In recent years, scouting programs have surged in popularity, with many positioning themselves as full-fledged proprietary trading firms. Let’s explore what these programs are, their role in the industry, and their key advantages and drawbacks. A trader scouting program assesses aspiring traders—often for a fee—to determine if they’re qualified to trade a firm’s capital. These assessments vary in format but typically focus on whether a trader can manage risk effectively and maintain consistent performance in the markets.