWE rating.
City Traders Imperium Discount and FWE Affiliate Link
Forex Wave Expert readers interested in checking the available City Traders Imperium programs can use our referral link below.
Visit City Traders Imperium Through the FWE Referral Link →
Using an affiliate link does not increase the FWE Rating. Commercial relationships remain separate from the editorial rating process.
Forex Wave Expert Community
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Editorial Transparency
Forex Wave Expert reviews prop firms using published rules, trader experiences, company responses and editorial research.
Trader complaints mentioned in this City Traders Imperium Review represent individual experiences or allegations unless independently verified.
Likewise, company responses represent CTI’s position in disputed cases. A company response alone does not independently verify the full circumstances.
Forex Wave Expert normally does not have access to complete trader account histories, private compliance records or all communications between both parties.
Affiliate Disclosure: Forex Wave Expert has an affiliate relationship with City Traders Imperium. If a reader registers through an affiliate link on this page, FWE may receive a commission. This commercial relationship does not determine CTI’s FWE rating or guarantee favourable editorial coverage.
Author: Rana Das
CEO & Founder, Forex Wave Expert
Last Reviewed: September 2026
Risk Notice
Prop trading evaluations involve financial and contractual risk. Strict account rules apply, and a breach may result in loss of an evaluation fee or account access.
Past payouts do not guarantee future payouts. Positive reviews do not guarantee the same experience for every trader, and negative reports do not represent every CTI account.
Trading rules, payout conditions and program structures can change over time.
Readers should independently verify the latest conditions for the specific CTI program they are considering.
This City Traders Imperium Review 2026 is provided for research, educational and informational purposes.
